AI as a surgical Co-Pilot: predicting difficulty in rectal cancer
NCT ID NCT07761169
First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether an AI tool called SurgDiff can predict how difficult rectal cancer surgery will be, based on MRI scans and patient data. The goal is to help surgeons choose the best surgical approach for each patient, potentially reducing complications. The study involves 68 adults with mid-low rectal cancer who are scheduled for surgery. Researchers will compare outcomes between patients whose surgical plan is guided by the AI and those who receive standard care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- AI-assisted decision-making using the SurgDiff model, which predicts surgical difficulty from MRI scans and clinical data
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help surgeons choose the best surgical approach for rectal cancer, potentially reducing complications and improving outcomes.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is small (68 participants) and early, so the AI's predictions may not always be accurate or generalizable to all patients. There is also a risk that the model could misjudge difficulty, leading to suboptimal surgical choices.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 68 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Pathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma; radical surgery is recommended. 2. The inferior border of the tumor is ≥1 cm from the dentate line and ≤7 cm from the anal verge; 3. Preoperative staging was assessed in a stage of c/ycT1-3N0-2M0; 4. The cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and other organ functions are adequate, and the patient can tolerate laparoscopic surgery. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Intraoperative exploration is unable to achieve R0 resection or preservation of the anus; 2. Lateral lymph node dissection is required; 3. Patients with a history of severe mental illness, immune disorders, or those taking hormonal medications; 4. Any other circumstances in which the investigator deems it inappropriate for inclusion.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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