Effectiveness of cisplatin in the treatment of anal squamous cell carcinoma

The therapeutic activity of cisplatin was explored in three consecutive patients with locoregional squamous cell carcinoma of the anus who received no prior therapy. One complete response and two partial responses were achieved. These data, although preliminary, strongly suggest that this disease is sensitive to cisplatin, and further trials are indicated to assess the precise role of this drug in the overall management of anal carcinoma.