Can more radiation save rectums? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT04095299
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 3 trial compares standard versus higher-dose radiotherapy, combined with chemotherapy, in 162 people with early low or mid rectal cancer. The goal is to see if a higher dose helps more patients achieve a complete response and avoid surgery, preserving their rectum. Participants will be monitored closely for two years to check if the cancer stays away.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Radiotherapy (standard or high dose) plus chemotherapy (capecitabine)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a way for some early rectal cancer patients to avoid surgery and keep their rectum, improving quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a phase 3 trial, but it's still uncertain if the higher dose will work better. Risks include side effects from radiation and chemotherapy, and the cancer may still come back.
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 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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About 162 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2020
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2033
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.
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: * Histopathologically verified adenocarcinoma of the rectum * MDT conference finds patient a candidate for rectal resection * Clinical tumor category cT1-3 * MRI findings * Maximal cross-sectional size of 4.5 cm (axial plane relative to the rectum) * Lowest edge of tumor located at or below the peritoneal reflection on MRI * Performance status 0-2 * Age ≥ 18 years * Eligible for radiotherapy and capecitabine according to investigator, including * Adequate function of bone marrow (neutrophils ≥ 1.5 x 10\^9/l and thrombocytes ≥ 100 x 10\^9/l) * Adequate function of liver (ALAT \< 2.5 x upper limit of normal, bilirubin \< 2.5 x upper limit of normal) * Adequate kidney function (Serum creatinine \< 1.5 x upper limit of normal or measured GFR \> 30 ml/min) * Fertile women must present a negative pregnancy test and use secure contraceptives during and three months after treatment * Written and orally informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous surgical treatment of the present cancer, including transanal excision of tumor * Other malignant disease within the past five years except non-melanoma skin cancer and premalignant lesions such as carcinoma in situ * Distant metastases verified by imaging or biopsy, i.e. cM1 * Previous radiation treatment of the pelvis * Pregnant or breastfeeding women. * Existing colostomy or ileostomy
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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 places running it
5 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Aalborg University Hospital
RECRUITINGAalborg, Denmark
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Copenhagen University Hospital, Righshospitalet and Bispebjerg Hospital
RECRUITINGCopenhagen, Denmark
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Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital
RECRUITINGVejle, Denmark
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Zealand University Hospital, Næstved
RECRUITINGNæstved, Denmark
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Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde
RECRUITINGRoskilde, Denmark
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can Pre-Surgery radiation stop rectal cancer from returning?
- Can a counseling program restore intimacy after rectal cancer?