Medical Condition

colorectal cancer

Total Trials

87

Recruiting Now

87

Trial Phases

Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 2

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with clinical trials now stratified by molecular profile β€” RAS/BRAF status, microsatellite instability (MSI-H/dMMR), and HER2 amplification define distinct therapeutic tracks. The approval of pembrolizumab as first-line standard of care for MSI-H metastatic colorectal cancer demonstrated that immunotherapy can achieve durable, often complete responses in a molecularly defined subgroup, transforming the research landscape.

Active trials investigate KRAS G12C and G12D inhibitors in combination with anti-EGFR agents, adagrasib plus cetuximab, anti-EGFR rechallenge guided by circulating tumor DNA, liver-directed therapies for oligometastatic disease (including stereotactic radiotherapy), and HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) for peritoneal metastasis. Localized disease trials focus on neoadjuvant immunotherapy to enable organ preservation in rectal cancer.

Molecular testing β€” KRAS, NRAS, BRAF V600E, MSI status, HER2, and NTRK β€” is now standard before enrollment in most metastatic colorectal cancer trials.

Frequently Asked Questions — colorectal cancer Clinical Trials

How many clinical trials are currently recruiting for colorectal cancer?

ClinicalMetric currently tracks 87 actively recruiting clinical trials for colorectal cancer, sourced in real time from ClinicalTrials.gov. The total number of registered studies—including those not yet enrolling or in active follow-up—is 87. Trial availability changes daily as new studies open enrollment and existing ones reach capacity.

What trial phases are available for colorectal cancer?

colorectal cancer research spans Phase 1 (15 trials), Phase 2 (21 trials), Phase 3 (5 trials). Phase 1 studies evaluate safety and dosing in small groups, Phase 2 studies assess preliminary efficacy in 100–300 participants, and Phase 3 trials compare the new treatment against the standard of care in 300–3,000+ patients. Phase 4 post-approval studies monitor long-term outcomes in real-world populations.

How do I find out if I qualify for a colorectal cancer clinical trial?

Eligibility criteria for colorectal cancer trials vary by study and typically specify age range, disease stage or severity, prior treatment history, and specific diagnostic or laboratory parameters. Each listing on ClinicalMetric links to the full protocol on ClinicalTrials.gov, where inclusion and exclusion criteria are documented. Contact the sponsoring site's research coordinator directly to confirm your eligibility—your treating physician or specialist can also help identify the most appropriate trial based on your medical history and current treatment status.

Trial Phases

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Top Sponsors

University of Missouri-Columbia 2 trials

Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences 2 trials

Institute of Oncology Ljubljana 2 trials

IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna 2 trials

National Cancer Institute (NCI) 2 trials

colorectal cancer

Frequently Asked Questions — colorectal cancer Clinical Trials

Recruiting Clinical Trials

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