NCT05838391 · Columbia University
Adaptive Radiation in Anal Cancer
What this study is about
This is a 20 patient pilot study to examine the feasibility of dose-adapted radiation therapy for the treatment of locally advanced anal squamous cell cancer. The tumor and a patient's anatomy may change during radiation treatment and daily adaption of the radiation plan (i.e.
View original scientific description
This is a 20 patient pilot study to examine the feasibility of dose-adapted radiation therapy for the treatment of locally advanced anal squamous cell cancer. The tumor and a patient's anatomy may change during radiation treatment and daily adaption of the radiation plan (i.e., a new daily plan based on the anatomy of the day) may help to maximize the dose to the tumor and minimize the radiation dose to the normal surrounding organs.
Interventions
RADIATION
Artificial Intelligence Guided Daily Radiotherapy Treatment Planning and Delivery
Subjects will receive 54 Gy of radiation delivered 5 day a week for 6 weeks, 30 radiation treatments total. Intensity-Modulated photon radiation therapy will be delivered on a Varian Ethos linear accelerator. Daily image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is required. All treatments will have artificial-intelligence (AI) daily adaptations of the radiation plan to optimize the radiation dose to the targeted area and minimize radiation dose to the normal surrounding organs such as the bowel.
DRUG
Mitomycin-C
As part of the subjects' treatment, 10 mg/meters squared of Mitomycin C will be administered intravenously (IV-into the vein) on Day 1 and Day 29.
DRUG
5-Fluorouracil
As part of the subjects' treatment, 1g/meters squared/day for 4 days of 5-Fluorouracil will be administered by continuous infusion on Days 1-4 (for 96 hours) and Days 29-32 (for 96 hours). 5-Fluorouracil or capecitabine will be administered per the physician's discretion.
DRUG
Capecitabine
As part of the subjects' treatment, 825 mg/meters squared per day, divided into 2 daily doses, will be taken on days of radiotherapy. Capecitabine or 5-FU will be administered per the physician's discretion.
Primary outcome measures
Time to plan and deliver treatment fractions.
Time frame: Up to 6 weeks
This is defined by the time the first cone beam computed tomography to the end of treatment delivery for each treatment.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Histologically proven, invasive primary squamous, basaloid or cloacogenic carcinoma of the anal canal.
- American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition stage T2 \> 4 cm, T3-4 or N1.
- Age ≥18 years.
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤2 (Karnofsky ≥60%).
- Life expectancy of greater than 12 months.
- Patients must have normal organ and marrow function as defined below:
- leukocytes greater than or equal to 3,000/microliter
- absolute neutrophil count greater than or equal to 1,500/microliter
- platelets greater than or equal to 100,000/microliter
- total bilirubin within normal institutional limits
- Aspartate transaminase (AST)(SGOT)/Alanine transaminase (ALT)(SGPT) ≤ 2.5 × institutional upper limit of normal
- creatinine within normal institutional limits OR creatinine clearance ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for patients with creatinine levels above institutional normal.
- Females of childbearing potential and males must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and for 6 months after completion of study therapy. All pregnancies must be reported.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Prior or co-existing invasive malignancy (except non-melanomatous skin cancer) unless disease free ≥ 2 years.
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation for anal cancer.
- Patients who have undergone complete surgical resection.
- Presence of recurrent/metastatic disease.
- Prior allergic reaction to 5-Fluorouracil or mitomycin C.
- Artificial organ prosthetics, pacemakers or other implantable devices.
- Prior radiotherapy to the pelvis that would result in overlap of radiation therapy fields.
- Uncontrolled inter-current illness including but not limited to known history of HIV with cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count less than 200 or symptomatic cardiac disease.
- Women who are pregnant or lactating.
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
Varian Medical Systems
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations