Surgery for rectal cancer after chemotherapy and radiation

Randomized Trial of Sphincter-Preserving Surgery With Proximally Extended Resection Margin on Bowel Function and Anastomotic Complication for Rectal Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

NA · Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT02649647

This study is testing a new type of surgery for rectal cancer patients who have had chemotherapy and radiation to see if it helps them have better bowel function and fewer complications after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT02649647 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of proximally extended resection compared to conventional resection in patients with rectal cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The study aims to determine whether this surgical approach can improve postoperative bowel function and reduce complications such as anastomotic leakage. Eligible participants include adults aged 18-75 with specific tumor characteristics and no evidence of distant metastasis. The trial is conducted at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and involves collaboration with other prominent medical institutions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with locally advanced rectal cancer who are undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and are suitable for sphincter-preserving surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with prior colorectal resections, distant metastasis, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance bowel function and reduce complications for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgery after chemoradiotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of proximally extended resection is novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving surgical outcomes for rectal cancer patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: 18-75 years old
* ECOG performance status: 0-2
* Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the rectum
* Distal border of the tumor located ≤ 12 cm from the anal verge
* Primary stage T3-4 or any node-positive disease
* Undergoing long-course 5-fluorouracil based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
* Conventional fractionated radiotherapy of at least 45 Gy
* Resectable disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
* No evidence of distant metastasis
* Amenable to sphincter-preserving surgery
* Tolerable to general anesthesia
* Provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior or concurrent malignancies within the past 5 years except for effectively treated squamous cell or basal cell skin cancer, melanoma in situ, or carcinoma in situ of the cervix
* Synchronous colon cancer
* History of colorectal resection except appendectomy
* Acute intestinal obstruction or perforation
* Multiple visceral resection
* Abdominoperineal resection
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class Ⅳ or Ⅴ
* Pregnant or nursing, fertile patients do not use effective contraception
* Serious cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled infections, or other serious uncontrolled concomitant disease
* Psychological, familial, sociological, or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rectal Cancer, Rectal cancer, Neoadjuvant therapy, Chemoradiotherapy, Resection margin, Bowel function, Anastomosis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.