Precision proton beam aims to spare healthy tissue in anal cancer treatment
NCT ID NCT01858025
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested a newer, more precise form of proton radiation called pencil beam scanning, given alongside standard chemotherapy drugs (5-FU and mitomycin-C), for people with anal cancer. The goal was to see if this combination is practical and might cause fewer skin side effects than standard radiation. Twenty-five participants were enrolled to assess feasibility and safety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
pencil beam scanning proton radiation with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-C
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could offer a way to treat anal cancer with fewer side effects than standard radiation.
What could go wrong
This is a very early pilot study with only 25 people. It only tests feasibility, not effectiveness, and may not lead to better outcomes.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CARCINOMA OF THE ANAL CANAL are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
-
Roberts Proton Therapy Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States