Radical Inguinal Lymphadenectomy Research Articles

A study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial investigating videoendoscopic radical inguinal lymphadenectomy versus open radical inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with penile cancer (VELRAD).

Penile cancer is a rare male genital malignancy. Surgical excision of the primary tumour is followed by radical inguinal lymphadenectomy if there is metastatic disease detected by biopsy, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or following sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with impalpable disease. However, radical inguinal lymphadenectomy is associated with a high morbidity rate, and there is increasing usage of a videoendoscopic approach as an alternative. A pragmatic, UK-wide multicentre feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT), comparing videoendoscopic radical inguinal lymphadenectomy versus open radical inguinal lymphadenectomy. Patients will be identified and recruited from supraregional multi-disciplinary team meetings (sMDT) and must be aged 18 or over requiring inguinal lymphadenectomy, with no contraindications to surgical intervention for their cancer. Participants will be followed up for 6 months following randomisation. The primary outcome is the ability to recruit patients for randomisation across all selected sites and the rate of loss to follow-up. Other outcomes include acceptability of the trial and intervention to patients and healthcare professionals assessed by qualitative research and obtaining resource utilisation information for health economic analysis. There are currently no other published RCTs comparing videoendoscopic versus open radical inguinal lymphadenectomy. Ongoing study is required to determine whether randomising patients to either procedure is feasible and acceptable to patients. The results of this study may determine the design of a subsequent trial. Clinicaltrials.gov PRS registry, registration number NCT05592639. Date of registration: 13th October 2022, retrospectively registered.

Long-term follow-up of comparative study of open and endoscopic lymphadenectomy in patients with penile carcinoma.

Penile carcinoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the penis tissue. The standard surgical method to manage regional lymph nodes after local excision is radical inguinal lymphadenectomy, but it has a high rate of complications. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the long-term outcomes of endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy and open inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with penile carcinoma. The study included patients diagnosed with penile carcinoma who underwent open inguinal lymphadenectomy (n = 23) or endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (n = 27) at a single hospital between January 2013 and January 2021. Operation time, blood loss, drainage, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and survival rates were assessed and compared between the two groups. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, tumor size and stage, inguinal lymph nodes, and follow-up. The endoscopic group had significantly lower blood loss (27.1 ± 1.5ml vs 55.0 ± 2.7ml, P < 0.05), shorter drainage time and hospital stay (4.7 ± 1.1 days vs 8.1 ± 2.2days, and 13.4 ± 1.0 days vs 19 ± 2.0days, respectively, P < 0.05), and longer operation time compared to the open group (82.2 ± 4.3min in endoscopic group vs 53.1 ± 2.2min in open group, P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the incidence of incisional infection, necrosis, and lymphorrhagia in both groups (4 vs 0, 4 vs 0, and 2 vs 0, respectively, P < 0.05). The inguinal lymph node harvested was comparable between the two groups. The mean follow-up time was similar for both groups (60.4 ± 7.7m vs 59.8 ± 7.3m), and the recurrence mortality rates were not significantly different. The study shows that both open and endoscopic methods work well for controlling penile carcinoma in the long term. But the endoscopic approach is better because it has fewer severe complications. So, the choice of surgery method might depend on factors like the surgeon's experience, what they like, and what resources are available.

Outcomes following radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer using a fascial-sparing surgical technique.

To describe our surgical technique and report the oncological outcomes and complication rates using a fascial-sparing radical inguinal lymphadenectomy (RILND) technique for penile cancer patients with cN+ disease in the inguinal lymph nodes. Over a 10-year period, 660 fascial-sparing RILND procedures were performed in 421 patients across two specialist penile cancer centres. The technique used a subinguinal incision with an ellipse of skin excised over any palpable nodes. Identification and preservation of the Scarpa's and Camper's fascia was the first step. All superficial inguinal nodes were removed en bloc under this fascial layer with preservation of the subcutaneous veins and fascia lata. The saphenous vein was spared where possible. Patient characteristics, oncologic outcomes and perioperative morbidity were retrospectively collected and analysed. Kaplan-Meier curves estimated the cancer-specific survival (CSS) functions after the procedure. Median (interquartile range, IQR) follow-up was 28 (14-90) months. A median (IQR) number of 8.0 (6.5-10.5) nodes were removed per groin. A total of 153 postoperative complications (36.1%) occurred, including 50 conservatively managed wound infections (11.9%), 21 cases of deep wound dehiscence (5.0%), 104 cases of lymphoedema (24.7%), 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis (0.7%), 1 case of pulmonary embolism (0.2%), and 1 case of postoperative sepsis (0.2%). The 3-year CSS was 86% (95%Confidence Interval [95% CI] 77-96), 83% (95% CI 72-92), 58% (95% CI 51-66), respectively, for the pN1, pN2 and pN3 patients (p < 0.001), compared to a 3-year CSS of 87% (95% CI 84-95) for the pN0 patients. Fascial-sparing RILND offers excellent oncological outcomes whilst decreasing the morbidity rates. Patients with more advanced nodal involvement had poorer survival rates, emphasizing the need for adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy.

Videoendoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy Versus Radical Open Dissection (VELRAD) in Patients with Male Genital Cancer: A Clinical Trial Update

VELRAD is the first multicentre feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing videoendoscopic radical inguinal lymphadenectomy versus open dissection for male genital cancer. We have randomised nine patients so far in our attempt to identify the best approach to inguinal lymph node dissection.

Minimally invasive evaluation of the clinically negative inguinal node in penile cancer: Dynamic sentinel node biopsy.

The presence of lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in penile cancer (PeCa). Due to limited sensitivity of currently available imaging modalities, invasive staging approaches remain indispensable for adequate nodal staging. As an alternative to radical inguinal lymphadenectomy and with the aim to reduce morbidity, staging strategies such as modified lymphadenectomy and dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB) have been introduced. Over the years, DSNB evolved into a safe and reliable staging technique when performed in high volume centers. Recent enhancements of the procedure such as Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and the introduction of hybrid tracers have improved pre- and intraoperative sentinel node (SN) visualization. Other technologies such as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles could have a potential future role to further refine DSNB. Future efforts should be aimed at optimizing diagnostic accuracy whilst minimizing perioperative morbidity.

Radioisotope-Guided Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Penile Cancer: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

Lymph node (LN) management is critical for survival in patients with penile cancer. However, radical inguinal lymphadenectomy carries a high risk of postoperative complications such as lymphedema, lymphocele, wound infection, and skin necrosis. The European Association of Urology guidelines therefore recommend invasive LN staging by modified inguinal lymphadenectomy or dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB) in clinically node-negative patients (cN0) with intermediate- and high-risk tumors (≥ T1G2). However, the timing of DSNB (simultaneous vs. subsequent to partial or total penile resection) is controversial and the low incidence of penile cancer means that data on the long-term outcomes of DSNB are limited. The present study aimed to analyze the reliability and morbidity of DSNB in patients with penile cancer during long-term follow-up. This retrospective study included 41 patients (76 groins) who underwent radioisotope-guided DSNB simultaneously or secondarily after penile surgery from June 2004 to November 2018. In total, 193 sentinel LNs (SLNs) and 39 non-SLNs were removed. The median number of dissected LNs was 2.5 (interquartile range 2–4). Histopathological analysis showed that five of the 76 groins (6.6%) contained metastases. None of the non-SLNs were tumor-positive. In accordance with the guidelines, all inguinal regions with positive SLNs underwent secondary radical inguinal lymphadenectomy, which revealed three additional metastases in one groin. Regional LN recurrence was detected in three patients (four groins) during a median follow-up of 70 months, including two patients in whom DSNB had been performed secondarily after repetitive penile tumor resections. DSNB-related complications occurred in 15.8% of groins. Most complications were mild (Clavien–Dindo grade I; 50%) or moderate (II; 25%), and invasive intervention was only required in 3.9% of groins (IIIa: n = 1; IIIb: n = 2). In summary, this study suggests that the current radioisotope-guided DSNB procedure may reduce the complication rate of inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with cN0 penile cancer. However, DSNB and penile surgery should be performed simultaneously to minimize the false-negative rate. Recent advances, such as new tracers and imaging techniques, may help to reduce the false-negative rate of DSNB further.

A laparoscopic radical inguinal lymphadenectomy approach partly preserving great saphenous vein branches can benefit for patients with penile carcinoma

BackgroundInguinal lymphadenectomy (iLAD) is effective for penile carcinoma treatment, but usually results in many complications. This study aims to clinically evaluate the feasibility and clinical significance of a laparoscopic radical iLAD approach partly preserving great saphenous vein branches for penile carcinoma patients.MethodsA total of 48 patients with penile cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical iLAD with retention of the great saphenous vein in Henan Cancer Hospital from 2012 Jan to 2020 Dec were included in this study. Sixteen penile carcinoma patients who underwent laparoscopic radical iLAD preserving parts of superficial branches of the great saphenous vein were identified as the sparing group, and the matched 32 patients who incised those branches were identified as control group. This new procedure was performed by laparoscopy, preserving parts of superficial branches of the great saphenous vein, superficial lateral and medial femoral veins. Clinicopathological features and perioperative variables were recorded. Postoperative complications, including skin flap necrosis, lymphorrhagia, and lower extremity edema were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsWe found that the operative time of the sparing group is significantly longer than the control group (p = 0.011). There was no statistical difference in intraoperative blood loss, the lymph node number per side, average time to remove the drainage tube and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups. Compared to the control group, the sparing group showed a significantly decreased incidence of lower extremity edema (p = 0.018). The preservation of parts of superficial branches of the great saphenous vein was mainly decreased the incidence of edema below ankle (p = 0.034).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the iLAD with preserving parts of superficial branches of the great saphenous vein, with a decreased incidence of postoperative complications, is a safe and feasible approach for penile cancer.

V20 - Robot-assisted video-endoscopic radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer: surgical anatomy and technique

V20 - Robot-assisted video-endoscopic radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer: surgical anatomy and technique

The role of primary inguinal surgical debulking for locally advanced penile cancer followed by reconstruction with myocutaneous flap.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate surgical complications and oncological outcomes of patients submitted to primary radical inguinal surgical debulking (PRISD) and myocutaneous pediculate flap reconstruction (MPFR) for locally advanced penile cancer (PC).Materials and Methods:Forty-two patients with ulcerated and/or fixed bulky inguinal masses underwent unilateral or bilateral PRISD with MPFR. Tensor fascia lata flap (TFL) was the standard of care for all patients. Additional use of the gracilis flap (GF) was carried out when necessary. Contra-lateral radical inguinal lymphadenectomy (RIL) was conduced when PRISD was performed unilaterally. Surgical complications were analyzed and stratified into minor and major according to the Bevan-Thomas classification. Adjunctive treatments were assessed and oncological outcomes analyzed.Results:Of the 42 patients evaluated, 10 (23.8%) underwent bilateral PRISD and 32 (76.2%) unilateral PRISD with contra-lateral RIL, totaling 84 lymphadenectomies. A total of 62 MPFRs were performed, 52 with TFL and 10 with GF. A total of 53 complications were identified, 49 related to PRISD with MPFR and 4 to RIL. Adjuvant chemotherapy was carried out in 16 patients. Median follow-up was 10.8 months with a median overall survival (OS) of 14.0 months against 6.0 months (p=0.006) for patients submitted to PRISD with adjuvant chemotherapy in relation to surgery alone.Conclusions:PRISD alone for advanced loco-regional PC is unlikely to promote long-term survival, although it can lead to temporary local control of the disease. Despite the feasibility of the procedure, it is related to high incidence of complications. Surgical treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved OS.

A clinicopathological prospective case study of carcinoma penis

Background: Penile cancer is an unusual malignancy with higher incidence rates in developing countries like India when compared to the Western world. Hence we selected this study to analyze various clinical and pathological aspects of carcinoma penis in our region. Aims and Objectives: To study in detail the clinical presentation, stage of the disease, management and results of the patients presenting with carcinoma of the penis at our hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective case study of 47 Cases of Carcinoma Penis, admitted to the surgical wards of Government General Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India from June 2009 to November 2011. Results: The age incidence of carcinoma of penis in this study was between 40 to 70 years (79%). Majority were uncircumcised Hindus (91%). Ulcerative and proliferative growths were predominant (83%). Phimosis was present in 18% of cases. Half of the patient population presented late. 81% were smokers. Glans penis was the commonest site (60%). Well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was commonly seen at biopsy. In half of the patients lymph nodes were not palpable whereas secondary deposits were seen in 15% of palpable lymph nodes at presentation. Partial penectomy either alone or along with radical inguinal lymphadenectomy was the commonest procedure performed. Postoperative complications were seen in 19% of cases. 19% were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Carcinoma penis is common in uncircumcised, elderly, Hindu smokers in this part of the state with majority of the patients approaching late after the onset of their symptoms. Partial amputation of the penis is applicable to more than 50% of cases.

Prognostic factors and surgical treatment in vulvar carcinoma: Single center experience.

Vulvar carcinoma represents 3-5% of all female genital cancers; the main surgical treatment is radical vulvectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy. The aim of this study is to analyze prognostic factors in the patients underwent to primary surgery for vulvar carcinoma. One hundred and eighteen cases of vulvar carcinoma underwent surgery between 2006 and 2016 at Operative Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Cannizzaro Hospital (Catania, Italy) were retrospective analyzed. Risk factors for relapse (age, tumor size, FIGO stage, type of surgery, lymphadenectomy, margins status, metastatic nodes and radiotherapy) were evaluated by logistic regression. Univariate analysis of prognostic factors (age, tumor size, FIGO stage, metastatic inguinal nodes and type of surgery) was obtained by Cox proportional hazard model. Overall survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier curves either for the entire population and for comparison between positive and negative variables (margin status, nodes and radiotherapy) with log-rank test to determine significance. Statistical significance was reached for P < 0.05. Type of surgery (radical local excision vs. radical vulvectomy) and positive inguinal nodes were identified as risk factors for relapse. Positive inguinal nodes and positive margins were identified as prognostic factors either for overall survival and disease specific survival; tumor size greater than 4 cm was identified as prognostic factors for overall survival. Overall survival was 38.4% and it was significantly higher in the patients with negative margins and nodes. Nodes status, resection margins, age and type of surgery represent prognostic factors have to be considered for adjuvant treatment in the patients affected from vulvar carcinoma.

PT381 - Diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy for penile cancer: A systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis indicates over-treatment when proceeding to radical inguinal lymphadenectomy

PT381 - Diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy for penile cancer: A systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis indicates over-treatment when proceeding to radical inguinal lymphadenectomy

Management of clinically node-negative groin in patients with penile cancer.

Malignant penile neoplasms are commonly squamous etiology, with the inguinal nodes being the first echelon of spread. The disease spreads to the pelvic lymph nodes only after metastases to the groin nodes, and this is the most important prognostic factor in penile carcinoma. While treatment of penile carcinoma with proven metastases to the inguinal lymph nodes mandates ilioinguinal lymph node dissection, the treatment of patients with impalpable nodes is more controversial. Overtreatment leads to excessive treatment-related morbidity in these patients, while a wait-and-see policy runs the risk of patients presenting with inguinal and distant metastases, which would have been curable at presentation. Unfortunately, no single imaging modality has been proved to be convincingly superior in the staging, and hence, management of the clinically negative groin has been subject to debate. While some high volume centers have promoted the use of dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy, others advocate the use of the modified inguinal lymph node template to stage the groin adequately. Newer techniques such as video endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection have been introduced as an alternative to the original radical inguinal lymphadenectomy to reduce morbidity.

[Radical vulvectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy using a single incision for the treatment of vulvar malignancy].

Objective: To describe a novel procedure of radical vulvectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy using a single incision (RVIL-SI) for the treatment of vulvar malignancy. Methods: In March, 2019, two cases affected with vulvar cancer (the first one is stage ⅢA squamous cell carcinoma and the second one is stage ⅠB with malignant melanoma) underwent this novel procedure, which was characterized by the combination of radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy without making additional incisions in groin areas. The boundaries of femoral triangle could be exposed perfectly using the initial incision of radical vulvectomy and the combined superficial and deep groin lymph node dissection were done subcutaneously from medial to lateral. Preoperative data and short term follow-up outcomes were collected. Results: The RVIL-SI was successfully conducted in two patients without any incisions of groin. The great saphenous veins were all spared. The operative time, average blood loss and median total regional lymph nodes of two cases were close. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Micrometastasis in one right superficial inguinal node was found in the first case with ipsilateral huge cancer lesion. No drain tube was left in inguinal areas intraoperatively. On postoperative day 3, the second case suffered mild lymphocele of right groin, which was resolved via repeated percutaneous needle puncture followed by elastic compression. Postoperative hospital stay of two cases were 10 and 11 days, respectively. With no skin complication at the time of writing this report. Conclusion: Our preliminary experience with the RVIL-SI has confirmed the reproducibility and minimal invasive therapeutic potential in the treatment for patients with vulvar cancer. But this novel procedure is in its infancy stage. Although short-term results are encouraging, a larger series with longer follow-up are required to fully evaluate the therapeutic efficacy.

Organ-sparing surgery of penile cancer: higher rate of local recurrence yet no impact on overall survival

PurposeTo report on the oncological outcome of organ-sparing surgery (OSS) compared to (total or partial) penectomy regarding recurrence patterns and survival in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of all patients with penile SCC and eligible follow-up data of at least 2 years at our institution. Patients with tumors staged ≥ pT1G2 underwent invasive lymph node (LN) staging by dynamic sentinel-node biopsy or modified inguinal lymphadenectomy. Radical inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed when LNs were palpable at diagnosis and in those with a positive LN status after invasive nodal staging. Follow-up visits were assessed, and local, regional and distant recurrences were defined and analyzed.Results55 patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 63.7 months. Surgical management was OSS in 26 patients (47.2%) and partial or total penectomy in 29 cases (52.8%). Histopathological staging was: pTis (12.7%), pTa (16.3%), pT1a (18.2%), pT1b (5.5%), pT2 (29.1%) and pT3 (18.2%), respectively. Patients in the penectomy group were significantly older (mean 68 vs. 62 years; p = 0.026) with a higher rate of advanced tumor stage (≥ pT2: 44.8% vs. 11.5%; p = 0.002). The local recurrence rate was 42.3% (n = 11) following OSS compared to 10.3% (n = 3) after penectomy (p = 0.007). Kaplan–Meier curves showed no significant differences between the two groups regarding metastasis-free and overall survival.ConclusionsOSS is associated with a higher local recurrence rate compared to penectomy, yet it has no negative impact on overall and metastasis-free survival.

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Male Proximal Urethra: Outcomes from a Single Centre

BackgroundPrimary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the male proximal urethra is an aggressive and rare urogenital malignancy. ObjectiveTo review the surgical management and outcomes for male proximal urethral SCCs within a single centre and to suggest an algorithm for the surgical management of these rare tumours. Design, setting, and participantsThis was a retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery for male proximal urethral SCC within a single tertiary academic centre managing rare genital tumours. Ten patients with a histological diagnosis of proximal urethral SCC were identified from an institutional database over a period of 10 yr with a median follow-up of 22.5 mo (standard deviation±25.77 mo). Outcome measurements and statistical analysisPathological staging, surgical treatment, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment were recorded. Complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and overall survival rates were recorded. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for overall survival. Results and limitationsA total of 10 patients were identified of whom eight underwent panurethrectomy and radical prostatectomy. Radical inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed in five patients, which confirmed bilateral metastatic disease. Perioperative complications were reported in six patients (Clavien I and II). Within 6 mo of surgery, 90% of patients developed distant metastatic disease. Nine patients died of urethra cancer during the follow-up. One patient is still on follow-up. The median overall follow-up was 13.92 mo (range: 5–91 mo). At 5 yr, cancer-specific/overall survival was 10%. A limitation of this study is the retrospective design, which is unavoidable for such a rare disease. ConclusionsRadical surgery allows local disease control, but despite neo/adjuvant treatment, proximal urethral SCC is associated with poor survival outcomes and progression to distant metastatic disease within 6 mo. Patient summaryProximal urethral squamous cell carcinoma is a rare cancer in men which is often detected late. Patients often present with problems such as voiding, urethral bleeding, or a palpable mass. Aggressive surgery allows local control, but despite this the overall survival is poor. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy can improve survival. Multicentric randomised trials are needed to identify the correct treatment modality.

Radical Videoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomies: A Matched Pair Analysis.

To evaluate the modifications and feasibility of radical videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VIL). From January 2010 to December 2017, more than 200 patients who have underwent bilateral radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center. And there were 33 patients who received radical VIL and 174 patients who received open inguinal lymphadenectomy (OIL). According to similar factors of age, body mass index, T stage, and N stage, two matched groups were created with a rate of 1:2, one group received VIL, and another group received OIL. The numbers of harvested lymph nodes, operating times, and complications were compared between the two groups. Descriptive statistical analyses, t tests, chi-square tests, and rank sum tests were performed. In total, 93 patients were selected, including 31 patients who underwent bilateral VIL and 62 who underwent OIL. The numbers of harvested lymph nodes did not differ significantly (p = 0.983), the operating time was longer for the VIL than the open lymphadenectomy (p < 0.01), and the morbidity was lower among the VIL than the open lymphadenectomy. Modified radical VIL is feasible, practical, and results in reduced morbidity. The dissecting field and the defined plane were critical to these modifications.

[Videoendoscopic Minimally Invasive Inguinal Lymphadenectomy: an Alternative to Open Inguinal Lymphadenectomy with fwer Complications].

Radical inguinal lymphadenectomy is a standardised operation, which is exhibits high morbidity of up to 77%. These complications often lead to a delay in the planned adjuvant therapy. The objective of this video is to present videoendoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL), which seems to show less morbidity. There is no difference between the indications for open lymphadenectomy and VEIL. Prior excision of a sentinel lymph node is not a contraindication. After blunt dissection of the subcutaneous tissue with exposure of Scarpa's fascia, 3 - 4 ports are placed in the preformed space. The femoral lymph nodes are dissected under insufflation of CO2 and the tissue is removed in a retrieval bag. Several studies have shown that VEIL offers a good alternative to open lymphadenectomy, with fewer complications, particularly with respect to wound healing.

[Lymph node management of cN0 penile cancer].

In penile cancer, lymph node metastasis is the main known prognostic factor affecting patients' survival. Early inguinal lymph node dissection or the resection of clinically occult lymph node metastases improves survival compared with removal when the metastases become clinically apparent. Micrometastatic lymph node involvement is undetectable by current imaging modalities. Nomograms based on clinical and histopathological tumor characteristics are unreliable in predicting lymph node involvement. Consequently, in penile cancer patients with clinically normal inguinal lymph nodes (cN0) and atumor stage ≥pT1, G2 surgical lymph node exploration is recommended. Radical inguinal lymphadenectomy is no longer recommended because of its invasiveness and high complication rate. Modified lymphadenectomy and dynamic sentinel lymph node surgery allow the detection of lymph node-positive patients with sufficient certainty. Thereby, the sentinel lymph node approach offers the least invasiveness and high sensitivity. Extended inguinal lymphadenectomy is still recommended in the case of positive nodes.

[Management of penile cancer patients: new aspects of a rare tumour entity].

Over the past few decades, some principles in the treatment of penile cancer have changed fundamentally. While 15 years ago a negative surgical margin of at least 2 cm was considered mandatory, organ-sparing surgery permitting minimal negative surgical margins has a high priority nowadays. The current treatment principle requires as much organ preservation as possible and as much radicality as necessary. The implementation of organ-sparing and reconstructive surgical techniques has improved the quality of life of surviving patients. However, oncological and functional outcomes are still unsatisfactory. Alongside with adequate local treatment of the primary tumour, a consistent management of inguinal lymph nodes is of fundamental prognostic significance. In particular, clinically inconspicuous inguinal lymph nodes staged T1b and upwards need a surgical approach. Sentinel node biopsy, minimally-invasive surgical techniques and modified inguinal lymphadenectomy have reduced morbidity compared to conventional inguinal lymph node dissection. Multimodal treatment with surgery and chemotherapy is required in all patients with lymph node-positive disease; neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been established for patients with locally advanced lymph node disease, and adjuvant treatment after radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for lymph node-positive disease. An increasing understanding of the underlying tumour biology, in particular the role of the human papilloma virus (HPV) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status, has led to a new pathological classification and may further enhance treatment options. This review summarises current aspects in the therapeutic management of penile cancer.