The management of carcinoma of the anal canal by external beam radiotherapy, experience in Vancouver 1971-1988.
From 1971 to 1988 72 cases of carcinoma of the anal canal were treated by external beam radiotherapy, most commonly by 5000 cGy in 20 fractions given over 4 weeks. The actuarial survival at 5 years was 66% and the disease specific survival 78%. Nine patients had inguinal node metastases at diagnosis; their 5-year disease specific survival was 75%. 63 patients were inguinal node negative at presentation; their 5-year disease specific survival was 78%, by UICC 1987 staging: T1 71%, T2 88%, T3 41%, T4 42%. 17 patients developed local recurrence; 10 were suitable for abdominoperineal (AP) resection which was successful in 7. The probability of local control was related to T stage. 13 patients were left with a colostomy because of recurrence, 2 had a colostomy for radiation damage and 4 had their local recurrence managed palliatively, without a colostomy. As a result, 53 of the 72 patients (74%) were left with a functional anus. Severe late complications occurred in 6 (8%).
Newman
G
G
British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada.
Calverley
D C
DC
Acker
B D
BD
Manji
M
M
Hay
J
J
Flores
A D
AD
D000368:Aged; D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D015996:Survival Rate