New combo therapy aims to shrink rectal tumors and save sphincters

NCT ID NCT06493240

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding a PD-1 inhibitor (Sintilimab) after standard chemoradiotherapy could improve outcomes for 30 patients with locally advanced mid-low rectal cancer. Participants received radiation and chemotherapy, then three doses of Sintilimab, followed by surgery. The study measured how many patients had a complete tumor disappearance and how many could keep their anal sphincter.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Sintilimab (PD-1 inhibitor) combined with capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could increase the chance of eliminating the tumor before surgery and help more patients avoid permanent colostomy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Immune-related side effects from the PD-1 inhibitor are possible.

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 cancer rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Peking University People's Hospital

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100044, China