Blood test could guide anal cancer treatment, reducing side effects

NCT ID NCT07425054

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • 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

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••