Rectal Cancer Clinical Trials

Enrolled patients will receive upfront (week 1) short-course radiotherapy to gross pelvic disease (25Gy in 5fx) in combination with AB928 (150 mg orally, once daily as part of a continuous dose regimen). This will be followed by consolidation chemotherapy (weeks 3-20) with mFOLFOX x9 cycles in combination with AB928 and AB122. Read Less

The Multi-OutcoMe EvaluatioN of radiation Therapy Using the Unity MR-Linac Study (MOMENTUM) is a multi-institutional, international registry facilitating evidenced based implementation of the Unity MR-Linac technology and further technical development of the MR-Linac system with the ultimate purpose to improve patients' survival, local, and regional tumor control and quality of life. Read Less

This trial (molecular characterization trial) focuses on rectal cancer, a common cancer that is treated with radiotherapy (RT) as standard of care and represents a setting in which to study the effects of RT on the immune system. Read Less

Patients with digestive tract malignancy often experience severe and unremitting abdominal pain that negatively affects physical, emotional, and social function, as well as health related quality of life (HRQOL). Therapeutic virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising and evidence-based treatment modality for cancer pain. Users of VR wear a pair of goggles with a close-proximity screen in front of the eyes that creates a sensation of being transported into lifelike, three-dimensional worlds. To date, VR has been limited to short-term clinical trials for cancer pain. Moreover, limited research exists on theory-based VR modalities beyond mere distraction, such as VR that employs acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with components of biofeedback and mindfulness. To bridge these gaps, this study seeks to: (1) assess the impact of immersive VR on patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including pain, activity metrics, and opioid use among patients with visceral pain from a digestive tract malignancy; (2) assess differences in PROs, activity metrics, and opioid use between skills-based VR therapy vs. distraction VR therapy; and (3) determine patient-level predictors of VR treatment response in visceral cancer pain. To address these aims, the study will measure PROs and opioid use in 360 patients randomized among 3 groups and follow them for 60 days after enrollment: (1) an enhanced VR group receiving skills-based VR; (2) a distraction-based VR group receiving patient-selected VR videos; and (3) a VR sham control group using a VR headset with 2-D content. The results will inform best practices for the implementation of VR for visceral cancer pain management and guide selection of patient-tailored experiences. Read Less

A significant racial disparity in the incidence and mortality of CRC exists in the U.S. with African Americans having CRC incidence and mortality rates that are 20% and 40% higher than the general U.S. population. It has been demonstrated that the gut microbiome impacts tumor development and progression through multiple mechanisms, including impacting the tumoral immune response. However, it is unknown if microbiome modulating treatment can have an impact on CRC outcomes. Read Less

This is an observational research study. Patients with rectal cancer can choose different courses of treatment. This study will follow these patients over the course of approximately six years, depending on their treatment. Patients will be monitored through clinic visits and survey assessments to see how they do, how they feel regarding their treatment choices, and their outcomes. The surveys will analyze the impact of the patients' treatment choices, as well as patient adherence, in a rural setting. Read Less

The primary objective of this prospective observational study is to characterize the gut and oral microbiome as well as the whole blood transcriptome in gastrointestinal cancer patients and correlate these findings with cancer type, treatment efficacy and toxicity. Participants will be recruited from existing clinical sites only, no additional clinical sites are needed. Read Less

The current standard of care for rectal cancer has diminished local recurrence and enhanced survival. Quality of life, however, remains poor for many patients and the probability of distant recurrence is high. In this study, we will attempt to reduce the distant recurrence rate and improve quality of life by making changes in the timing and administration of chemotherapy and radiation and doing less invasive rectal surgery when indicated. Read Less

After undergoing restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer, many patients are left with significant bowel dysfunction, known as Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). Increased LARS severity correlates with worse perceived global health status and quality of life (QoL). Among patients undergoing rectal resection with a permanent ostomy, there is evidence that supportive and educational interventions improve QoL, ostomy proficiency, self-efficacy and knowledge. However, evidence regarding the impact of such interventions in patients who undergo restorative proctectomy is lacking, despite the latter operation being far more frequently performed. The overall goal of this study is to evaluate the extent to which a LARS Patient-Centered Program impacts on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer. This is a randomized-controlled muticenter trial that will include patients who have undergone restorative proctectomy for neoplastic disease (benign or malignant) located in the rectum (0-15cm from the anal verge) with a diverting ostomy and who are scheduled for ostomy closure. Read Less