Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Consolidation Chemotherapy for Rectal Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is comparing two treatment approaches for locally advanced rectal cancer: standard neoadjuvant chemoradiation (chemotherapy plus radiation given before surgery) versus chemoradiation followed by additional consolidation chemotherapy before surgery. The extra chemotherapy cycles may help shrink the tumor further and reduce the chance of spread. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 80 years old - You have rectal cancer (adenocarcinoma) confirmed by biopsy - Your tumor is in the lower part of the rectum (within 15 cm of the anal opening) - Your cancer is locally advanced (cT3/T4, or lymph nodes involved) - You are in good general health (WHO 0–1) - Your blood counts, kidney function, and other lab values are within normal ranges **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your cancer has spread to distant organs (metastases) - Your cancer cannot be surgically removed - You have had prior pelvic radiation or chemotherapy - You have active inflammatory bowel disease - You have a history of serious heart disease (angina, heart attack, heart failure) - You are pregnant or breastfeeding Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.