Organ-preserving approach for rectal cancer after preoperative therapy

Organ-preserving Management in Patients With Complete or Near-complete Tumour Response After Preoperative Radio(Chemo)Therapy for Rectal Cancer

Observational Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology · NCT04095468

This study is trying to see if a watch-and-wait approach can help patients with rectal cancer keep their organs after treatment if their tumors respond well to pre-surgery therapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment215 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMaria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations7 sites (Warsaw, Mazovian and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04095468 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effectiveness of a watch-and-wait strategy for patients with rectal cancer who achieve a complete or near-complete tumor response following preoperative radio(chemo)therapy. It aims to define the proportion of patients experiencing clinical complete response (cCR) and identify predictive factors for cCR, particularly in cases of larger tumors. The study will involve a population-based cohort of patients with low rectal cancer, focusing on those who consent to the watch-and-wait approach or local excision. By analyzing outcomes, the study seeks to clarify the potential for organ preservation in rectal cancer treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with primary low rectal cancer who have undergone routine preoperative radio(chemo)therapy and consent to a watch-and-wait strategy.

Not a fit: Patients with recurrent cancer, upper rectal tumors, or distant metastases are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to less invasive treatment options and improved quality of life for rectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar watch-and-wait strategies in rectal cancer, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary rectal cancer
* Low tumour (accessible by digital rectal examination)
* Routine preoperative radio(chemo)therapy according to the institutional policy; short-course radiation and immediate surgery is not allowed.
* Informed consent for watch-and-wait strategy or local excision in patients with cCR and near-cCR

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recurrent cancer
* Cancers situated in the upper rectum
* Distant metastases

Where this trial is running

Warsaw, Mazovian and 6 other locations

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 NeoplasmsRectal Cancerrectal cancerpreoperative radiotherapyorgan preservationwatch-and-wait
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.