Update on treatment advances in combined-modality therapy for anal and rectal carcinomas

Curr Oncol Rep. 2011 Jun;13(3):177-85. doi: 10.1007/s11912-011-0166-z.

Abstract

Concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy is the primary treatment for patients with squamous cell tumors of the anal canal, and is also employed in the neoadjuvant setting for patients with stage II and III adenocarcinoma of the rectum. There is constant clinical study involving modifications of chemoradiotherapy regimens in an effort to maximize tumor responses while reducing normal tissue toxicity. This review will discuss established regimens as well as newer and novel treatment approaches to treatment of anal and rectal cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / radiotherapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Anus Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Anus Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Anus Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy / standards
  • Humans
  • Mitomycin / therapeutic use
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Oxaliplatin
  • Rectal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Rectal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Rectal Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Organoplatinum Compounds
  • Oxaliplatin
  • Bevacizumab
  • Mitomycin
  • Cisplatin