Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Underwater Mucosal Resection vs. Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Small Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors

Official title: Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for the Treatment of Small Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Prospective, Multicenter, Non-inferiority Trial

Run by Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · NCT07759960 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether underwater endoscopic mucosal resection can match or beat endoscopic submucosal dissection for removing small rectal neuroendocrine tumors in adults.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment174 (estimated)
SponsorNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 14, 2026
Main results expectedOctober 2029
Study endsDecember 2029
Registry record updatedAugust 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT07759960 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18–75 with suspected or confirmed rectal NET up to 10 mm, suitable for either UEMR or ESD, and able to provide informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with larger tumors, lymph node or distant metastasis, or who cannot tolerate endoscopic procedures may not benefit from this trial.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, multicenter, non-inferiority randomized trial comparing two endoscopic techniques for treating small rectal neuroendocrine tumors. Ten centers in China will enroll eligible adults with rectal NETs measuring 10 mm or less and randomize them to UEMR or ESD. The study will assess efficacy and safety outcomes to determine if UEMR is non-inferior to ESD. Results could inform best-practice guidelines for minimally invasive treatment of small rectal NETs.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may benefit from a simpler or safer endoscopic option with comparable tumor removal effectiveness.

How similar studies have gone: Prior reports show both UEMR and ESD can treat small rectal NETs, but direct comparative proof is limited, making this trial novel in its non-inferiority design.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age from 18 to 75 years;
2. With a high suspicion or evidence of rectal NET assessed using EUS, CT scan or colonoscopy;
3. With tumor size ≤10 mm assessed by colonoscopy or EUS;
4. Plan to receive UEMR or ESD treatment and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unable to tolerate ESD or UEMR as assessed by the research team;
2. Complicated with serious diseases such as malignant tumor, which may lead to shorter life expectancy, the research team considers that it is not suitable for inclusion in the study after comprehensive evaluation;
3. Rectal NET with lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis;
4. Received resection of rectal neuroendocrine tumor by other surgical procedures;
5. Multiple rectal neuroendocrine tumors;
6. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women or patients with mental disorders;
7. Poor compliance, unable to cooperate with treatment.

Where it's running

  • Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
    Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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.