Background and Current Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus
Patients with HPV‑negative squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) are less responsive to chemoradiation and relapse more frequently than those with HPV‑positive disease, while HPV‑positive tumors respond better but outcomes are modified by smoking and immune status.
This review summarizes current knowledge on squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), including screening, prevention, the role of the immune system, standard treatment, and potential novel targets. The standard of care is concurrent 5‑fluorouracil and mitomycin C with radiation, offering high disease control in early cancers but leaving questions about optimal management for advanced disease. HPV status influences responsiveness to chemoradiation, with HPV‑negative tumors being less responsive and relapsing more often. HPV‑positive tumors generally fare better, yet smoking and immune incompetence modify outcomes. Emerging immunological therapies targeting HPV‑driven pathways hold promise for further improvement.
SCCA incidence is rising, and current management is based on limited randomized data. Understanding how HPV status alters treatment response can guide personalized therapy, improve outcomes, and identify patients who might benefit from dose escalation, de‑escalation, or immunotherapy.
Evidence level: Állatkísérletes. Állatmodellben vizsgálták.
Related signals
- Clinical Outcomes, Patterns of Failure, and Salvage Therapies of a Large Modern Cohort of Patients With Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Definitive-Intent Intensity‑Modulated Radiation Therapy
- Treatment of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions to Prevent Anal Cancer
- Advancements in Immunotherapy for Anal Cancer Treatment
- Genotyping and Cytology Co-Testing for Anal Cancer Screening: Exploratory Evaluation of Cumulative HPV Genotype Burden
- Radiation Therapy for Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline