Clinical Research Directory

A Clinical Study of Calderasib (MK-1084) With Targeted Therapy and Chemotherapy in People With Colorectal Cancer (MK-1084-012/KANDLELIT-012)

Researchers are looking for other ways to treat locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is unresectable and has a gene mutation called KRAS G12C. Standard (or usual) treatments for this type of colorectal cancer may include mFOLFOX6 with or without bevacizumab. Researchers want to learn if adding calderasib (the study medicine) and cetuximab to mFOLFOX6 can treat locally advanced or mCRC with the KRAS G12C mutation. Calderasib and cetuximab are targeted therapies. The goals of this study are to learn: * About the safety of calderasib with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 and if people tolerate the treatments * If people who receive calderasib with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 live longer without mCRC growing or spreading compared to people who receive mFOLFOX6 with or without bevacizumab.

SCARLET - Italian proSpeCtionAl obseRvationaL multicEntre Study on Treatment for recTal pT1 Cancer

The purpose of this prospective, observational, multicenter study is to evaluate the impact of adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy on disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with pathological T1 (pT1) rectal cancer presenting with at least one high-risk histological factor, such as deep submucosal invasion, poor differentiation, tumor budding, lymphovascular invasion, or positive resection margins, after local surgical or endoscopic excision, including Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), or Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM). The study focuses on a specific patient population that has refused standard radical surgery with Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) because of its potential impact on quality of life and postoperative morbidity. The primary objective is to assess whether organ-preserving local treatment strategies can provide an effective alternative by evaluating long-term oncologic outcomes, quality of life, and colostomy-free survival.

Family Communications After Genetic Testing

This clinical trial compares patient (proband)-mediated communication to provider-mediated communication for improving genetic testing in first-degree relatives of patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. It is estimated that 30% of cases of colorectal cancer have a genetic basis and about 15% of these patients have a disease-causing (pathogenic) inherited (germline) variant in a cancer susceptibility gene. Most individuals carrying a pathogenic germline variant are unaware of their cancer risk and may not meet guidelines for genetic testing. Identifying pathogenic germline variants or hereditary cancer syndromes in cancer patients has important implications for their at-risk relatives who may not know that they are at high risk for cancer. The burden of communicating this risk to first-degree relatives often falls on the patients, who may lack sufficient knowledge to correctly share and explain their genetic test results. Receiving provider-mediated communication of genetic testing results may be more effective at communicating genetic risk to first-degree relatives than the usual practice of proband-mediated communication.

SCRT+mFOLFOX6+PD-1 Antibody and Targeted Therapy for High-Risk pMMR/MSS Rectal Cancer(CRIT)

To explore the efficacy and safety of short-course radiotherapy combined with mFOLFOX6, PD-1 monoclonal antibody and cetuximab (for RAS/BRAF Wild-Type)/bevacizumab (for RAS/BRAF Mutant) in High-Risk pMMR/MSS Rectal Adenocarcinoma through a prospective study, providing high-level evidence-based medical evidence for the use in the treatment of high-risk rectal cancer.

FOLFOX, Botensilimab, and Balstilimab for the Treatment of Localized Rectal Cancer Before Surgery

This phase II trial tests how well fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and leucovorin calcium (folinic acid) (FOLFOX) with botensilimab and balstilimab given before surgery (neoadjuvant) works in treating patients with rectal adenocarcinoma that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized). Currently, neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer includes chemotherapy and chemoradiation. Despite these aggressive treatments, only about half of patients achieve a complete clinical response. In fact, over half of rectal cancer patients go on to have surgery and often suffer post-surgery complications involving urine and bowel problems. Thus, there has been an increased focus on non-surgical treatments. Chemotherapy drugs, such as fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and leucovorin calcium, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as botensilimab and balstilimab, may help the body's immune system attack the tumor, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving neoadjuvant FOLFOX with botensilimab and balstilimab may improve the rate of complete response and decrease the need for surgery and radiation therapy in patients with localized rectal adenocarcinoma.

A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Phase II Study of Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Sequential PD-1 Inhibitor and FOLFOX Chemotherapy Versus Long-Course Chemoradiotherapy for High-Risk Locally Advanced pMMR/MSS Lower Rectal Adenocarcinoma (STAR Trial)

This study adopts a prospective randomized controlled design to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-course radiotherapy followed by sequential PD-1 inhibitor and FOLFOX chemotherapy versus conventional regimens in high-risk locally advanced pMMR/MSS lower rectal adenocarcinoma, aiming to provide high-level evidence supporting a novel treatment paradigm.

Use of a Novel Camera to Check the Bowel After Polyp or Tumour Removal

1.1 Polyps or tumours in the lower part of the bowel (rectum) can be removed using instruments inserted through the bottom which avoids major surgery and the possibility of a stoma bag (colostomy). Afterwards, it is important to check the area with regular camera tests. If checks are delayed, re-growths could be serious and may be untreatable. COVID and other factors have led to long waiting lists for camera checks and in NHS Lothian around 20% of all camera checks are done more than 6 months late. The investigators want to try a new camera and approach that would allow us to reduce waiting lists. Using a short camera called a 'rectoscope' to check the lower bowel has already been shown to be safe, comfortable and acceptable to patients with other conditions. In fact, patients are unlikely to feel or realise any difference between the rectoscope and standard camera tests. The investigators want to show that this 'rectoscope' can be safely used in the outpatient clinic with an enema (suppository) instead of strong bowel medicine taken by mouth the day before. This would mean the camera checks happen on time and would reduce waiting lists for other important tests. The investigators will include 30 patients across three stages of our study. In the first set of patients, the investigators will use the rectoscope alongside the usual endoscope in the endoscopy room using the usual oral bowel medicine. This stage will check the rectoscope is acceptable to the patient and the doctor. In the next 10 patients the investigators will use a suppository instead of oral bowel medicine still using both cameras. Finally, the investigators will use the rectoscope in the outpatient clinic with an suppository to show this is an easy, effective and acceptable way to deliver timely camera checks.

Active Surveillance and Chemotherapy Before Surgery in Treating Participants With Stage II-III Rectal Cancer

This pilot trial studies how well active surveillance and chemotherapy before surgery work in treating participants with stage II-III rectal cancer. Active surveillance involves monitoring participants for additional tumor growth after receiving cancer treatment. Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. It is not yet known whether deferring surgery after active surveillance and chemotherapy will work better in treating participants with stage II-III rectal cancer.

Study of Induction PD-1 Blockade in Subjects With Locally Advanced Mismatch Repair Deficient Solid Tumors

The purpose of this study is to find out whether the study drug, TSR-042, followed by standard chemoradiotherapy (the chemotherapy drug capecitabine + radiation therapy) and standard surgery is an effective treatment for advanced dMMR solid tumors. The study will also look at the safety of the study drug.

A Study of Tucatinib and Trastuzumab in People With Rectal Cancer

The study researchers believe that a combination of the drugs trastuzumab and tucatinib, given with standard chemotherapy (capecitabine and oxaliplatin/FOLFOX), may help participants with rectal cancer.

A Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Arm Phase II Exploratory Study of Serplulimab Combined With Oncolytic Virus H101, Short-Course Radiotherapy, and XELOX Chemotherapy as Total Neoadjuvant Treatment for Locally Advanced (cT1-3N0M0) Rectal Cancer

This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a combination treatment including a PD-1 inhibitor (serplulimab), oncolytic virus H101, short-course radiotherapy, and XELOX chemotherapy as total neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer (cT1-3N0M0). In this prospective, multicenter, single-arm phase II study, eligible patients will receive a standardized treatment regimen consisting of intratumoral injection of oncolytic virus H101, short-course radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy over multiple cycles. Tumor response will be assessed using imaging, endoscopy, and clinical evaluation after completion of treatment. The primary objective is to determine the 1-year clinical complete response rate. Secondary outcomes include tumor response rate, organ preservation rate, survival outcomes, and treatment safety. The results of this study may help improve treatment strategies for rectal cancer, increase the rate of complete response, and provide more opportunities for organ preservation while maintaining safety.

Trial Utilizing Metronidazole to Optimize the Microbiome of Rectal Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy

To learn if adding metronidazole to standard therapy can decrease populations of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) and other anaerobes (small organisms that cause infections) in participants with rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy, compared to neoadjuvant therapy alone.

Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer

This study investigates the genetic factors that may influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer at a young age. Finding genetic markers for colorectal may help identify patients who are at risk of colorectal cancer. Studying individuals and families at high risk of cancer may help identify cancer genes and other persons at risk.

TAS-102 With Concurrent Radiation for the Treatment of Untreated Resectable Stage II-III Rectal Cancer

This phase 1b trial studies the side effects and best dose of TAS-102 when given together with radiation therapy in treating patients with stage II-III rectal cancer that has not been treated and can be removed by surgery (resectable). Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as TAS-102, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. This study is being done to find out the safest dose of TAS-102 that can be used with radiation treatment for rectal cancer.

ExIST Study of LY2157299 (Galunisertib) in Rectal Cancer

The purpose of this study is to see how effective and safe LY2157299, in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, might be in treating rectal cancer. Also as part of this study, research will be done on tumor samples to see if it is possible to predict if patients will respond to treatment, and blood samples to look at the immune system response to study treatment. About 50 people will take part in this study. The study treatment will be given over an 8 week period and the investigators will continue to collect your health information for up to 5 years, as part of this study

Evaluation of Quality of Life and Utilities Following Surgical Treatment of Stage I-IV Rectal Cancer

This study evaluates quality of life and utilities following surgical treatment of stage I-IV rectal cancer. This study may help researches learn more about quality of life in patients who have or have had rectal cancer.

Phase 2 Single-Arm Rectal Cancer Brachytherapy for Patients With Low-Lying Residual Adenocarcinoma After Total Neoadjuvant Therapy to Improve Organ Preservation Rates

Rectal cancer patients who do not achieve a complete response to standard of care chemotherapy and radiation often require surgical resection as part of curative intent therapy. This study will evaluate whether additional "focal" radiation delivered internally (rectal brachytherapy) can provide complete responses and thus spare the requirement for surgery. The main questions are whether: 1) rectal brachytherapy is safe in this clinical treatment paradigm and if 2) rectal brachytherapy improves organ preservation (no need for surgery). The trial involves an additional MRI pelvis and sigmoidoscopy with marker placement to define high-risk residual disease for radiation planning. Subsequently, 3 outpatient brachytherapy treatments are given on a weekly basis. If a patient achieves a complete response to brachytherapy, standard of care non-operative surveillance visits are conducted with study visits aligned during the first two years following brachytherapy.

Adaptive Radiation for Locally Advanced Rectal Adenocarcinoma

The purpose of the study is to determine the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided adaptive chemoradiation therapy to improve response to treatment.

Study of Cabozantinib and Nivolumab in Refractory Metastatic Microsatellite Stable (MSS) Colorectal Cancer

Data from a prior phase II study of single agent cabozantinib in metastatic, refractory colorectal cancer (NCT03542877) combined with the compelling preclinical data in colorectal mouse models utilizing cabozantinib combined with nivolumab have led to this concept for a clinical trial to combine cabozantinib and nivolumab in patients with metastatic MSS CRC in the third line setting and beyond.

Short Course Radiation Therapy and Combination Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Stage II-III Rectal Cancer

This phase I trial investigates how well short-course radiation therapy followed by combination chemotherapy works in treating patients with stage II-III rectal cancer. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy drugs, such as leucovorin, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving short-course radiation therapy and combination chemotherapy may reduce the need for surgery and therefore improve quality of life.

MRI-Guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Organ Preservation in Rectal Cancer

This study is a prospective, open-label, phase I design.

A Global, Integrated, Personalized, Stage-related, Multimodal Therapeutic Approach for Rectal Adenocarcinoma Based on Organ Sparing and Mininvasivity

A phase II, single-center, non-profit, interventional study on patients affected by rectal adenocarcinoma. Patients will be stratified into three groups based on pre-treatment clinical stage. The study investigates and may propose a comprehensive, stage-specific, multimodal approach to rectal adenocarcinoma, with a focus on organ preservation even in early stages (cT1-2N0). When organ-sparing strategies are not feasible, the approach prioritizes minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic and robotic) to reduce the physical, psychological, and quality-of-life impact on patients.

Advanced Endoscopic Resections for Rectal Neoplasms

This study evaluates how advanced endoscopic resection techniques affect treatment outcomes in adults with rectal cancer. Rectal cancer has traditionally been treated with standard abdominal surgery. Newer endoscopic techniques allow removal of selected early tumors and may reduce treatment-related complications. However, their effectiveness and safety in tumors with deeper invasion are not yet fully established. This multicenter retrospective observational study uses existing medical records from adults who underwent endoscopic or surgical resection of rectal tumors between 2015 and 2025. Researchers will analyze anonymized information on procedures performed and treatment outcomes to assess the safety and effectiveness of advanced endoscopic approaches. The results of this study may help guide treatment selection and improve care for people with rectal cancer.

Upfront Trastuzumab-Deruxtecan Plus Capecitabine and Bevacizumab for Patients With HER-2 Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the activity of first-line trastuzumab-deruxtecan, capecitabine and bevacizumab in terms of overall response rate for patients with HER-2 positive metastatic/locally advanced unresectable colorectal cancer