Plain-English translation of NCT04245683 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This trial is studying whether some patients with rectal cancer can safely skip surgery after receiving chemotherapy and radiation, if their cancer completely disappears. Researchers want to learn whether this approach works well in rural communities and how it affects patients' quality of life compared to having surgery.
Surgery for rectal cancer can cause lasting side effects like changes in bowel function and sexual function. Early research from major hospitals suggests that patients whose cancer fully responds to chemotherapy may not need surgery and can do just as well with careful monitoring instead—but this approach hasn't been studied in rural areas yet.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You will first receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy (the standard initial treatment). Then you will choose to either have surgery or enter a close monitoring program with regular doctor visits, imaging scans, and blood tests to watch for any signs of cancer returning. The study team will ask you about your quality of life and how the treatment affects you at multiple points during and after your care.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 14, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Bassett Healthcare
Enrollment target
~50 participants
Started
February 2020
Primary completion
February 2027
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in March 2023.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Jennifer Victory, RN
Bassett Healthcare
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.