New drug combo aims to wipe out rectal tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT02688712

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Providence Health & Services Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding the experimental drug galunisertib to standard chemoradiation can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. About 50 participants will receive the combination over 8 weeks, followed by surgery. Researchers will also study tumor and blood samples to understand who responds and how the immune system reacts.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Galunisertib (LY2157299)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a more effective treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer, potentially improving the chance of a complete tumor response before surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial (50 people) and the drug is experimental. It may not work better than standard treatment, and side effects from combining it with chemoradiation are unknown.

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 neoplasm rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

RECTAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Providence Cancer Center

Portland, Oregon, 97213, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.