Assessing quality of life in anal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy

Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) in Anal Cancer Patient Treated by Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT).

Observational Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06364579

This study is trying to see how treatment affects the quality of life for anal cancer patients by having them fill out questionnaires about their symptoms and daily life over five years.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Rome, Lazio)
Trial IDNCT06364579 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of anal cancer patients who have undergone radiochemotherapy by utilizing patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Participants will complete self-administered questionnaires, including the EORTC QLQ-AN27 and QLQ-30, to document their symptoms and functional status before, after, and during follow-ups for up to five years. The study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of treatment on patients' lives, particularly focusing on aspects related to intestinal, anal sphincter, and sexual health. By integrating PROs with physician-assessed toxicity, the study aims to enhance clinical practice and inform future interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal who are eligible for radiochemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis not suitable for radiochemotherapy or those with an ECOG performance status higher than 3 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies that enhance the quality of life for anal cancer patients post-treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of PROs in cancer treatment is becoming standard, this specific focus on anal cancer and its long-term QOL impacts is relatively novel and underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-3
* minimum 18 years old
* squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal
* low burden of metastatic disease at diagnosis
* indication for radiochemotherapy treatment
* informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* age under 18 years
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) higher than 3
* metastatic disease at diagnosis not amenable to radiochemotherapy treatment

Where this trial is running

Rome, Lazio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anal Cancer PatientsPROsQOLEORTCanal cancerradiotherapyradiation therapyfollow up
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.