Precision medicine approach for treating rectal cancer

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

Not applicable Interventional Helsinki University Central Hospital · NCT04842006

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment93 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorHelsinki University Central Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Helsinki, Uusimaa and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04842006 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients with deficient mismatch repair status or contraindications to the required treatments will not benefit from this study.

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Helsinki, Uusimaa and 1 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 Colorectal Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.