Abstract
Background and objectives: The diagnosis and therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus may vary significantly in daily clinical practice, even if international guidelines are available. Materials and Methods: We conducted a pattern of care survey to assess the management of patients with anal cancer in Italy (38 questions). We analyzed 58 questionnaires. Results: Most of the respondents work in public and/or university hospitals (75.8%) in northern Italy (65.5%). The majority (88.0%) treat less than 20 patients/year. Common examinations for diagnosis and staging are anorectal endoscopy (84.5%), computed tomography scan (86.2%) and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (96.5%). The most frequently prescribed dose to primary tumor is 50–54 Gy (46.5–58.6%) for early stage disease and 54–59.4 Gy (62.1–32.8%) for locally advanced cases. Elective volumes are prescribed around 45 Gy (94.8%). Most participants use volumetric intensity modulated radiotherapy (89.7%) and a simultaneous integrated boost (84.5%). Concurrent radiotherapy, 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin is considered the standard of care (70.6%). Capecitabine is less frequently used (34.4%). Induction chemotherapy is an option for extensive localized disease (65.5%). Consolidation chemotherapy is rarely used (18.9%). A response evaluation is conducted at 26–30 weeks (63.9%) with a pelvic MRI (91.4%). Follow-up is generally run by the multidisciplinary tumor board (62.1%). Conclusions: Differences were observed for radiotherapy dose prescription, calling for a consensus to harmonize treatment strategies.