In HIV, Additional Screening Program Lowers Risk of Anal Cancer

A screening program halves the incidence rate of anal squamous cell carcinoma in HIV-infected men who have sex with men, according to new data.

To determine the incidence rate of anal squamous cell carcinoma and the efficacy of a screening program for this cancer, Seville University researchers conducted a cohort study at an outpatient HIV clinic in Seville, Spain. The researchers analyzed all patients with at least 1 follow-up visit at the clinic from 2004 to 2017 (N = 3878). Of this follow-up group, 41% (n = 1584) were men who have sex with men.

The study also included a subgroup of men who have sex with men who participated in a specialized program for screening and treating anal neoplasia, known as SCAN, from 2011 to 2017 (n = 897).

The researchers found that the incidence rate of anal squamous cell carcinoma during the study period was 68.4 per 100,000 person years.

During the study period, this incidence rate per 100,000 person years steadily and significantly increased. From 2004 through 2006, it was 20.7; from 2007 through 2010, it was 37.3; and from 2011 through 2017, it was 97.8 (P < .001).

Moreover, from 2010 to 2017, the incidence rate per 10,000 person years for men in the SCAN group was 95.7 vs 201 for men who have sex with men in the follow-up group who did not participate in the SCAN program.

As a result of these and other findings, the researchers concluded that “Participation in the SCAN program significantly reduced the incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma in men who have sex with men, on whom focus should be placed, especially on those presenting with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention category C and advanced immune suppression.”

—Ellen Kurek

Reference:

Milanes Guisado Y, Sotomayor C, Fontillon M, et al. Incidence rate and risk factors for anal squamous cell carcinoma in a cohort of people living with HIV from 2004 to 2017: implementation of a screening program. Dis Colon Rectum. 2022:65(1):28-39. doi:10.1097/DCR:0000000000002218