New combo therapy aims to shrink rectal tumors before Surgery—Could spare some patients the knife

NCT ID NCT07581626

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests a short course of radiation followed by a mix of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in 60 people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can make the tumor disappear completely before surgery, possibly allowing some patients to avoid surgery. The study focuses on patients with a specific genetic profile (pMMR/MSS) and high-risk features.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

short-course radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX), targeted therapy (cetuximab or bevacizumab), and immunotherapy (sintilimab)

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could increase the chance of eliminating the tumor before surgery, potentially allowing some patients to avoid surgery altogether and preserve their rectum.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase (phase 2) study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Combining multiple therapies raises the risk of serious side effects.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • China PLAGH

    Beijing, China