Using AI and MRI to predict treatment response in advanced rectal cancer

Predicting the Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Using an AI Platform Based on Multi-parametric MRI

Observational Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT05523245

This study is testing if a new AI tool using MRI scans can help doctors predict how well treatment will work for people with advanced rectal cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1700 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations4 sites (Guangzhou, Guangdong and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05523245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a deep learning model that utilizes multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. By combining dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging with conventional MRI, the study seeks to create a robust model for assessing treatment response and compare it with traditional MRI diagnostic methods. The ultimate goal is to accurately evaluate patients' complete response to treatment and enhance clinical decision-making.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-70 with pathologically confirmed locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma who have undergone preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with poor MRI image quality, previous treatments for rectal cancer, or those with other significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized treatment plans for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing AI and imaging techniques have shown promise in predicting treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical suspicion or colonoscopic pathology of rectal cancer
* Age over 18 years
* Informed consent and signed informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Poor magnetic resonance image quality, such as severe artifacts
* Previous treatment for rectal cancer
* History or combination of other malignant tumours
* Not Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (LARC)
* Not received neoadjuvant therapy or not completed neoadjuvant therapy
* No surgery
* Time interval between MRI and surgery was more than 2 weeks
* Patients were lost to follow-up and voluntarily withdrew from the study due to adverse reactions or other reasons

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong and 3 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 Rectal Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.