MRI-guided radiotherapy for rectal cancer treatment

Total Neoadjuvant Treatment of Rectal Cancer by MRI-guided Radiotherapy: a Prospective Observational Study

Observational Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · NCT05916040

This study is testing a new type of targeted radiation therapy for people with locally advanced rectal cancer to see if it helps them respond better to treatment and live healthier lives.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Jette, Brussels Capital)
Trial IDNCT05916040 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The TNTRect trial is a prospective observational study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of MR-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Participants will receive a hypofractionated treatment consisting of 5 daily sessions of 5 Gy, with a simultaneous integrated boost to the tumor. The study will assess patient responses through endoscopy, MRI, and pathology reports, while also measuring local control, disease-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life. The goal is to enhance the complete clinical response rate and promote organ-preserving treatment options.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who are fit for radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with unresectable metastatic disease or poor performance status may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using MR-guided radiotherapy have shown promising results in other cancer types.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Locally advanced rectal cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with unresectable metastatic disease at diagnosis
* Patients with an ECOG performance status \> 2
* Patients not deemed fit for radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery

Where this trial is running

Jette, Brussels Capital

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 CancerRadiation therapyMR-guided radiotherapyStereotactic body radiotherapyTotal Neo-adjuvant Treatment
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.