Multimodality salvage therapy for anal cancer failing standard chemoradiation

Abstract

e15635 Background: Most squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal (SCC) respond to chemoradiation, but effective therapy for locally-invasive(T4) or recurrent disease that fails standard chemoradiation and/or salvage abdominoperineal resection (APR) has not been clearly delineated. A multimodality approach including chemoradiation, extended pelvic resection and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) was assessed for survival impact and treatment morbidity.morbidities. Methods: A prospective registry including 26 patients with locally-invasive or recurrent disease treated between 1993 and 2007 was reviewed. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), obtained from prospectively collected patient questionnaires and medical record review, and analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Short (60-day postoperative) and long-term (median followup: 1.6 years; 5.3 years among survivors) complications were assessed. Results: Patients (median age: 51 years) presented with (1) locally-invasive disease that persisted despite initial standard chemoradiation (n=10, 39%), (2) disease that recurred after initial standard chemoradiation (n=10, 39%; median 1.7 years to recurrence), or (3) re-recurrence after a salvage APR (n=6, 23%; median 1.3 years since APR). All patients received chemotherapy and external beam radiation preoperatively, and 19% received additional postoperative chemoradiation. Gross pelvic disease was completely resected in all (R0 in 73%; R1 in 27%). IORT (750–3250cGy) was delivered at single (92%) or two sites (8%). Median overall survival (OS) was 1.7 years. Five-year OS were: 50%, 10%, and 22% for patients with locally-invasive, recurrent, and re-recurrent disease respectively. Short-term complications predominantly related to the perineal wound. Fifteen patients reported long-term complications (>grade3): bowel obstruction in 8 (1 requiring operation), perineal wound fistula/non-healing in 9, leg paresthesia in 5, hydronephrosis in 3. Conclusions: For select patients with locally-persistent or recurrent SCC who fail standard primary treatment, a multimodality approach involving chemoradiation, extended pelvic resection and IORT offers a chance for improved survival. No significant financial relationships to disclose.