Metastatic Anal Cancer and Novel Agents.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) represents an orphan disease. Although prior infection with human papilloma virus is associated with the development of SCCA, knowledge of this relationship has proven ineffective in identifying therapeutic agents that have activity in the management of metastatic SCCA. Combination chemotherapy with traditional cytotoxic agents has demonstrated efficacy in multiple small series. However, immune checkpoint blockade agents have demonstrated efficacy for patients with refractory metastatic SCCA; these agents hold promise in the horizon for patients with metastatic SCCA. Clinical trials should be considered for oncologists to manage patients with metastatic SCCA.