# Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus successfully treated with multidisciplinary therapy for metachronous metastatic and local recurrences after DCF chemotherapy: a case report

## TL;DR

A Japanese patient with advanced anal cancer achieved long-term remission through a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates the effectiveness of multidisciplinary therapy in Japanese patients with SCCA following DCF chemotherapy.

## Key findings

- DCF chemotherapy led to a complete response in a patient with SCCA.
- Complementary treatments after DCF helped achieve long-term progression-free survival despite recurrences.
- Multidisciplinary therapy including surgery and radiotherapy was effective in managing recurrences.

## Abstract

Docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) chemotherapy is reportedly an effective treatment strategy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA). However, studies regarding its use in Japanese patients remain scarce.

Here, we present the case of an 82-year-old woman with SCCA, cStage IIIB. Chemoradiotherapy was initiated after colostomy of the anorectal mass; however, para-aortic lymph node recurrence was observed 3 months after treatment completion. Five courses of DCF chemotherapy were subsequently administered, resulting in a complete response (CR). Two years and 1 month later, the aortic lymph node was enlarged again, and the patient achieved CR again after radiotherapy. Nine months later, local recurrence was detected in the anal canal, and laparoscopic perineal rectal amputation was performed. The patient remains progression-free 5 years and 10 months after the initial treatment and 1 year and 7 months after the final treatment.

Our findings suggest that complementary treatment after DCF chemotherapy may be efficacious in Japanese patients with SCCA and help achieve CR. Despite occasional local recurrences, this approach may help achieve long-term progression-free survival.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40792-024-01873-2.