Targeted therapy for advanced rectal cancer with HER2 amplification

Neoadjuvant Tucatinib plus Trastuzumab in HER2-amplified Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11042258

This study is testing a new way to treat patients with a specific type of rectal cancer by using targeted medicines before the usual chemotherapy and surgery, hoping to shrink tumors and make treatment easier with fewer side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042258 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment approach for patients with HER2-amplified locally advanced rectal cancer. It aims to use a biomarker-driven strategy to provide targeted therapy with tucatinib and trastuzumab before traditional treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. Patients will receive this targeted therapy for six weeks, followed by additional chemotherapy, with the goal of reducing the need for surgery and radiation, which can have significant side effects. The study is designed to assess how well this approach works in shrinking tumors and improving patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HER2-amplified locally advanced rectal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with rectal cancer that does not have HER2 amplification or those with other types of rectal cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options that minimize the need for invasive surgeries and reduce treatment-related complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar biomarker-driven approaches in treating other types of rectal cancer, indicating potential for success in this study.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.