Anal squamous cell carcinoma is primarily treated with the Nigro protocol (chemoradiotherapy). What is the chemotherapy backbone of the original Nigro protocol?

• A Cisplatin and gemcitabine
• B Oxaliplatin and capecitabine
• C Cisplatin and 5-FU with concurrent radiation
• D 5-Fluorouracil and mitomycin-C with concurrent radiation ✓

Explanation

The Nigro protocol (1974) combines 5-fluorouracil (continuous infusion) and mitomycin-C with concurrent external beam radiotherapy (30 Gy). This regimen demonstrated that surgery could be avoided in most patients with anal SCC, achieving complete response rates of 70–90%. Abdominoperineal resection is now reserved for recurrent or persistent disease after chemoradiation. Cisplatin has been studied as a substitute for mitomycin-C but has not been shown to be superior.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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