Rearranging the treatment timeline: could a new sequence of chemo and radiation spare rectal cancer patients from major surgery?
NCT ID NCT03941366
First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial is testing whether giving chemotherapy before the standard combination of chemo and radiation for rectal cancer could allow some patients to have a minor surgical procedure instead of a major one. The study enrolls adults with stage T2-T3 rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this new timing can reduce the need for extensive surgery and improve quality of life without compromising cancer control.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a modified schedule of chemotherapy (FOLFOX and 5FU/capecitabine) and radiation, followed by local excision instead of major surgery
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could allow many rectal cancer patients to avoid major surgery and its side effects, potentially improving quality of life while controlling the disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 15 participants, so results may not apply broadly. There is also a risk that less extensive surgery might not remove all cancer cells, leading to recurrence.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Ascension St. John Hospital
Detroit, Michigan, 48236, United States
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