Stage II-III rectal cancer clinical trial

Facing rectal cancer? Learn about the FORTRESS Study.

The FORTRESS Study is testing NG-350A, an investigational immune-activating therapy, together with standard chemotherapy and radiation. All participants receive active care.

See if you qualify How it works

12 weeks: Estimated treatment period
No placebo: Everyone receives active treatment
3 sites: Houston, Columbus, and Orlando

All participants receive standard chemotherapy and radiation.

Final eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Regular monitoring continues after treatment.

About the study

Testing a new approach alongside standard treatment.

What FORTRESS is studying

The FORTRESS Study is testing whether adding NG-350A to chemo-radiation is safe and effective in improving tumor elimination rates compared with chemo-radiation alone.

NG-350A has been tested safely in earlier studies with no unexpected side effects. The study team will explain potential benefits, risks, and alternatives before anyone decides to join.

Who may be eligible

Adults 18 years or older
Diagnosed with stage II or III adenocarcinoma of the rectum
Planning chemotherapy and radiation as initial treatment
No HIV, hepatitis B/C, or autoimmune disease requiring immune-suppressing medication

Study locations

MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXThe Ohio State University, Columbus, OHOrlando, FL, expected to open

Why people consider FORTRESS

Clear care, extra monitoring, and study support.

Next-generation treatment

Access to an investigational immunotherapy alongside standard chemotherapy and radiation.

No cost for study treatment

The investigational therapy and study-related procedures are provided at no cost.

Expert care team

Extra monitoring and follow-up from experienced study teams at leading cancer centers.

Help future patients

Your participation may contribute to medical research for future people with rectal cancer.

What to expect

Your route through the study.

The process starts with basic study information and moves only as far as you choose to go.

Learn

Learn about the study

Review the purpose, treatment approach, and support available through the FORTRESS Study.

Check

Pre-screening

Answer eligibility questions about age, diagnosis, treatment plans, and health history.

Consent

Screening visit

Meet the research team, discuss risks and alternatives, and complete tests if you choose to proceed.

Treat

Treatment period

Receive standard chemotherapy and radiation plus NG-350A according to the study protocol.

Monitoring

Continue with scans, exams, lab work, and long-term follow-up after the treatment period.

First-step check

See whether the study may fit your situation.

This screener uses the patient-facing questions from the FORTRESS study deck. It does not replace a conversation with the research team or your doctor.

Your answers stay on this page. No personal health information is sent or saved in this demo.

Eligibility screener

Pre-screening questions

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Are you 18 years or older?

Have you been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the rectum, stage II or III?

Are you planning to start chemotherapy and radiation as initial treatment?

Has your cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Have you had prior surgery or radiation for this rectal cancer?

Are you generally well enough for daily activities or light work?

Do you know whether your tumor is MSS or pMMR?

Do you have serious medical conditions such as kidney failure, recent heart attack, or uncontrolled autoimmune disease?

Are you willing to commit to the 12-week trial schedule, including clinic visits, biopsies, and follow-up?

Your preliminary result will appear here.

Answer the questions that apply to you to see the next recommended step.

Reimbursement and support

Travel and related costs may be supported.

AirfareUp to $500

MileageUp to $100 per visit

ParkingUp to $20 per day

Lodging$200-$400 per night

MealsUp to $50 per visit

Additional support may be considered case by case. A caregiver may accompany you to study visits.

Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What is the FORTRESS Study?

The FORTRESS Study is a clinical trial for people with rectal cancer. It combines standard chemotherapy and radiation with an investigational therapy called NG-350A to see if the combination is safe and effective.

Will I still receive standard treatment for rectal cancer?

Yes. All participants in the study receive chemotherapy and radiation, which are standard treatments for rectal cancer.

Is there a placebo in this study?

No. Everyone in the study receives active treatment.

Do I have to pay to be in the study?

The investigational therapy and study-related procedures are provided at no cost. You or your insurance may be responsible for parts of your standard medical care.

How long does participation last?

The main treatment phase lasts about 12 weeks. After treatment, participants have follow-up visits for health checks and monitoring.

Where is the study being conducted?

The study is open at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, and is expected to open in Orlando, FL.

Next step

Ready to ask about the FORTRESS Study?

If your answers look aligned, the study team can confirm eligibility and explain the screening visit in detail.

Check eligibility