New combo therapy aims to shrink tough rectal cancers before surgery

This study tests whether adding a targeted drug (surufatinib) to a standard pre-surgery regimen of short-course radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy (toripalimab) can improve outcomes for people with high-risk mid-to-low rectal cancer. About 212 participants will receive one of two treatment plans. The main goal is to see if the cancer disappears completely by the time of surgery. Risks include side effects from radiation, immune reactions, and bleeding.