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.
Age
18–any
Sex
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
You may be eligible if
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
