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Chemoradiation for anal cancer
This treatment combines a course of radiation therapy with some chemotherapy sessions. The chemotherapy makes the cancer cells more sensitive to the radiation therapy.
For anal cancer, a typical treatment plan might involve a session of radiation therapy every weekday for several weeks, as well as chemotherapy on some days during the first and fifth weeks. This approach allows for lower doses of radiation therapy.
Learn more about:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Side effects of chemoradiation
- Video: What are chemotherapy and radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy
Also known as radiotherapy, this treatment uses targeted radiation, such as x-ray beams, to kill or damage cancer cells. Treatment is carefully planned to do as little harm as possible to the normal body tissue around the cancer.
During a treatment session, you lie under a machine that delivers radiation to the treatment area. It usually takes 10–20 minutes to set up the machine, but the treatment itself takes only a few minutes and is painless. You will be able to go home afterwards
Chemotherapy
This is the treatment of cancer with anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells while doing the least possible damage to healthy cells. For anal cancer, the drugs are usually given into a vein through an intravenous (IV) drip.
Side effects of chemoradiation
Both radiation therapy and chemotherapy can have side effects. These can occur during or soon after the treatment (early side effects), or many months or years later (late side effects).
Early side effects |
Late side effects |
These usually settle down in the weeks after treatment. They may include:
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These can occur several months, or even years, after treatment ends. They vary a lot from person to person, but may include:
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For more on this, see Radiation therapy and Chemotherapy.
Effects on sexuality and fertility
Chemoradiation for anal cancer can have a range of effects on sexuality and may also affect fertility. Ask your doctor about ways to manage these changes, as early treatment and support can help.
Learn more about how cancer and its treatment can affect sexuality and fertility, and listen to our podcast on Sex and Cancer.
→ READ MORE: Surgery for anal cancer
Videos
Podcast: Making Treatment Decisions
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More resources
Dr Chip Farmer, Colorectal Surgeon, The Alfred, The Avenue and Cabrini Hospitals, VIC; Tara Faure, Lower GI Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Debra Furniss, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, QLD; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Max Niggl, Consumer; Julie O’Rourke, CNC Radiation Oncology, Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, Canberra Health Services ACT; Dr Satish Warrier, Colorectal Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
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