Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Pencil beam proton therapy for recurrent anal cancer

Official title: ReRad III. Pencil Beam Proton Therapy for Recurrences in Anal Cancer Patients Previously Treated With Radiotherapy

Run by University of Aarhus · NCT05055635 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new type of proton therapy for people with recurrent anal cancer to see if it can help control the tumor better while causing fewer side effects.

More Anal Cancer trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment55 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aarhus N, Aarhus)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 7, 2021
Main results expectedJuly 6, 2027
Study endsJuly 6, 2030
Registry record updatedSeptember 24, 2021
Trial IDNCT05055635 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with bioptically verified recurrent anal squamous cell carcinoma who have previously received radiation therapy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with distant metastases or those unable to undergo necessary imaging studies or complete the treatment regimen may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of dose-escalated pencil beam proton therapy in patients with recurrent anal cancer who have previously undergone radiotherapy. The approach aims to improve local tumor control while minimizing side effects, using proton therapy either as a pre-operative treatment for marginally resectable cases or as a definitive treatment for those who are un-resectable or have declined surgery. Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma and meet specific eligibility criteria, including prior radiation exposure and adequate organ function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide improved local control of anal cancer recurrences with fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using proton therapy for other cancers have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in this context.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Recurrent anal cancer
* Bioptically verified (squamous cell carcinoma)
* Available dose plan from primary radiotherapy
* Previous RT (\>30Gy EQD2)
* Evaluated in MDT-conferences (Herlev, Aarhus)
* Age\>18 years
* PS 0-2
* Adequate organ function
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Distant metastases deemed without curative intended treatment options (PET-CT)
* Unable to undergo MRI, PET-CT
* Inability to attend full course radiotherapy and follow up in the outpatient clinic.

Where it's running

  • Danish Centre for Particle Therapy
    Aarhus N, Aarhus, Denmark
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  • Gynecological and sexual health after radiotherapy for anal cancer.

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    Recruiting at 3 sites Aarhus University Hospital · Aarhus and 2 other locations · NCT07296237

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.