Recruiting

Short radiation and chemotherapy treatment for middle or lower rectal cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT06162650 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a newer approach called total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for rectal cancer. The treatment combines short-course radiation therapy — delivered over just 8 days — followed by 9 cycles of chemotherapy using . The goal is to see if this combination can be effective and manageable for people with stage II or III rectal cancer.

Standard rectal cancer treatment typically involves radiation and chemotherapy given together, or in a different sequence. This trial is investigating whether giving short, intense radiation first — followed by chemotherapy — might improve outcomes and reduce side effects compared to older approaches.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (a type of cancer) in the middle or lower rectum
your cancer is stage II or III with no spread to distant organs
you have never received chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery for rectal cancer
you are at least 20 years old and in good enough health to tolerate treatment
you have adequate organ function (normal blood counts, liver, and kidney function)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have recurrent rectal cancer (cancer that has come back)
you have had prior radiation to the pelvis or another active cancer
you have a serious heart condition, recent heart attack, or stroke within the past 6 months
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to use birth control during the study
you have a known severe allergic reaction to oxaliplatin or a genetic enzyme deficiency called DPD deficiency

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will first receive radiation therapy — 5 treatments over about 8 days. After that, you will receive 9 cycles of chemotherapy (), given intravenously. The study will track you during treatment and for 5 years afterward to monitor how well the treatment works and what side effects occur. All treatment and follow-up care will take place at National Cheng Kung University Hospital.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 18, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Taiwan

National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan