Plain-English translation of NCT03874559 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Researchers are studying special particles called exosomes that circulate in your blood to see if they can predict how well rectal cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This trial collects small blood samples at different points during and after your treatment, then analyzes them to understand whether these particles can help doctors predict your treatment outcome.
Currently, doctors cannot easily predict which rectal cancer patients will respond best to chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. By studying these blood markers, researchers hope to find a simple test that could help personalize treatment plans and improve outcomes.
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You will have five blood draws: one before starting treatment, every two weeks during your radiation therapy (which lasts about 5–6 weeks), once on your last day of radiation, once at your one-month follow-up visit, and once within a month after your surgery. Each blood draw is less than 50 milliliters (about 3 tablespoons). The study team will also review your medical records, imaging reports, and pathology results to correlate the blood findings with your treatment response.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 11, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of Kansas Medical Center
Enrollment target
~30 participants
Started
February 2018
Primary completion
February 2027
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in May 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Leah K Miller, MS
University of Kansas Medical Center
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.