Surgery before chemo for advanced rectal cancer? small trial offers few answers

NCT ID NCT02314182

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether removing the primary rectal tumor before starting chemotherapy helps people with rectal cancer that has spread to other organs (but cannot be cured) live longer. Only 5 people took part, and the trial was completed early. The results are too limited to draw firm conclusions.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Primary tumor resection followed by chemotherapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that removing the main tumor before chemotherapy helps people with advanced rectal cancer live longer.

What could go wrong

This was a very small trial (only 5 participants) and was completed early, so results are not reliable. The approach may not improve survival and surgery carries risks like infection or complications.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rectal neoplasm rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Service d'Oncologie Médicale, Clinique du Cap-d'Or

    La Seyne-sur-Mer, 83500, France

  • Service de Chirurgie Générale et Digestive, CHRU Claude Huriez

    Lille, 59067, France

  • Service de Chirurgie Générale et Digestive, Centre hospitalier Lyon Sud, HCL

    Pierre-Bénite, France, 69495, France