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Increased occurrence of malignancy before and after chemoradiation for anal squamous cell carcinoma: a
Ritesh Kumar1, Chris L Hallemeier2, Daniel T Chang3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
Background:
Anal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare cancer with increased occurrence of multiple cancers before and after the anal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis. However, there are limited data on this aspect. This multi-institutional analysis aimed to define the occurrence of malignancies before and after anal squamous cell carcinoma, time trends, and impact on survival and to identify prognostic factors.
Methods:
Initial primary malignancy was defined as a malignancy occurring before the anal squamous cell carcinoma. Second primary malignancy was defined as a distinct primary cancer that developed after anal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis. Retrospective multi-institutional chart review was done. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and prognostic factors were evaluated.
Results:
A total of 647 patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma treated with curative intent were analyzed. Median age was 61.2 years with 72% as females. Of these, 150 (23.3%) patients had multiple malignancies with initial primary malignancy in 16% and second primary malignancy in 8%. Patients without prior cancer had better 5-year PFS (81.2% vs 67.2%, P = .011) and overall survival (81% vs 69%, P = .008) compared with those with prior cancer. Second primary malignancies had a statistically significant adverse impact on PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.22) and overall survival (HR = 3.56). Females had better 5-year PFS (82% vs 70%, P = .016) as compared with males. The median time interval for developing anal squamous cell carcinoma (as second primary malignancy) after initial primary malignancy was 9.32 years.
Conclusions:
Anal squamous cell carcinoma patients have an increased risk of multiple malignancies. These patients who have prior cancers have inferior outcomes. Second primary malignancy is a poor prognostic factor in patients with anal cancer. Second primary malignancy can develop years after treatment of primary anal squamous cell carcinoma.
