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Radiation Oncology
Published in: Radiation Oncology 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research

Quality of life and tumor control after short split-course chemoradiation for anal canal carcinoma

Authors: Sawyna Provencher, Christoph Oehler, Sophie Lavertu, Marjory Jolicoeur, Bernard Fortin, David Donath

Published in: Radiation Oncology | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate quality of life (QOL) and outcome of patients with anal carcinoma treated with short split-course chemoradiation (CRT).

Methods

From 1991 to 2005, 58 patients with anal cancer were curatively treated with CRT. External beam radiotherapy (52 Gy/26 fractions) with elective groin irradiation (24 Gy) was applied in 2 series divided by a median gap of 12 days. Chemotherapy including fluorouracil and Mitomycin-C was delivered in two sequences. Long-term QOL was assessed using the site-specific EORTC QLQ-CR29 and the global QLQ-C30 questionnaires.

Results

Five-year local control, colostomy-free survival, and overall survival were 78%, 94% and 80%, respectively. The global QOL score according to the QLQ-C30 was good with 70 out of 100. The QLQ-CR29 questionnaire revealed that 77% of patients were mostly satisfied with their body image. Significant anal pain or fecal incontinence was infrequently reported. Skin toxicity grade 3 or 4 was present in 76% of patients and erectile dysfunction was reported in 100% of male patients.

Conclusions

Short split-course CRT for anal carcinoma seems to be associated with good local control, survival and long-term global QOL. However, it is also associated with severe acute skin toxicity and sexual dysfunction. Implementation of modern techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) might be considered to reduce toxicity.
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Metadata
Title
Quality of life and tumor control after short split-course chemoradiation for anal canal carcinoma
Authors
Sawyna Provencher
Christoph Oehler
Sophie Lavertu
Marjory Jolicoeur
Bernard Fortin
David Donath
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Radiation Oncology / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1748-717X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-717X-5-41

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