Background: Anal canal is the lower most part of the gastrointestinal tract harbouring 4 % of all gastrointestinal cancer. Most common treatment for anal canal carcinoma includes chemoradiotherapy.
Methodology: We reviewed the recent landmark trials to find a road map in the management of anal canal carcinoma.
Results: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy appears to be the most effective treatment schedule. Induction, as well as maintenance chemotherapy, has no definite role. Moderate dose radiation 50.4-54 Gy with concurrent mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) remains the standard. Split course is detrimental. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy and targeted drugs are investigated.
Conclusion: Combined modality therapy is the standard for anal canal carcinoma.