Session

Overview: The session will focus on different aspects of anal cancer treatment. In the realm of EBRT protocols, the aim is on optimizing external beam radiotherapy delivery. Controversies arise when considering the optimal GTV and CTV doses. The lecture will emphasize the necessity for personalized treatment through a biomarker stratified approach. Brachytherapy is an effective weapon in the treatment of anal cancer, although little used nowadays. The transition from brachytherapy to interventional radiotherapy will be reported focusing on the differences in target definition and dose distribution and the consequent results in terms of local control and toxicity. Exploring the radiobiology and molecular biology of anal cancer unveils the biological features of SCCA. The role of HPV, and the significance of hypoxia and immuno-related biomarkers, including circulating DNA studies will be explored. Shifting the focus to quality of life in anal cancer, an overview of quality of life will be reported. Patient-reported outcome measures and future strategies to prevent or reduce treatment-related functional impairments will be in depth and critically considered.