Rectal cancer breakthrough: immunotherapy may replace surgery for some
NCT ID NCT04643041
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Sun Yatsen University
RECRUITINGGuangzhou, Guangdong, China
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••