Clinical Research Directory

Neoadjuvant Regorafenib in Combination With Nivolumab and Short-course Radiotherapy in Stage II-III Rectal Cancer

This is a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study of nivolumab in combination with regorafenib in subjects with locally-advanced rectal cancer who are eligible for a curative treatment including pre-operative SCRT and TME(or watch \& wait approach). The study is based on the Simon's two-stage design and a maximum of 60 subjects will be enrolled. In addition to the standard efficacy interim analysis according to the statistical design, a safety interim analysis will be performed on the first 6 subjects who have completed the study treatment to ensure safe continuation of the study investigation. Eligible subjects will be treated according to the following sequential treatment plan: * Induction treatment: This consists of treatment with nivolumab (240 mg intravenously, on day 1 and 15) and regorafenib (60 mg/day orally, from day 1 to 14) * Standard SCRT: This consists of 25 Gy delivered in 5 fractions (from day 22 to 26) * Consolidation treatment: This consists of treatment with nivolumab (240 mg intravenously, on day 29, 43 and 57) and regorafenib (60 mg/day orally, from day 29 to 49) * Surgery: Surgical resection will be performed according to the principles of TME (between day 74 and 87, i.e., between 7 to 8 weeks after completion of SCRT). As an alternative to surgery, subjects who achieve cCR can be offered a watch \& wait approach. * Adjuvant chemotherapy: Administration of adjuvant chemotherapy will be left to the discretion of the treating physician The study also includes translational procedures (i.e. collection of tumour biopsies, blood samples and stool samples at pre-specified time points) for exploratory molecular and immune contexture analyses. These are mandatory for all study subjects.

Effect of Meal Timing During Cancer Treatment in Patients in Alaska: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to test meal-timing as a novel and sustainable interventional approach during cancer treatment to improve therapeutic response and metabolic health in an understudied population. This clinical trial will enroll patients with rectal or breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant treatment at the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC), which is part of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). A promising strategy for improving the efficacy of anticancer treatments and reducing associated toxicities involves combining treatment with fasting regimens. In pre-clinical and clinical studies, various forms of fasting have been shown to induce tumor regression and improve long-term survival. According to the differential stress sensitization theory, fasting is thought to sensitize tumor cells to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation, while protecting healthy cells by increasing stress resistance. While healthy cells slow their growth and become more stress resistant in response to fasting, cancer cells cannot survive in nutrient-deficient environments; although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. However, extended water-only fasting can be challenging for patients and poses undue health risks. Intermittent fasting, and specifically time-restricted eating (TRE), may offer a viable alternative. TRE involves eating within a shorter window (e.g., 8 hours) and fasting for the remainder of the day but involves no other dietary restrictions. Because of its simplicity, TRE may be more sustainable than other fasting regimens. TRE also improves several cardio-metabolic endpoints, including insulin sensitivity, which may also be beneficial during anticancer treatments.

Clinical Trial of Neoadjuvant mFOLFOX Plus Alvenor for LARC Patients With High YWHAB Expression

This study is a prospective, open-label, two-arm, phase II clinical trial involving patients preoperatively diagnosed with YWHAB (Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein beta)-high locally advanced rectal cancer. The trial evaluates a regimen combining mFOLFOX chemotherapy with citrus flavonoid tablets (Aimailang) for neoadjuvant therapy (pre-surgery) and postoperative adjuvant therapy. Treatment Protocol Preoperative (4-6 cycles) and Postoperative (6-8 cycles): Each 14-day cycle includes: Oxaliplatin: 85 mg/m² via 180-minute intravenous infusion on Day 1. Leucovorin: 400 mg/m² via 120-minute intravenous infusion on Day 1. 5-Fluorouracil: 2400 mg/m² via continuous intravenous infusion over 46 hours. Citrus flavonoid tablets (Aimailang) : 500 mg orally twice times daily (Days 1-14), administered with or without the chemotherapy regimen (depending on group assignment). Key Trial Design Features Dose Adjustments: Permitted during the trial based on patient tolerance. Discontinuation Criteria: Patients with disease progression during neoadjuvant therapy will cease study treatment and proceed to surgery or alternative therapies per local guidelines. Surgery may be initiated early if patients cannot tolerate the planned 6 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy. Patients receiving non-protocol anticancer therapies preoperatively will be withdrawn from the study. Postoperative Management: Post-treatment plans (e.g., continuation of mFOLFOX + Aimailang) are determined by the investigator. Control Group Restriction: Patients in the control arm are not permitted to self-administer citrus flavonoid tablets (Aimailang) during the trial. Any requirement for this medication must be discussed with the treating physician, who will decide on alternative therapies or trial withdrawal.

Short-Course Radiotherapy Combined With Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy in Mid-Low Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a new combination treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (cancer in the lower or middle part of the rectum that has not spread to distant organs). The study aims to increase the chance of making the tumor disappear completely (called "complete response") and improve the quality of life by increasing the rate of anal sphincter preservation (avoiding permanent colostomy bags). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the combination of short-course radiation therapy, two types of immunotherapy drugs (Qibeian and Aike), and chemotherapy (XELOX) increase the complete response rate to over 50%? Is this combination treatment safe, and what are the side effects? Can this treatment help more patients keep their anal function and avoid permanent stomas? This is a single-arm study, meaning all participants will receive the experimental treatment (there is no placebo or control group). Participants will: Receive short-course radiation therapy (25 Gy total, given once daily for 5 consecutive days). The radiation will target only the tumor and visible lymph nodes, intentionally avoiding unaffected lymph node areas to protect the immune system. Receive Qibei'an (a dual immunotherapy drug targeting both PD-1 and CTLA-4) once, 2 days after completing radiation. Receive Camrelizumab (a PD-1 immunotherapy drug) three times, combined with XELOX chemotherapy. Receive XELOX chemotherapy (Oxaliplatin ivgtt on Day 1, plus Capecitabine pills taken twice daily for 14 days, for each cycle) for up to 3 cycles. Undergo detailed assessments after treatment, including MRI scans, colonoscopy with biopsies, and blood tests (including ctDNA tests), to determine if the tumor has disappeared or if surgery is needed. Attend regular follow-up visits for up to 5 years after treatment (or surgery) to monitor for recurrence and assess quality of life. The study will enroll approximately 19 patients at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University. An independent safety monitoring board will regularly review the data to ensure participant safety.

The Impact of PReOPerative Exercise and NutritionaL Optimization on Perioperative Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Treatment for Rectal Cancer: The PROPEL Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of a prehabilitation program for participants diagnosed with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation, followed by surgical resection. The names of the groups in this research study are: * Group A: Prehabilitation program * Group B: Usual Care

Can Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy be Ommited in Mid-rectal Cancer

This project aims to compare the oncological and functional outcomes of patients with mid-rectal cancer who have a low risk of local recurrence (without MRF involvement) and who either receive or do not receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Main Question: H0: In mid-rectal cancer patients without MRF involvement (cT2N+ and cT3Nx), there is no difference in 3-year disease-free survival between direct TME and TME after nCRT. H1: In mid-rectal cancer patients without MRF involvement (cT2N+ and cT3Nx), direct TME is associated with worse 3-year disease-free survival compared to TME after nCRT. Participants already taking both interventions as part of their regular medical care for rectal cancer will be recruited in a prospective database for 5 years.

ctDNA Monitoring to Predict the Efficacy of TNT for Rectal Cancer

This is a prospective observational study with three primary objectives: Objective 1: Evaluate the detection rate and changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels in blood samples from colorectal cancer patients before, during, and after total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). Determine the detection rate and change of CtDNA in blood samples of cancer patients before, during, and after TNT then assess changes in ctDNA expression within the study population during treatment. * Determine the ctDNA positivity rate before treatment. * Determine the ctDNA positivity rate during TNT. * Determine the ctDNA positivity rate after TNT and assess ctDNA level changes during treatment. Objective 2: Investigate the relationship between ctDNA expression and MRI/CT scan imaging with the pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant therapy : * Correlation between ctDNA detection and pCR/TRG/NAR score. Calculate the Positive Prediction Value - PPV, Negative Prediction Value - NPV of ctDNA, * Correlation between MRI/CT scan imaging and pCR. Calculate the PPV and NPV of MRI/CT scan * Combination of ctDNA detection and MRI/CT scan imaging to predict pCR. Calculate the PPV and NPV of the combined markers. Objective 3: Evaluate the relationship between post-TNT ctDNA expression and disease-free survival in colorectal cancer patients.

The Effects of Neoadjuvant Tislelizumab Combined With Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced MSS Rectal Cancer

This study aims to elucidate the effects of neoadjuvant Tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy in locally advanced MSS rectal cancer.

TNT to Increase the Clinical Complete Response Rate for Distal LARC

This is a open-label, single-arm study to investigate the safety and efficacy of total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) in patients with locally advanced resectable rectal cancer.