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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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Roberts Proton Therapy Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States