Assessing treatment response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

Planning Adaptive Treatment by Longitudinal Response Assessment Implementing MR Imaging, Liquid Biopsy and Analysis of Microenvironment During Neoadjuvant Treatment of Rectal Cancer (PRIMO)

Observational Jena University Hospital · NCT05524012

This study is testing if early MRI scans and blood tests can help doctors see how well treatment is working for people with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJena University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Jena)
Trial IDNCT05524012 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study focuses on evaluating the early response of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Participants will undergo multiple multiparametric MRI scans and blood tests to analyze circulating tumor cells and other histologic markers. The goal is to develop a non-invasive model for predicting treatment response, which may allow for therapy adaptations based on individual patient responses. The study will include a total of 50 patients and aims to assess tumor regression grading as the primary endpoint.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer (UICC Stage II/III) who meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiac or lung diseases, significant hepatic or renal disorders, or those with contraindications for MRI may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using multimodal approaches for treatment response assessment, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC): UICC Stage II/III
* no severe cardiac or lung disease
* no severe hepatic disorders (liver enzymes \<2.5 NR) or restrictions of renal function (GFR \> 30ml/min)
* no severe cytopenia (Neutrocytes \>= 3 Gpt/l; Thrombocytes \>= 100 Gpt/l; Hemoglobin \>6mmol/l)
* no homozygotic DPD deficiency
* no other neoplasms requiring therapy
* no earlier radiotherapy of the pelvis or earlier chemotherapy
* no contraindications for MRI

Where this trial is running

Jena

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Locally Advanced Rectal CarcinomaNeoadjuvant TreatmentRadiotherapyAdaptive Treatmenttotal neoadjuvant therapyT2* MRIcirculating tumor cellstumor infiltrating lymphocytes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.