title: Biomarkers in anal cancer: from biological understanding to stratified treatment.
abstract: Squamous cell carcinomas of the anus and anal canal represent a model of a cancer and perhaps the first where level 1 evidence supported primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in treating locoregional disease with curative intent. The majority of tumours are associated with infection with oncogenic subtypes of human papilloma virus and this plays a significant role in their sensitivity to treatment. However, not all tumours are cured with CRT and there remain opportunities to improve outcomes in terms of oncological control and also reducing late toxicities. Understanding the biology of ASCC promises to allow a more personalised approach to treatment, with the development and validation of a range of biomarkers and associated techniques that are the focus of this review.
authors.affiliation: Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.|Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK.|Department of Radiology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, UK.
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Goh
authors.affiliation: Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.|Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sebag-Montefiore
authors.affiliation: Sussex Cancer Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK.
authors.forename: Duncan C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Gilbert
mesh_terms: D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000502:physiology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D059248:Chemoradiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor