Rectal cancer breakthrough: immunotherapy may replace surgery for some

NCT ID NCT04643041

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether patients with a specific type of rectal cancer (dMMR/MSI-H) can safely avoid surgery after immunotherapy. After six rounds of a PD-1 inhibitor, those whose tumors completely disappear will be monitored closely instead of undergoing standard treatments. The goal is to preserve bowel and sexual function while keeping the cancer from returning.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: PD-1 monoclonal antibody (immunotherapy)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could allow some rectal cancer patients to skip surgery and its side effects, relying on immunotherapy alone to keep the cancer away.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 47 participants. The cancer may return, and immunotherapy can cause serious side effects. Results may not apply to all patients.

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 cancer rectal neoplasm rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

RECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Sun Yatsen University
RECRUITING

Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

More trials for these conditions

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