Anal Neoplasia Clinic, Research and Education (ANCRE) Center
The Anal Neoplasia Clinic, Research and Education (ANCRE) Center, part of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, is the world's first clinic devoted to anal cancer prevention. Having been the first to identify the link between neoplasias (precancerous lesions) and anal cancer, UCSF experts remain global leaders in the field.
Anal cancer is on the rise in the U.S., and the vast majority of cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is extremely common among sexually active people and can lead to precancerous changes in the anal tissue, which may progress to anal cancer. Most of the time, a healthy immune system can clear the virus, but particularly in immunocompromised people, certain strains of the virus can persist, increasing cancer risk. That’s why our goal at the ANCRE Center is to provide the close monitoring and therapies that can reduce that risk.
Our center offers a wide range of screening, diagnostic and treatment options, including anal cytology, high-resolution anoscopy, anal biopsy, infrared coagulation therapy and electrocautery therapy. ANCRE’s doctors not only provide top-tier care, they conduct research on anal neoplasia, giving our patients access to the latest and best techniques and therapies.
Our locations
Our team
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J. Michael Berry-Lawhorn
MD
Anal dysplasia specialist -
Cristina Brickman
MD
Infectious disease physician -
Darlene Chow
LCSW, MSW
Social worker -
Rachel Dornhelm
MSW
Social worker -
Naomi Jay
NP, PhD
Nurse practitioner -
Joel M. Palefsky
MD, CM, FRCPC
Infectious disease physician -
Vasean K. Patel
FNP
Nurse practitioner -
Rosalyn E. Plotzker
MD, MPH
Preventive medicine specialist -
Chia-Ching (Jackie) Wang
MD
Anal dysplasia specialist
Clinical trials
Surgery in Treating Patients With Early Stage Anal Canal or Perianal Cancer and HIV Infection
Treatment failure is specifically defined as the occurrence of distant or any nodal metastases or recurrence of cancer that no longer meets the definition of SISCCA and that cannot be excised with a clear margin or preservation of...
Recruiting
Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Treating Patients With HIV Associated Relapsed or Refractory Classi...
Will be defined as the starting dose level at which 1/6 subjects experience dose limiting toxicity (DLT) with the next higher dose having at least >= 2 participants encountering DLT. Toxicity data will be presented by type and sev...
Recruiting
Screening Algorithms for Cervical and Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions in Peopl...
Will assess a screening algorithm with an optimal combination of: point of care high-risk (hr) HPV testing, extended hrHPV genotyping, cytology, progression markers protein E6 and S5 methylation score, to identify cervical and/or ...
Recruiting
U.S. News rankings
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
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Best in Northern California for cancer care (tie)
Accreditations & memberships
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National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.
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Commission on Cancer
UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.
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National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your condition
- List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Our research initiatives
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UCSF Anal Cancer Research
The UCSF Anal Neoplasia Clinic, Research and Education Center participates in research aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of anal neoplasia and cancer.
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UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research
UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.
