New radiation technique may ease side effects for rectal cancer patients

NCT ID NCT02151019

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Cancer Trials Ireland Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compared two types of radiation therapy given before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal was to see if a newer technique called IMRT causes fewer bowel side effects than the standard 3-D conformal radiotherapy. The trial enrolled 94 patients but was terminated early, so the results are limited.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: radiation therapy (IMRT vs 3-D conformal radiotherapy)
What this could lead to: If IMRT proves better, it could become the standard way to deliver radiotherapy for rectal cancer, reducing bowel and bladder side effects.
What could go wrong: The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. It is a small, early-phase study, so any benefits are not yet proven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rectal cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LOCALLY ADVANCED RECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

St Luke's Centre for Radiation Oncology at St James Hospital

Dublin, Ireland
St Luke's Centre for Radiation Oncology at St Lukes Hospital

Dublin, Ireland
St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network at Beaumont Hospital

Dublin, 9, Ireland

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