A study to see if aspirin improves radiotherapy for rectal cancer (ASPIRE)
Please note - this trial is no longer recruiting patients. We hope to add results when they are available.
Cancer type:
Status:
Phase:
This study is looking to see if anti inflammatory drugs such as aspirin help radiotherapy to work better. It is for people having radiotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer.
More about this trial
Doctors often treat rectal cancer with radiotherapy, or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy), before surgery.
We know from laboratory research that radiotherapy might work better in people who are taking 
such as aspirin. But in this study, the researchers want to find out more.
The aim of the study is to look at the possibility that aspirin can improve how well radiotherapy works for people with rectal cancer.
You will not have any direct benefit from taking part in this study. But the results of the study will be used to help people with rectal cancer in the future.
Who can enter
You may be able to join this study if all of the following apply. You
- Have rectal cancer
- Are due to have radiotherapy before surgery to treat your cancer
- Are at least 18 years old
Trial design
The researchers need 60 people to join the study.
You will fill in a short questionnaire. It will ask if you take non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac and how often you take them.
The study team will take 2 extra blood samples when you have your routine blood tests. You also have some urine tests.
The researchers will ask to look at a sample of your cancer () that is removed when you have your rectal cancer surgery. They will compare this with the original biopsy that was taken when you were diagnosed with rectal cancer.
Hospital visits
You will not need to make any extra hospital visits to take part in this study.
Side effects
You will not have any side effects as a result of taking part in the study.
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Prof Ann Williams
Prof Chris Paraskeva
Miss Katherine Gash
Supported by
Above and Beyond Charitable Trust
Cancer Research UK
David Telling Charitable Trust
NIHR Clinical Research Network: Cancer
Royal College of Surgeons of England
University of Bristol
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
