Surveillance of Anal Canal Cancers

Richard Adams

doi:10.1016/j.soc.2016.07.007

Surveillance of Anal Canal Cancers

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2017 Jan;26(1):127-132. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2016.07.007.

Author

Richard Adams¹

Affiliation

¹ Division of Cancer and Genetics, Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff University, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2TL, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 27889031
DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2016.07.007

Abstract

Anal squamous cell cancer is most frequently a locoregional disease that is amenable to curative therapy in a majority of fit patients. Complete response rates after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are good, with up to 75% of patients with no evidence of relapse on surveillance. Relapse is most frequently locoregional and is often amendable to salvage surgery with curative intent. Effective surveillance attempts to improve outcomes by identifying recurrent or persistent disease early, managing both acute and late toxicities, and offering reassurance to patients. This article explores the rationale and evidence for surveillance programs after definitive CRT.

Keywords: Anal cancer; Follow-up; Radical treatment; Salvage; Squamous cell cancer; Surveillance.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anal Canal
Anus Neoplasms / therapy*
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
Chemoradiotherapy
Humans
Remission Induction
Salvage Therapy*
Treatment Outcome