Successful chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer despite previous radical radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancy

Repeat radical irradiation of the pelvis is generally not undertaken because of concerns regarding normal tissue damage; in particular to small bowel, bladder and bone. Two patients with carcinoma of the anal canal are presented who had previously been treated by radical pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancy. Both were re-treated with radical radiotherapy to the pelvis with concomitant chemotherapy. A complete remission of anal cancer was achieved in both patients with minimal acute and late toxicities.