Training to Prevent Anal Cancer (TPAC)

Emory University, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

From 2001 to 2015, anal cancer cases rose 2.7% annually and deaths from anal cancer rose by 3.1% annually.   Although a relatively rare cancer, more than 70,000 people worldwide are affected by this cancer; the majority of whom are female.  Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) and women with a history of vulvar cancer or precancer may be at especially high risk.  Providers for women’s health, infectious disease and other specialists who manage patients at increased clinical risk are the ideal clinicians to take responsibility for anal cancer screening among high-risk patients.  Further, gynecologists are well-versed in cervical cancer prevention tools, which are like those of anal cancer prevention, such as cytology and high-risk HPV testing, diagnostic procedures to obtain histology (colposcopy and high resolution anoscopy), and treatment methods (ablation and excision). With the parallels in screening, diagnosis and treatment, formal training of gynecologists in high resolution anoscopy can provide them with the tools needed to provide full-scope anal cancer prevention. Following recently published findings showing the importance of anal cancer screening, this R25 application supports the development, piloting, and evaluation of an innovative skills development program to educate current women’s health, infectious disease and colorectal surgeons and gastrointestinal providers to meet the need for anal cancer screening among individuals at increased risk due to clinical or immunologic factors. Our proposal aims to leverage our institutional strengths in online/distance-based education for mid-career professionals, access to expert faculty and resources in anal cancer screening and treatment to deliver the TPAC curriculum, and an innovative virtual educational program in anal cancer screening. Once the curriculum is developed, we intend to scale up and expand the workforce of healthcare providers needed to provide early detection for anal cancer among all populations. This novel education program has the potential to have a long-lasting impact on cancer survivorship and serves as a model educational program to train medical professionals to incorporate new clinical guidelines into their practices. Â