Blood test could guide anal cancer treatment, reducing side effects

NCT ID NCT07425054

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Jennifer Dorth Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a blood test (ctDNA) can help doctors customize the dose of chemoradiation for people with anal cancer. Depending on how the tumor responds, some patients may get a lower radiation dose to reduce side effects, while others may get a higher dose or an added immunotherapy drug (Retifanlimab) to improve effectiveness. The goal is to increase survival and reduce unnecessary side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Retifanlimab (also known as ZYNYZ) is an immunotherapy drug that may be added for patients whose cancer does not respond well to chemoradiation.
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment for anal cancer, potentially improving survival and reducing side effects by tailoring radiation doses.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial (Phase 2) with only 33 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The ctDNA test is still experimental, and adding Retifanlimab may cause immune-related side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anal carcinoma anal squamous cell carcinoma anus neoplasm human papillomavirus-related squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANAL CANCER HPV-RELATED CARCINOMA SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE ANUS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

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