Testing a new chemotherapy combination for advanced bowel cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT06540326 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated August 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 whether liposomal irinotecan, a newer form of a chemotherapy drug combined with and either or , can help people with advanced colorectal cancer whose cancer didn't respond to their first treatment. Liposomal irinotecan is designed to deliver the chemotherapy more effectively to cancer cells while causing fewer side effects than the standard form. Researchers want to see if this medication combination works better and is safer than what's currently recommended.

Currently, doctors recommend a chemotherapy combination called FOLFIRI paired with or for people in your situation. However, the newer liposomal form of irinotecan may work better and cause fewer side effects than the standard version. This trial explores whether using this newer formulation can improve outcomes for patients like you.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 75 years old
you have been diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the colon or rectum)
your cancer did not respond to one prior chemotherapy treatment
you are in good enough health to tolerate chemotherapy (ECOG performance status 0 or 1)
you have a life expectancy of at least 3 months
you have measurable tumors that can be tracked by imaging scans

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received radiation therapy to the area with measurable tumors within the past 4 weeks
you have untreated cancer that has spread to your brain or the lining around your spinal cord
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to use effective contraception during and for 3 months after the trial
your liver, kidney, or blood cell counts are not healthy enough for chemotherapy
you have received certain blood-boosting medications or cell growth factor treatments within 2 weeks before starting the trial

What participation looks like

You will receive the new chemotherapy combination in an initial treatment phase, then continue with a maintenance phase using the medication with either an additional drug or a different chemotherapy tablet. You will attend regular visits for blood tests and scans to monitor how well the treatment is working and check for side effects. The trial involves about 100 people total across the study site, and your doctor will work with you to manage any side effects and adjust your treatment as needed.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 11, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

The second affiliated hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang