Penile Preservation Research Articles

Penile Preserving and Reconstructive Surgery: The Initial Experience with Scrotal Flap in the Management of Penile Cancer

Penile Preserving and Reconstructive Surgery: The Initial Experience with Scrotal Flap in the Management of Penile Cancer

The role of radiotherapy in the management of squamous cell cancer of the penis.

To review the evidence for radiotherapy in the management of primary penile cancer, either as brachytherapy or external beam radiation, and the role of external beam radiotherapy in node positive penile cancer. English language literature was reviewed for the past 3 decades. As penile cancer is uncommon in developed nations, high quality evidence to guide management is limited. Single institution reports often span decades during which time staging systems and treatments have evolved, reducing their relevance to current practice. Successful clinical trials require collaboration not only among disciplines but also among multiple institutions and nations. Radiotherapy is a definitive organ-preserving option for T1-T2 penile cancers. Interstitial brachytherapy is associated with penile preservation in 85% of men at 5years, maintained in 70% by 10years. Results of external radiotherapy are not quite as promising but nonetheless 60% of men will have an intact penis at 5years. Inguino-pelvic external radiotherapy has been reported to increase overall survival when delivered as adjuvant treatment for men with pN3 groin but pN0 pelvic nodes, and improve disease specific survival for those with involved pelvic nodes. InPACT (ECOG-ACRIN_8134) is investigating the role of inguino-pelvic chemo-radiotherapy for men with pN3 inguinal nodes but imaging negative pelvic nodes. Radiotherapy has a well-defined role to play in treatment of squamous cell cancers of other sites, such as vulva, anal canal, uterine cervix and head and neck malignancies. Emerging data support the incorporation of radiotherapy into treatment paradigms for penile cancer.

Penile preservation surgery in penile cancer

Penile preservation surgery in penile cancer

Racial differences in survival for early stage (T1) penile cancer: Analysis from the SEER database.

Penile cancer accounts for less than 1% of male cancers in the United States. Localized disease, particularly T1 tumors are potentially curable with local therapy. We present the racial differences in survival outcomes for T1, penile cancer from the SEER database. From 2004 to 2016 all men with T1, N0, M0 penile cancer in the SEER-18 database were included. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariable Cox-Regression analysis were conducted to investigate prognostic variables for cancer specific survival (CSS). A total of 4,406 men were identified with penile cancer; 1,941 men had T1 disease. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis showed those with primary site surgery had better 5-year CSS compared to those without primary site surgery (P <.0001) and a significant difference in CSS based on race (P= 0.0078). On multivariable analysis, Hispanic individuals had worse CSS (HR 1.92; P = 0.0057) compared to the White men. Black men were also found to have a poor CSS however this was not statistically significant (HR 1.53, P = 0.118). Men with penile cancer who had either penectomy (HR 0.45; P = 0.006) or penile preservation surgery (HR 0.25; P< 0.001) had improved CSS. Racial disparities in CSS exist among men with in early-stage penile cancer. KM analysis showed significant differences in CSS by race and in those receiving primary site surgery. On multivariable analysis, the CSS is worse in Hispanic compared to White men. There is a trend towards worse CSS in Black men however this was not statistically significant.

Extensive penile glans and corpus spongiosum necrosis due to catheter traction following laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy: a rare case report and literature review

BackgroundPenile glans and corpus spongiosum necrosis is an extremely rare urologic condition associated with substantial morbidity.Case presentationWe report a rare case presenting extensive penile glans and corpus spongiosum necrosis following catheter traction in a 71-year-old male patient who had a laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The patient has no preexisting diabetes mellitus or chronic renal failure. The case was successfully managed with penile preservation. During the procedure, it was observed that the necrosis was not limited to the glans. The necrosis had spread to the entire penile urethra and corpus spongiosum, and an excision of approximately 14 cm of corpus spongiosum was performed.ConclusionThis is the first case presenting extensive length of penile glans and corpus spongiosum necrosis managed successfully with penile preservation, enabling reaching the best functional and esthetic results reported in the literature. Early detection and urgent imaging with a high index of suspicion ensure a favorable outcome. The main treatment steps are careful evaluation, appropriate therapy, and prompt intervention depending on the severity.

Phallus Preservation for Locally Advanced Proximal Primary Urethral Carcinoma: Technique and Outcomes

To describe a novel method of penile sparing perineal urethrectomy for locally advanced proximal primary urethral cancers (PUC). In mid-2021, 2 cases underwent pelvic exenterative surgery for pT3 and pT4 PUC. The procedure comprised of a complete urethrectomy, proximal penectomy, en bloc pubectomy and excision of pelvic diaphragm in both cases. One case included a wide excision of scrotum, whilst the other required a prostatectomy and abdominoperineal resection of the rectum to achieve complete tumor resection. A complete R0 resection was achieved in both cases. At 6 months follow up, there is no evidence of ischemic necrosis of the penis and cosmesis is satisfactory to both patients. We provide a comprehensive operative description of both cases, together with illustrations, and discuss the underlying principles of penile preservation in the surgical treatment of locally advanced proximal PUC. Complete perineal urethrectomy with phallic preservation is feasible in men with locally advanced proximal bulbar urethral cancer in the absence of tumor invasion of the penile shaft. The remnant penis survives off arterial supply from the superficial penile arteries arising from the external pudendal arteries. Phallic preservation may benefit patient's psychological quality of life post-procedure.

Buried Penis Reconstruction in the Management of Localized Penile Cancer

The objective of this article is to describe surgical techniques for the management of localized penile cancer concurrent with adult acquired buried penis. Penile cancer, while rare, invariably impacts quality of life as the primary surgical management ranges from local excision to total penectomy. Penile cancer has recently been linked to adult acquired buried penis (AABP) with the hypothesis that chronic inflammation of the penis contributes to risk of penile malignancy. Buried penis reconstruction is now a well-described procedure involving escutcheonectomy and split thickness skin grafting which has been shown to improve quality of life in individuals with adult acquired buried penis. This report describes a patient with AABP requiring partial penectomy and inguinal node dissection who also underwent adult acquired buried penis repair during his procedure. A review of cases of buried penis cases was carried out and four other cases of penile cancer were identified who were managed with penile preserving procedures. This combination of surgical techniques strives to improve quality of life and facilitate cancer surveillance without compromising oncologic outcomes.

Distal urethral carcinoma: Contemporary management with phallus preserving techniques

IntroductionPrimary urethral carcinoma is a rare clinical entity with an incidence of 1 case per million in the United Kingdom. Cancers of the distal urethra are most commonly of squamous subtype and often associated with Human Papilloma Virus infection. Penile preserving techniques are recommended in tumours of the pendulous urethra with a number of surgical approaches described. Herein, we describe the surgical management of 7 patients presenting with primary urethral carcinoma. MethodsSeven patients diagnosed with primary urethral carcinoma of the distal urethra were identified using a prospectively maintained penile cancer database at our institution from May 2017 to November 2020. ResultsThe mean age at presentation was 56.5 (33-80) years. Presenting symptoms included visible lesion, LUTS and a groin mass. Three patients had lesions located within the glanular urethra and had a distal urethrectomy and primary closure. Two patients with lesions extending proximal to the glanular urethra and into or beyond the fossa navicularis had a distal urethrectomy with a hypospadic neomeatus formation. One patient with tumour extending into the glans penis underwent distal urethrectomy and partial glansectomy with split thickness skin graft. A partial penectomy was performed for one patient with urethral tumour invading the corporal heads. Mean follow-up was 23.4 (±17.0) months. There have been no disease recurrences to date. ConclusionPenile preserving techniques are feasible in patients with tumours of the pendulous urethra and do not appear to compromise local control.

Functional and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Total Glans Resurfacing

Whilst there is a trend away from aggressive nonorgan sparing surgical treatments for malignant penile disease, a variety of penile preservation options exist but functional outcomes and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in this area are poorly reported to date. The aim of this study is to report functional outcomes and PROs of total glans resurfacing (TGR) in a consecutive series of patients with lichen sclerosis (LS) or localized penile cancer (PC). From 2004 to 2018 a consecutive series of patients underwent TGR for the management of LS or localized PC in a tertiary referral network. Patient clinical records and operative notes were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 12. Urinary and sexual outcomes were recorded utilizing both the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) validated questionnaires while PROs were extrapolated from a 5-item "ad hoc" telephone questionnaire administered at 1 year post procedure. 37 consecutive patients were enrolled. Histology results demonstrated LS in 16 patients, with the remaining 21 having a diagnosis of PC. The most common reasons for patient presentation were local pain (32.4%), pruritus (37.8%) and bleeding (29.7%). Median follow-up was 22 (IQR 13-77) months. Median age was 62 (IQR 55-68).Neither of the questionnaires assessing urinary and sexual function showed any significant deterioration after surgery. Glans sensitivity was fully maintained in 89.2% of cases. 94.5% of patients reported to be fully satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of the penis and would consider undergoing the same procedure again if necessary. 91.9% of patients would recommend the same procedure to someone else. An overall improvement of the quality of life was reported by 86.4% of patients. TGR should be considered a treatment of choice for selected cases of benign or malignant penile lesions. Our study has some limitations, the first being its retrospective nature. Furthermore, despite being one of the largest series to date, follow-up duration is somewhat limited and a control group is lacking. TGR represents an excellent surgical option ensuring satisfactory voiding and sexual function, as well as cosmesis for selected cases of penile lesions.

Penile preserving surgery in penile cancer management

Penile preserving surgery in penile cancer management

Oncologic outcomes and subsequent treatment following organ sparing surgery for penile carcinoma: The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Experience

ObjectivesTo determine the oncologic outcomes of organ sparing surgery (OSS) for penile cancer and to determine the management of and risk factors for local recurrence at a tertiary referral center in the United States. Methods and MaterialsPatients undergoing OSS from 1996 to 2018 at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center were identified using a prospective database. Organ sparing procedures included: wide local excision (WLE; including circumcision and glans resurfacing), partial or total glansectomy, laser therapy, or OSS combined with laser ablation (i.e., laser combination). Clinical and pathologic data were collected for descriptive analysis. Recurrences (local and regional) were identified, and the association between overall and local recurrences was determined using Cox proportional hazards regression. Overall and recurrence free survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates. ResultsA total of 129 patients undergoing OSS were identified with a median follow up interval of 28.0 months. The most common OSS was laser combination (38.8%), and 65.1% of patients presented with pTis or ≤pT1a disease. Twenty (15.5%) recurrences were identified, of which 17 (13.2%) were local and 3 (2.3%) were regional. There were no distant recurrences as the initial site of recurrence. The median time to local recurrence was 20.9 months, and 88.2% were identified within 5 years of surgery. Most (76.5%) local recurrences were successfully treated with further penile preservation without a detrimental impact on overall survival. Patients with pathologic Ta or T1a disease treated with laser or laser combination surgery were more likely to present with local recurrence. ConclusionOSS using a variety of techniques to achieve negative surgical margins provides long-term effective local control for localized penile cancer. Most local recurrences can be successfully treated with further penile preserving strategies and long follow-up is essential. Laser therapy or laser combination with OSS should be used with caution in patients with invasive penile cancer.

High-dose rate brachytherapy in localized penile cancer: 5-Year clinical outcome analysis

PurposeTo analyze the oncological outcome and toxicity profile after conservative treatment based on multicatheter interstitial high-dose rate brachytherapy (MHB) for patients presenting a localized penile cancer. Materials and methodsPatients with histologically proven, non-metastatic (T1-T2 N0-N2 M0) localized penile cancer were treated with MHB. Needles were placed under general anesthesia into the target volume using a dedicated template. Treatment planning was performed using a post-implant CT-scan to deliver 35 Gy or 39 Gy (9f, 5d) for adjuvant or definitive treatment respectively. Five-year oncological outcome was evaluated with local relapse-free (LRFS), regional relapse-free (RRFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS), specific (SS) and overall survival (OS). In pre-treatment and follow-up consultations, skin, urinary and sexual toxicities were investigated using CTCAEv4.0 classification, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function 5-items (IIEF-5). Dosimetry data were also analyzed. ResultsFrom 03/2006 to 05/2020, with a median follow-up of 72.4 months [3–174], 29 pts, mainly T1 (75.9%) and N0 (89.7%), underwent MHB. Eleven (38%) and 18 pts (62%) received MHB as adjuvant or definitive treatment respectively. Five-year LRFS, RRFS, MFS, SS and OS were 82%, 82%, 89%, 88% and 73% respectively. Six patients (20.7%) experienced local relapse and underwent salvage penectomy leading to a penile preservation rate of 79.3%. Acute skin toxicity was reported 1 month after MHB, with 28% G1, 66% G2 and 6% G3. Late skin complications were telangiectasia for 5 pts (17%) and necrosis for 3 pts (10.3% requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy). Comparing pre- and post-treatment status, no significant change was observed for skin appearance, IPSS and IIEF-5. ConclusionMHB represents an efficient first line conservative treatment option for early penile cancers. Oncological outcome and late toxicity profile appear encouraging. However, larger-scale cohorts with longer follow-up are needed to more accurately precise the features of the best candidate to MHB.

The role of penectomy in penile cancer-evolving paradigms.

Penile cancer is a rare cancer, with the majority treated with penile preserving methods. There remains a role for partial and totally penectomy for advanced and more proximal penile cancers. Significant functional and psychological morbidity can ensue for patients undergoing surgical management. Recent studies and guidelines are changing the way Urologists approach surgical management of penile malignancies. Reductions in safe surgical margin recommendations from 2 cm to 3–5 mm provide surgeons with the ability to perform penile preserving techniques to maximise patient functionality. These guidelines are reflected by recent studies showing that smaller surgical margins; although heralding higher rates of local recurrence, have no detriment on cancer specific or overall survival rate. Although oncological clearance remains the primary outcome for surgical management of penile cancer, the ability to perform radical salvage surgery at a later date means patients are more likely to experience a longer period of functionality without sacrificing oncologic outcomes. The importance of patient education on regular self-examination as well as clinic follow up are key in identifying local recurrence and planning salvage surgery if needed to maintain oncologic control. Ongoing studies into the functional and psychological outcomes of patients undergoing partial penectomy show encouraging results however further studies are needed to elucidate long-term outcomes. The evolving paradigm of surgical management in penile malignancy is shifting to favour organ preserving techniques in order to maximise functional, psychological and aesthetic outcomes without compromising patients’ oncologic outcomes—however a role still exists for radical surgery in advanced penile malignancy.

Progress on Management of Penile Cancer in 2020.

Management of penile cancer represents a challenge to urologic oncologists due to the disease's rarity and sparse data in the literature. Squamous cell carcinoma represents the most common histologic subtype of penile cancer. Penile cancer has a disastrous effect on patients' psychological and physical health. Penile cancer accounts for approximately 1% of cancer deaths in the USA annually. However, in recent years, the management of penile cancer has achieved marked progress in both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches with the intent to avoid radical surgeries. The traditional total penile amputation has been replaced by penile preserving procedures in many patients. Nowadays, total penile amputation (total penectomy) is preserved only for patients with proximal lesions. The introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques in the management of penile cancer-infiltrated lymph nodes has been reported. Given the dismal prognosis with conventional cytotoxic therapies, new systemic therapies have been investigated in patients with locally advanced or metastatic penile cancer. Multiple studies have shown promising outcomes. All these efforts have resulted in a remarkable improvement in patient quality of life. The objectives of our review are to update clinicians on the advances in the management of penile cancer and to summarize the recent guidelines and recommendations.

Organ preserving radiation strategies for penile cancer.

The majorities of penile cancers are of squamous cell origin and thus are amenable to treatment and cure by radiation. Despite the move toward penile sparing strategies, radiation remains an under-utilized and often neglected option. This paper will review the various radio-therapeutic approaches for penile cancer and the literature supporting their use. English, French and Spanish literature on penile cancer was reviewed for the past 5 decades and classified according to modality: external beam radiotherapy, interstitial brachytherapy and surface mold brachytherapy. Many series span several decades and include a wide range of stages, especially for external beam radiotherapy. Penile preservation obviously will depend on dose prescription and stage at treatment. Nonetheless, in general, penile sparing with external beam ranges from 36% to 66% at 5 years. For the selected patients appropriate for interstitial brachytherapy penile sparing is 77% to 87% at 5 years, decreasing to 70% at 10 years. Mold therapy is selected for those with very superficial disease and penile sparing is consequently higher. The development of centers of excellence for the management of this uncommon disease is encouraged. The required surgical and radiotherapy skill sets cannot be expected to be available in all centers. A multidisciplinary evaluation of each patient will facilitate selection of optimal management from the outset.

Localized disease: types of reconstruction/plastic surgery techniques after glans resurfacing/glansectomy/partial/total penectomy.

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current literature specific to surgery for localized penile cancer including novel reconstructive techniques.Centralization of penile cancer services in many European countries and in particular the United Kingdom has resulted in an increased proportion of men undergoing organ-sparing surgery (OSS) rather than partial or total penectomy. In this review, we focus on reconstructive techniques following surgery for the primary penile tumour. The widespread adoption of penile preserving techniques in Europe and North America has shown both oncological safety as well as good cosmetic and functional outcomes. Recent evidence has suggested that narrower surgical margins do not affect overall cancer-specific survival or local recurrence rates. Therefore, excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes can be achieved using techniques such as glans resurfacing using split-thickness skin grafts, dorsal or ventral V-Y skin advancement and urethral centralization after partial penectomy. For patients requiring more radical surgery such as total penectomy, phallic reconstruction is a suitable option using free flaps or pedicled flaps. The use of OSS has transformed the lives of penile cancer patients who can avoid the significant clinical and psychological consequences of more radical surgical treatments. Careful case selection and preoperative counselling is advised prior to reconstructive techniques. Close postoperative clinical surveillance is necessary for early detection of local recurrence.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy for localized penile cancer: Evolution of a technique

PurposeHigh-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a convenient treatment option for selected patients with T1-T2 penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), providing high rates of penile preservation and tumor control. We present the results of penile SCC treated with HDR brachytherapy either interstitially or via a surface mold. Methods and MaterialsBetween November 2009 and April 2019, seven patients (2 T1a and 5 T2) were treated with interstitial HDR and 8 (1 Tis, six T1a, and one T1b) with surface mold. Prescribed dose for interstitial patients ranged from 38.4 Gy in 6 days (3.2 Gy × 12) to 53 Gy in 9 days (3.12 × 17), BID. All patients treated with mold brachytherapy received 40 Gy in 10 fractions BID. Toxicity and oncological results were assessed for both groups, and their relation with dosimetry is described. ResultsMedian follow up was 90 months for interstitial and 27 months for those treated with surface mold. Fourteen of 15 patients are alive and disease-free; one surface mold patient died of non-small-cell lung cancer. There was one relapse in each group, each treated with salvage penectomy. The potency was preserved in 82%. For interstitial, G2 necrosis occurred in 43%, G2 meatal stenosis in 29% and G3 stenosis in 14%. ConclusionsBoth techniques have excellent rates of tumor control and organ preservation. Implant geometry and homogeneity constraints must be carefully designed to minimize toxicity in interstitial brachytherapy. Urethral contouring and reporting of dosimetric parameters should be defined.

Stepwise approach in the management of penile strangulation and penile preservation: 15-year experience in a tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACTObjective: To present our stepwise approach to the management of penile strangulation and penile preservation with 15 years’ experience in a tertiary care hospital, as penile strangulation is a rare urological emergency that requires immediate attention.Patients and methods: A prospective observational study was performed from March 2003 to December 2018 of patients presenting with penile strangulation to our hospital.Results: Nine patients with penile strangulation presented to us between March 2003 and December 2018. The most common motive for the application of a foreign body was sexual gratification (four patients). Three of the nine patients had a mental disorder. Objects used for strangulation included: metallic nut (three), metallic ring (two), plastic bottle (two), wooden hole (one), hammer head (one), and horse hair to control bleeding during circumcision (one). Most of the foreign bodies were located in the proximal penile region. The mean operative time was 38 min and three of the nine patients had complications.Conclusions: Penile strangulation is one of the rare urological emergencies experienced by a urologist. Removal of the foreign body can be difficult and there is no universal method of removal, as each case differs. So, following our stepwise approach can aid in removal of foreign body quickly and preserve the penis from fatal outcomes. Urologist should be aware of all the available armamentarium used for the removal of such foreign bodies.Abbreviation: SPC: suprapubic cystostomy

Nineteen-year single-center experience in 76 patients with penile cancer treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy

PURPOSETo report the outcomes for 76 patients with penile cancer treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) at a single institution. METHODSSeventy-six patients with penile cancer treated with HDR-BT in our department between October 1998 and September 2018 were analyzed. Seventy underwent interstitial HDR-BT (fractionation dose range of 3–3.5 Gy given twice a day with an interval of at least six hours between the fractions), and six underwent superficial treatment with mold applicators (fractionation dose range of 4–7 Gy given once or twice a week). RESULTSMedian follow-up was 76 months (7–204 months). In the whole group, 22/76 local failures (28.9%) were observed: 14/76 (18.4%) local recurrences and 8/76 (10.5%) cases of persistent disease. Median time to recurrence was 24 months (9–54 months). Inguinal lymph node metastases were observed in 18/76 cases (23.7%). Distant metastases occurred in 12/76 (15.8%) cases. Patients with local recurrence and persistent disease underwent salvage penectomies, except four who refused surgery and underwent a second course of interstitial HDR-BT. Five- and 10-year cause-specific survival were 85.0% and 77.8%, respectively. Local control at 5 and 10 years was 65.6%. Five- and 10-year penile preservation were 69.5% and 66.9%, respectively. There was no G3 or G4 acute toxicity. One urethral stenosis (1.3%) occurred in a patient with a T3 tumor and was treated successfully with dilatation. CONCLUSIONSHDR-BT provides good local control of penile cancer and is a good option for penis preservation therapy and in our experience achieves a penile preservation rate at 10 years of 66.9%.

Opportunities for use of radiation therapy in penile cancer based on patterns of care in the United States from 2007 to 2013.

Background:Radiation therapy (RT) is an effective modality for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the penis. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends consideration of primary radiation for penile preservation, in surgically unresectable tumors, and as adjuvant therapy for positive margins, bulky groin nodes or pelvic nodes. We performed a population-based analysis to evaluate the usage of RT in penile cancer from 2007 to 2013.Methods:We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database to identify men diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis from 2007 to 2013. Patients were grouped as early stage (T1–T2N0), locally advanced (T3–T4N0), node-positive (T1xN1–3) and metastatic. We used linear regression model to test for factors associated with adjuvant radiation in node-positive patients.Results:We identified 2200 men diagnosed with penile cancer between 2007 and 2013. Of these, 66.4% had early stage, 10.7% had locally advanced, 15.5% had node-positive, 3.2% had metastatic cancer. Among patient with early stage cancer, RT was used in 14 patients (1.0%) and postoperative radiation in an additional 45 patients (3.1%). Among 340 patients with node-positive cancer, 62.1% received surgery alone, 5.6% radiation alone, 21.8% surgery with adjuvant radiation, and 10.6% neither surgery nor radiation. Of patients who had surgery, 26.0% had adjuvant radiation. On univariate analysis, higher nodal stage (N2–3 versus N1) was associated with adjuvant radiation (p = 0.02), while there was a trend for higher T-stage (T3/T4 versus T1/T2) (p = 0.08) and history of prior malignancy (p = 0.06). On multivariate analysis, only higher nodal stage (N2–3 versus N1) was associated with use of adjuvant radiation [hazard ratio (HR) 1.94, p = 0.03].Conclusions:A small percentage of patient who are eligible for primary or adjuvant RT in the United States receive this treatment. Further work should be done to assess barriers to use of radiation in patients with penile cancer.