Second-line treatment after docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in metastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the anus. Pooled analysis of prospective Epitopes-HPV01 and Epitopes-HPV02 studies

•There is no validated standard treatment in second-line in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.•Curative-intent ablative treatment should be recommended whenever is possible.•Chemotherapy in second-line is a valid option.•Modified docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil reintroduction, paclitaxel, FOLFIRI, or mitomycin-C + 5-fluorouracil can be recommended.•Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) immunotherapy demonstrated some efficacy in second-line.