Hepatic Metastasectomy in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal: A Case Series of a Curative Approach

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Our review summarizes the experience of eight hepatic-only metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal cases who underwent hepatic resection. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal patients are traditionally treated systemically with carboplatin plus paclitaxel front-line followed by single agent programmed-death-1 inhibitors. Following these two regimens, systemic options are limited. Our patients reported here underwent surgical resection after neoadjuvant systemic therapy. Outcomes were favorable revealing optimism with a multidisciplinary approach. ABSTRACT: Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is rare. Most cases are diagnosed in a localized setting. Metastatic SCCA is rare, and investigation has been limited in the past for these patients. We believe that hepatic-only metastatic disease could have a unique treatment landscape compared to diseases with diffuse metastatic involvement. Here, we describe cases at our institution. Methods: We reviewed eight SCCA cases with hepatic-only metastatic disease (diagnosed February 2018–January 2022). The objectives were to determine the overall survival and disease-free survival with this approach. Results: The median age was 62 years old (yo). Patients had an ECOG of 0–1. All patients received definitive chemoradiation to their primary anal tumor. A median of three months of neoadjuvant systemic therapy was provided. All patients had a response on their first scan after systemic therapy. Sixty-two percent received carboplatin + paclitaxel. A complete pathologic response was seen in 62% of patients. At their last follow-up, all patients were alive. Three patients had recurrent disease. The estimated 1-year disease-free survival probability was 56.2%. Conclusion: Our report shows the feasibility of a curative-intent approach for patients with hepatic-only metastatic SCCA following the neoadjuvant application of carboplatin + paclitaxel. This approach appears promising in these select patients and warrants further investigation.