COMBINED RADICAL RADIATION-THERAPY AND CHEMOTHERAPY FOR PRIMARY SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE ANAL-CANAL

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (3) , 489-492
Abstract
Radical radiation therapy (5000 rad in 20 fractions in 4 wk) combined with i.v. mitomycin (10 mg/m2) and 5-FU [5-fluorouracil] (1000 mg/m2 every 24 h for 4 days) was used to treat 13 patients with locally advanced but operable squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. All patients achieved local control and retained anal continence; none developed metastases. The patients were followed from 4-34 mo. (median, 12 mo.). Severe acute gastrointestinal toxic effects were seen in 3 patients; the same patients had significant thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. Treatment with this combined program may allow conservative management of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal and should be considered as an alternative to abdominoperineal resection.