Brief Report: Recurrence of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions Among Women Living With HIV

A comprehensive review of anal cancer-with a special focus on anal cytology

The diagnosis of anal cancer is relatively uncommon, but its incidence has been steadily increasing in high-risk populations. In the 2001 Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology, anal cytology was introduced as a component. Since then, it has been recognized as a potential tool for screening anal cancer, often in conjunction with high-resolution anoscopy. There are notable similarities between anal cancer and cervical cancer, including the causative role of human papillomavirus. However, there are also significant differences, particularly in terms of disease prevalence. Anal cytology may be used as a primary screening test, and in the event of abnormalities, patients are subsequently directed for high-resolution anoscopy. However, the best approach for anal cancer screening is yet to be determined and uniformly implemented. This comprehensive review article provides an in-depth analysis of the epidemiology and incidence of anal precursor and malignant lesions. It explores the various methods of sample procurement, preparation, interpretation (including sensitivity and specificity), and reporting terminology in anal cytology. The article also addresses the significance of concurrent high-risk human papillomavirus screening in anal cytology and its role in screening programs. Furthermore, it discusses the follow-up, prevention, and subsequent management strategies for anal cancers. By synthesizing current knowledge in these areas, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of anal cytology and its implications in the early detection, prevention, and management of anal neoplasia and cancer.

A Prospective, Dual-Center Trial of Circumferential Radiofrequency Ablation of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions Demonstrate Improved Long-term Efficacy Over Historical Controls of Targeted Ablation

BACKGROUND

Targeted ablation of anal canal high-grade dysplasia results in high recurrence over time. Circumferential radiofrequency ablation might decrease recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of circumferential radiofrequency ablation for anal high-grade dysplasia.

DESIGN

This was a dual-center, prospective trial of circumferential radiofrequency ablation with a 1-year follow-up with longer follow-up data abstracted from medical records of study patients returning after trial for surveillance. Ten participants from the identically conducted pilot circumferential radiofrequency ablation trial were included to improve sample size for longer-term analysis.

SETTINGS

This study included 3 surgeons at 2 sites.

PATIENTS

The study included 51 patients undergoing circumferential radiofrequency ablation for anal canal high-grade dysplasia.

INTERVENTION

Circumferential radiofrequency ablation of anal canal high-grade dysplasia and targeted radiofrequency ablation of recurrence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measures were circumferential radiofrequency ablation efficacy and associated morbidity.

RESULTS

Fifty-one participants underwent circumferential radiofrequency ablation but 48 participants returned for 1 or more postprocedure high-resolution anoscopy and were evaluable. The mean age of participants was 43 years, most were male (94%), 33% were living with HIV, and 58% had 3 or more high-grade dysplasias treated. Sixty percent had no recurrence, whereas 19% had 1 recurrence, 15% had 2 recurrences, and 6% had 3 recurrences. Most recurrences (66%) developed within the first 6 months. Kaplan-Meier probability of recurrence combining both series was 19% at 3 months, 30% at 6 months, and approximately 40% after 6 months out to 30 months. Most common morbidities were pain (85.4%) lasting for a median of 21 (range, 4-91) days and bleeding (91%) lasting for a median of 21 (range, 5-87) days. Of those with pain and bleeding, 65% and 85%, respectively, described it as mild. No patients developed fistulas, stricture, or incontinence. No serious adverse events related to circumferential radiofrequency ablation occurred. Having a previous recurrence was the only significant predictor of a subsequent recurrence (HR, 28.53) for recurrence at 9 months or before.

LIMITATIONS

Enrollment ended prematurely, 10 participants from the pilot study were combined to increase the sample size, and longer-term follow-up was collected retrospectively were the limitations of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Circumferential radiofrequency ablation has improved efficacy over targeted ablation but with increased pain and bleeding. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B973 .

ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO BICNTRICO SOBRE LA ABLACIN POR RADIOFRECUENCIA CIRCUNFERENCIAL DE LESIONES ANALES INTRAEPITELIALES ESCAMOSAS DE ALTO GRADO DEMOSTRANDO MAYOR EFICACIA A LARGO PLAZO CON RELACIN A CONTROLES HISTRICOS DE ABLACIN DIRIGIDA

ANTECEDENTES:La ablación dirigida de la displasia de alto grado en el canal anal proporciona como resultados una alta recidiva a largo plazo. La ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial podría disminuir la reincidencia.OBJETIVO:Determinar la seguridad y eficacia de la ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial para la displasia anal de alto grado.DISEÑO:Estudio prospectivo bicéntrico de ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial con un seguimiento de 1 año, en base al monitoreo prolongado de datos, obtenidos de los registros medicos, de todos los pacientes incluidos en el estudio y que fueron controlados clinicamente. Diez participantes del estudio piloto de ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial realizada de manera idéntica, se combinaron para mejorar el análisis del tamaño de la muestra a largo plazo.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron 51 pacientes sometidos a la ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial de una lesion displásica de alto grado en el canal anal.AJUSTES:Tres cirujanos en 2 centros.INTERVENCIÓN:Ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial de la displasia de alto grado en el canal anal y ablación por radiofrecuencia dirigida de la recidiva.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS:Las medidas primarias fueron la eficacia de la ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial y la morbilidad asociada.RESULTADOS:Cincuenta y un participantes se sometieron a la ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial, de los cuales, 48 regresaron para ser evaluados con ≥1 anuscopias de alta resolución, después del procedimiento. La edad media de los participantes fue de 43 años, en su mayoría hombres (94%), el 33% eran portadores de VIH y el 58% tenía ≥3 lesiones displásicas de alto grado tratadas. El sesenta por ciento no tuvo recidiva, mientras que el 19%, 15% y 6% tuvieron 1, 2 o 3 recidivas. La mayoría de las recaídas (66%) se desarrollaron dentro de los primeros 6 meses. La probabilidad de recurrencia de Kaplan-Meier combinando ambas series fue del 19 % a los 3 meses, del 30 % a los 6 meses y aproximadamente del 40 % entre los 6 y 30 meses. Los indicadores de morbilidad más frecuentes fueron, el dolor (85,4%) con una mediana de duración de 21 días (rango, 4-91) y sangrado (91%) con una mediana de duración de 21días (rango, 5-87). Aquellos pacientes con dolor (65%) y sangrado (85%) respectivamente, los describieron como leves. Ningún paciente desarrolló fístula, estenosis o incontinencia. No se produjeron eventos adversos graves relacionados con la ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial. Tener una recurrencia previa fue el único factor predictivo importante de una recidiva ulterior (RH 28,53) en casos de recaída a los 9 meses o antes.LIMITACIONES:Como el registro finalizó prematuramente, se agregaron 10 participantes del estudio piloto para aumentar el tamaño de la muestra. El seguimiento a largo plazo fué recopilado retrospectivamente.CONCLUSIONES:La ablación por radiofrecuencia circunferencial ha mejorado la eficacia sobre la ablación dirigida pero con dolor y sangrado mas importantes. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B973 . ( Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo ).

The other side of screening: predictors of treatment and follow-up for anal precancers in a large health system

BACKGROUND

Anal cancer disproportionately affects people with HIV (PWH). High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) are cancer precursors and treating them might prevent anal cancer. Data on adherence to HSIL treatment and surveillance is limited but needed to identify deficiencies of screening strategies.

METHODS

We collected data on high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) attendance and outcomes from 2009 to 2019 in a large urban anal cancer-screening program. Patients with an initial HSIL diagnosis were followed for return for HSIL electrocautery ablation within 6 months of index HSIL diagnosis, and follow-up HRA within 18 months of index HSIL diagnosis. We also evaluated predictors of these outcomes in univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred and seventy-nine unique patients with an anal HSIL diagnosis were identified and 684 (58%) returned for electrocautery ablation. Of those treated, only 174 (25%) and only 9% of untreated HSIL patients (47 of 495) underwent surveillance HRA within 18 months of index HSIL diagnosis. In multivariable analyses, black patients and PWH regardless of virologic control were less likely to undergo HSIL ablation within 6 months of HSIL diagnosis whereas patients with commercial insurance were more likely to be treated within 6 months of diagnosis. Among treated HSIL patients, PWH with viremia had a lower likelihood of engaging in post-treatment surveillance within 18 months of HSIL diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Even in large specialized anal cancer screening programs adherence to HSIL treatment and surveillance is low. Psychosocial and economic determinants of health may impact retention in care. Addressing both personal and structural barriers to patient engagement may improve the effectiveness of anal cancer screening.

Veteran Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Have Increased Risk of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Associated Genital Tract Cancers

BACKGROUND

Disparities in access to screening often confound observed differences in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated female genital tract cancer (FGTC) incidence between women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; WLWH) and their HIV-negative counterparts. We aimed to determine if there have been changes in cancer risk among WLWH during the antiretroviral era in a single-payer health system.

METHODS

We retrospectively selected WLWH and HIV-negative controls receiving care between 1999 and 2016 at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and identified FGTC diagnoses via Cancer Registry and International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes. We extracted demographic and clinical variables from the VA's Corporate Data Warehouse; evaluated incidence rates (IRs), incidence rate ratios, hazard ratios, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancer risk; and conducted survival analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 1454 WLWH and compared them with 5816 matched HIV-negative controls. More WLWH developed HPV-associated FGTCs (total n = 28 [2.0%]; cervical = 22, vulvovaginal = 4, and anal/rectal = 2) than HIV-negative women (total n = 32 [0.6%]; cervical = 24, vulvovaginal = 5, and anal/rectal = 5) (log rank P < .0001). Cervical cancer IR was >6-fold higher for WLWH (204.2 per 100 000 person-years [py] [95% CI, 83.8-324.7]) than HIV-negative women (IR = 31.2 per 100 000 py [95% CI, 17.9-44.5]). The IRs for vulvovaginal and anal cancers were also higher in WLWH. Overall, WLWH were more likely to develop HPV-associated FGTCs compared with their HIV-negative counterparts (all log rank P values < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Veteran WLWH are more likely to develop HPV-associated FGTCs despite equal access to health care. Even in single-payer health systems, WLWH continue to require special attention to ensure guideline-based high-risk HPV screening for prevention of FGTCs.