Overview
This clinical trial studies how well ganglion impar neurolysis works to improve radiation-induced pain during the treatment of anal or perianal skin cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized). Treatment for anal or perianal skin cancer includes giving chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT) at the same time. CRT is frequently associated with several side effects, including radiation-induced pain. Despite advances in radiation therapy delivery, patients may still experience side effects which can lead to treatment breaks or treatment discontinuation. Ganglion impar neurolysis is a type of nerve block procedure in which medicine is injected directly into or around a nerve to block pain. The location of the procedure is near the tail bone and the medicine numbs the nerves that are in charge of sensation in the skin by the buttocks and genitalia. This may improve radiation-induced pain in patients receiving CRT for localized anal or perianal skin cancer.
Description
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
I. To evaluate the feasibility of ganglion impar neurolysis on decreasing pain in patients undergoing definitive CRT for anal cancer defined as decreasing unscheduled treatment breaks to a median of ≤ 3 days.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:
I. To track toxicities and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) during treatment including intervention of ganglion impar neurolysis.
- OUTLINE
Patients undergo ganglion impar neurolysis with fluoroscopy during week 4 of CRT on study.
After completion of study intervention, patients are followed up during the last week of radiation therapy and at 3-6 months post-treatment.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients must have diagnosis of localized anal cancer or perianal skin cancer and have either initiated or about to initiated definitive chemotherapy and radiation therapy for their cancer
- Patients who are consistently reporting pain scores of 5 or higher or reporting high pain interference or distress will be approached to participate in the study
- Age \> 18 years. Given the rarity of anal cancer in children, children are excluded from this study
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status =\< 2 (Karnofsky \> 60%)
- Life expectancy of greater than \> 12 months
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
- Inclusion of women and minorities: Both men and women and members of all races and ethnic groups are eligible for this trial
- Willingness and ability of the subject to complete the questionnaire
- Previous cancer diagnosis (such as colon or previously resected anal cancer) is permitted
- A diagnosis of HIV or immunocompromised status is permitted
Exclusion Criteria:
- Absolute neutrophil count less than 1500
- Platelet count less 80,000