Anal cancer treated by fast neutron radiation.

Ten patients with anal cancer were treated with fast neutrons from the Medical Research Council Cyclotron at the Hammersmith Hospital. In all cases a temporary colostomy was established before treatment commenced. Three of the patients had advanced tumours that were extending into the pelvis; treatment for these patients was palliative and all died within 1 year. Four of the remaining 7 have normal anal function with no evidence of local recurrence of the tumour. Two others developed necrosis in the irradiated area and in another, the tumour recurred locally. The colostomy was re-established in 1 and the 2 others had abdominoperineal resections, after which wound healing was prolonged. A majority of the surviving patients have thus been able to avoid a permanent colostomy.