Can a triple-drug cocktail after short radiation eliminate rectal cancer without surgery?

NCT ID NCT05024097

Recruiting now ⭐️ CURE ⭐️ Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial is testing whether adding two immunotherapy drugs—zimberelimab and etrumadenant—to standard chemotherapy and a short course of radiation can completely eliminate rectal cancer. Adults with locally advanced rectal cancer that has not spread will receive the treatment, and those who achieve a complete response may be able to avoid surgery. The main goal is to see how many patients have no cancer left after treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: a combination of two immunotherapy drugs (zimberelimab and etrumadenant) plus chemotherapy (FOLFOX) after short-course radiation
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could allow some people with rectal cancer to achieve a complete remission without needing surgery.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 43 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination of drugs can cause significant side effects, and not all patients will respond.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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

Brooklyn Methodist Hospital - NewYork Presbyterian
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 11215, United States
New York Presbyterian Hospital - Queens
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 11355, United States
Weill Cornell Medical College
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10065, United States

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