New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, affecting about 150,000 people each year. Treatment typically combines surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, with the approach depending on how far the cancer has spread. Recent advances include immunotherapy for tumors with certain genetic markers and targeted drugs that attack specific mutations.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing immunotherapy combinations for tumors with mismatch repair deficiencies, KRAS inhibitors for previously untargetable mutations, antibody-drug conjugates that deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, and minimal-residual-disease testing to guide post-surgery treatment. Studies also focus on less invasive approaches for early-stage rectal cancer and on preventing cancer in people with inherited risks.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on cancer stage, prior treatments, specific mutations like KRAS or mismatch repair status, and overall health.

What types of trials are currently open

• Treatment trials — Testing new chemotherapy combinations, targeted drugs, or immunotherapy to shrink tumors or prevent spread. These often compare a new drug added to standard treatment versus standard treatment alone.
• Minimal residual disease trials — Using blood tests to detect microscopic cancer after surgery and testing whether chemotherapy based on these results improves survival.
• Immunotherapy trials — Testing checkpoint inhibitors and other immune treatments, especially for tumors with mismatch repair deficiencies or high mutation burden.
• Prevention trials — Testing whether drugs, diet changes, or screening approaches can prevent colorectal cancer in people at high risk due to polyps or family history.
• Surgical approach trials — Comparing different surgical techniques or testing whether some people can avoid surgery entirely after other treatments work well.