RECTAL CANCER

This study tests whether a treatment plan called total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) can help about half of rectal cancer patients avoid surgery and keep their rectum. Participants receive chemotherapy and radiation before deciding if they need surgery. Those who respond very well ar…

This phase 3 trial tests whether adding an immunotherapy drug (pucotenlimab) to standard chemotherapy (CAPOX) before surgery helps control locally advanced rectal cancer better than chemotherapy alone. About 556 adults with a specific type of rectal cancer (pMMR/MSS) will be rand…

This study is for people with a certain type of advanced rectal cancer called HER2-positive. Researchers are testing whether adding two targeted drugs, tucatinib and trastuzumab, to standard chemotherapy can shrink tumors more effectively before surgery or radiation. About 37 adu…

This early-phase trial tests a new drug called MDX2001 in about 285 adults with advanced solid tumors (cancers that have spread). The main goals are to check the drug's safety and find the right dose. Researchers will also see if it shrinks tumors. This is not a cure, but it may …

This study tests if a newer surgery (Turnbull-Cutait) helps people with low rectal cancer avoid a permanent stoma longer than the standard surgery. About 520 adults will be randomly assigned to one of the two surgeries and followed for three years. The goal is to see which approa…

This study tests adding an experimental drug called epacadostat to standard chemotherapy and radiation for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. The treatment is given before surgery to remove the tumor. The goal is to find the best dose and see if the combination improves …

This study tests whether a combination of two drugs (botensilimab and balstilimab) can clear leftover cancer DNA in people with colorectal cancer who still have signs of disease after surgery and chemotherapy. About 284 adults with a specific type of colorectal cancer (MSS) will …

This study tests whether giving chemotherapy before surgery works better than giving it after surgery for people with locally advanced rectal cancer that has a low risk of coming back in the same area. About 550 adults with rectal cancer will be randomly assigned to one of two tr…

This study tests two different radiation schedules (short-course vs long-course) given together with an immunotherapy drug (Adebrelimab) and chemotherapy before surgery for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. About 208 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the …

This study is for people with early-stage rectal cancer. It compares two treatments: chemotherapy alone followed by limited surgery, versus chemotherapy plus radiation followed by limited surgery. The goal is to see if skipping radiation can maintain cancer control while improvin…

This study tests whether a special MRI-guided radiation machine (MR-linac) combined with standard chemotherapy can help people with distal rectal cancer avoid surgery and keep their rectum. About 100 participants will receive the treatment. The main goal is to see how many are al…

This study tests whether adding an immunotherapy drug (sintilimab) to standard short-course radiation and chemotherapy can improve long-term survival in people with a common type of locally advanced rectal cancer (MSS type). About 130 adults with stage II or III rectal cancer wil…

This study tests a device called CG-100 that is placed inside the bowel after rectal cancer surgery. The goal is to see if it can help the healing and reduce the need for a temporary or permanent stoma (a bag outside the body for waste). About 250 adults aged 22-70 with rectal ca…

This study tests a combination of two treatments (fruquintinib plus FOLFIRI) in people with metastatic colorectal cancer whose disease has worsened after first-line therapy. About 60 participants will receive the drug combo to see if it can stop or slow cancer growth. The goal is…

This early-stage study tests a new treatment called CEA-targeted CAR-T cells for people with advanced solid tumors (such as lung, stomach, colon, rectal, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer) that have not responded to standard therapies. The treatment uses a patient's own immune cel…

This study tests whether adding an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 inhibitor) to a standard treatment plan (short-course radiation, chemotherapy, and a targeted therapy) can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. About 104 adults with a specific type of rectal …

This study tests a new treatment for people with certain advanced cancers (like pancreatic, stomach, or colon cancer) that have a specific genetic change called KRAS G12V. The treatment involves taking a patient's own white blood cells, modifying them in a lab to better recognize…

This early-phase trial tests a new way to give radiation therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. Instead of standard long-course radiation, patients receive several high-dose radiation sessions mixed with chemotherapy over a longer period. The goal is to see if this approach …

This study tests whether giving extra internal radiation (brachytherapy) to rectal cancer patients who still have some tumor after standard treatment can make the cancer disappear and avoid the need for surgery. About 44 adults will receive three weekly outpatient treatments. The…

This study tests whether adding a special medical food that limits certain amino acids (NEAAR) to standard radiation and chemotherapy is safe and feasible for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. About 30 adults will take the medical food alongside their usual treatment. T…

This study tests whether taking Sildenafil (Viagra) soon after rectal cancer surgery and radiation can prevent long-term erectile problems. About 188 men aged 18 to 70 with normal erectile function before treatment will take part. The goal is to see if early rehabilitation helps …

This study tests whether people with rectal cancer who have a complete response to initial treatment can safely avoid surgery. About 200 participants will be monitored closely to see how well this non-operative approach works. The goal is to preserve the rectum and maintain good …

This study is testing whether a diet rich in fermented foods (like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut) can help people with rectal cancer or lung cancer respond better to their standard treatments. About 54 participants will either follow this special diet or continue their usual eat…

This study tests a treatment plan for people with stage II or III rectal cancer. Participants receive short-course radiation followed by chemotherapy before any surgery. The goal is to see how many patients have their cancer completely disappear. The study is currently recruiting…

This study is testing whether adding leucine, a common amino acid found in food, to standard chemotherapy and radiation can help eliminate more cancer cells in people with locally advanced rectal cancer. About 33 adults will receive leucine alongside their usual treatment before …

This study tests a new approach for people with early-stage rectal cancer that hasn't spread to lymph nodes. Instead of standard radiation to the whole pelvis, doctors give a short course of radiation only to the tumor, followed by chemotherapy and two types of immunotherapy. The…

This study tests whether adding the immunotherapy drug pucotenlimab to standard chemoradiation can help more people with locally advanced rectal cancer achieve a complete response before surgery. About 68 adults aged 18-75 will receive the combination, and researchers will check …

This study tests a new combination of chemotherapy drugs (TAS-102, oxaliplatin, irinotecan) plus bevacizumab for people with advanced colorectal cancer that has stopped responding to standard treatments. The goal is to see if this approach can control the disease and slow its gro…

This study tests whether placing probiotics into the unused part of the intestine before stoma reversal surgery can improve bowel function in people treated for ultra-low rectal cancer. About 156 adults who had a temporary ileostomy will be randomly assigned to receive probiotics…

This study tests a new type of CAR T cell therapy for adults with advanced solid tumors, including colorectal, pancreatic, lung, ovarian, and mesothelioma cancers. The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to recognize and attack cancer cells that have lost a specif…

This phase 3 trial tests whether a newer oral chemotherapy drug, TAS-102, works better than the standard drug capecitabine when given with radiation before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer. About 210 adults aged 18-75 with stage II or III rectal cancer will take part. T…

This study tests whether adding immunotherapy to standard treatment (radiation and chemotherapy before surgery) can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. It also compares a shorter course of radiation to a longer one. About 444 adults aged 18-75 with a …

This study tests a new treatment plan for people with locally advanced rectal cancer. Participants first get a short course of radiation plus a drug called IL-2, then receive chemotherapy and two immunotherapy drugs. The goal is to see if this combination can make the cancer comp…

This study is testing a treatment plan for people with rectal cancer that can be surgically removed. Participants receive a combination of chemotherapy (mFOLFOX) and a short course of radiation before surgery. The goal is to see if this approach improves the chance of being cance…

This study tests whether using a reinforcing material called SIS during bowel reconnection after rectal cancer surgery can prevent a serious complication called anastomotic leakage. About 966 adults with mid-to-low rectal cancer will be randomly assigned to receive either standar…

This study is for people with low rectal cancer that can be removed by surgery. Participants receive chemotherapy plus an immunotherapy drug (tislelizumab) before any surgery. If the tumor completely disappears after this treatment, they may avoid surgery and just be watched clos…

This study looks at whether people with a certain type of rectal cancer (dMMR/MSI-H) can safely avoid surgery if their tumor disappears after immunotherapy. Standard treatments like surgery or chemo can cause lasting side effects, including loss of bowel control or needing a perm…

This study tests whether using chemotherapy alone before surgery works as well as chemotherapy followed by radiation for people with advanced rectal cancer. About 540 adults with resectable tumors will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment plans. The main goal is to se…

This study compares two treatment approaches for people with high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer. One group gets a strong three-drug chemo plus a targeted therapy (bevacizumab), and only receives radiation if needed. The other group gets standard chemo followed by chemoradia…

This study is for people with mid-to-low rectal cancer that has high-risk features. It compares two treatment plans: short-course radiation followed by chemotherapy plus an immunotherapy drug (toripalimab), with or without an additional anti-angiogenic drug (surufatinib). The goa…

This study tests whether giving a mix of immunotherapy (PD-1 blocker and IL-2) plus chemotherapy before surgery can shrink tumors more effectively in people with locally advanced rectal cancer. About 130 adults with a specific type of rectal cancer (MSS/pMMR) will take part. The …

This study tests whether adding a natural supplement (β-hydroxybutyrate) to a standard treatment plan can help shrink or eliminate rectal cancer before surgery. The plan includes short-course radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. The goal is to see if more patients achieve …

This study tests a new treatment called A2B395 for adults with advanced solid tumors (like colorectal, lung, breast, and kidney cancers) that have not responded to standard therapy. The treatment uses specially engineered immune cells designed to kill cancer cells while protectin…

This study is for people with early- or intermediate-risk low rectal cancer. It tests whether patients who respond well to chemotherapy and radiation can safely avoid surgery and instead be closely monitored (watch-and-wait). The goal is to preserve the rectum and improve quality…

This study is testing a special PET/CT scan that uses a form of tryptophan (a building block of protein) to see if it can make tumors stand out more clearly from healthy tissue. About 24 adults with certain brain, breast, neuroendocrine, or rectal cancers will get this scan. The …

This study is testing a new endorectal imaging device that combines ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging to better assess rectal cancer after treatment. About 90 adults with rectal cancer who are scheduled for surgery will be scanned with the device. The goal is to see if the dev…

This study tests a new way to prevent bowel control problems after rectal cancer surgery. People with a temporary stoma will receive either their own intestinal fluid or water through the stoma before it is closed. The goal is to see if the fluid reinfusion helps the bowel work b…

This pilot study tests if brodalumab, a drug approved for autoimmune diseases, can safely reduce severe side effects caused by cancer immunotherapy. About 11 adults with various solid tumors who have immune-related side effects will receive brodalumab. The goal is to see if it lo…

This study tests a short course of radiation therapy (39 Gray in 13 sessions) to relieve symptoms like bleeding and pain in 50 adults with rectal cancer who cannot have surgery due to age, other illnesses, or cancer spread. The goal is to see if this approach improves quality of …

This study looks at whether a ketogenic (low-carb, high-fat) diet helps people with rectal cancer stick to their diet plan during radiation therapy. About 194 participants will be randomly assigned to either a ketogenic diet or a standard diet. The main goal is to see how well pa…

This study tests whether an intensified follow-up program can improve bowel control and quality of life for people who have had rectal cancer surgery. About 140 adults who have a temporary ileostomy after surgery will be split into two groups: one gets extra visits, pelvic floor …

This study tests whether using virtual reality (VR) can reduce severe belly pain and improve daily life in people with digestive tract cancers. 360 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: skills-based VR, distraction VR, or a sham VR. The goal is to see if …

This study tests if watching online interactive videos can improve bowel symptoms, reduce psychological distress, and boost quality of life in people who have had rectal cancer. About 110 adults with stage I-III rectal cancer will participate. The videos are designed to help mana…

This study involves 158 rectal cancer patients, including those who had surgery or are on a Watch and Wait approach. Researchers are creating a smartphone app-based bowel diary to better capture and understand bowel symptoms that affect quality of life. The goal is to develop a m…

This study aims to understand how rectal cancer responds to standard treatments like chemoradiation and chemotherapy. Researchers will analyze participants' blood, tissue, and scans to see if these tests can predict whether the cancer improves, worsens, or stays the same. The stu…

This study looks at whether preserving the left colic artery during surgery for colon, rectal, or ovarian cancer helps keep the remaining colon well-supplied with blood. About 50 adults scheduled for surgery will have their colon's blood flow measured with and without the artery …

This study looks at whether adding a geriatrician to the care team can improve outcomes for people aged 70 and older with gastrointestinal cancers like stomach, colon, or pancreatic cancer. Researchers will test if an online fitness questionnaire is easy to use and if geriatric c…

This study is gathering information from up to 999 people with rectal cancer who are treated with a special device called the MAASTRO HDR applicator. The goal is to learn more about how well the treatment works and its side effects, so doctors can improve care for future patients…

This study collects blood and leftover tissue samples from 9,600 adults with different types of cancer. Researchers will use these samples to develop and improve tests that detect cancer DNA in the blood, which may help monitor for cancer return or how well treatment is working. …

This study follows 150 rectal cancer patients for 12 months after surgery or active surveillance to understand why some develop lasting bowel symptoms and how these affect quality of life. Researchers will use diaries and questionnaires to track symptoms. The goal is to identify …

This study follows 368 colorectal cancer survivors aged 25 to 65 to see how their quality of life changes 6, 12, and 24 months after finishing treatment. Researchers will use questionnaires to measure physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as any long-term side effects.…

This study is for people with locally advanced rectal cancer who are about to receive neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery). Researchers will collect data from 869 participants, including imaging, gut bacteria, and blood tests, to build a model that identifies who can sa…

This study looks at how well the bowel, bladder, and sexual organs work long-term in people who had organ-saving treatment for rectal cancer after chemoradiotherapy. Some patients had a small surgery to remove the scar, while others did not. The goal is to help patients and docto…

This study is looking for 300 people with rectal cancer who are about to start immunotherapy. The goal is to see if combining multiple MRI scans and blood tests can help doctors tell the difference between a real tumor growing and a harmless 'pseudoprogression' that sometimes loo…

This study is creating a huge collection of medical information and biological samples from adults with or at risk for many types of cancer, as well as healthy volunteers. The goal is to help researchers better understand cancer causes, improve early detection, and develop person…

This study looks at whether a program of exercise and nutrition before surgery is practical for people with stage II or III rectal cancer. About 40 participants will either join the program or receive usual care. The main goal is to see if enough people sign up and stick with the…

This study tests whether an artificial intelligence (AI) system can analyze MRI scans to predict how well rectal cancer responds to chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. Researchers will enroll 1,700 adults with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal is to help doctors ide…

This study is looking at tiny particles called exosomes in the blood of people with rectal cancer. The goal is to see if these particles can help predict how well a patient responds to chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. Researchers will compare exosome levels before, duri…

This study is a large registry that will follow 8,000 cancer patients who receive radiation therapy guided by an MR-Linac, a machine that combines an MRI scanner with a radiation beam. The goal is to see if this technology helps people live longer, controls tumors better, and imp…

This study looks at whether a special type of MRI, called amide proton transfer-weighted imaging, can accurately predict if rectal cancer has completely disappeared after chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers will scan 320 people before surgery and compare the scan results to t…