Late effects following Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy in anal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessment of the impact of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)+/-chemotherapy on long term urinary, sexual and bowel function in men and women treated for anal cancer
IRAS ID
248371
Contact name
Gillian Knowles
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lothian Research and Development
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cancer of the anus is relatively rare, accounting for approximately 2% (n=1300 new patients per year) of all cancers of the large bowel. However the incidence rate of developing anal cancer has more than doubled over the last 3 decades and is continuing to increase both in the general population and in high-risk groups. The current authors previously undertook a study to evaluate the prevalence of long term urinary, bowel and sexual function in patients treated with pelvic radiation treatment for anal cancer in 2014. The results highlighted persistent treatment related issues in a subset of patients. These findings were similar to other quality of life studies in this patient group, highlighting significant long-term impairment. Since undertaking the study, radiotherapy techniques have advanced with the introduction of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). VMAT is a new technique which can achieve improved target volume coverage and sparing of normal tissue compared to previous conventional radiotherapy techniques. Early results from the Royal College of Radiologists suggest a reduction in acute toxicities however there is currently limited published data on late effects.
VMAT was introduced as a treatment for anal cancer in NHS Lothian in January 2015 with approximately 65 patients treated by the end of July 2017. We now have sufficient patient numbers to undertake an evaluation of late effects in patients who are a minimum of one year out from initial treatment. The data from our previous study (n=42) will allow some comparisons to be made to evaluate if VMAT is better in minimising late toxicities then conventional radiotherapy.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
18/SS/0086
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion