Management and staging of anal adenocarcinoma in the United States: a population-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anal adenocarcinoma is rare with no standardized treatment regimen or staging system. Therefore, different combinations of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are used in management. Within the staging system, tumor stage can be based on the depth of invasion, as for rectal adenocarcinoma, or size, as in anal squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed to analyze patterns of care and clinically available staging systems for anal adenocarcinoma using a national database. METHODS: Adults diagnosed with anal adenocarcinoma were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004-2019). In addition, 6 different treatment regimens were identified. Stages were categorized according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer classifications of rectal adenocarcinoma and anal squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: Of 1040 patients, 48% were female, the median age was 67 years, and 18% had distant metastases. Chemoradiotherapy + abdominoperineal resection was the most common treatment regimen (22%). Moreover, 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were the highest for local excision only (67% and 85%) and the lowest in the alternative group (34% and 48%). After adjustment, the treatment groups that did not include surgery were associated with worse 5-year OS. In multivariable analysis, the T stage based on depth of invasion showed incrementally lower OS for T2 and T3 anal adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSION: Omission of surgical resection in combination with chemoradiotherapy was associated with worse OS and DSS, suggesting the relevance of surgery in anal adenocarcinoma management. Prognostically, rectal staging based on depth of invasion better discriminated between T stages, indicating that providers should consider using this system in practice.

Hospitalization burden associated with anus and penis neoplasm in Spain (2016-2020).

In 2020, there were approximately 50,865 anal cancer cases and 36,068 penile cancer cases worldwide. HPV is considered the main causal agent for the development of anal cancer and one of the causal agents responsible for the development of penile cancer. The aim of this epidemiological, descriptive, retrospective study was to describe the burden of hospitalization associated with anal neoplasms in men and women and with penis neoplasms in men in Spain from 2016 to 2020. The National Hospital Data Surveillance System of the Ministry of Health, Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos, provided the discharge information used in this observational retrospective analysis. A total of 3,542 hospitalizations due to anal cancer and 4,270 hospitalizations due to penile cancer were found; For anal cancer, 57.4% of the hospitalizations occurred in men, and these hospitalizations were also associated with significantly younger mean age, longer hospital stays and greater costs than those in women. HIV was diagnosed in 11.19% of the patients with anal cancer and 1.74% of the patients with penile cancer. The hospitalization rate was 2.07 for men and 1.45 for women per 100,000 in anal cancer and of 4.38 per 100,000 men in penile cancer. The mortality rate was 0.21 for men and 0.12 for women per 100,000 in anal cancer and 0.31 per 100.000 men in penile cancer and the case-fatality rate was 10.07% in men and 8,26% in women for anal cancer and 7.04% in penile cancer. HIV diagnosis significantly increased the cost of hospitalization. For all the studied diagnoses, the median length of hospital stays and hospitalization cost increased with age. Our study offers relevant data on the burden of hospitalization for anal and penile cancer in Spain. This information can be useful for future assessment on the impact of preventive measures, such as screening or vaccination in Spain.

Assessing Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a Biomarker for Anal Cancer Management: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review investigates the potential of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a predictive biomarker in the management and prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched until 7 January 2024. Selection criteria included research articles exploring ctDNA in the context of anal cancer treatment response, recurrence risk assessment, and consideration of salvage surgery. A total of eight studies were therefore included in the final review, examining a total of 628 patients. These studies focused on three main themes: SCCA diagnosis and staging, treatment response, and patient outcomes. Significant heterogeneity was observed in terms of patient cohort, study methodology, and ctDNA biomarkers. Four studies provided information on the sensitivity of ctDNA biomarkers in SCCA, with a range of 82-100%. Seven studies noted a correlation between pre-treatment ctDNA levels and SCCA disease burden, suggesting that ctDNA could play a role as a biomarker for the staging of SCCA. Across all seven studies with paired pre- and post-treatment ctDNA samples, a trend was seen towards decreasing ctDNA levels post-treatment, with specific identification of a 'fast elimination' group who achieve undetectable ctDNA levels prior to the end of treatment and may be less likely to experience treatment failure. Residual ctDNA detection post-treatment was associated with poorer patient prognosis. This systematic review identifies the broad potential of ctDNA as a useful and decisive tool in the management of SCCA. Further analysis of ctDNA biomarkers that include larger patient cohorts is required in order to clearly evaluate their potential role in clinical decision-making processes.

Multiple carcinomas in a woman with HIV infection: a case report and literature review.

Non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining cancers (NADCs) are malignancies in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV) and are not primarily due to the host's immunodeficiency. There is renewed clinical interest in long-term morbidities in PLWHIV as well as malignancies that occur in this population. We herein describe a 36-year-old woman with a 2-year history of an anal wound and right breast mass. She had been diagnosed with HIV infection prior to the development of these lesions. Clinical and laboratory evaluations led to diagnoses of breast and anal cancers. Chemotherapy and antiretroviral therapy were begun, but the patient discontinued these treatments early and was lost to follow-up. NADCs will continue to be a major clinical issue as the global population ages. This presentation of two NADCs (breast and anal cancers) in a PLWHIV further highlights the burden of multiple malignancies on the depleted health of HIV-infected patients. Early identification and treatment of HIV upon patients' presentation to cancer care sites and screening for NADCs at HIV/AIDS care sites are recommended for improved outcomes.

ROAR-A: re-optimization based Online Adaptive Radiotherapy of anal cancer, a prospective phase II trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Chemo-radiotherapy with curative intent for anal cancer has high complete remission rates, but acute treatment-related gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is significant. Toxicity occurs due to irradiation of surrounding normal tissue. Current radiotherapy requires the addition of large planning margins to the radiation field to ensure target coverage regardless of the considerable organ motion in the pelvic region. This increases the irradiated volume and radiation dose to the surrounding normal tissue and thereby toxicity. Online adaptive radiotherapy uses artificial intelligence to adjust the treatment to the anatomy of the day. This allows for the reduction of planning margins, minimizing the irradiated volume and thereby radiation to the surrounding normal tissue.This study examines if cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided oART with daily automated treatment re-planning can reduce acute gastrointestinal toxicity in patients with anal cancer. METHODS/DESIGN: The study is a prospective, single-arm, phase II trial conducted at Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark. 205 patients with local only or locally advanced anal cancer, referred for radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy with curative intent, are planned for inclusion. Toxicity and quality of life are reported with Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events and patient-reported outcome questionnaires, before, during, and after treatment. The primary endpoint is a reduction in the incidence of acute treatment-related grade ≥ 2 diarrhea from 36 to 25% after daily online adaptive radiotherapy compared to standard radiotherapy. Secondary endpoints include all acute and late toxicity, overall survival, and reduction in treatment interruptions. RESULTS: Accrual began in January 2022 and is expected to finish in January 2026. Primary endpoint results are expected to be available in April 2026. DISCUSSION: This is the first study utilizing online adaptive radiotherapy to treat anal cancer. We hope to determine whether there is a clinical benefit for the patients, with significant reductions in acute GI toxicity without compromising treatment efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05438836. Danish Ethical Committee: H-21028093.

A Qualitative Analysis of Knowledge Levels, Perceived Susceptibility, and Perceived Severity Surrounding Anal Cancer and Human Papillomavirus.

INTRODUCTION: When examining health literacy and disease specific knowledge levels across ethnicities and communities, ethnic minority groups are known to be at a higher risk of being below the average health literacy threshold which is a factor linked to poor health status and higher mortality rates. This study examined disease specific knowledge levels, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility surrounding anal cancer and HPV-related screening behaviors. METHODS: The following research questions were explored: (1) "What are the common themes and/or beliefs when asked about anal cancer, HPV, and preventive screening?" and (2) "What are the common themes and beliefs surrounding the severity and susceptibility of contracting anal cancer?". This study utilized a cross-sectional design to survey 26 individuals regarding their knowledge level and perspectives regarding anal cancer and HPV. An 8-question survey was developed de novo based on an application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) elements. This study employed thematic analysis to explore critical themes to construct a model to understand knowledge levels, attitudes, and risk perceptions regarding anal cancer and intention to participate in preventive screenings. The fundamental attitudes and themes related to anal cancer risk and intention to participate in preventative screenings were elicited using a qualitative descriptive technique. Coded data was utilized to analyze themes based on (1) knowledge and (2) perceived risk, both severity and susceptibility. RESULTS: Overall, the findings indicate very low levels of knowledge regarding screening, anal cancer, and HPV across all genders. The low levels of anal cancer and HPV knowledge were seen in 13 coded segments (50% of surveys) which showed no familiarity with or comprehension of HPV, and 4 coded segments indicated no familiarity with anal cancer. In addition, 15 respondents (57%) had low or no preventive or screening-related knowledge. While some respondents (46%) illustrated high perceived severity for anal cancer, only 23% indicated high perceived susceptibility for anal cancer. CONCLUSION: The results from this study may be used to inform practitioners, providers, and policymakers in developing interventions addressing low levels of understanding and disease specific knowledge surrounding anal cancer in support of creating a standardized health screening procedure.

Assessing the Potential of HPV16 E6 Seroprevalence as a Biomarker for Anal Dysplasia and Cancer Screening-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Elevated rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and anal cancer (AC) in populations like men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV underscore the need for effective screening. While high-resolution anoscopy-guided biopsy is the gold standard, limited provider availability poses a challenge. This has spurred interest in identifying biomarkers for improved AC prevention. Antibodies against HPV16 oncoprotein E6, known as markers for cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, are the focus of the current study. The systematic review and meta-analysis included six studies meeting inclusion criteria, assessing HPV16 E6 seroprevalence in individuals with anal HSIL or AC. A two-step meta-analysis estimated pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for HPV16 E6 seroprevalence and HSIL or AC. Pooled prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios were also calculated. This meta-analysis revealed a 3.6-fold increased risk of HSIL for HPV16 E6 seropositive individuals, escalating to a 26.1-fold risk increase for AC. Pooled specificity and sensitivity indicated a high specificity (0.99; 95%CI: 0.99, 0.99) but lower sensitivity (0.19; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.34) for HPV16 E6 serostatus as an AC biomarker. In conclusion, while HPV16 E6 seroprevalence demonstrates specificity as a potential biomarker for HPV-related AC, its utility as a standalone screening tool may be limited. Instead, it could serve effectively as a confirmation test, particularly in high-risk populations, alongside other diagnostic methods. Further research is imperative to explore HPV16 E6 seroconversion dynamics and alternative screening algorithms.

Atezolizumab plus modified docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil as first-line treatment for advanced anal cancer (SCARCE C17-02 PRODIGE 60): a randomised, non-comparative, phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: The modified docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (mDCF) regimen has shown efficacy and safety as first-line treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, making it a standard regimen. Inhibitors of programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand, such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, retifanlimab, avelumab, and atezolizumab, have shown some antitumour activity as monotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anus that is refractory to chemotherapy. This phase 2 study evaluated the combination of mDCF and atezolizumab as first-line treatment in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. METHODS: In this randomised, open-label, non-comparative, phase 2 study, participants from 21 centres (academic, private, and community hospitals and cancer research centres) across France with chemo-naive, metastatic, or unresectable locally advanced recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, aged 18 years or older, and with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, were randomly allocated (2:1) to receive either atezolizumab (800 mg intravenously every 2 weeks up to 1 year) plus mDCF (eight cycles of 40 mg per m2 docetaxel and 40 mg per m2 cisplatin on day 1 and 1200 mg per m2 per day of fluorouracil for 2 days, every 2 weeks intravenously; group A) or mDCF alone (group B). Randomisation was done centrally using a minimisation technique and was stratified by age (<65 years vs ≥65 years) and disease status. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed 12-month progression-free survival in the modified intention-to-treat population in group A (35% for the null hypothesis and 50% for the alternative hypothesis). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03519295, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: 97 evaluable participants (64 in group A and 33 in group B) were enrolled between July 3, 2018, and Aug 19, 2020. The median follow-up was 26·5 months (95% CI 24·8-28·4). The median age of participants was 64·1 years (IQR 56·2-71·6), and 71 (73%) were female. 12-month progression-free survival was 45% (90% CI 35-55) in group A and 43% (29-58) in group B. In participants with a PD-L1 combined positive score of 5 or greater, 12-month progression-free survival was 70% (95% CI 47-100) in group A and 40% (19-85) in group B (interaction p=0·051) Both groups showed high compliance. Adverse events of grade 3 or higher were observed in 39 (61%) participants in group A and 14 (42%) in group B. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia (nine [14%] participants in group A vs five [15%] in group B), anaemia (nine [14%] vs one [3%]), fatigue (three [5%] vs four [12%]), and diarrhoea (seven [11%] vs one [3%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 16 (25%) participants in group A and four (12%) in group B, and these were mDCF-related in seven (11%) participants in group A and four (12%) in group B. Atezolizumab-related serious adverse events occurred in nine (14%) participants in group A, including grade 2 infusion-related reaction in three (5%), grade 3 infection in two (3%), and grade 2 colitis, grade 3 acute kidney injury, grade 3 sarcoidosis, and a grade 4 platelet count decrease each in one participant (2%). There were no treatment-related deaths. INTERPRETATION: Despite a higher incidence of adverse events, combining atezolizumab with mDCF is feasible, with similar dose intensity in both groups, although the primary efficacy endpoint was not met. The predictive value of a PD-L1 combined positive score of 5 or greater now needs to be confirmed in future studies. FUNDING: GERCOR, Roche.

Long-term outcomes of definitive radiation with volumetric modulated arc therapy and concurrent chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus in a regional Australian cancer centre.

INTRODUCTION: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care in the curative intent treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anus. Volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) is a highly conformal radiation therapy technique that has been implemented to reduce toxicity for these patients. However, there are few reports evaluating the long-term outcomes of VMAT. Thus, we evaluated the survival and toxicity outcomes of anal cancer patients treated in our regional cancer centre undergoing curative intent chemoradiotherapy using VMAT and following the Australian EviQ guidelines. METHODS: All consecutive patients treated with the VMAT technique for curative-intent definitive chemoradiotherapy for anal SCC at our institution from 2013 until 2022 were retrospectively reviewed for survival and toxicity outcomes. Kaplan-Meier estimates of locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, anal cancer-specific survival and overall survival were obtained. RESULTS: In total, 44 patients were analysed. The median follow-up was 48.9 months (Range 7.8-107). 97.7% of patients completed the prescribed radiation therapy and 88.6% chemotherapy. Five patients (11.4%) recurred. Four (9.1%) had isolated local failures, and one (2.3%) had an isolated distant failure. There were no regional nodal failures. The Kaplan-Meier estimates for locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, anal cancer-specific survival and overall survival were 90.3%, 97.7%, 88.1%, 97.1% and 87% at 3 years, and 90.3%, 97.7%, 88.1%, 93.0% and 72.3% at 5 years, respectively. Acute grade 3 genitourinary (GU), gastrointestinal (GI) and skin toxicities occurred in 2.2%, 6.8% and 13.6% of patients, respectively. There were no acute grade 4 toxicities. Late grade 2 GU and GI toxicities occurred in 6.8% and 11.3% of patients, respectively. There were no late grade 3 or 4 toxicities or treatment-related deaths. The 5 -year colostomy-free survival rate was 86.4%. CONCLUSION: Outcomes for anal SCC after definitive chemoradiotherapy using VMAT in our regional cancer centre results in low rates of grade 3/4 toxicity, high rates of organ preservation and excellent survival outcomes.

Access to High-Resolution Anoscopy Among Persons With HIV and Abnormal Anal Cytology Results.

This cross-sectional study evaluates use and availability of follow-up anoscopy among persons at highest risk for anal cancer.

Room for Improvement: The Impact of Guideline-Recommended Extended Thromboprophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery for Colorectal and Anal Cancer at a Tertiary Referral Center.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism occurs in approximately 2% of patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic surgery for cancers of the colon, rectum, and anus and is considered preventable. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends extended prophylaxis in high-risk patients, but there is low adherence to the guidelines. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the impact of venous thromboembolism risk-guided prophylaxis in patients undergoing elective abdominal and pelvic surgeries for colorectal and anal cancers from 2016 to 2021. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis. SETTING: The study was conducted at a multisite tertiary referral academic health care system. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent elective abdominal or pelvic surgery for colon, rectal, or anal cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Receipt of Caprini-guided venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, 90-day postoperative rate of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, and bleeding events. RESULTS: A total of 3504 patients underwent elective operations, of whom 2224 (63%) received appropriate thromboprophylaxis in the inpatient setting. In the postdischarged cohort of 2769 patients, only 2% received appropriate thromboprophylaxis and no thromboembolic events were observed. In the group receiving inappropriate thromboprophylaxis, at 90 days postdischarge, the deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism rates were 0.60%, 0.40%, and 0.88%, respectively. Postoperative bleeding was not different between the 2 groups. LIMITATIONS: Limitations to our study include its retrospective nature, use of aggregated electronic medical records, and single health care system experience. CONCLUSION: Most patients in our health care system undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancers of the colon, rectum, and anus were discharged without appropriate Caprini-guided venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Risk-guided prophylaxis was associated with decreased rates of inhospital and postdischarge venous thromboembolism without increased bleeding complications. See Video Abstract . MARGEN DE MEJORA EL IMPACTO DE LA TROMBOPROFILAXIS RECOMENDADA POR LAS DIRECTRICES EN PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CIRUGA ABDOMINAL POR CNCER COLORRECTAL Y ANAL EN UN CENTRO DE REFERENCIA TERCIARIO: ANTECEDENTES:El tromboembolismo venoso ocurre en aproximadamente el 2% de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal y pélvica por cánceres de colon, recto y ano, y se considera prevenible. La Sociedad Estadounidense de Cirujanos de Colon y Recto recomienda una profilaxis prolongada en pacientes de alto riesgo, pero el cumplimiento de las directrices es bajo.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto de la profilaxis guiada por el riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) en pacientes sometidos a cirugías abdominales y pélvicas electivas por cáncer colorrectal y anal entre 2016 y 2021.DISEÑO:Este fue un análisis retrospectivo.AJUSTE:El estudio se llevó a cabo en un sistema de salud académico de referencia terciaria de múltiples sitios.PACIENTES:Pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal o pélvica electiva por cáncer de colon, recto o ano.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Recepción de profilaxis de tromboembolismo venoso guiada por Caprini, tasa postoperatoria de 90 días de trombosis venosa profunda, embolia pulmonar, tromboembolismo venoso y eventos de sangrado.RESULTADOS:Un total de 3.504 pacientes se sometieron a operaciones electivas, de los cuales 2.224 (63%) recibieron tromboprofilaxis adecuada en el ámbito hospitalario. En el cohorte de 2.769 pacientes después del alta, solo el 2% recibió tromboprofilaxis adecuada en la que no se observaron eventos tromboembólicos. En el grupo que recibió tromboprofilaxis inadecuada, a los 90 días después del alta, las tasas de trombosis venosa profunda, embolia pulmonar y tromboembolia venosa fueron del 0,60%, 0,40% y 0,88%, respectivamente. El sangrado posoperatorio no fue diferente entre los dos grupos.LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones de nuestro estudio incluyen su naturaleza retrospectiva, el uso de registros médicos electrónicos agregados y la experiencia de un solo sistema de atención médica.CONCLUSIÓN:La mayoría de los pacientes en nuestro sistema de salud sometidos a cirugía abdominal o pélvica por cánceres de colon, recto y ano fueron dados de alta sin una profilaxis adecuada de TEV guiada por Caprini. La profilaxis guiada por el riesgo se asoció con menores tasas de tromboembolismo venoso hospitalario y dado de alta sin un aumento de las complicaciones de sangrado. (Traducción-Dr. Aurian Garcia Gonzalez ).

Long-term outcomes analysis of flap-based perineal reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: High-risk patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection and pelvic exenteration may benefit from immediate flap reconstruction. However, there is currently no consensus on the ideal flap choice or patient for whom this is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of using pedicled gracilis flaps for pelvic reconstruction and to analyze predictors of postoperative complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a single reconstructive surgeon's cases between January 2012 and June 2021 identifying patients who underwent perineal reconstruction secondary to oncologic resection. Preoperative and outcome variables were collected and analyzed to determine the risk of developing minor and major wound complications. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were included in the study with most patients (n = 88) undergoing unilateral gracilis flap reconstruction after oncologic resection. The mean follow-up period was 75 months. Of 101 patients, 8 (7.9%) developed early major complications, and an additional 13 (12.9%) developed late major complications. Minor complications developed in 33 patients (32.7%) with most cases being minor wound breakdown requiring local wound care. Most patients (n = 92, 91.1%) did not develop donor site complications. Anal cancer was significantly associated with early major complications, whereas younger age and elevated body mass index were significant predictors of developing minor wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study builds on our previous work that demonstrated the long-term success rate of gracilis flap reconstruction after large pelvic oncologic resections. A few patients developed donor site complications, and perineal complications were usually easily managed with local wound care, thus making the gracilis flap an attractive alternative to abdominal-based flaps.

Bowen disease is not synonymous with intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma.

The terms 'Bowen disease' and 'intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma' are sometimes considered synonymous. In this paper we present historical, clinical, histological and molecular evidence that this is incorrect. The term Bowen disease should be reserved for a subset of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma with a distinctive and reproducible morphological pattern, described in detail by Bowen in 1912. One other common subset of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma represents progression of actinic keratosis. In some cases the separation of these two common patterns of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma can be challenging and there are patterns of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma which appear to represent other distinct pathways. However, there is emerging biological evidence to support this distinction and reason to suspect that the types of invasive squamous cell carcinoma which arise from these different pathways may show important clinical and biological differences, particularly in the era of targeted and immunomodulatory therapy for advanced disease.

Brachytherapy for rectal and anal cancer: Where are we and current perspectives?

Anal and rectal cancers were some of the first disease sites treated with brachytherapy due to the anatomic ease of implantation. As external beam radiotherapy grew in popularity the use of ano-rectal brachytherapy declined. However, the past few years have seen a steady resurgence in the use of brachytherapy in the ano-rectum supported by the use of large clinical series and randomized trials. The increasing acceptance by the surgical community of organ preservation as a valid treatment strategy for rectal cancer has encouraged the use of nonsurgical approaches and brachytherapy has shown itself to be a valuable tool for this. The current role of anal and rectal brachytherapy is presented with perspectives on its future use.

Effectiveness of trichloroacetic acid versus electrocautery for the treatment of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in persons with HIV.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare trichloroacetic acid (TCA) versus electrocautery (ECA) for the treatment of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). METHODS: This is an observational, single-center study. All subjects with HIV who had anal HSIL treated with TCA or ECA from 2010 to 2022 were included. Effectiveness was evaluated by on-treatment analysis, defining response as the resolution of HSIL and recurrence as a new diagnosis of HSILs during follow-up. A propensity score analysis was used to adjust for confounding factors. RESULTS: In total, 227 and 260 HSIL episodes were treated with ECA and TCA, respectively. Response was observed in 61.7% (95% CI: 55.3-68) of cases treated with ECA and in 73.1% (95% CI: 67.8-78.5) with TCA (p = .004). The effectiveness of TCA was higher in large and multifocal HSILs. Side effects were common with both treatments, but no serious events were described. Tolerability was good in 77.1% and 80.7% of patients treated with ECA and TCA, respectively. At 24 months, recurrent HSIL were observed in 36.3% (95% CI: 27.3-45) and 28% (95% CI: 20.2-35.8) in the ECA and TCA groups (p = .049). A nadir CD4 cell count ≤200 cells/µl was found to be a risk factor for recurrence (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.12-2.78). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, treatment with TCA showed high effectiveness, low recurrence and good tolerability. Considering the benefits of TCA, it could be considered one of the first-line treatments for anal HSIL.