Overview

This clinical study aims to assess feasibility, safety, tolerability, and compliance of a Nonessential Amino Acid Restriction (NEAAR) medical food in adult patients with locally advanced rectal cancer during standard of care short course radiotherapy followed by standard of care chemotherapy.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically confirmed diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the rectum
• Clinical stage II (cT3-4, N-) or Stage III (cT any, N+) based on MRI
• Eligible for total mesorectal excision
• No evidence of distant metastasis
• No prior pelvic radiation therapy
• No prior chemotherapy
• Age ≥18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients unable to undergo MRI
• Other anticancer or experimental therapy
• Body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 or >40 kg/m2
• Serious or refractive cachexia or anorexia
• Insulin-dependent diabetes Taking or needs to take any protein or amino acid containing nutritional supplements (e.g., Ensure®) Patients with a condition where high-fat or fatty food is contraindicated History of confirmed food allergy Active wound or skin graft that would require a significant increase in protein requirements for skin integrity and healing