Evaluating tumor regression in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy using advanced imaging techniques

Research Focused on Developing and Assessing a Non-intrusive Diagnostic Approach for Grading Tumor Regression Post-neoadjuvant Treatment in Rectal Cancer, Utilizing 18F-FAPI in Conjunction With FDG PET/MR Imaging.

Observational Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University · NCT06318234

This study is testing a new imaging method to see how well treatment has worked for people with advanced rectal cancer after they receive therapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDaping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Chongqing)
Trial IDNCT06318234 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to assess the effectiveness of 18F-FAPI combined with 18F-FDG PET/MRI imaging in evaluating the grading of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with advanced rectal cancer. The study involves a correlation analysis of tumor regression with the expression levels of FAP and GLUT1 in postoperative specimens. Additionally, a diagnostic model will be constructed to predict the degree of tumor regression based on imaging and histopathological data. The goal is to provide a quantitative assessment that can guide treatment decisions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with pathologically confirmed advanced rectal adenocarcinoma who have not received prior chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, autoimmune diseases, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of tumor regression evaluations, leading to better treatment planning for rectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of PET/MRI imaging in cancer evaluation is established, the specific combination of 18F-FAPI and 18F-FDG for rectal cancer regression grading is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pathologically confirmed as rectal adenocarcinoma, with baseline clinical staging of T3\~4 and/or N+;
* No distant metastasis;
* Not receiving chemotherapy or any other anti-tumor treatment before enrollment;
* Has not received immunotherapy before enrollment and is able to adhere to the protocol during the study period (neoadjuvant therapy of short-term radiotherapy sequential chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy);
* After neoadjuvant therapy, 18F-FAPI and 18F-FDG PET/MRI imaging were performed within 7 days before surgery, and the two scans were collected over two days;
* Patient age ≥ 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or lactating patients;
* Patients with severe heart disease in clinical practice;
* Organ transplantation requires immunosuppressive therapy and long-term use of hormone therapy;
* Patients with autoimmune diseases;
* Serious uncontrolled recurrent infections or other serious uncontrolled comorbidities;
* The imaging quality is poor and cannot be used for diagnosis and evaluation;
* Fasting blood glucose levels are higher than 11.1 mmol/L;
* Patients with contraindications for MRI examination.

Where this trial is running

Chongqing

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 cancerImmunotherapyNew assistanceEfficacy evaluation18F-FAPI18F-FDGPET/MRI
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.