Can precision protons spare rectal cancer patients from harsh side effects?

NCT ID NCT04525989

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Alexander Valdman Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 10, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial is testing whether proton beam radiation, a more precise form of radiation, causes fewer stomach and bowel side effects than standard photon radiation when given before surgery for high-risk rectal cancer. About 254 patients will be randomly assigned to receive either protons or photons as a short course of radiation. The goal is to see if protons can reduce acute gastrointestinal toxicity while still effectively treating the cancer.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Proton beam radiation therapy compared to conventional photon radiation therapy
What this could lead to: If protons cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than photons, this could establish a new standard for pre-surgery radiation in rectal cancer, improving patients' quality of life during treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a phase II trial, so results are preliminary. Protons may not show a significant toxicity benefit, and there could be unforeseen side effects or logistical challenges in delivering proton therapy.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rectal cancer rectal neoplasm rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

RECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Gävle Hospital
RECRUITING

Gävle, Sweden
Karolinska University Hospital, Theme Cancer, Dept of Pelvic cancer
RECRUITING

Stockholm, Solna, 17176, Sweden
Linköping University Hospital
RECRUITING

Linköping, Sweden
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
RECRUITING

Gothenburg, Sweden
Skåne University Hospital
RECRUITING

Lund, Sweden
Stockholm South General Hospital
RECRUITING

Stockholm, Sweden
Sundsvall Hospital
RECRUITING

Sundsvall, Sweden
University Hospital of Umeå
RECRUITING

Umeå, Sweden
Uppsala University Hospital
RECRUITING

Uppsala, Sweden

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