Plain-English translation of NCT05040815 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.
This trial is testing a new approach to treating early-stage anal cancer with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Instead of treating a large area including the groin lymph nodes (as is standard), this study uses special imaging and a surgical technique to identify which patients truly don't have cancer in their groin lymph nodes, so those patients can receive smaller, more targeted radiation. The hope is that this reduces side effects while still effectively treating the cancer.
Current treatment for anal cancer involves radiating a large area, including both sides of the groin, even in patients with early-stage disease who may not have cancer in those lymph nodes. This larger treatment area causes significant short- and long-term side effects. This trial exists to see whether a more precise, smaller radiation approach can work just as well while causing fewer harmful effects.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you qualify, you will first undergo a PET scan and a minor surgical procedure (sentinel lymph node biopsy) to check your groin lymph nodes. If those tests confirm no cancer involvement, you will receive radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy medications (5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-C) over 6 weeks. The radiation will target only the anal canal and pelvis—not the groin—making the treatment area smaller than standard care. You will have regular follow-up visits and imaging to monitor your progress and ensure the cancer does not return.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 24, 2026 · Not medical advice
Canada
Phase
Testing effectiveness
Sponsor
AHS Cancer Control Alberta
Enrollment target
~45 participants
Started
May 2023
Primary completion
May 2028
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in October 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Kurian Joseph, MD
AHS-CCI
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.