Recently activated, the CCTG CO32 rectal cancer trial testing chemotherapy with radiotherapy

The CCTG CO32 clinical trial testing chemotherapy alone versus chemotherapy plus radiotherapy prior to limited surgery for early rectal cancer has initiate in Canada. 

The purpose of this study is to compare the usual approach to using a more intense combination chemotherapy treatment followed by limited surgery removing radiation. This study is being done to find out if this approach is better or worse than the usual approach for early rectal cancer. The usual approach for patients who are not in a study is surgery to remove the rectum or treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, followed by surgery. If a patient decides to take part in this study, they will either get a combination of chemotherapy or some will get chemotherapy with radiation therapy. Researchers believe that by skipping radiation it may improve the quality of life for patients and be equally effective at shrinking or stabilizing their cancer and improving quality of life. 

"As a rectal cancer survivor, I'm encouraged by this trial’s focus on improving quality of life while maintaining treatment effectiveness. The possibility of avoiding radiation, while still effectively targeting the cancer, offers new hope for those seeking less invasive but equally impactful options,” says CCTG Patient Representative Haydn Bechthold

• For more information, please visit the CO32 patient information page >
• For trial specific information please visit the CCTG CO32 members page >