MRI-Guided radiation boosts hopes for rectal cancer patients

NCT ID NCT04815694

First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026

Summary

This trial investigates whether adjusting radiation doses based on early tumor shrinkage seen on daily MRI scans can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. Participants receive standard chemoradiation, but those whose tumors shrink slowly get a higher radiation dose to the remaining tumor. The study also collects blood and stool samples to build better prediction models. The main goal is to see if this personalized approach leads to more complete tumor disappearances.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Radiation dose escalation (up to 60.1 Gy) guided by MRI and early tumor regression index
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could increase the number of patients who achieve a complete response, potentially avoiding surgery and improving survival.
What could go wrong
This is a single-center, non-randomized study, so results may not apply broadly. Dose escalation also carries a risk of increased side effects to nearby organs.

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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

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS

    RECRUITING

    Roma, Roma, 00168, Italy

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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