Jordan Calofa, MD, a physician and scientist at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, has been searching for better ways to treat anal cancer patients for nearly a decade. Anal cancer is still considered a rare disease, even though its incidence is increasing.
“This is considered one of the most difficult cancers to treat patients,” he explains. Mr. Kalofa, University of California Health Physician Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California. “Side effects of treatment can have a significant impact on the quality of life of anal cancer patients.”
Kalofa said doctors typically treat anal cancer with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy over a five-week period. It can cause side effects including urinary irritability, cramps, intestinal and skin problems, long-term intestinal problems, sexual dysfunction, hip fractures and other problems.
American Cancer Society It is estimated that there will be approximately 9,760 new cases of anal cancer and 1,870 deaths from the disease in the United States in 2023.
With funding from Ride Cincinnati, a grassroots cycling organization that raises funds for life-saving cancer research and care, Kalofa is working to improve outcomes for anal cancer patients and reduce drug side effects. Leading clinical trials. The study will determine whether lower doses of radiation to healthy lymph nodes in anal cancer patients will result in fewer side effects.