Comparing two surgical approaches for low rectal cancer treatment

Total Mesorectal Excision(TME) With Lateral Lymph Node Dissection Versus TME After Neoadjuvant Chemo-radiotherapy of Lower Rectal Cancer With Suspected Local Lymph Node Metastasis

Not applicable Interventional Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT03587480

This study is testing whether a combination of two surgical methods for low rectal cancer works better than just one after patients have received chemotherapy and radiation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT03587480 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of two treatment strategies for low rectal cancer with regional lymph node metastasis: Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) combined with Lateral Lymph Node Dissection (LLND) versus TME alone following Neoadjuvant Chemo-radiotherapy (nCRT). The study addresses significant differences in treatment guidelines between Japanese and Western medical practices. By enrolling patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma, the trial will provide high-level clinical evidence to inform treatment decisions for this condition. The outcomes will help clarify the best surgical approach for patients with suspected local lymph node metastasis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the rectum at clinical stage III, capable of undergoing radical resection.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, or those with advanced local tumor invasion may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and survival rates for patients with low rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While there are differing guidelines, this trial is designed to provide direct comparative evidence, making it a novel approach in the context of existing literature.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma(below the peritoneal reflection) Clinical stage Ⅲ
2. Tumor is capable of performing radical recession
3. No past history of chemotherapy, pelvic radiation of other cancers.
4. Written informed consent
5. Lower tumor margin is confirmed below the peritoneal reflection
6. Clinical state T(1-3)N(1-2)M0 is confirmed by the multiple disciplines team(MDT) including surgeons,diagnostic radiologist,radiation oncologist and medical oncologists base on MRI and endorectal ultrasound -

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Past history of other cancers
2. Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancers or Familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP)
3. Combine with inflammatory bowl disease(IBD)
4. Recurrence tumor or invade other organs
5. Combine with obstruction,perforation or bleeding which need emergency surgery.
6. Local tumor invade the external sphincter, levator ani muscle or adjacent organs
7. Participant join other clinical trials in 4 weeks.
8. American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) ≥Ⅳ and/or Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG) ≤2
9. Pregnant or lactating patients
10. Severity infection before operation
11. Psychological disorder
12. Severe dysfunction of organs or other contraindications
13. Cardiac infarction within six months
14. Severe pulmonary emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis
15. Doctor's decision for exclusion
16. Operative findings:

Tumor invade other organs Lower tumor margin is above the peritoneal reflection

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 Neoplasm MalignantLow rectal cancerTotal Mesorectal Excisionneoadjuvant Chemo-radiotherapylateral lymph node dissection
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.