New radiation applicator aims to treat rectal cancer without surgery
NCT ID NCT07402486
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase II trial tests a new device called the Maastro applicator, which delivers high-dose radiation directly to rectal tumors. The goal is to see if it can safely eliminate the cancer and allow patients to avoid major surgery. Twenty adults with rectal cancer will receive this treatment and be closely monitored for tumor response and side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- High-dose-rate brachytherapy via Maastro applicator (radiation)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a non-surgical treatment option for rectal cancer, potentially avoiding the need for a permanent stoma and reducing complications.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 20 participants. The treatment may not fully eliminate the tumor, and there is a risk of cancer regrowth. Side effects from radiation are possible.
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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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Mar 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
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 years and older
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥ 18 years at the time of informed consent Histologically confirmed rectal cancer Any T, N, or M stage, provided the primary rectal lesion is suitable for endorectal HDR brachytherapy Tumor characteristics deemed suitable for treatment with the Maastro applicator (per investigator assessment) Rectal lesion accessible for applicator placement and adequate visualization Adequate organ function to undergo sedation/anesthesia and brachytherapy, as judged by the investigator Ability to comply with study procedures, imaging, and scheduled follow-up Written informed consent obtained prior to study participation Exclusion Criteria: Active inflammatory bowel disease with moderate to severe disease activity Uncontrolled proctitis not attributable to tumor involvement Severe anorectal conditions that preclude safe applicator placement (e.g., severe anal stenosis, uncontrolled hemorrhoidal bleeding, severe radiation-induced proctopathy in the target area) Any medical, psychiatric, or social condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with safe study participation or interpretation of results
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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
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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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