Study Background

This clinical trial aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) affects the immune system in patients with rectal cancer. Radiotherapy has been widely used as a neoadjuvant therapy, but its association with immune responses has not been fully understood.

Subjects and Design

The study includes adult patients diagnosed with rectal cancer who are undergoing SCRT as part of their standard treatment. The current phase is not specified, and the primary endpoint and anticipated completion date have not been disclosed. This initial study focuses on establishing a patient cohort and collecting biospecimens for subsequent analysis.

Differentiation from Current Treatment Landscape

Traditional rectal cancer treatment involves a combination of radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. However, there is limited evidence that radiotherapy itself induces significant immune activation. This study seeks to identify the changes induced in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by radiotherapy through molecular profiling. Positive results could provide a basis for designing combination strategies involving radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Expected Outcomes and Impact

By identifying patient-specific biomarkers for response to radiotherapy based on molecular characterization data, personalized radiotherapy can be achieved. This can contribute to improving treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects. Furthermore, it will provide valuable insights for designing preclinical and clinical studies to validate the synergistic effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy.