Rectal Cancer Clinical Trials

Rectal cancer clinical trials allow researchers to study the immediate and long-term effects of promising new therapies. Through these trials, participants can gain access to innovative treatments before those treatments are made widely available for use in other settings. For instance, one recent study compared a new robotic surgery technique to a commonly recommended minimally invasive procedure, while another trial introduced a new drug into a standard rectal cancer chemotherapy plan. Participants were able to access these novel therapies under the care of their oncologists, working together to take a proactive approach to treatment. 

Most commonly, clinical trials compare a novel therapy to an existing one; this helps researchers determine which treatment is most effective or causes the fewest side effects. In other situations, rectal cancer clinical trials can be used to:

• Develop new diagnostic techniques or find other methods of improving early detection rates
• Evaluate various ways to reduce the chances of recurrence
• Improve quality of life outcomes during or after treatment
• Learn more about the various risk factors associated with the condition

Clinical trials for rectal cancer are a large part of Moffitt Cancer Center’s commitment to research. We conduct a wide range of scientific studies to help expand our range of treatment options and improve our patient outcomes, and many of our trials have led to significant breakthroughs in the field of colorectal cancer treatment. For our efforts, we have been named a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. We are the only such center based in Florida.

Patients who are interested in learning more about our rectal cancer clinical trials can call 1-813-745-6100 or 1-800-679-0775 (toll-free) or submit a clinical trials inquiry form online. Referrals are not required to participate.