New treatment approach for advanced rectal cancer

Single Arm and Phase II Clinical Trial of a Sandwich Regimen as XELOX Regimen and Capecitabine Alternate Administration Combined With Preoperative Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for pMMR Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

PHASE2 · Sun Yat-sen University · NCT05228431

This study is testing a new treatment plan for people with advanced rectal cancer to see if a gentler approach can still be effective while causing fewer side effects.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment121 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-sen University (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05228431 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates a modified sandwich therapeutic regimen for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The study aims to optimize the treatment by reducing the intensity of postoperative chemotherapy while still utilizing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The goal is to improve both short-term and long-term efficacy while minimizing the side effects associated with traditional treatment methods. Participants will receive a combination of XELOX, Capecitabine monotherapy, and radiation as part of their treatment plan.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 75 with confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma at clinical stage T3-4 or T any N1 without metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple primary tumors or those experiencing cachexia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While traditional approaches have been used, this modified regimen represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Pathological confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma.

Clinical stage T3-4 or T any N1.With or without MRF positivity, with or without EMVI positivity, R0 resection is estimated.

No metastasis

No signs of intestinal obstruction; or intestinal obstruction has been relieved after proximal colostomy surgery.

Age ranged from 18 to 75

No previous radiotherapy,surgery and chemotherapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

Multiple primary tumor

Cachexy

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Advanced Rectal Cancer, Rectal cancer, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, optimization

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.