Actively Recruiting
Leucine Plus Radiochemotherapy for Neoadjuvant Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Led by Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University · Updated on 2026-01-22
33
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
289 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a prevalent gastrointestinal malignancy, is experiencing a rising incidence in China. Rectal cancer constitutes nearly half of all new CRC cases, with over half of these patients diagnosed at a locally advanced stage. While neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care for these patients, it yields a pathological complete response in only 10-30% of cases, and the risk of recurrence and metastasis remains suboptimal. The role of amino acid metabolism in cancer therapy is gaining significant interest. Our preliminary data reveal that leucine-derived metabolite significantly impairs cellular DNA damage repair and enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy. However, it remains unknown whether combining leucine with chemoradiotherapy can improve tumor regression and survival in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The goal of this single-arm clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Leucine combined with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer, potentially offering a new therapeutic option.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Leucine Plus Radiochemotherapy for Neoadjuvant Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Voluntarily agrees to participate and can comply with study procedures and follow-up
- Aged between 18 and 80 years, any gender
- Diagnosed with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma confirmed by MRI (cT3 or higher; or cN+)
- Tumor located 10 cm or less from the anal verge as confirmed by MRI
- No prior anti-tumor treatments for rectal cancer except traditional Chinese medicine
- ECOG performance score of 0 or 1
- Adequate blood counts and organ function within 2 weeks before treatment without blood component or growth factor correction
- Female participants of childbearing potential must use effective contraception and have a negative serum HCG test before treatment; must not be breastfeeding
- Male participants with partners of childbearing potential must use effective contraception and agree to abstain from sperm donation during study and 6 months after
You will not qualify if you...
- Locally recurrent rectal cancer after previous treatment
- Initially unresectable rectal cancer or unable to tolerate surgery
- Evidence of distant metastasis or positive lateral lymph nodes
- Multiple colorectal cancer lesions
- Bowel obstruction, perforation, or high risk of perforation or bleeding
- Unsuitable for long-course radiotherapy as judged by investigator
- Severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases within 6 months, or poorly controlled cardiac conditions
- Active or untreated pulmonary tuberculosis
- Major surgery within 3 months before study or non-healing wounds, active ulcers, or untreated fractures
- Difficulty swallowing or other issues affecting oral medication
- Contraindications to MRI
- Active autoimmune diseases or history of such diseases requiring systemic treatment (with some exceptions)
- History of immunodeficiency or organ/bone marrow transplantation
- Severe infections within 4 weeks before treatment
- Current or past interstitial lung disease or severe lung conditions
- Active hepatitis B or C infection
- Other malignancies diagnosed within 5 years except certain treated skin and cervical/breast cancers
- Known allergies to study drugs
- Use of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids above specified doses before treatment
- Participation in another clinical trial within 4 weeks before study
- Uncorrected significant electrolyte abnormalities
- Receipt of live vaccines shortly before or during study
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Other factors deemed by investigator to affect study or safety
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Second Affiliated Hospital Of Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, 310009
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
Haiyan Chen, Doctor
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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