Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:11
Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Squamous Cell Anal Carcinoma: Current Therapeutic Approaches
Valentina Zen1, Francesca Bof2, Rossana Intini3
1Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.; Section of Innovation Biomedicine-Oncology Area, Department of Engineering for Innovation. Medicine, University of Verona and University and Hospital Trust (AOUI) of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCAC) is rising due to HPV. Early-stage SCAC is treated with chemoradiotherapy, while advanced SCAC now includes immunotherapy with retifanlimab.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCAC) is a rare but increasing malignancy.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of SCAC.
- Immunosuppression increases susceptibility to SCAC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding and treatment of SCAC.
- To highlight advancements in managing localized and metastatic disease.
- To outline future research directions in SCAC.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on SCAC epidemiology, etiology, and treatment.
- Analysis of standard-of-care protocols for localized and metastatic SCAC.
- Discussion of emerging therapies, including HPV-targeted strategies and immunotherapies.
Main Results:
- Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard for localized SCAC, yielding high survival rates.
- Systemic therapy, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy, is used for metastatic SCAC.
- Carboplatin, paclitaxel, and retifanlimab (anti-PD1) combination is a new standard for advanced SCAC.
Conclusions:
- HPV vaccination and HSIL treatment reduce SCAC risk.
- Advances in systemic therapy and immunotherapy are improving outcomes for advanced SCAC.
- Ongoing research in HPV-targeting and novel immunotherapies offers future treatment potential.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...