Combining immunotherapy with short-course radiotherapy for early rectal cancer

A Prospective Phase II Trial of Immunotherapy Combined With Short-course Radiotherapy in Early Low Rectal Cancer

Phase 2 Interventional Fudan University · NCT05555888

This study is testing if combining a type of immunotherapy with short radiation treatment can help people with early low rectal cancer have better outcomes after surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorFudan University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsimmunotherapy, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality)
Trial IDNCT05555888 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining PD-1 antibody immunotherapy with neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy in patients with early low rectal cancer. A total of 34 participants will undergo a regimen of 5 sessions of 5Gy radiotherapy, followed by 4 cycles of chemotherapy using capecitabine and oxaliplatin, and then proceed to surgical excision. The study aims to analyze the rates of complete response, organ retention, long-term prognosis, and any adverse effects resulting from the treatment combination.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 with confirmed adenocarcinoma of clinical stage T1-3bN0 and specific tumor characteristics.

Not a fit: Patients with signet ring cell carcinoma, those who can undergo local resection, or those with serious comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve treatment outcomes and organ preservation for patients with early rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy is being explored in various cancers, this specific approach in early rectal cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age 18-70 years old, female and male
2. pathological confirmed adenocarcinoma
3. clinical stage T1-3bN0, tumor maximum diameter less than 4cm
4. the distance from anal verge less than 5 cm
5. without distance metastases
6. KPS \>=70
7. with good compliance
8. microsatellite repair status is MSS/pMMR
9. without previous anti-cancer therapy or immunotherapy
10. signed the inform consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. pregnancy or breast-feeding women
2. pathological confirmed signet ring cell carcinoma
3. clinical stage T1N0 and can be resected locally
4. history of other malignancies within 5 years
5. serious medical illness, such as severe mental disorders, cardiac disease, uncontrolled infection, etc.
6. immunodeficiency disease or long-term using of immunosuppressive agents
7. baseline blood and biochemical indicators do not meet the following criteria: neutrophils≥1.5×10\^9/L, Hb≥90g/L, PLT≥100×10\^9/L, ALT/AST ≤2.5 ULN, Cr≤ 1 ULN
8. DPD deficiency
9. allergic to any component of the therapy

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality

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 Early Low Rectal Cancer
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.