Urethral Cancer

Current Status and Challenges in Rare Genitourinary Cancer Research and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In contemporary urological practice, managing rare genitourinary (GU) malignancies presents significant challenges, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their unique characteristics and tailored treatment approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

Rare GU malignancies, whether per se, variants of common histologies, or common tumors in uncommon locations, often lack widely available clinical guidelines. Consequently, treatment decisions are frequently based on empirical evidence, risking suboptimal outcomes. However, recent advances in molecular profiling, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy offer promising avenues for improving management strategies and patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of some rare GU malignancies encountered in clinical practice, including their distinct pathological features, current management approaches, and ongoing research directions. Understanding the complexities of these rare tumors and implementing multidisciplinary treatment strategies are essential for optimizing patient care and improving survival outcomes.

Urethral cancer: a comprehensive review endorsed by the Global Society of Rare Genitourinary Tumours

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and adverse effects of urethrectomy alone or as part of multimodal therapy (MMT).

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted across MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, LILACS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases, from their inception to the present date. The study cohort comprised individuals aged 16 years and older diagnosed with urethral tumours at any stage who underwent either isolated urethrectomy or urethrectomy as an integral component of MMT.

RESULTS

Ninety-two studies comprising 25 480 patients met the inclusion criteria. Surgical outcomes for urethral cancer vary considerably, with 5-year overall survival (OS) ranging from 10% to 68% based on disease extent, approach, and gender. Radiotherapy (RT) alone provides 5-year OS of approximately 40%. Combined regimens provide better outcomes compared to single modalities, including reduced recurrence and enhanced survival. However, trimodal therapy showed survival benefits only for urothelial subtypes, indicating the need to tailor management according to cancer type. MMT with neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery demonstrated the most consistent survival gains.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of urethral cancer demands a nuanced, personalised approach, accounting for factors such as tumour location, sex, and tumour stage. MMT combining surgery, chemotherapy and RT has shown the ability to enhance outcomes in advanced disease. More extensive collaborative studies through specialised centres are imperative to advance evidence-based protocols and refine treatment in order to improve survival.

Risk of Urological Cancer Among Boys and Men Born with Hypospadias: A Swedish Population-based Study

Background

Hypospadias is a common genital malformation among boys. Studies indicate that hypospadias is associated with a higher risk of testicular cancer. Other forms of urological cancer may be linked to hypospadias via a mutual aetiology, hormonal dysfunction, or hypospadias complications, but this has not yet been studied.

Objective

To investigate the association between hypospadias and testicular cancer and the risk of other urological cancers among individuals born with hypospadias.

Design setting and participants

The study used a population-based male cohort born in Sweden in 1964-2018. Exposure was hypospadias diagnosis in national registers. Outcomes were defined using the Swedish Cancer Register. An extended cohort born from 1940 was used to study cancers among older men. Biological brothers and fathers were linked to investigate familial coaggregation.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Associations were assessed using Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, with results presented as hazard ratios.

Results and limitations

We found that hypospadias was associated with a higher risk of testicular cancer (hazard ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.42-2.92), especially for proximal hypospadias, but did not observe any clear familial coaggregation of hypospadias and testicular cancer. Hypospadias was associated with Wilms' tumour in childhood. We also found an association between hypospadias and bladder and urethral cancers, but not prostate cancer. The number of cases with hypospadias was small and the results for cancers among older men may be impacted by limitations in register coverage.

Conclusions

Our study supports the hypothesis of a higher risk of testicular cancer for men with hypospadias, especially with proximal phenotypes. Hypospadias may also be associated with a higher risk of lower urinary tract cancers, although this requires further investigation in older cohorts.

Patient summary

Boys and men in whom the opening of the urethra is not at the end of the penis (called hypospadias) at birth are at higher risk of developing testicular cancer, although their overall risk is still low. They may also have a higher risk of developing other forms of cancer in the urinary tract.

Metachronous urothelial carcinoma in the renal pelvis, bladder, and urethra: A case report

BACKGROUND

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a common malignancy of the urinary system that can occur anywhere from the renal pelvis to the proximal urethra. Most UCs are in the bladder and have multifocal growth. Upper urinary tract UC (UTUC), which occurs in the renal pelvis or ureter, accounts for only 5% to 10% of UCs.

CASE SUMMARY

In March 2015, a 70-year-old male who initially presented to a local hospital with a complaint of painless hematuria was diagnosed with UTUC of the right renal pelvis. The doctors administered radical nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff excision. Although the doctors recommended intravesical chemotherapy and regular follow-up, he rejected this advice. In December 2016, the patient presented at our hospital with dysuria. We identified UC in the residual bladder and administered radical cystectomy and left cutaneous ureterostomy. In November 2021, he presented again with urethral bleeding. We detected urethral UC as the cause of urethral orifice bleeding and administered radical urethrectomy. Since then, he has visited regularly for 6-mo follow-ups, and was in stable condition as of December 2022.

CONCLUSION

UTUC is prone to seeding and recurrence. Adjuvant instillation therapy and intense surveillance are crucial for these patients.

Imaging of the Bulbourethral (Cowper) Gland: Abnormalities and Differential Diagnosis

Normal Cowper glands and ducts are imperceptible at imaging. However, abnormalities of the Cowper glands and ducts are increasingly seen owing to increasing use of cross-sectional imaging. In this article, the authors present a comprehensive review of the normal anatomy of the Cowper glands and ducts and the clinical and imaging findings of conditions that affect them in an effort to help lead to appropriate diagnosis and management. A Cowper duct syringocele is a congenital or acquired dilatation of the Cowper duct in the bulb of the corpus spongiosum. Retrograde urethrography is the standard test to diagnose a communicating (open) Cowper duct syringocele, and MRI is used for further morphologic assessment. Cowperitis refers to inflammation of the gland and/or duct, and recurrent cowperitis is usually associated with an underlying syringocele, a urethral fistulous connection to the Cowper gland, or a perianal fistula. MRI allows detection of the underlying structural abnormality and the superimposed inflammation. Cowper stones are typically radiopaque and are found in both the Cowper gland and duct. A Cowper gland HHhemorrhagic cyst may be incidentally detected at MRI of the prostate, and follow-up MRI may be required to ensure evolution of hemorrhage and exclude an underlying neoplasm. Cowper gland carcinoma is rare and includes adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma subtypes. Transperineal US may be used for initial evaluation and CT and/or MRI are necessary for further characterization and staging. Cowper gland hyperplasia is a rare entity with few previous reports that may be incidentally detected at imaging and may mimic malignancy. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN+ with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (<T2) and/or more distal tumors underwent urethrectomy or partial penectomy. Kaplan-Meier curves were evaluated for analysis of overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

A total of 13 male patients with anterior PUC were studied retrospectively. Total penectomy was performed in 7 cases, while partial urethrectomy was performed in 5 cases, and partial penectomy in 1 case. Of the 7 patients who underwent total penectomy, 5 underwent radical cystectomy with bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. Three patients were treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy, of which 2 were cT3N+ and 1 was cT3N0. The predominant histologic subtype was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), found in 7 patients (53.8%), while urothelial carcinoma (UC) was present in 5 patients (38.5%) and a malignant fibro-histiocytoma in 1 case. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, with T2 tumors in 15.4% and T3 tumors in 46.2% of the cases. Median follow-up was 24 months (range 1-294). After surgical treatment, 8 patients (61.5%) presented disease recurrence after a median of 6.3 months, with a 5-year RFS of 58% ± 14%. The 5-year OS rate was 50% ± 14% while the 5-year CSS rate was 66% ± 13%.

CONCLUSION

Given its rarity, urethral carcinoma should be treated in a referral center. Treatment options include a radical approach or penile-preserving surgery (urethrectomy or partial penectomy) in cases of localized disease. Due to the high recurrence rate, strict follow-up is mandatory.

Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN + with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (

RESULTS

A total of 13 male patients with anterior PUC were studied retrospectively. Total penectomy was performed in 7 cases, while partial urethrectomy was performed in 5 cases, and partial penectomy in 1 case. Of the 7 patients who underwent total penectomy, 5 underwent radical cystectomy with bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. Three patients were treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy, of which 2 were cT3N + and 1 was cT3N0. The predominant histologic subtype was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), found in 7 patients (53.8%), while urothelial carcinoma (UC) was present in 5 patients (38.5%) and a malignant fibro-histiocytoma in 1 case. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, with T2 tumors in 15.4% and T3 tumors in 46.2% of the cases. Median follow-up was 24 months (range 1-294). After surgical treatment, 8 patients (61.5%) presented disease recurrence after a median of 6.3 months, with a 5-year RFS of 58%±14%. The 5-year OS rate was 50%±14% while the 5-year CSS rate was 66%±13%. CONCLUSIóN: Given its rarity, urethral carcinoma should be treated in a referral center. Treatment options include a radical approach or penile-preserving surgery (urethrectomy or partial penectomy) in cases of localized disease. Due to the high recurrence rate, strict follow-up is mandatory.

Collapse

Key Words

• Carcinoma de células escamosas
• Carcinoma uretral
• Inguinal lymphadenectomy
• Linfadenectomía inguinal
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Urethral carcinoma

Collapse

MESH Headings Collapse

Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

J F Calderón Cortez Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
A Territo Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
M Fontana Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
J M Gaya Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
F Sanguedolce Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
J Palou Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
J Huguet Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
A Breda Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España

Collapse

Comprehensive genomic profiling of histologic subtypes of urethral carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the urethra (UrthCa) is an uncommon Genitourinary (GU) malignancy that can progress to advanced metastatic disease.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-seven metastatic UrthCa underwent hybrid capture-based comprehensive genomic profiling to evaluate all classes of genomic alterations (GA). Tumor mutational burden was determined on up to 1.1 Mbp of sequenced DNA, and microsatellite instability was determined on 114 loci. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC (Dako 22C3).

RESULTS

Forty-nine (39%) urothelial (UrthUC), 31 (24%) squamous (UrthSCC), 24 (19%) adenocarcinomas NOS (UrthAC), and 12 (9%) clear cell (UrthCC) were evaluated. UrthUC and UrthSCC are more common in men; UrthAC and UrthCC are more common in women. Ages were similar in all 4 groups. GA in PIK3CA were the most frequent potentially targetable GA; mTOR pathway GA in PTEN were also identified. GA in other potentially targetable genes were also identified including ERBB2 (6% in UrthUC, 3% in UrthSCC, and 12% in UrthAC), FGFR1-3 (3% in UrthSCC), BRAF (3% in UrthAC), PTCH1 (8% in UrthCC), and MET (8% in UrthCC). Possibly reflecting their higher GA/tumor status, potential for immunotherapy benefit associated with higher tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 staining levels were seen in UrthUC and UrthSCC compared to UrthAC and UrthCC. Microsatellite instability high status was absent throughout.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive genomic profiling reveals GA that may be predictive of both targeted and immunotherapy benefit in patients with advanced UrthCa and that could potentially be used in future adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and metastatic disease trials.

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

BACKGROUND

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the male proximal urethra is an aggressive and rare urogenital malignancy.

OBJECTIVE

To 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 PARTICIPANTS

This 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 ANALYSIS

Pathological 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 LIMITATIONS

A 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.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical 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 SUMMARY

Proximal 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.

Metastatic primary urothelial carcinoma of the prostatic urethra: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Primary carcinomas of the urethra differ by location and histologic subtype. Primary urethral cancer of the proximal urethra is rare and aggressive tumor with a high propensity for regional and distant metastases.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In this case report, we present primary urothelial carcinoma of the prostatic urethra, diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate and having multiple metastases at the time of diagnosis. Metastatic patients were initiated chemotherapy according to the histological type of urethral cancer.

CONCLUSION

Urothelial carcinomas of the urethra are rarely seen, and therefore there is no standard treatment regimen for early-stage or metastatic disease. Gemcitabine-, platinum-, and taxane-based treatments are used in the metastatic stage.

Lower tract neoplasm: Update of imaging evaluation

Cancers of the lower urinary tract can arise from the bladder, urachus or urethra. Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is the most common of these. The presentation of bladder, urachal and urethral cancers can differ but many result in hematuria as an initial indication. The diagnosis and staging of these cancers often necessitate radiologic imaging often in the form of cross-section CT urography or MR urography. The following article reviews the specific nature of lower tract cancers and their imaging.

Carcinoma of the urethra

Primary carcinomas of the urethra are rare and poorly understood lesions; hence, their clinical and pathologic spectrum is not completely defined. We analyzed a series of 130 primary urethral tumors and classified 106 of them as primary urethral carcinomas. The age at diagnosis of patients with primary urethral carcinomas ranged from 42 to 97 years (mean, 69.4 years; median, 70 years). There were 73 male and 33 female patients with a ratio of 2.2:1. In male patients, the tumors most frequently developed in the bulbous-membranous segment of the urethra. In female patients, the entire length of the urethra was typically involved. Microscopically, they were poorly differentiated carcinomas with hybrid squamous and urothelial features and developed from precursor intraepithelial conditions such as dysplasia and carcinoma in situ, which were frequently present in the adjacent urethral mucosa. High-risk human papilloma virus infection could be documented in 31.6% of these tumors. Follow-up information was available for 95 patients. Twenty-three patients died of the disease with a mean and median survival of 39 and 21 months, respectively. Urethral carcinomas are aggressive tumors with a high propensity for regional and distant metastases with mean and median survival of 39 and 21 months, respectively. Our observations have important implications for the management of patients with primary carcinoma of the urethra by defining them as a unique entity linked to human papilloma virus infection.

Treatment and Outcomes of Primary Urethra Cancer

BACKGROUND

Urethral cancer is a rare malignancy, representing <1% of all malignancies. Optimal management, due to its rarity, presents as a treatment dilemma for physicians. There is a lack of consensus regarding treatment as large randomized trials cannot be performed; thus, optimal management decisions rely on study of retrospective cases. This is a review of our institutional experience with urethral cancer treated with various treatment modalities.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 31 patients treated for primary cancer of the urethra from 1958 to 2008. The patients were stratified by sex, histologic type, stage, date of diagnosis, type of treatment, and last follow-up. Early stage cases were designated as Tis-T2N0M0 and advanced cases were designated as T3-4, N+ or M+. Analysis was performed based on clinical stage, treatment modalities and outcomes.

RESULTS

Fourteen early stage cases and 17 advanced stage cases of urethral cancer were analyzed. The majority of early stage cases occurred in men (M:F=8:6) and the majority of advanced stage cases occurred in women (M:F=5:12). The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma for both early and advanced stage cases. Surgery was the preferred modality of treatment for early stage cases (surgery used in 13 cases vs. chemo/radiotherapy used in 1 case) while for advanced cases, radiation ±chemotherapy was commonly used. Overall survival for this series was 45% at mean follow-up of 7 years. Eight of the 14 cases of early stage cancer remained disease free at last follow-up. Comparatively, only 5 of 17 with advanced cancers had no apparent disease at last follow-up. All but one of those patients were treated with combined modality therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with early stage urethral cancers do well with single modality therapy, whereas patients who present with advanced cancers may benefit from combined modality therapy. More extensive study is required to recommend a particular treatment protocol. However, in this rare malignancy, institutional experiences provide the best evidence currently due to the lack of multi-institutional trials.

Transurethral holmium laser vaporization to the urethral tumour through a ureteroscope

We present 2 cases of urethral cancers: one is recurrent bladder transitional cell carcinoma accompanied by urethral metastatic carcinoma located on the right side of verumontanum, and the other is primary bladder and metastatic urethral adenocarcinoma. The urethral tumour was treated by transurethral holmium laser vaporization to the urethral tumour through a ureteroscope and the bladder tumour was treated with transurethral resection and degeneration of the bladder tumour (TURD-Bt). After the second or third therapy, patients were free of urethral or bladder tumour recurrence; they also did not experience urethral stricture or urinary incontinence during the 24- to 36-month follow-up. Transurethral holmium laser vaporization and TURD-Bt could be performed to treat non-invasive urethral cancer accompanied with bladder cancer and preserve the urethra and bladder.

Nanoparticle albumin-bound-Paclitaxel in the treatment of metastatic urethral adenocarcinoma: the significance of molecular profiling and targeted therapy

Primary urethral cancer is rare and accounts for only 0.003% of all malignancies arising from the female genitourinary tract. Due to the rarity of this disease, no consensus exists regarding the optimal therapeutic approach. Nanoparticle albumin-bound-paclitaxel has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of malignancies including metastatic breast, pancreatic, and bladder cancer. We present a 67-year-old woman with advanced metastatic urethral adenocarcinoma resistant to two lines of chemotherapy (ifosfamide/paclitaxel/cisplatin and irinotecan/5-fluorouracil/leucovorin) that showed a dramatic response to nanoparticle albumin-bound-paclitaxel. This is the first case report to document the use and efficacy of nanoparticle albumin-bound-paclitaxel in the treatment of unresectable metastatic urethral cancer.

Urethral Metastasis from Rectal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

CASE

A 73-year-old man with Dukes' C adenocarcinoma of the rectum, pT3N2bM0, stage IIIB, presented with voiding difficulties including poor stream and terminal dribbling for one month. The patient was under careful surveillance and had no postoperative recurrence. Physical examination revealed a palpable irregular nodular lesion (0.5 × 0.5 cm(2)) at the penile-scrotal junction. He underwent urethroscopy, which showed a cauliflower lesion in the pendulous urethra. Transurethral resection was performed and histopathologic and immunochemical staining demonstrated a metastatic moderately differentiated urethral adenocarcinoma from the colorectal primary.

OUTCOME

His voiding disorder improved significantly post-operation and he commenced second-line chemotherapy combined with regional radiotherapy. Follow-up urethrocystoscopy and abdominal computed tomography demonstrated no recurrence or metastatic disease. His tumor marker remained within the normal range for 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Urethral metastasis from primary colon cancer is extremely rare. This disease, with its various atypical presentations, presents a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. In patients with recurrent or persistent lower urinary tract symptoms, further urologic workup including thorough history taking, physical examination, and imaging surveys is warranted.