Combining PD-1 antibody with chemoradiotherapy for rectal squamous cell carcinoma

Radical Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy With DDP/5-FU and PD-1 Antibody for Newly Diagnosed Non-metastatic Rectal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multicenter, Prospective, Single Arm, Phase II Study(RICH).

Phase 2 Interventional Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT06364384

This study is testing if adding a PD-1 antibody to standard chemotherapy and radiation can help people with non-metastatic rectal squamous cell carcinoma live longer and have better treatment results.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, sintlimab
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT06364384 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combining a PD-1 monoclonal antibody with radical chemoradiotherapy in treating non-metastatic rectal squamous cell carcinoma (rSCC). Participants will receive a treatment regimen that includes chemotherapy with DDP and 5-FU, along with immunotherapy and radiotherapy. The study will assess survival outcomes and complete response rates compared to previous treatments. It is a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, phase II study designed to gather more data on this rare cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with pathologically confirmed non-metastatic rectal squamous cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other malignant tumors or those who have previously received treatment for rectal squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve survival rates for patients with rectal squamous cell carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Voluntarily sign the informed consent;
2. 18-75 years old;
3. Patients with pathologically confirmed rectal squamous cell carcinoma;
4. imaging to rule out distant metastases;
5. Peripheral blood and liver and kidney function before treatment within the following allowable limits (tested within 14 days before the start of treatment)

   1. White blood cell (WBC) ≥ 3.0×109/L or neutrophil (ANC) ≥1.5×109/L;
   2. Hemoglobin (HGB) ≥80 g/L;
   3. Platelets (PLT) ≥ 100×109/L;
   4. Hepatic transaminases (AST/ALT) \< 3.0 times the upper limit of the normal range;
   5. Total bilirubin (TBIL) \< 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range;
   6. Creatinine (CREAT) \< 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range.
6. ECOG performance status score of 0-2;
7. No history of other malignant tumors in the past.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Non-treatment-naïve patients who have previously received chemotherapy, radiotherapy or complete surgical resection of rectal squamous cell carcinoma;
2. Distant metastases (M1) confirmed by whole-body CT, MR, or PET-CT (including at least the chest, abdomen, and pelvis);
3. Previous or concurrent presence of other active malignancies (except for malignant tumors that have received curative therapy and have been disease-free for more than 3 years or carcinoma in situ that can be cured by adequate treatment);
4. Major surgery such as laparotomy, thoracotomy, resection of organs by laparoscopic surgery or severe trauma within the past 4 weeks (the surgical incision should be completely healed before randomization);
5. Active coronary artery disease, severe/unstable angina pectoris or newly diagnosed angina pectoris or myocardial infarction within 12 months prior to enrollment in the study;
6. Thrombotic or embolic events such as cerebrovascular accident (including transient ischemic attack), pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis within the past 6 months;
7. New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II or above congestive heart failure;
8. Prior receipt of any investigational drug;
9. Pregnant or lactating women;
10. Any medical condition that is unstable or would affect patient safety and their compliance with the study;
11. Patients judged by the investigator to be unsuitable to participate in this clinical trial.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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 Rectal Squamous Cell CarcinomaPD-1Chemoradiotherapy
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.