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Iseas S, Mariano G, Gros L, Baba-Hamed N, De Parades V, Adam J, Raymond E, Abba MC. Unraveling Emerging Anal Cancer Clinical Biomarkers from Current Immuno-Oncogenomics Advances. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:201-214. [PMID: 38267771 PMCID: PMC10925578 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00692-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and is currently one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer incidence and mortality in developed countries. Although next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) have revolutionized cancer and immuno-genomic research in various tumor types, a limited amount of clinical research has been developed to investigate the expression and the functional characterization of genomic data in ASCC. Herein, we comprehensively assess recent advancements in "omics" research, including a systematic analysis of genome-based studies, aiming to identify the most relevant ASCC cancer driver gene expressions and their associated signaling pathways. We also highlight the most significant biomarkers associated with anal cancer progression, gene expression of potential diagnostic biomarkers, expression of therapeutic drug targets, and emerging treatment opportunities. This review stresses the urgent need for developing target-specific therapies in ASCC. By illuminating the molecular characteristics and drug-target expression in ASCC, this study aims to provide insights for the development of precision medicine in anal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Iseas
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France.
| | - Golubicki Mariano
- Oncology Unit, Gastroenterology Hospital "Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo", Av. Caseros 2061, C1264, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Louis Gros
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Nabil Baba-Hamed
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Vincent De Parades
- Proctology Unit, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Julien Adam
- Pathology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Eric Raymond
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris-St Joseph Hospital, 185 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Martin Carlos Abba
- Basic and Applied Immunological Research Center (CINIBA), School of Medical Sciences, NationalUniversity of La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, C1900, La Plata, Argentina.
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Yu J, Kim RD. Progress in the treatment of anal cancer: an overview of the latest investigational drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:145-157. [PMID: 38275174 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2311191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anal cancer, a rare malignancy accounting for 2.5-3.0% of gastrointestinal cancers, primarily manifests as squamous cell carcinoma associated with HPV. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in managing squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), particularly with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and randomized data on front-line chemotherapy. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the current standard treatments for both early and advanced SCCA, based on published data. The authors then describe the new approaches, focusing on ICI combinations, targeted agents, T-cell adoptive therapy, and HPV-therapeutic vaccines. EXPERT OPINION The current standard treatment for SCCA includes front-line carboplatin and paclitaxel, with pembrolizumab and nivolumab as later-line options. While modified DCF has shown promise in single-arm studies, its role as a front-line therapy requires confirmation through randomized data. We eagerly anticipate the results of phase 3 trials investigating the front-line chemo-immunotherapy for metastatic SCCA and ICI consolidation following chemoradiation for early-stage SCCA. Novel approaches like T-cell adoptive therapy, HPV-therapeutic vaccines, and bifunctional antibodies combined with HPV vaccines are in early-stage trials for HPV-mediated tumors, including HPV-positive SCCA. These approaches targeting HPV epitopes may eventually gain tumor-agnostic approval, although their role in SCCA may take time to establish.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Yu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
| | - Richard D Kim
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
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Debernardi A, Meurisse A, Prétet JL, Guenat D, Monnien F, Spehner L, Vienot A, Roncarati P, André T, Abramowitz L, Molimard C, Mougin C, Herfs M, Kim S, Borg C. Prognostic role of HPV integration status and molecular profile in advanced anal carcinoma: An ancillary study to the epitopes-HPV02 trial. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941676. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal canal (SCCA) is a rare disease associated with a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in most cases, predominantly the HPV16 genotype. About 15% of SCCA are diagnosed in metastatic stage and some will relapse after initial chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Treatment of patients by Docetaxel, Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) has been recently shown to improve their complete remission and progression-free survival. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore the impact of HPV infection, HPV DNA integration, TERT promoter mutational status and somatic mutations of oncogenes on both progression-free (PFS) and overall survivals (OS) of patients treated by DCF. Samples obtained from 49 patients included in the Epitopes-HPV02 clinical trial, diagnosed with metastatic or non-resectable local recurrent SCCA treated by DCF, were used for analyses. Median PFS and OS were not associated with HPV status. Patients with episomal HPV had an improved PFS compared with SCCA patients with integrated HPV genome (p=0.07). TERT promoter mutations were rarely observed and did not specifically distribute in a subset of SCCA and did not impact DCF efficacy. Among the 42 genes investigated, few gene alterations were observed, and were in majority amplifications (68.4%), but none were significantly correlated to PFS. As no biomarker is significantly associated with patients’ survival, it prompts us to include every patient failing CRT or with metastatic disease in DCF strategy.
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Rogers JE, Leung M, Johnson B. Metastatic or Locally Recurrent Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCAC): Current Clinical Trial Landscape and Novel Approaches. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:2065-2077. [PMID: 35761823 PMCID: PMC9233494 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s331429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCAC) is a human papillomavirus (HPV) driven malignancy. Given inadequate HPV-vaccination rates, SCAC will continue to be a public health concern. SCAC is commonly diagnosed in the local or locoregional setting in which definitive chemoradiation provides the opportunity for cure and has high control rates. A minority of patients will develop recurrence or present with metastatic SCAC. Given the rarity of this disease, research has lagged compared to many other solid tumors. Historically, treatment has been based on extrapolating management approaches from more common squamous cell carcinoma malignancies and/or small case series or case reports. Fortunately, dedicated prospective clinical trial investigation in the advanced setting has emerged in recent years. Here, we review the current strategies for treatment along with remaining challenges and viable next steps for the management of metastatic SCAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Rogers
- U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Pharmacy Clinical Programs, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Leung
- U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Pharmacy Clinical Programs, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Benny Johnson
- U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Houston, TX, USA
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5
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Eng C, Ciombor KK, Cho M, Dorth JA, Rajdev LN, Horowitz DP, Gollub MJ, Jácome AA, Lockney NA, Muldoon RL, Washington MK, O'Brian BA, Benny A, Lebeck Lee CM, Benson AB, Goodman KA, Morris VK. Anal Cancer: Emerging Standards in a Rare Rare Disease. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:2774-2788. [PMID: 35649196 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The social stigma surrounding an anal cancer diagnosis has traditionally prevented open discussions about this disease. However, as recent treatment options and an increasing rate of diagnoses are made worldwide, awareness is growing. In the United States alone, 9,090 individuals were expected to be diagnosed with anal cancer in 2021. The US annual incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus continues to increase by 2.7% yearly, whereas the mortality rate increases by 3.1%. The main risk factor for anal cancer is a human papillomavirus infection; those with chronic immunosuppression are also at risk. Patients with HIV are 19 times more likely to develop anal cancer compared with the general population. In this review, we have provided an overview of the carcinoma of the anal canal, the role of screening, advancements in radiation therapy, and current trials investigating acute and chronic treatment-related toxicities. This article is a comprehensive approach to presenting the existing data in an effort to encourage continuous international interest in anal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Eng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kristen K Ciombor
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - May Cho
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California- Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Jennifer A Dorth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Lakshmi N Rajdev
- Division for Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwell Health/Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY
| | - David P Horowitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Marc J Gollub
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Alexandre A Jácome
- OncoBio Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Nova Lima, Brazil
| | - Natalie A Lockney
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Roberta L Muldoon
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Mary Kay Washington
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Brittany A O'Brian
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Amala Benny
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Cody M Lebeck Lee
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Department of Internal Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Al B Benson
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Karyn A Goodman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Van Karlyle Morris
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Tchelebi LT, Eng C, Messick CA, Hong TS, Ludmir EB, Kachnic LA, Zaorsky NG. Current treatment and future directions in the management of anal cancer. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 72:183-195. [PMID: 34847242 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rare, the rate of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is rising globally. Most patients present with nonmetastatic disease and are curable with appropriate treatment, which has evolved significantly over the last several decades. Before the 1970s, SCCA was managed with radical surgery, resulting in a permanent colostomy. Researchers found that preoperative treatment with chemotherapy and concurrent radiation could achieve a pathologic complete response. After this observation, definitive therapy shifted from radical surgery to sphincter-preserving chemoradiation. Investigations into the necessity of chemotherapy and the optimal regimen found that chemotherapy with mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil is required for cure. Further studies evaluating the addition of induction or maintenance chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy, or higher radiation doses have demonstrated no significant benefit to disease control. Advanced radiation delivery with intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques is now considered the standard of care because of its prospectively determined, favorable acute toxicity profile compared with 3-dimensional conformal radiation. It is important to note that chemoradiation treatment response may be slow (up to 26 weeks) and should be assessed through serial clinical examinations. Today, surgical management of SCCA is reserved only for the lowest risk, early stage tumors or for recurrent/persistent disease. Current studies are evaluating radiation dose de-escalation in early stage disease and radiation dose escalation and the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors in locally advanced cancers. In reviewing how and why modern-day treatment of SCCA was established, the objective of this report is to reenforce adherence to current treatment paradigms to assure the best possible outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila T Tchelebi
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Mount Kisco, New York
| | - Cathy Eng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Craig A Messick
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Theodore S Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ethan B Ludmir
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lisa A Kachnic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Nicholas G Zaorsky
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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8
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Carr RM, Jin Z, Hubbard J. Research on Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Systemic Therapy Strategies for Anal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092180. [PMID: 34062753 PMCID: PMC8125190 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Anal cancer is rare with an estimated 9000 new cases predicted to occur in the United States in 2021. However, rates of new anal cancer cases and deaths from the disease are increasing by about 2% and 3% per year respectively. In light of these trends it is critical to better understand the nature of this disease and progress in its management. The present review focuses on the history and development of the role of systemic therapy in the treatment of anal cancer. Major trials establishing the role of chemotherapy in the management of locoregional and metastatic anal cancer are summarized. In addition, the rapidly evolving role of immunotherapy is discussed. Finally, major insights into the molecular pathobiology of anal cancer and opportunities for advancement in precision medicine in treatment of the disease. Abstract Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare malignancy, with most cases associated with human papilloma virus and an increased incidence in immunocompromised patients. Progress in management of ASCC has been limited not only due to its rarity, but also the associated lack of research funding and social stigma. Historically, standard of care for invasive ASCC has been highly morbid surgical resection, requiring a permanent colostomy. Surgery was associated with disease recurrence in approximately half of the patients. However, the use of chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C) concomitantly with radiation in the 1970s resulted in disease regression, curing a subset of patients and sparing them from morbid surgery. Validation of the use of systemic therapy in prospective trials was not achieved until approximately 20 years later. In this review, advancements and shortcomings in the use of systemic therapy in the management of ASCC will be discussed. Not only will standard-of-care systemic therapies for locoregional and metastatic disease be reviewed, but the evolving role of novel treatment strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, HPV-based vaccines, and molecularly targeted therapies will also be covered. While advances in ASCC treatment have remained largely incremental, with increased biological insight, an increasing number of promising systemic treatment modalities are being explored.
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Cimino SK, Ciombor KK, Chakravarthy AB, Bailey CE, Hopkins MB, Geiger TM, Hawkins AT, Eng C. Safety considerations with new treatment regimens for anal cancer. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2021; 20:889-902. [PMID: 33900857 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2021.1915281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Anal cancer is a rare malignancy, but incidence rates are rising. Primary chemoradiation is the standard of care for early disease with surgery reserved for salvage. Despite success in terms of survival, patients suffer significant morbidity. Research is underway to advance the field and improve outcomes for these patients.Areas covered: This review aims to discuss the safety and efficacy of new approaches to treat anal cancer. A literature search was performed from January 1950 through November 2020 via PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to obtain data from ongoing or published studies examining new regimens for the treatment of anal cancers. Pertinent topics covered include miniature drug conjugates, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, checkpoint inhibitor combinations, and novel immunomodulators.Expert opinion: Based on emerging clinical data, the treatment paradigm for anal cancer is likely to shift in the upcoming years. One of the largest areas of investigation is the field of immunotherapy, which may emerge as an integral component of anal cancer for all treatment settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Cimino
- Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kristen K Ciombor
- Department of Medicine: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - A Bapsi Chakravarthy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christina E Bailey
- Department of Surgery: Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - M Benjamin Hopkins
- Department of Surgery: Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy M Geiger
- Department of Surgery: Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexander T Hawkins
- Department of Surgery: Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cathy Eng
- Department of Medicine: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Siegel R, Werner RN, Koswig S, Gaskins M, Rödel C, Aigner F. Clinical Practice Guideline: Anal Cancer—Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 118:217-24. [PMID: 33531112 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of anal cancer diagnoses has been rising steadily, so that the incidence has doubled in the past 20 years. Almost all anal cancers are induced by persistent infection with human papillomaviruses. Hitherto the care of patients with anal cancer has been heterogeneous and little experience exists with the primary management of anal cancer. METHODS The guideline was developed in accordance with the requirements of the German Guideline Program in Oncology. In line with the GRADE approach, the certainty of the evidence was assessed on the outcome level following a systematic literature search. Interdisciplinary working groups were set up to compile suggestions for recommendations, which were discussed and agreed upon in a formal consensus conference. RESULTS Ninety-three recommendations and statements were developed. No high-quality evidence was available to support recommendations for or against the treatment of stage I anal cancer with local excision alone as an alternative to chemoradiotherapy. Chemoradiotherapy is the gold standard in the treatment of stages II–III. Among other aspects regarding the timing and extent of response evaluation after chemoradiotherapy, the guideline panel recommended against obtaining a biopsy in the event of complete clinical response. Owing to lack of confidence in the available evidence, only open recommendations were given for treatment of stage IV. CONCLUSION This evidence-based clinical practice guideline provides a sound basis for optimizing the interdisciplinary, cross-sector care of anal cancer patients. Among other areas, gaps in research were identified with respect to the care of patients with early-stage or metastatic anal cancer. Approaches such as chemoradiotherapy combined with regional deep hyperthermia require further investigation. The role for immunotherapy in the management of metastasized anal cancer has also been insufficiently explored to date.
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Lum C, Prenen H, Body A, Lam M, Segelov E. A 2020 update of anal cancer: the increasing problem in women and expanding treatment landscape. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 14:665-680. [PMID: 32458709 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2020.1775583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anal cancer is a rare malignancy with increasing incidence, notably in women. This disease is highly associated with HPV infection and its incidence and mortality are currently rising. Most patients present with localized disease which has a high survival after definitive treatment with chemoradiation. For patients who develop metastatic disease or present with this de novo, survival is poor. AREAS COVERED This review provides a summary of current literature on anal cancer. With a focus on women, this includes current epidemiological trends, role of HPV, and the current and future treatment landscape, including HPV vaccination and immunotherapy. Screening currently focusses on HIV-positive men, missing most female cases. In curative disease, trials are investigating treatment de-intensification in good prognostic groups. Immunotherapy is showing early promise in the advanced disease setting. EXPERT OPINION Similar to cervical cancer, anal cancer is strongly associated with HPV, and therefore, broader implementation of screening programs may reduce its incidence. HPV vaccination is expected to reduce the development of (pre)malignant anal lesions. The emergence of biomarkers will assist patient treatment selection, allowing optimal balance of treatment efficacy and morbidity. It is hoped that new treatment approaches, including immunotherapy, will improve outcomes. International collaboration is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Lum
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia
| | - Hans Prenen
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia.,Oncology Department, University Hospital Antwerp , Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amy Body
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia
| | - Marissa Lam
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia
| | - Eva Segelov
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University , Clayton, Australia
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Pessia B, Romano L, Giuliani A, Lazzarin G, Carlei F, Schietroma M. Squamous cell anal cancer: Management and therapeutic options. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2020; 55:36-46. [PMID: 32461801 PMCID: PMC7240186 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of anal cancer has increased during the second half of the 20th century, with an incidence rate over 2.9% greater than in the decade of 1992-2001. Yet, it still constitutes a small percentage, about 4%, of all anorectal tumours. Its risk factors are human papillomavirus infection, a history of sexually transmitted diseases, a history of vulvar or cervical carcinoma, immunosuppression related to human immunodeficiency virus infection or after organ transplantation, haematological or immunological disorders, and smoking. The most frequent symptom is rectal bleeding (45%), followed by anal pain, and sensation of a rectal mass. The diagnosis requires clinical examination, palpation of the inguinal lymph nodes, high resolution anoscopy followed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy or core biopsy. Subsequent histologic diagnosis is necessary, as well as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the pelvic lymph nodes. Since 1980, patients with a diagnosis of anal cancer have shown a significant improvement in survival. In Europe during the years 1983-1994, 1-year survival increased from 78% to 81%, and the improvement over 5 years was between 48% and 54%. Prior to 1974, patients with invasive cancer were routinely scheduled for abdominoperineal amputation, after which it was demonstrated that treatment with 5-fluorouracil and radiotherapy associated with mitomycin or capecitabine could be adequate to treat the tumour without surgery. Today, numerous studies have confirmed that combined multimodal treatment is effective and sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Pessia
- Department of Surgery, Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lucia Romano
- Department of Surgery, Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Giuliani
- Department of Surgery, Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gianni Lazzarin
- Department of Surgery, Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Carlei
- Department of Surgery, Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mario Schietroma
- Department of Surgery, Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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