Targeted optical biopsy for rectal cancer scars after treatment

Use of Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy to Perform Targeted Optical Biopsy for Local Rectal Scars in Rectal Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

NA · Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · NCT05316103

This study is testing a new way to take more accurate biopsies from rectal cancer patients after treatment to see if it helps doctors better understand how well the treatment worked.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05316103 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of probe-based confocal laser endoscopy (pCLE) to improve the accuracy of preoperative endoscopic biopsies in rectal cancer patients who have undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer will receive both traditional endoscopic biopsies and pCLE-targeted optical biopsies to evaluate local rectal scars. The goal is to enhance the concordance between clinical and pathologic complete responses, which currently stands at only 36%. By utilizing real-time histological examination, this approach aims to provide more reliable assessments of treatment response.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with locally advanced rectal cancer who have completed standard neoadjuvant therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have severe renal insufficiency, or have allergic constitutions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could lead to more accurate evaluations of treatment response in rectal cancer patients, potentially improving patient management and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of pCLE is a novel approach, similar studies in other cancer types have shown promising results in improving diagnostic accuracy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age from over 18 to under 80 years
2. American Society of Anesthesiology(ASA) score class I,II,or III
3. Locally advanced rectal cancer
4. Patient has completed standard neoadjuvant therapy
5. Expected surgical resection
6. Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or lactating women
2. Acute renal insufficiency or stage II to IV chronic renal insufficiency
3. Patients with allergic constitution

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, confocal laser endomicroscopy, optical biopsy

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.