Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 100

Precision medicine approach for treating rectal cancer

Official title: Systemic Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Control by Precision Medicine in Rectal Cancer (SYNCOPE) - Approach on High-risk Group to Reduce Metastases

Run by Helsinki University Central Hospital · NCT04842006 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new personalized approach to treat rectal cancer to see if it works better than standard treatments in helping patients get the best care.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
Enrollment93 (estimated)
SponsorHelsinki University Central Hospital
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Helsinki, Uusimaa and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 20, 2021
Main results expectedAugust 31, 2028
Study endsDecember 31, 2031
Registry record updatedMarch 6, 2023
Trial IDNCT04842006 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma who have a WHO performance status of 0-1 and require radiotherapy or long chemoradiotherapy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with deficient mismatch repair status or contraindications to the required treatments will 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 focuses on improving treatment outcomes for patients with rectal cancer by utilizing precision medicine techniques. It aims to compare the effectiveness of novel precision methods against conventional treatment approaches in selecting the appropriate therapy for patients. The study will involve total neoadjuvant therapy, minimal residual disease assessment, and long radiation therapy to optimize treatment decisions. By characterizing the primary tumor status before surgery, the trial seeks to reduce the risk of over-treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for rectal cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies utilizing precision medicine in cancer treatment have shown promising results, indicating potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. rectal adenocarcinoma,
2. World Health Organization (WHO) performance status 0-1, assessed by the MDT to be able to undergo capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) treatment, 3) extramural vein invasion by magnetic resonance imaging (mrEMVI+) and

4\) assessed by the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to require either radiotherapy (RT) or long chemoradiotherapy (CRT) by the current standards.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. deficient mismatch repair (MMR) status,
2. non-dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) genotype,
3. a contraindication to capecitabine, oxaliplatin or RT, or
4. failing in blood tests that describe the adequate circulatory, liver and kidney function for chemotherapy.

Where it's running

  • Helsinki University Central Hospital
    Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
    Recruiting
  • Tampere University Hospital
    Tampere, Finland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Toni T Seppala, MD, PhD — Tampere University Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Toni T Seppala, MD, PhD
  • Email: toni.seppala@tuni.fi
  • Phone: +358444722846

Similar studies

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

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.