Anal Carcinoma

This study collects blood and tissue samples for research of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cancers. Collecting blood and tissue samples and studying biomarkers in the laboratory may help doctors to learn how are biologic or genetic factors related to HIV and cancers that occur commonly in people living with HIV.

This phase II trial tests the feasibility and side effects of vaginal DHEA to improve vaginal health after radiation for women with gynecologic, anal or rectal cancer. Treatment of cancers with radiation to the abdomen can influence the vaginal microbiome (any bacteria, virus, or other organisms found in the vagina). Both menopause and radiation cause a decrease in lubrication and elasticity of the vagina and symptoms including vaginal dryness, vaginal burning and itching, vaginal bleeding, pain or burning during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. DHEA is a type of hormone replacement therapy. It is use to improve symptoms in women during menopause and may be effective in treating these symptoms for women who have received radiation.

A single-arm, prospective, Phase II, single-center clinical trial that will investigate if daily online adaptive radiotherapy for anal cancer will significantly reduce early treatment-related GI toxicity compared with the historically reported rate for non-adaptive intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).