Pencil beam proton therapy for recurrent rectal cancer

Pencil Beam Proton Therapy for Pelvic Recurrences in Rectal Cancer Patients Previously Treated With Radiotherapy

Phase 2 Interventional University of Aarhus · NCT04695782

This study is testing a special type of radiation therapy called pencil beam proton therapy to see if it can help people with recurrent rectal cancer who have already had radiation treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment65 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aarhus)
Trial IDNCT04695782 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II interventional study investigates the use of dose-escalated pencil beam proton therapy for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer who have previously undergone radiotherapy. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of re-irradiation as either a neo-adjuvant treatment or a definitive strategy for patients with un-resectable recurrences. Participants will receive proton therapy based on a tailored dose plan derived from their prior treatment. The study is observational and non-randomized, focusing on the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years with locally recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma who have previously received pelvic radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-resectable distant metastases or those unable to undergo necessary imaging studies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new option for patients with recurrent rectal cancer, potentially improving their outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While proton therapy is a well-established treatment modality, this specific approach to re-irradiation for recurrent rectal cancer is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Locally recurrent rectal cancer.

  * Bioptically verified (adenocarcinoma )
  * Available dose plan from primary radiotherapy
  * Previous pelvic RT (\>30Gy EQD2)
  * Evaluated in MDT-conferences (Herlev, Aarhus)
  * Age\>18 years
  * PS 0-2
  * Adequate organ function
  * Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-resectable distant metastases (PET-CT)
* Unable to undergo MRI, PET-CT
* Inability to attend full course radiotherapy and follow up in the out patient clinic.

Where this trial is running

Aarhus

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 Cancer Recurrent
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.