Anal Cancer Clinical Trials

Anal cancer clinical trials are an important part of the research process. Through these groundbreaking studies, scientists and clinicians can determine whether promising new treatments are more effective than the currently available options, or are equally effective but produce fewer side effects. In fact, all of today’s standard cancer treatments resulted from earlier clinical trials.

Some patients who take part in clinical trials have access to – and can benefit from – novel treatments before those options are made available in other settings. For instance, certain radiosensitizer drugs are being studied so researchers can learn about their effects on radiation therapy. Evidence suggests that radiation therapy administered in conjunction with radiosensitizers may destroy more anal cancer cells than radiation therapy alone.

Depending on many unique factors, including treatment goals, patients can enroll in anal cancer clinical trials:

• Before treatment – Some studies are specifically established for newly diagnosed patients who have not yet begun any form of treatment.
• During treatment – There are clinical trial opportunities for patients who have attempted other treatments and experienced unsatisfactory results.
• After treatment – Following an initial course of treatment, a patient might participate in a clinical trial designed to prevent anal cancer recurrence or reduce the side effects of prior treatments.

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is a nationally recognized leader in cancer research conducted through innovative clinical trials and other exciting initiatives. Moffitt’s multispecialty team of anal cancer experts ensures that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment, which might include a clinical trial or another advanced treatment option depending on the patient’s unique circumstances.

If you’d like to learn more about the current anal cancer clinical trials at Moffitt, you do not need a referral to consult with our cancer experts. Call 1-813-745-6100 or 1-800-679-0775 (toll-free) or submit a clinical trials inquiry form.