Rearranging the treatment timeline: could a new sequence of chemo and radiation spare rectal cancer patients from major surgery?
NCT ID NCT03941366
First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial is testing whether giving chemotherapy before the standard combination of chemo and radiation for rectal cancer could allow some patients to have a minor surgical procedure instead of a major one. The study enrolls adults with stage T2-T3 rectal cancer. The goal is to see if this new timing can reduce the need for extensive surgery and improve quality of life without compromising cancer control.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a modified schedule of chemotherapy (FOLFOX and 5FU/capecitabine) and radiation, followed by local excision instead of major surgery
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could allow many rectal cancer patients to avoid major surgery and its side effects, potentially improving quality of life while controlling the disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 15 participants, so results may not apply broadly. There is also a risk that less extensive surgery might not remove all cancer cells, leading to recurrence.
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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15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2016
- Finished
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Apr 2025
- 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 95 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. Age ≥ 18 years 2. Diagnosis of rectal invasive adenocarcinoma 3. Tumor in the low or mid rectum (up to 11 cm from the anal verge) 4. Clinical stage T3/N0-N1M0. Patients with low T2 who will need abdominal perineal resection are also eligible. 1\. Clinical staging will be estimated based on the combination of the following assessments: 1. Physical examination by the primary surgeon 2. Computed Tomography or Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis 3. Pelvic MRI and endoscopic ultrasound Exclusion Criteria: * Less than 18 years of age * Do not complete informed consent * Pregnant women
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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
Locations
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Ascension St. John Hospital
Detroit, Michigan, 48236, United States
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