Combining TAS-102 chemotherapy with radiotherapy for advanced rectal cancer

A Single-arm, Phase II Clinical Trial to Treat Locally Advanced, pMMR Rectal Cancer With Single-agent Trifluridine/Tipiracil Chemotherapy Plus Neoadjuvant Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy

Phase 2 Interventional Sun Yat-sen University · NCT05965531

This study is testing if combining a specific chemotherapy drug with radiation can help people with advanced rectal cancer have better treatment results and fewer side effects.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment65 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-sen University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05965531 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Trifluridine/Tipiracil (TAS-102) in combination with neoadjuvant radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Participants will receive one cycle of TAS-102 alongside intensity-modulated radiotherapy, followed by radical surgery for those eligible for R0 resection. After surgery, patients will undergo six cycles of adjuvant XELOX chemotherapy. The study seeks to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing the toxicities associated with traditional chemotherapy regimens.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 75 with pathologically diagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma at specific clinical stages and good performance status.

Not a fit: Patients with inguinal lymph node metastasis, severe organ dysfunction, or prior malignancies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective and better-tolerated treatment option for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with TAS-102 in metastatic colorectal cancer, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pathologically diagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma via biopsy
* Pretreatment clinical TNM stage as T3-4N0M0 or T1-4N1-2M0 (UICC TNM staging classification, version 8)
* Tumor with proficient DNA mismatch repair confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis
* Age between 18 and 75 years old
* Karnofsky performance score ≥ 70
* Distance from tumor lower margin to anal verge \< 12 cm

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inguinal lymph node metastasis
* Multiple primary colorectal cancer
* Complete obstruction or perforation
* Uncontrolled tuberculosis, AIDS or mental diseases
* Severe cardiac, renal, hepatic or hematopoietic dysfunctions unsuitable for chemotherapy or radiotherapy
* Prior history of other malignancies with 5 years, except cured cervical carcinoma in situ and skin basal cell carcinoma
* Prior history of rectal surgery, pelvic radiotherapy or chemotherapy
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Other situations for which the investigators consider a patient inappropriate to participate

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 Cancerrectal cancerTrifluridine/Tipiracilradiotherapy
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.