SCAC Disease Overview: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Diagnostic Workup Strategies
Panelists discuss how anal cancer epidemiology shows increasing incidence in both sexes with HPV infection as the primary risk factor, affecting predominantly women with a median age of 60, while emphasizing the need to dispel misconceptions linking HPV-related anal cancer to sexual practices.
Introduction and Epidemiology of Anal Cancer
This virtual tumor board focuses on squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (CAC) management, examining the evolution from traditional chemoradiation to emerging immunotherapy approaches. The discussion covers approximately 10,000 new cases annually in the US, with higher incidence in women and a median age of diagnosis at 60 years. The epidemiological landscape shows increasing rates in both sexes, with significant demographic disparities affecting treatment access and outcomes.
HPV infection serves as the primary risk factor for anal cancer, with approximately 90% of cases testing positive for HPV, particularly HPV-16. HIV infection increases anal cancer risk by 30-fold, though improved HIV management has reduced its classification as an AIDS-defining illness. Additional risk factors include immunosuppression from organ transplantation or chronic immunosuppressive therapy, and tobacco use as an independent risk factor.
The pathophysiology involves HPV-mediated carcinogenesis, typically progressing from dysplasia to invasive carcinoma, distinguishing it from rectal adenocarcinoma in both etiology and management. Clinical presentations include bleeding, pain, mass sensation, bowel habit changes, and non-healing ulcers. The discussion emphasizes removing stigma around HPV-related anal cancer, as it's not exclusively associated with anal intercourse, and highlights the importance of cervical screening in female patients due to shared HPV risk factors.
Ruxolitinib Effective as Second-Line Therapy for Chronic GvHD
July 15th 2021In an interview with Targeted Oncology, Stephanie Lee, MD, MPH, reviewed the updated data from the REACH3 trial along with the efficacy of ruxolitinib in the greater chronic graft versus host disease population.
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Clinical Treatment Act Aims to Improve Survival, Close Racial Health Care Gap
June 28th 2021Across the United States, the health insurance coverage gap continues to impact millions of patients who are largely low-income or are racial minorities. After years of lobbying, Congress has passed the Clinical Treatment Act, which is legislation designed to improve access to health coverage.
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