Any new drugs for anal cancer besides 5FU and Mitomycin?

Hi, Martha gave some valuable resources and I would certainly check them out. There has been some progress with clinical trials in the last few years and well worth a check.  Almost 4 yrs ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3b anal cancer. I was initially in a clinical trial that involved the drug "Cetuximab"........... I was also treated with standard protocal treatment and have an ostomy as well. I have my 4 yr follow-up Pet scan next month but have so far been NED (no evidence of disease).

I wish you only the best in future treatments and will have you in my thoughts and prayers for success.

katheryn

u574713 said:

Thank you

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll be looking into them...................Judy

I read on <http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/MitomycinC.aspx#.VKOrcnuPXTA&gt; that, like radiation dosage, we each have a lifetime cap on Mitomycin. You might want to check with your oncologist to see where you are with that. Also, check with the radiation oncologist about your lifetime dosage in that department and how to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure in the future. (The infusion center I went to gave me a printed copy of the Chemocare info on Mitomycin and 5-FU, so I know that's it's a legitimate site. It's a part of the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative.)

I am truly sorry that you had to go through so much. I hope the New Year brings you a fresh start.

eihtak said:

Judy.....

Happy New Years Eve......or so I hope! 

Ouch brought up an interesting point about life-time amounts of certain chemo drugs. As I mentioned earlier my clinical trial included cetuximab but my protocal treatment was 5fu with cisplatin rather than mitomycin. I have not done much research on the difference or reasons why, although I remember that others here were also treated with cisplatin. I seem to remember also hearing that it is an oncologists choice and often varies by the region in which you live??????? I will do a bit more checking and let you know what I find, but cisplatin may be an option for you.

Wishing you well.......

katheryn

Of course, the experience of the oncologist must be heeded, assuming that the doc has experience with anal cancer (it is a rare disease). According to these sources, cisplatin is usually used in more advanced anal cancers:

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (devises the standard protocols for cancer treatments that are used around the world - need to register first, for free - there are references to cisplatin throughout the "Anal Carcinoma" document) - http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/anal.pd after allf

American Cancer Society - http://www.cancer.org/cancer/analcancer/detailedguide/anal-cancer-treating-chemotherapy

National Cancer Institute (definition of "induction therapy" as used in the NCCN report) - http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=45736

The best of everything in 2015!

Terri Sue said:

New chemo for rectal/anal cancer

My husband has both and he take 1000 mg of Xeloda 2 times a day and once every 3 weeks an infusion of Oxicalin.  It has strunk his tumors.

I was treated 5 years ago with Cisplatin and 5FU.  I had the 5FU 24/7 via fanny pack for 7 weeks (off on weekends).  Cisplatin every week for 7 weeks and radiation every day M-F for 7 weeks. I was stage 111b with node involvement.  I was treated at MD Anderson. As I recall, my oncologist explained the reason I was getting Cisplatin vs. Mito was because she felt it was less toxic on the kidneys.  Although the treatment was no walk in the park, I did get through it with no infections or hospitalization.  I do recall being told that I was being maxed out on the radiation and if the beast returned I would not be able to receive any further radiation.  It's been 5 years and so far all is well.  Radiation after effects, but all something I've learned to live with.

Liz

Well I know if my cancer is not gone or has spread. The Doctors want to put me on FolFox chemo and always a possible more surgery including colosomy bag. I have read online the chemo treatment and does not look fun. So I hope that won't be the case.

What stage are you looking at?  I had the same treatment with two bags one in begining of month and at the end, which I think they added more Mitomycin for a boost at the end. This was part of treatment  along with 33 days of radiation. My stage was 2.

I sure hope your treatment will do the trick., Sounds like your condition was worst than mine but then I not completly out in the clear.  I still have to wait until March for the PET Scan.  I think they mentioned FOLFOX for a stage 3.

Im wondering was your surgery completly healed before the chemo> as if not is hard to heal with chemo killing the good cells too. I was also given very high dose of Vit D to protect my bones and maybe my well being.

I hope my experience and info helps. Don't give up, maybe they are trying to keep you together with lighter chemo and maybe you are healed better for the same medicene to work this time. Might ask them to be sure why.

u574713 said:

Update on my cancer

Thank you to everyone who offered help and suggestions. I just had a Pet-Ct scan. Results are concerning. A very tiny spot on my right lung but the tumor board it was presented to are not too concerned right now so putting a watch on it. However a mass was found to the left near my tailbone so now they are not gong to give me chemo but sending me to a radiation oncologist to see if they can give me more radiation. I will see my colorectal surgeon this week to see what he thinks. The tumor board has ruled out more surgery for now, thank God. My oncologist left the practice so have a new one. He is young but did his fellowship at USC. The good news is I feel great and getting out more so life is good!!! 

Glad to hear you are getting out and feeling well, sorry to hear of your new development. Please keep us posted, sending lots of positive energy your way.

I had the same chemo cocktail and my cancer metastastized to my liver and lungs during treatmeent.  My doctor told me the same thing as yours did.  The only option was a chemo coctail that would make me sicker than the first one so I opted out.  If I had tumors appear during the first treatment, what's the point.  My doctor agreed and got me on a list for level one trial drugs  that may shrink the tumors and give a bit more time and may have milder side effects. Ask you doctor if there are any that she knows of.