Active clinical trials for "Rectal Neoplasms"

This research is being done to see how effective high-dose rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDRBT) is in treating cancer of the lowest part of the bowel (rectum). In this study we want to try to decrease side effects and shorten the course of radiation treatment for patients with cancer of their rectum by using a high-dose rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDRBT). This is a different form of radiation than what is normally given (CRT). With HDRBT, the radiation is given through an applicator placed into the bowel next to the tumor. The radiation is directed at the tumor and a small area around it.

This phase I trial is studying the side effects and the best dose of MEK Inhibitor AZD6244 when given together with cetuximab in patients with advanced or refractory solid tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. MEK inhibitor AZD6244 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Giving MEK Inhibitor AZD6244 together with cetuximab may kill more tumor cells.

The investigators propose a randomized non-inferiority trial that compares preoperative Fluoro Uracil (FU)-based chemoradiotherapy to radiotherapy with a simultaneous integrated boost. In patients with T3-4 rectal cancer, the latter approach is considered preferential with regard to toxicity and cost. The metabolic response of the tumor, as assessed by 18F-2-Fluoro-2-Deoxyglucose-Positron Emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) or PET-CT, will be used as a surrogate marker of cause specific outcome

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving chemotherapy before surgery may make the tumor smaller and reduce the amount of normal tissue that needs to be removed. Giving chemotherapy after surgery may kill any tumor cells that remain after surgery. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying giving oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil together, before and after radiation therapy and surgery in treating patients with rectal cancer that can be removed by surgery.

The main purpose of this study is to find the maximum tolerable dose of sorafenib when administered along with another drug called 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and to find out more about whether these drugs, along with radiation, can help people with rectal cancer when given before surgery. 5-FU and radiation are both approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in people with rectal cancer. The investigators will utilize a standard 3 + 3 phase I study design. In the phase I part of the study, the investigators will attempt dose escalation of sorafenib in combination with standard infusional 5-FU and external beam at standard doses. Clinical staging should be done by endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and/or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for T and N stage; chest and abdomen computed tomography (CT) for staging of metastatic disease; undergo sigmoidoscopy and/or colonoscopy done by crude odds ratios (CORS); biopsy is taken for diagnosis and extra is sent for tissue bank. At the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of sorafenib we will expand the cohort to 6 more patients to further evaluate toxicity profile and efficacy.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether an optimal dose of [6R] 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (arfolitixorin) in combination with pemetrexed are effective in pre-operative treatment of patients with resectable rectal cancer.

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of trametinib when given together with fluorouracil and radiation therapy before surgery in treating patients with stage II-III rectal cancer. Trametinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving trametinib together with fluorouracil and radiation therapy before surgery may make the tumor smaller and reduce the amount of normal tissue that needs to be removed

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of alisertib when given together with irinotecan hydrochloride in treating patients with advanced solid tumors or colorectal cancer. Irinotecan hydrochloride and alisertib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

This phase I clinical trial is studying the side effects and best dose of giving gamma-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 and cediranib maleate together in treating patients with advanced solid tumors. Gamma-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 and cediranib maleate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Cediranib maleate also may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking blood flow to the tumor.

The project objective is to evaluate the efficacy of the neoadjuvant treatment with bevacizumab, capecitabine and radiotherapy, in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma resectable locally advanced (stage T3 or T4), with or without presence of ganglionar metastases and without distant metastases.