HIV and anal cancer outcomes: a single institution's experience

Efficacy and Toxicity of (Chemo)Radiation Therapy in HIV+ Patients with Squamous Cell Anal Cancer, a Subgroup Analysis of the National Multicenter Cohort FFCD-ANABASE

PURPOSE

The influence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on clinical outcomes in patients receiving (chemo)radiation therapy (RT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is debated. The objective of this study was to compare efficacy and safety according to HIV status in patients with SCCA treated with C/RT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between January 2015 and April 2020, 488 patients with a known HIV status (17.6% HIV+) were treated with radiation therapy for SCCA and included in the FFCD-ANABASE multicentric prospective cohort. Clinical outcomes including overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence-free survival, colostomy-free survival, response rate at 4 to 6 months, cancer-specific survival, relapse-free survival, and severe acute and late toxicity were compared between HIV+ and HIV- patients.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 35.8 months. HIV+ patients were younger (P < .01) and predominantly male (P < .01). Intensity modulated radiation therapy was performed in 80.7% of patients, and 80.9% received concurrent chemotherapy. A higher proportion of HIV+ patients received induction chemotherapy compared with HIV- patients. No statistically significant difference in overall treatment time or severe acute and late toxicities was found between HIV+ and HIV- patients. In univariate analyses, OS (HR = 2.1 [CI 95% 1.2;3.5], P = .007), locoregional recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.7 [1.1;2.7], P = .02), and colostomy-free survival (HR = 1.7 [1.1;2.6], P = .01) were significantly shorter in HIV+ patients than in HIV- patients. Response rate, cancer-specific survival, and relapse-free survival were not significantly different. The recurrence site was significantly different according to HIV status. In the multivariate analysis, prognostic factors for OS were a World Health Organization performance status of ≥1 for the whole population, as well as HIV+ status for the subgroup of women.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV+ patients treated with chemo-RT for SCCA have poorer clinical outcomes, especially women. No difference was found in toxicity according to HIV status with intensity modulated radiation therapy technique.

Biomarkers in Anal Cancer: Current Status in Diagnosis, Disease Progression and Therapeutic Strategies

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is a rare neoplasm, but with rising incidence rates in the past few decades; it is etiologically linked with the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and is especially prevalent in immunocompromised patients, mainly those infected with HIV. Fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy remains the cornerstone of the treatment of non-metastatic disease, but the locally advanced disease still presents high rates of disease recurrence and systemic therapy of SCCA is an unmet clinical need. Despite sharing common molecular aspects with other HPV-related malignancies, such as cervical and head and neck cancers, SCCA presents specific epigenomic, genomic, and transcriptomic abnormalities, which suggest that genome-guided personalized therapies should be specifically designed for this disease. Actionable mutations are rare in SCCA and immune checkpoint inhibition has not yet been proven useful in an unselected population of patients. Therefore, advances in systemic therapy of SCCA will only be possible with the identification of predictive biomarkers and the subsequent development of targeted therapies or immunotherapeutic approaches that consider the unique tumor microenvironment and the intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. In the present review, we address the molecular characterization of SCCA and discuss potential diagnostic, predictive and prognostic biomarkers of this complex and challenging disease.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of mortality in anal cancer patients by HIV status

Advances in HIV treatments have resulted in life expectancies among people with HIV (PWH) that are similar to people without HIV (non-PWH), provided that PWH have access to these treatments. As a result of increased survival times, diagnosis of non-AIDS-defining cancers, including anal cancer (AC), has increased among PWH. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine if PWH have a higher hazard of mortality compared to non-PWH following AC diagnosis in the post-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and conference abstracts from Jan 1, 1996 - October 31, 2018. Our analysis included longitudinal studies of adults diagnosed with AC which measured a hazard ratio (HR) of overall or cancer-specific mortality comparing PWH versus non-PWH. Using a random-effects model, we estimated the primary outcome, pooled overall survival HR, and the secondary outcome, cancer-specific survival HR. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Thirteen studies were relevant for inclusion, twelve of which had a low risk of bias. Meta-analysis of the studies reporting an overall survival HR found a non-significant pooled HR of 1.11 (95% CI: 0.85-1.44). Meta-analysis of the six studies reporting cancer-specific survival HR found a non-significant pooled HR of 1.15 (95% CI: 0.69-1.93). Heterogeneity was low and medium, respectively. Overall survival and cancer-specific survival HRs indicate that although PWH had higher mortality than non-PWH, the effects were not statistically significant. There is therefore no significant overall survival nor cancer-specific survival differences between PWH and non-PWH in the era of modern treatment.

Difference in toxicity between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with squamous-cell cancer of the anal canal treated with concomitant radio-chemotherapy

Background

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal has been increasing over the last 30 years. HIV has been found to be a risk factor for the development of this disease; radio-chemotherapy (RTCT) may also be more toxic than in HIV-negative patients. The study aims at assessing whether there are any differences in terms of toxicity between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients treated with concomitant RTCT.

Methods

Search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL (via Cochrane Library-Wiley), DARE, LILACS bibliographic databases. Experimental and analytical observational studies with at least two comparative arms were included: squamous-cell (SC) anal-canal cancer (ACC) treated with RTCT in HIV-positive vs. HIV-negative patients.

Results

Fifteen publications, 14 retrospective studies and 1 systematic review, were found. All radiotherapy (RT) techniques and all chemotherapeutic agents used to manage this disease were included. No differences were found in terms of duration (P=0.67) and dose (P=0.53) of RT, while CT results were contradictory. Acute and hematological toxicities were significantly higher in HIV-positive patients, while gastrointestinal, dermatological and chronic toxicities did not significantly differ between the two groups. Given the high heterogeneity of the studies, no objective comparison could be made between studies that included antiretrovirals and those that did not.

Conclusions

HIV-positive patients may be at higher risk for acute and hematological toxicity than HIV-negative patients. A precise conclusion cannot be drawn on the use of antiretrovirals, given the high heterogeneity of data.

Long-term results achieved by guideline-based stage-dependent management of anal cancer in a non-HIV population

PURPOSE

Therapy of anal cancer follows national and international guidelines that are mainly derived from randomized trials. This study aimed to analyze long-term results of stage-dependent treatment of anal cancer in a non-selected patient cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

All consecutive patients treated for anal cancer between 2000 and 2015 were retrieved from a prospective database. Risk-dependent screening for human immunodeficiency virus showed no infection. Main outcome measure was overall survival with respect to tumor site and treatment. Secondary endpoints were cause-specific survival, stoma free survival, and the rate of salvage operations.

RESULTS

In total, 106 patients were treated for anal cancer. Of those, 69 (65.1%) suffered from anal canal cancer and 37 (34.9%) from anal margin cancer. Three patients with synchronous distant metastases were excluded from analysis. The majority of patients (n = 79, 76.7%) were treated by chemoradiotherapy in curative intention. Twenty-two patients underwent local surgery. Five-year overall survival was 73.1% and cause-specific survival at 5 years was 87.4%. Overall, 14 patients (13.6%) needed salvage surgery. Their 5-year cause-specific survival was 57.7%. A permanent ostomy was avoided in 77.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of anal cancer results in low rates of salvage surgery and permanent ostomies, when therapy was determined by a multidisciplinary team following national and international guidelines.

HPV-Associated Anal Cancer in the HIV/AIDS Patient

The prevalence of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) remain high among HIV-infected individuals on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). The incidence of HPV-related anal cancers has continued to increase since the introduction of ART. Therefore, ART may confer only limited benefit with respect to reducing the risk of anal HSIL and cancer. Efforts are in progress to define the efficacy of secondary prevention programs for prevention of anal cancer. In the modern ART era, anal cancer recurrence and survival outcomes are similar in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients, but HIV-infected patients may experience more toxicities. This article reviews the current literature on HPV-associated anal cancer in the HIV-infected population, including epidemiology, screening, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes.

Organ-Specific Toxicities Due to Radiation Therapy in Cancer Patients With or Without HIV Infection: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background: To synthesize published literature on the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and radiation therapy (RT)-related toxicities. Methods: Two electronic databases, MEDLINE and Embase, were searched to identify studies published before November 2016 comparing RT-related toxicities between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients receiving RT or chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for cancer. A qualitative synthesis of included articles and organ-specific toxicities was then performed. Results: Of the 21 studies included in this review, 15 reported on anal cancer treatment, three on cervical cancer, two on Kaposi sarcoma, and one on prostate cancer. Reports in the pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART) or early ART era tended to identify increased morbidity and mortality with HIV infection. However, modern series incorporating more concurrent chemotherapy, conformal RT techniques, and ART administration result in fewer studies reporting toxicity differences in patients treated for anal and cervical cancers. When statistically significant, HIV-infected patients had higher rates of gastrointestinal toxicity with anal cancer CRT (up to 50%) and higher rates of hematologic toxicity with cervical cancer CRT (up to 31%). Of the 17 studies reporting treatment outcomes, nine suggest HIV-infected patients may have reduced local control and/or survival rates. Conclusions: Overall, RT is likely similarly tolerated between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients, especially with modern RT techniques. HIV-infected patients should continue to receive established standard of care RT and CRT dosing.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS, Human Papillomavirus, and Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is an increasingly common non-AIDS-defining cancer among individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV16 is the most common genotype detected in anal cancers. The HPV types detected in anal cancer are included in the 9-valent vaccine. HPV vaccines have demonstrated efficacy in reducing anal precancerous lesions in HIV-infected individuals. Standard treatment has been fluorouracil and mitomycin (or cisplatin) plus radiation. Continued studies are needed to test new treatment strategies in HIV-infected patients with anal cancer to determine which treatment protocols provide the best therapeutic index.

Prognostic and Predictive Clinicopathologic Factors of Squamous Anal Canal Cancer in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Patients: Does HAART Influence Outcomes?

BACKGROUND

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anal canal has been rising over the past decades, especially in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite the advent of potent multidrug regimens to treat HIV-termed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), anal SCC rates have not declined, and the impact of HAART on anal SCC remains controversial.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to define outcomes of anal SCC treatment in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective single-institution analysis was performed on all patients with anal SCC treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1991 and 2010. The primary outcomes measured were 5-year overall survival (5-year OS), median survival, and relapse rates.

RESULTS

Our search identified 93 patients with anal SCC. Patients had a mean age of 54 years; 37.6% were male, and 21.5% were HIV-positive. Median follow-up was 28 months. Relapse occurred in 16.1% of patients. Median time to relapse was 20 months. Relapse rates were slightly higher with HIV-positive versus negative patients (30.0 vs. 12.3%) but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06). Among HIV-positive patients, those who relapsed were more likely to be on HAART than those who did not relapse (83.3 vs. 14.3%, p = 0.007). 5-year OS was 58.9% for the total group of patients with no significant difference between those who relapsed versus those who did not (76.2 vs. 54.5%, p = 0.20). No survival difference was seen between HIV-positive and negative patients. Survival was associated with AJCC stage in all patients.

CONCLUSION

In our small series, HIV infection was not associated with a significantly higher relapse rate or worse 5-year OS among patients with anal SCC. HAART was associated with a higher rate of relapse in HIV-positive patients. AJCC staging predicted survival in both relapsed and non-relapsed patients regardless of HIV status.

Are there HIV-specific Differences for Anal Cancer Patients Treated with Standard Chemoradiotherapy in the Era of Combined Antiretroviral Therapy?

AIMS

Contradicting evidence exists regarding the safety and clinical outcome of standard treatment in HIV-positive patients with anal cancer. We report on our large, single-centre experience in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative patients treated in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (CART).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2015, 142 patients (42 HIV-positive versus 100 HIV-negative) with anal cancer were treated with standard chemoradiotherapy. Patients received a median dose of 50.4 Gy to the planning target volume; 91 (64%) patients received an external boost to the primary tumour and/or enlarged lymph nodes of 5.4-10.8 Gy. Concurrent chemotherapy was scheduled in the first and fifth weeks of radiotherapy using 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C. The median follow-up was 51 (range 0-325) months.

RESULTS

HIV-positive patients were predominantly male (P<0.001), younger (P<0.001) and had more advanced nodal disease (P=0.042). A dose reduction of chemotherapy was necessary in 38% of HIV-positive patients and in 24% of HIV-negative patients (P=0.39). There was no significant difference in total dose or duration of radiotherapy (median 43 versus 44 days, P=0.59). Complete response (81% versus 87%, P=0.088), 5 year rates of local failure (26.2% versus 14.9%, P=0.176), 5 year rates of distant failure (14.3% versus 8.4%, P=0.371) and 5 year overall survival (70.7% versus 78.4%, P=0.491) were not significantly different. HIV-positive patients had worse 5 year cancer-specific survival (80.5% versus 93.8%, P=0.029) in univariate but not in multivariate analysis (P=0.276).

CONCLUSIONS

In the CART era, tolerance and clinical outcome are similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with anal cancer after standard chemoradiotherapy.

Outcomes of abdominoperineal resection for management of anal cancer in HIV-positive patients: a national case review

BACKGROUND

The incidence of anal cancer in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals is increasing, and how co-infection affects outcomes is not fully understood. This study sought to describe the current outcome disparities between anal cancer patients with and without HIV undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR).

METHODS

A retrospective review of all US patients diagnosed with anal squamous cell carcinoma, undergoing an APR, was performed. Cases were identified using a weighted derivative of the Healthcare Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample (2000-2011). Patients greater than 60 years old were excluded after finding a skewed population distribution between those with and without HIV infection. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear modeling analysis examined factors associated with postoperative outcomes and cost. Perioperative complications, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs were compared for those undergoing APR with and without HIV infection.

RESULTS

A total of 1725 patients diagnosed with anal squamous cell cancer undergoing APR were identified, of whom 308 (17.9 %) were HIV-positive. HIV-positive patients were younger than HIV-negative patients undergoing APR for anal cancer (median age 47 years old versus 51 years old, p < 0.001) and were more likely to be male (95.1 versus 30.6 %, p < 0.001). Postoperative hemorrhage was more frequent in the HIV-positive group (5.1 versus 1.5 %, p = 0.05). Mortality was low in both groups (0 % in HIV-positive versus 1.49 % in HIV-negative, p = 0.355), and length of stay (LOS) (10+ days; 75th percentile of patient data) was similar (36.9 % with HIV versus 29.8 % without HIV, p = 0.262). Greater hospitalization costs were associated with patients who experienced a complication. However, there was no difference in hospitalization costs seen between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients (p = 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV status is not associated with worse postoperative recovery after APR for anal cancer as measured by length of stay or hospitalization cost. Further study may support APRs to be used more aggressively in HIV-positive patients with anal cancer.

Non-AIDS-related malignancies: expert consensus review and practical applications from the multidisciplinary CANCERVIH Working Group

Malignancies represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. The introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy has modified the spectrum of malignancies in HIV infection with a decreased incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) malignancies such as Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to partial immune recovery and an increase in non-AIDS-defining malignancies due to prolonged survival. Management of HIV-infected patients with cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving both oncologists and HIV physicians to optimally manage both diseases and drug interactions between anticancer and anti-HIV drugs. The French CANCERVIH group presents here a review and an experience of managing non-AIDS malignancies in HIV-infected individuals.

HIV Infection Is Associated With Poor Outcomes for Patients With Anal Cancer in the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Era

BACKGROUND

HIV status may affect outcomes after definitive chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we report a large series in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era comparing outcomes between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with anal cancer.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective chart review.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at an outpatient oncology clinic at large academic center.

PATIENTS

A total of 107 patients were reviewed, 39 HIV positive and 68 HIV negative. All of the patients underwent definitive chemoradiation for anal cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data on patient characteristics, treatment, toxicity, and outcomes were collected. Overall survival, colostomy-free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 15 months. HIV-positive patients were younger (median, 52 vs 64 years; p < 0.001) and predominantly men (82% men vs 49% men; p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in T, N, or stage groups. HIV-positive patients had a significantly longer duration from biopsy to start of chemoradiation (mean number of days, 82 vs 54; p = 0.042). There were no differences in rates of acute toxicities including diarrhea, fatigue, or dermatitis. HIV-positive patients had significantly higher rates of hospitalization (33% vs 15%; p = 0.024). The 3-year overall survival rate was 42% in HIV-positive and 76% in HIV-negative patients (p = 0.037; HR, 2.335 (95% CI, 1.032-5.283)). Three-year colostomy-free survival was 67% in HIV-positive and 88% in HIV-negative patients (p = 0.036; HR, 3.231 (95% CI, 1.014-10.299)). Differences in overall survival rates were not significant on multivariate analysis.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective design and small patient numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, HIV-positive patients had significantly worse overall and colostomy-free survival rates than HIV-negative patients. However, differences in survival were not significant on multivariate analysis. Additional studies are necessary to establish the etiology of this difference.

[Anal cancer in HIV patients]

Despite effective highly active antiretroviral treatment, anal cancer incidence has recently strongly increased in HIV-infected population. Treatment strategy in HIV-infected patients does not differ from general population. HIV-infected patients treated by chemo-radiotherapy are exposed to high-grade toxicities and should be closely monitored to deliver the optimal treatment. Close collaboration between oncologist and infectiologist is highly recommended to adjust antiretroviral therapy if necessary.

Chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell cancer of the anal canal: a systematic review

Squamous cell cancer of the anal canal is a rare tumour for which there remains uncertainty regarding optimal therapy. A systematic review was conducted to summarise the evidence examining concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy or different chemotherapy regimens in combination with radiotherapy. MEDLINE, EMBASE and conference proceedings were searched for relevant randomised controlled trials. Outcomes of interest were colostomy rate, local failure, overall survival, disease-free survival, adverse effects and quality of life. Six randomised controlled trials were identified. Two trials reported lower colostomy and local failure rates for concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus mitomycin C (MMC) and radiotherapy compared with radiotherapy alone. The omission of MMC from this regimen resulted in higher colostomy and local failure rates and lower disease-free survival. Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent 5-FU plus cisplatin and radiotherapy resulted in a higher colostomy rate than concurrent 5-FU plus MMC and radiotherapy. Haematological toxicity rates were lower in patients who received radiotherapy with 5-FU alone or 5-FU plus cisplatin compared with 5-FU plus MMC. No benefit was seen for the addition of induction or maintenance chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The available evidence continues to support the use of radiotherapy with concurrent 5-FU and MMC as standard treatment for cancer of the anal canal to decrease colostomy and local failure rates.

Long-term effects of chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer in patients with HIV infection: oncological outcomes, immunological status, and the clinical course of the HIV disease

BACKGROUND

Despite the increasing evidence for chemoradiotherapy as standard treatment for anal cancer in patients with HIV infection, there is still some uncertainty regarding increased toxicity and adverse effects on the immune status.

OBJECTIVE

We report the clinical outcome of 5-fluorouracil/mitomycin C-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy for anal carcinoma in patients with HIV infection with an emphasis on the long-term course of CD4 counts and the HIV-related morbidity during follow-up.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

A retrospective single-institution chart review was performed.

PATIENTS

Between 1997 and 2012, 36 HIV-positive patients were treated with standard chemoradiotherapy (median tumor dose, 54 (range, 50.4-60.4) Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction; 5-fluorouracil, 800-1000 mg/m(2), days 1-4 or 1-5; mitomycin C, 10 mg/m(2), day 1, in the first and fifth week).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A retrospective analysis was performed with respect to tumor response, local control, cancer and overall survival, and toxicity. Immunological parameters, including pre- and posttreatment CD4 counts, viral load, and HIV-specific morbidity were recorded during follow-up.

RESULTS

Chemoradiotherapy could be completed in all patients. Acute grade 3 toxicities occurred in 17/36 patients (47%). Complete response was achieved in 31 patients (86%). Five-year local control, colostomy-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival were 72%, 87%, 77%, and 74%. The median pretreatment CD4 count significantly decreased from 367 cells/μL to 139 cells/μL, 3 to 7 weeks after completion of chemoradiotherapy (p < 0.001). Four patients (11%) experienced opportunistic illnesses during the follow-up (median, 66; range, 10-164 months).

LIMITATIONS

This study is limited by its retrospective design and its small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm again that, in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era, anal cancer can be treated in HIV-positive patients with standard chemoradiotherapy, with a clinical outcome similar to their HIV-negative counterparts. The chemoradiotherapy-related decline of the CD4 counts, which remain decreased up to 6 years after chemoradiotherapy, was not associated with increased HIV-related clinical morbidity.

Premalignant lesions of the anal canal and squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a rare tumor. However, its incidence has been increasing in men and women over the past 25 years worldwide. Risk factors associated with this cancer are those behaviors that predispose individuals to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and immunosuppression. Anal cancer is generally preceded by high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN), which is most prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus-positive men who have sex with men. High-risk patients may benefit from screening. The most common presentation is rectal bleeding, which is present in nearly 50% of patients. Twenty percent of patients have no symptoms at the time of presentation. Clinical staging of anal cancer requires a digital rectal exam and a positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Endorectal/endoanal ultrasound appears to add more-specific staging information when compared with digital rectal examination alone. Treatment of anal cancer prior to the 1970s involved an abdominoperineal resection. However, the current standard of care for localized anal cancer is concurrent chemoradiation therapy, primarily because of its sphincter-saving and colostomy-sparing potential. Studies have addressed alternative chemoradiation regimens to improve the standard protocol of fluorouracil, misogynic, and radiation, but no alternative regimen has proven superior. Surgery is reserved for those patients with residual disease or recurrence.

Epidermoid cancer of the anal canal

Anal canal cancer is a rare cancer with incidence that continues to rise. This has been in large part due to increased prevalence of immunosuppressed conditions such as organ transplantation and human immunodeficiency virus along with transmission of the human papillomavirus. Identification of high-risk groups and close monitoring of these groups can help to detect earlier stages of cancer. Chemoradiation therapy remains the mainstay of treatment with excellent outcomes. Surgery for anal canal carcinoma remains as a salvage technique for failed chemoradiation or recurrent disease.

Evaluation of the impact of HIV serostatus, tobacco smoking and CD4 counts on epidermoid anal cancer survival

Tobacco smoking and HIV infection increase the risk of epidermoid anal cancer (EAC). No published studies have examined smoking and EAC outcomes, and the literature is discrepant regarding outcomes of HIV-positive patients with EAC. The goal of this study was to examine smoking history, HIV status and outcomes in EAC patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults with invasive EAC treated in the University of Washington hospital system from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2008. Sixty-three patients were included. Forty-seven patients (75%) had primary chemoradiation, of whom 42 (89%) completed therapy. Two patients (3%) received radiotherapy alone. Fourteen patients (22%) underwent primary surgery, of whom 11 (79%) underwent tumour excision and three (21%) abdominoperineal resection (APR). We analysed smoking history, HIV status and CD4 count (≥200 cells/μL/<200 cells/μL for HIV-positive patients) versus outcomes. Forty-five patients (71%) were in remission, and 44 (70%) were alive at last follow-up. Overall survival was significantly better for never-smokers than for ever-smokers. There were no differences in outcomes according to HIV status or CD4 counts. Patients with anal cancer who smoke have worse overall survival than non-smoking patients. HIV infection does not appear to affect anal cancer outcomes.

Chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer in HIV patients causes prolonged CD4 cell count suppression

BACKGROUND

Despite the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, anal cancer remains a significant health problem in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. We present the clinical features and treatment outcomes of anal cancer in 60 HIV-positive patients over a 20-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective database of all HIV-positive individuals managed in a specialist unit since 1986 includes 11 112 patients (71 687 person-years of follow-up). Sixty patients with anal cancer were identified. Their clinicopathological and treatment details were analysed.

RESULTS

At anal cancer diagnosis, the mean age was 44 years (range: 28-75 years) and the median CD4 cell count was 305 mm(-3) (range: 16-1252 mm(-3)). Fifty (83%) had chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Forty-six (92%) responded, of whom 10 (22%) subsequently relapsed with locoregional (70%), metastatic disease (10%) or both (20%). The overall 5-year survival is 65% (95% confidence interval 51% to 78%). The median CD4 count fell from 289 mm(-3) before CRT to 132 mm(-3) after 3 months and to 189 mm(-3) after 1 year (P<0.05). Six patients in remission of anal cancer died of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome defining illnesses.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of anal cancer with CRT achieves similar outcomes as the general population. CRT is associated with significant prolonged CD4 suppression that may contribute to late deaths of patients in remission.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus-an opportunistic cancer in HIV-positive male homosexuals

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a common cancer in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population, and its incidence continues to increase in male homosexuals. Combined chemoradiation with mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil was poorly tolerated by severely immunocompromised patients in the early 1990s. In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), however, recent data indicate that: (1) most HIV patients with anal cancer can tolerate standard chemotherapy regimens; and (2) this approach is associated with survival rates similar to those of HIV-negative patients. However, HIV-positive patients with SCCA are much younger, more likely to develop local tumor recurrence, and ultimately die from anal cancer than immune competent patients. Taken together, these findings suggest that anal cancer is an often fatal neoplasia in middle-aged HIV-positive male homosexuals. In this population, SCCA is an opportunistic disease resulting in patients with suboptimal immune function from persistent infection and prolonged exposition to oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Large-scale cancer-prevention strategies (routine anuscopy and anal papanicolaou testing) should be implemented in this population. In addition, definitive eradication of oncogenic HPVs within the anogenital mucosa of high-risk individuals might require a proactive approach with repeated vaccination.

Anal carcinoma in HIV-infected patients in the era of antiretroviral therapy: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

Before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, prognosis of anal squamous-cell carcinoma was worse when patients were infected with HIV. Since then, contradictory results have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of chemoradiotherapy in HIV-infected and uninfected patients with anal carcinoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of medical records.

SETTING

Tertiary care center in France.

PATIENTS

Patients with invasive anal carcinoma treated from 2001 through 2006.

INTERVENTIONS

Chemoradiotherapy included 60 Gy pelvic irradiation and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Surgery was performed for local failures or complications.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Tolerance for chemoradiotherapy, tumor control, and survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients (20 HIV-infected and 26 uninfected) were treated for nonmetastatic anal carcinoma. Median follow-up was 32.5 (range, 7-84) months. HIV-infected patients were more likely to be men (95% vs 23%, P < .001) and were younger (median age, 46 vs 62 years, P < .001) than uninfected patients. The viral load was less than 200 copies/mL in 15 (75%) of the HIV-infected patients. The duration of chemoradiotherapy was longer in HIV-infected than in uninfected patients (median, 103 vs 84 days, P = .027). Chemoradiotherapy failed to achieve local control in 10 (50%) HIV-infected and in 6 (23%) uninfected patients (P = .057). In HIV-infected patients, failure rates were higher in patients who required prolonged chemoradiotherapy than in those who received treatment as scheduled (7/11, 64% vs 1/7, 14%; P = .039). During follow-up, 7 (35%) of the HIV-infected and 3 (12%) of the uninfected patients died, all from anal carcinoma. The 5-year overall survival rate was 39% for HIV-infected and 84% for uninfected patients (P = .026); 5-year disease-free survival was 37% in HIV-infected and 75% in uninfected patients (P = .06).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design, lack of data regarding precise toxicity grading, and use of cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV-infected patients with anal squamous-cell carcinoma show impaired tolerance to chemoradiotherapy, have a lower survival rate, and may have a higher rate of local failure compared with uninfected patients.

Efficacy and toxicity of chemoradiation in the treatment of HIV-associated anal cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study is to determine the results and the toxicity of concurrent chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal in HIV-positive patients treated at a single institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HIV-positive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the canal treated at Continuum Cancer Centers-affiliated hospitals were identified from tumor registries. We reviewed hospital and treatment charts to gather data relating to demographics, HIV status including cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count and viral load, tumor stage, radiation and chemotherapy treatment, toxicity and local control, and survival.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were identified. All patients received radiation and concurrent chemotherapy consisting of either mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; 20 patients), cisplatin and 5-FU (13 patients), or 5-FU alone (1 patient). The most frequently reported severe toxicities were dermatologic (50% grade 3 or 4 toxicity) and hematologic (36% grade 3 or 4 toxicity). Actuarial local control and overall survival (OS) at 3 years were 63% and 69%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin or mitomycin and 5-FU in HIV-positive patients provides local control and OS comparable to that observed in the HIV-negative population, with acceptable toxicity.

Improving anal cancer screening in an ambulatory HIV clinic: experience from a quality improvement initiative

Evidence suggests that persons living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk for anal cancer. Early detection of anal cancer is an important prevention measure, but screening rates have been low. This report describes the experience of a quality improvement initiative to increase anal cancer screening at an HIV-specialty clinic. Chart reviews were conducted for three time periods: baseline year, prior to program discussion; transition year, during planning; and implementation year, during program availability. Odds ratios using Fisher's exact test showed that the odds of receiving anal cancer screening increased significantly in the transition year, odds ratio (OR) = 2.859, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.798; 4.546], Fisher's z = 4.40, p < 0.0001, and in the implementation year, OR = 7.446, 95% CI: [4.783; 11.588], Fisher's z > 8.2, p < 0.0001. Patients and clinicians reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. Referring clinicians were also more likely to discuss anal cancer screening.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C for anal carcinoma: are there differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy?

PURPOSE

To report treatment compliance, toxicity and clinical outcome of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for anal carcinoma in HIV-negative vs. HIV-positive patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2008, 25 HIV-positive and 45 HIV-negative patients received CRT (50.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction plus 5.4-10.8 Gy boost; 5-fluorouracil, 1000 mg/m(2), Days 1-4 and 29-32, mitomycin C, 10 mg/m(2), Days 1 and 29). Median follow-up was 51 (range, 3-235) months.

RESULTS

HIV-positive patients were significantly younger (mean age, 47 vs. 57 years, p<0.001) and predominantly male (92% vs. 29%, p<0.001). CRT could be completed in all patients with a reduction of chemotherapy and/or RT-interruption in 28% and 8%, respectively, in HIV-positive patients, and in 9% and 11%, respectively, in HIV-negative patients. Acute Grade 3/4-toxicity occurred in 44% vs. 49% (p=0.79). Initial complete response (84% vs. 93%, p=0.41), 5-year rates of local control (65% vs. 78%, p=0.44), cancer-specific (78% vs. 90%, p=0.17) and overall survival (71% vs. 77%, p=0.76) were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

HIV-positive patients with anal cancer can be treated with standard CRT, with the same tolerability and toxicity as HIV-negative patients. Long-term local control and survival rates are not significantly different between these groups.

Dose-painted intensity-modulated radiation therapy for anal cancer: a multi-institutional report of acute toxicity and response to therapy

PURPOSE

Chemoradiation for anal cancer yields effective tumor control, but is associated with significant acute toxicity. We report our multi-institutional experience using dose-painted IMRT (DP-IMRT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 2005 and May 2009, 43 patients were treated with DP-IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy for biopsy-proven, squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal at two academic medical centers. DP-IMRT was prescribed as follows: T2N0: 42 Gy, 1.5 Gy/fraction (fx) to elective nodal planning target volume (PTV) and 50.4 Gy, 1.8 Gy/fx to anal tumor PTV; T3-4N0-3: 45 Gy, 1.5 Gy/fx to elective nodal PTV, and 54 Gy, 1.8 Gy/fx to the anal tumor and metastatic nodal PTV >3 cm with 50.4 Gy, 1.68 Gy/fx to nodal PTVs ≤ 3 cm in size. Acute and late toxicity was reported by the treating physician. Actuarial analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Median age was 58 years; 67% female; 16% Stage I, 37% II; 42% III; 5% IV. Fourteen patients were immunocompromised: 21% HIV-positive and 12% on chronic immunosuppression. Median follow-up was 24 months (range, 0.6-43.5 months). Sixty percent completed chemoradiation without treatment interruption; median duration of treatment interruption was 2 days (range, 2-24 days). Acute Grade 3+ toxicity included: hematologic 51%, dermatologic 10%, gastrointestinal 7%, and genitourinary 7%. Two-year local control, overall survival, colostomy-free survival, and metastasis-free survival were 95%, 94%, 90%, and 92%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose-painted IMRT appears effective and well-tolerated as part of a chemoradiation therapy regimen for the treatment of anal canal cancer.

HIV- positive anal cancer: an update for the clinician

Anal cancer used to be a rare cancer traditionally associated with elderly women. There are approximately 5260 cases per year in the U.S. (1). The onslaught of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) virus has led to a change in anal cancer demographics. Anal cancer is on the rise in the U.S and the number of anal cases documented has quadrupled in the past 20 yrs correlating with the rise of the HIV epidemic. The incidence of anal cancer is 40 to 80 fold higher in the HIV positive (HIV+) population when compared to the general population (2). With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV+ patients are living longer as less are progressing to AIDS. As a consequence non AIDS defining cancers such as anal cancer are on the rise. Factors implicated in the etiology of anal cancer in HIV+ patients include (Human papillomavirus) HPV virus status, sexual habits, and a history of smoking. HPV 16 and receptive anal intercourse (RAI) increase the risk of anal cancer by 33% over the general population. In the general population, the rate of anal cancer is approximately 0.9 cases per 100,000. In patients with a history of RAI, the rate approaches 35 cases per 100,000 which is equivalent to the prevalence of cervical cancer (3). Smokers are eight times more likely to develop anal cancer. There has been much discussion about tailoring treatment decisions in HIV+ patients with anal cancer. This review focuses on squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal which comprise 80 to 90% of all anal cancers diagnosed and highlight key issues in the management of HIV+ anal cancer patients including recent clinical trials.