Aim: Retrospective analysis of a series of 287 anal canal carcinomas seen during a 15-year period in the Department of Radiotherapy Oncology of Hospices Civils de Lyon.
Material and method: Between 1980 and 1995, 287 patients were managed in the radiotherapy department of Hospices Civils de Lyon. In 25 cases, the patients were referred for recurrence. Post or preoperative irradiation was performed in 12 and 23 cases. Palliative treatment was given to 15 cases and simple follow-up in 7 cases. Radiotherapy was given to 205 patients. In 71 cases irradiation alone and in 134 concomitant radiochemotherapy was given.
Results: The 5-year overall survival of the group treated by radiotherapy (205 patients) was 71.5% and the 10 year-overall survival was 60.8%. The specific survival at 5 and 10 years was 81.9% and 74.7% respectively. At 5 years the overall survival was 78% for the group treated by concomitant radiochemotherapy and 60% for the group treated by irradiation alone.
Conclusion: Radiotherapy is the standard treatment for anal canal carcinoma. Radiochemotherapy seems to improve results in advanced cases. The best irradiation of technique has yet to be defined.