Rectal cancer

This trial is testing whether adding anakinra, a drug used for arthritis, to standard chemoradiotherapy is safe for people with rectal cancer. The study will include about 12 patients and will use a dose-escalation design to find the highest tolerable dose of capecitabine when co…

This early-stage study tests the safety of combining the chemotherapy drug TAS-102 with radiation therapy for people with stage II or III rectal cancer that hasn't been treated yet. The goal is to find the safest dose of TAS-102 to use with radiation before surgery to remove the …

This study tested an experimental drug called CTX-009 in 49 adults with metastatic colorectal cancer that had worsened after two or three prior treatments. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors or stop them from growing. Results will help determine if further testin…

This trial investigates a type of immunotherapy called CAR-T cells that are designed to recognize and attack cancer cells carrying a protein called CEA. The study includes adults with advanced gastric, colon, rectal, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer who have not responded to at l…

This phase 3 trial studies whether adding pelvic reirradiation to chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer achieve complete tumor removal. The study enrolls 58 adults who have had prior pelvic radiation and now face a recurrence. Par…

This study tested whether giving a mix of immunotherapy drugs (tislelizumab and IL-2) plus chemotherapy before surgery could shrink tumors more effectively in people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The trial involved 130 adults whose cancers had not spread but were hard to t…

This completed study looked at whether adding an immune-boosting drug called thymalfasin to standard chemoradiotherapy and a PD-1 inhibitor could help shrink advanced rectal tumors before surgery. Researchers studied 47 patients with stage II/III mid-low rectal cancer. The main g…

This study tested whether a 20-minute arm cycling exercise, done twice daily for five days, could improve lung function and recovery in 60 elderly patients after colon cancer surgery. Participants also received standard physical therapy. The goal was to see if the arm exercise co…

This phase 3 trial tested whether adding two months of Folfirinox chemotherapy before standard radiation and chemo could help more patients with early-stage rectal cancer avoid major surgery. 218 adults with small, low-lying tumors were enrolled. The goal was to see if more patie…

This study tested a treatment plan for locally advanced rectal cancer that uses a short course of radiation followed by chemotherapy, aiming to avoid surgery. 39 patients were enrolled. The goal was to see if the cancer could be completely controlled without an operation, using a…

This study tested a newer, less invasive surgery called ETAP (done through the anus) against standard laparoscopic surgery (done through the belly) for low rectal cancer. 226 adults took part. The goal was to see if ETAP is as good at removing all cancer while possibly leading to…

This study tested giving chemotherapy before a less invasive surgery for early rectal cancer. The goal was to see if this approach could allow patients to keep their rectum instead of needing major surgery. 58 people took part, and the treatment was considered successful if at le…

This study looked at 180 people with rectal cancer that had spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis. One group received a three-drug chemotherapy regimen (FOLFOXIRI) followed by surgery to remove the affected lymph nodes. The other group got standard chemoradiotherapy before surgery.…

This completed Phase 2 trial tested whether a special DNA-based test could predict how well patients with stomach or rectal cancer respond to immunotherapy (tislelizumab) combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation. 189 adults with advanced cancer participated. The goal was to se…

This study looked at whether adding metformin, a common diabetes medicine, to standard chemo and radiation therapy could help people with locally advanced rectal cancer. 60 adults with stage T3 or T4 rectal cancer took part. The main goal was to see if the combination led to a co…

This phase II trial tested a combination of three drugs—TAS-102, irinotecan, and bevacizumab—in 42 people with advanced colorectal cancer that had spread or couldn't be removed. The goal was to see if this mix could slow tumor growth better than standard treatments. Participants …

This phase II trial tested two different drug combinations in 240 people with advanced HER2-positive colorectal cancer that had spread and could not be removed by surgery. One group received the antibodies trastuzumab and pertuzumab, while the other received cetuximab (an antibod…

This study looked at whether the drug dexmedetomidine, given during laparoscopic surgery for rectal or sigmoid colon cancer, can protect the lungs of patients aged 60 and older. The trial included 64 participants and measured oxygen levels and other breathing indicators. The goal…

This study tested a new robotic surgery method called natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) for middle rectal cancer. In this approach, the removed tumor is taken out through the anus instead of a large abdominal cut. The study involved 150 patients and compared NOS…

This phase 1 trial tested a combination of regorafenib (a targeted therapy) plus two immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab and ipilimumab) in 39 patients with advanced colorectal cancer that had spread and stopped responding to chemotherapy. The goal was to find the safest dose and chec…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, sorafenib and bevacizumab, in 83 people with advanced colorectal cancer that had spread and was no longer responding to standard treatments. The goal was to see if this combination could stop or slow tumor growth. Participants receive…

This study tested whether adding immunotherapy to standard chemoradiation before surgery helps people with a specific type of ultra-low rectal cancer (MSS type). The goal was to increase the chance of a complete response, meaning the tumor disappears, and to preserve the anus and…

This study tested a shorter radiation course combined with TASOX chemotherapy in 13 people with stage II/III rectal cancer before surgery. The goal was to shrink tumors and make surgery more effective. Results showed the treatment was safe and helped reduce cancer stage, but ongo…

This phase II trial tested whether adding veliparib or pembrolizumab to standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy helps shrink tumors in people with locally advanced rectal cancer. 363 participants received either standard treatment or one of the experimental combinations. The …

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding a PD-1 inhibitor (Sintilimab) after standard chemoradiotherapy could improve outcomes for 30 patients with locally advanced mid-low rectal cancer. Participants received radiation and chemotherapy, then three doses of Sintilimab, followed b…

This study tested two methods to repair the pelvic floor after removing the rectum for advanced rectal cancer. One method uses a biological mesh made from pig collagen, the other uses a flap of muscle from the buttock. The goal was to see which approach leads to better physical f…

This study tested a new, less invasive robotic surgery for mid and low rectal cancer. Twenty patients underwent the procedure to see if it was safe and feasible. The surgery uses a single-port robot through the anus, combined with standard laparoscopic or robotic tools in the abd…

This phase 2 trial tested a two-step surgical procedure called delayed coloanal anastomosis (2SCA) in 124 patients with medium or lower rectal cancer. The goal was to see if this technique lowers the rate of dangerous leaks at the surgical connection and reduces the need for a co…

This study tests whether a combination of serial C-reactive protein blood tests and targeted CT scans can safely identify which rectal cancer patients can skip a temporary ileostomy after laparoscopic low anterior resection. Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication, and a pr…

This trial tests whether indocyanine green, a dye injected before surgery, can find sentinel lymph nodes as reliably as the standard technetium-99 radioactive tracer. About 744 adults with various cancers will receive both agents, and surgeons will compare detection rates using a…

This study tested a new digital scope called LUMENEYE to see if it can better measure how much a rectal tumor has shrunk after chemotherapy and radiation. 82 patients who were good candidates for organ preservation were included. The goal was to see if the scope could help doctor…

This study looked at three screening methods—colonoscopy, colon capsule endoscopy, and a fecal immunochemical test (FIT)—to detect colorectal cancer or advanced growths in people aged 45 and older who have a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer. The goal was to see if the…

This study tested a new blood test designed to find colorectal cancer early in people at average risk. Nearly 49,000 adults aged 45-85 gave a blood sample before their routine colonoscopy. The goal was to see how well the blood test could detect cancer and advanced growths compar…

This study tested a small probe called a microdialysis catheter to see if it could detect leaks where the bowel is reconnected after rectal cancer surgery. Twenty-one people having rectal surgery with a temporary stoma took part. The probe measures chemicals in the tissue near th…

This study tests whether a specialized sexual health education program can help people who have been treated for rectal, colorectal, or anal cancer improve their sexual function and emotional well-being. Participants are randomly assigned to either the new counseling program or s…

This trial tests a nurse-assisted eHealth program for patients with heart failure or colorectal cancer. After leaving the hospital, participants use a tablet with the MyDignio app to track vital signs and symptoms, and communicate with a nurse navigator. The goal is to see if thi…

This study investigates whether a 12-week program of tai chi and qigong (called Body Mind Training) can reduce fatigue in male cancer survivors aged 55 and older. Participants are randomly assigned to the mind-body training, a light exercise-only group, or a usual-care group. Res…

This study tested whether a self-regulation hypnotic intervention could help reduce pain and anxiety during brachytherapy for rectal cancer. Fifty-two adults were randomly assigned to receive either hypnosis training or standard care with pain and anxiety medication. Researchers …

This study tested whether psyllium husk, a type of fiber supplement, can reduce bowel symptoms and improve quality of life in people who had rectal cancer surgery. 24 participants who had ongoing bowel issues after surgery took psyllium husk. The goal was to see if it helps with …

This study tested whether two nurse phone calls during the first three cycles of chemotherapy could improve the emotional state and quality of life of patients with breast, colon, or rectal cancer. 274 patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard care or standard ca…

This study tested whether an education and support program can help family caregivers of cancer patients feel more confident and less anxious. About 484 caregivers and patients took part. Researchers compared different types of support to see which worked best.

This phase II trial tested a concentrated plant dietary supplement (made from foods like taro, rice, and carrots) in 30 people with gastrointestinal cancers who had diarrhea from chemotherapy. Participants received the supplement alongside standard anti-diarrheal treatment. The g…

This study tested a personalized rehabilitation program for 150 adults who finished treatment for colorectal cancer. The program connects patients with specialists like physiotherapists, dietitians, and psychologists based on their individual needs. The goal was to improve qualit…

This study tested a bladder training method called ICCAUT in 400 people who had rectal cancer surgery. The training involves clamping the urinary tube and practicing urinating before the tube is removed. The goal was to see if this reduces the need for a new catheter or incomplet…

This study compared two ways to manage pain during and after colorectal surgery: a TAP block (an injection into the abdominal wall) versus epidural anesthesia (an injection near the spine). About 200 adults having elective colon or rectal surgery for cancer or diverticulitis took…

This study compared two standard pain relief methods after colon or rectal surgery: a preperitoneal catheter that delivers local anesthetic near the surgical site, and an epidural catheter placed before surgery. Researchers measured pain scores and how much extra pain medication …

This completed phase 3 trial tested whether taking psyllium husk fiber capsules during pelvic radiation therapy could reduce gut inflammation and urgency symptoms. 354 adults with pelvic cancers (like rectal, prostate, or gynecological) took either fiber or placebo capsules daily…

This study looked at whether being more physically active, measured by daily steps, helps rectal cancer patients respond better to chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. About 120 participants wore smartwatches to track their steps, heart rate, and sleep. The goal was to see …

Researchers at a large hospital in Seoul reviewed records from nearly 33,000 adults who had curative-intent surgery for one of seven cancers in the abdomen or pelvis: pancreatic, gastric, rectal, cervical, endometrial, kidney, or prostate. They grouped patients by whether they re…

This study aims to identify which of four French-validated questionnaires is most suitable for assessing sexual function in women who have had surgery for rectal or recto-sigmoid cancer. Researchers will ask 50 women to complete all four questionnaires and rank their preferences.…

This study looks at how a surgeon's growing experience with single-incision laparoscopic surgery—a minimally invasive technique using a single small cut—affects short- and long-term results for people with rectal or sigmoid colon cancer. By analyzing past cases from one surgical …

This study looked at whether having a special consultation with a radiotherapy technician (called a manipulator) helps cancer patients feel more informed about their treatment. Researchers enrolled 308 adults with various cancers who were getting radiation therapy. They compared …

This study investigates whether having an empty bladder reduces movement of the mesorectum (tissue around the rectum) during radiotherapy for rectal cancer. About 50 adults with rectal cancer receive planning CT scans and weekly CBCT scans under both empty and full bladder condit…

This study looks at whether a narrowed inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) — seen on routine CT scans — is linked to a higher chance of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication where the surgical connection leaks. The study will …

This study looked at 57 patients with rectal cancer to compare surgical outcomes from three different treatment approaches: the RAPIDO protocol (short-course radiation plus chemotherapy), standard long-course radiation with chemotherapy, and surgery alone. Researchers measured th…

This study looked at 70 adults with colorectal cancer to see how common muscle loss (sarcopenia) is before surgery and whether it leads to more complications or longer hospital stays. Researchers measured muscle strength, mass, and physical performance. The goal is to find patien…

This study followed 107 adults newly diagnosed with rectal cancer to see how their symptoms, balance, and quality of life changed over time. Researchers used questionnaires to track bowel issues, emotional distress, and balance problems. The goal was to better understand these ch…

This study looked at how people feel and function after a two-step surgery for rectal cancer. Researchers followed 65 patients to measure bowel symptoms and their impact on quality of life one year after the final reconstruction. The goal is to identify which patients may have wo…

This completed phase 2 study tested whether a new type of PET scan (FAPI-PET/CT) can accurately predict if rectal cancer has completely disappeared after a combination of short-course radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Fifty-two patients with locally advanced rectal canc…

This study looked at 298 patients who had surgery for rectal cancer that came back in the same area. The goal was to find out how often the cancer returns again and what factors increase that risk. Researchers tracked long-term survival and identified key risk factors to help gui…

This study tested whether checking the removed tissue during surgery (frozen section) helps ensure all cancer is removed in people with mid or low rectal cancer who had radiation therapy. 99 patients were split into two groups: one had the extra check, the other had standard surg…

This completed study analyzed tumor and blood samples from 160 people with esophageal or rectal cancer. Researchers looked for genetic markers in the EGFR signaling pathway that might predict how well a patient responds to chemoradiotherapy given before surgery. The goal is to be…

This study tested whether an educational session at a church could help Latino adults learn more about colorectal cancer and feel more willing to join cancer clinical trials. Sixty Spanish-speaking participants watched videos and completed surveys. The goal was to understand barr…

This study aimed to create a model that predicts whether rectal cancer will come back after treatment. Researchers looked at medical records and inflammation markers from over 2,300 patients with advanced rectal cancer who had chemotherapy or radiation before surgery. The goal wa…

This study looked at 60 people with advanced rectal cancer to see if the bacteria in their gut and mouth could predict how well they respond to chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. Researchers collected stool and saliva samples before treatment and used machine learning to …

This observational study looked at whether a special MRI measurement called T1 relaxation time can accurately detect scar tissue (fibrosis) that indicates a complete response to chemotherapy and radiation in people with locally advanced rectal cancer. 44 participants received sta…

This study tested a 12-week web-based diet program with text messages for 50 colorectal cancer survivors. The goal was to see if survivors would use the program and if it could help them eat healthier. The study did not test whether the diet changes actually prevent cancer from c…

This study looked at 3500 rectal cancer patients who had minimally invasive surgery to see if computer models could better predict a common side effect called Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), which causes bowel control problems. Researchers tested seven different methods, …

This small pilot study tested whether blocking the inferior mesenteric artery with tiny particles 3-4 weeks before rectal or sigmoid colon cancer surgery helps the colon develop extra blood vessels. The goal was to see if this improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the colon du…

This study looked at how ultralow rectal cancer spreads within the bowel wall in 106 patients. The goal was to understand the pattern of spread to help surgeons decide how much tissue to remove during surgery. By learning these patterns, doctors hope to create more personalized t…

This small study of 12 men with early-stage rectal cancer used a special device to measure nighttime erections three months after surgery. The goal was to objectively detect erectile dysfunction caused by cancer treatment, since patients and doctors often avoid discussing this is…

This study involved 89 patients with distal sigmoid or rectal cancer who underwent standard surgery with high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery. Researchers used CT scans before and after surgery to map blood flow paths and check if their planned routes matched reality. …

This study compared two common positions for a digital rectal exam: lying on your side (lateral decubitus) versus lying on your back (supine). The goal was to see which position allows doctors to perform a more complete exam. The study involved 320 men with conditions like colon …