APHRODITE - improving radiotherapy treatment for people with rectal cancer

Researchers based in Yorkshire have found a promising way to improve radiotherapy treatment for people with rectal cancer who are unable, or choose not, to have surgery.

Funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, the APHRODITE trial was led by Professor Ane Appelt at the University of Leeds and Professor Simon Gollins, Honorary Professor at Bangor University School of Medical Sciences. Ane’s involvement was made possible through a Yorkshire Cancer Research Fellowship awarded in 2016.

Most people diagnosed with early-stage rectal cancer will have surgery to remove the rectum. However, surgery is not suitable for everyone. Some people have other health conditions that increase the risk of serious complications, while others may prefer to avoid the impact of living with a stoma bag (bowel bag), which can sometimes be needed after surgery. For these people, radiotherapy or ‘chemoradiotherapy’ - where radiotherapy is given alongside chemotherapy – can be offered. Treatment is typically delivered over five and a half weeks.

Currently, around a third of people receiving standard chemoradiotherapy have no visible signs of cancer six months after treatment. APHRODITE tested a higher dose of radiotherapy over the same treatment period.  

The trial showed the proportion of people with no visible signs of cancer after six months increased from around on in three to almost one in two.

Additionally, despite receiving a higher dose of radiotherapy, most people reported low levels of side effects and were able to experience their usual quality of life within six months of treatment. This offers an important option for people who are unable to tolerate more intensive treatment such as surgery, providing them with a gentler yet still effective alternative.

Delivered by the University of Leeds Clinical Trials Research Unit, 119 people took part in the trial, including from Leeds, Sheffield and York, and other parts of the UK. They will continue to be monitored to understand whether this approach can help prevent cancer from coming back and support quality of life over the longer term.  

Early findings from the study, presented for the first time at a major European conference in May 2026, showed more people receiving the higher dose of radiotherapy had no visible cancer six months after completing treatment, suggesting this approach could offer better treatment while maintaining a similar quality of life.

People affected by cancer played a key role in shaping this study. Researchers worked closely with people from Leeds, Sheffield and York, as well as other regions across the UK, to design information materials and improve communication throughout the trial, helping to ensure the research focused on the issues that mattered most to those receiving treatment.