Impact of perioperative chemotherapy on survival in patients with advanced primary urethral cancer: results of the international collaboration on primary urethral carcinoma

Primary urethral carcinoma in female: An extremely rare case series at a single tertiary referral hospital and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is exceedingly uncommon and accounts for 0.02 % of all female cancers and <1 % of female genitourinary tract malignancy. PUC in female usually presents late with a higher disease stage and, hence, has higher cancer-specific mortality. Due to its rarity, the current recommendation for the management of PUC is still unclear.

CASE PRESENTATION

This study reports two rare cases of 59-year-old and 65-year-old women with PUC, presenting with chief complaint of hematuria. Urethrocystoscopy and biopsy were performed. Pathology results revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma (AC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the urethra, respectively. Radiological imaging was conducted for staging. Both were diagnosed with cT4N2M0. The first patient underwent anterior pelvic exenteration with bilateral ureterocutaneoustomy (UCS), while the second patient received cisplatin-based chemotherapy before the surgery. Radiological follow-up was planned 3 months after the surgery.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Both mucinous AC and UC are considered incredibly unusual subtypes, with no defined treatment guidelines. Anterior exenteration with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be opted for advanced PUC affecting the proximal urethra and adjacent organs. Following the previous studies, in this case series, both patients (locally advanced) underwent anterior exenteration. Additionally, the UC subtype received multimodal treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy which was shown to improve overall survival.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, PUC is extremely rare, and the choice of management remained various. Long-term follow-up for these patients is mandatory to improve understanding of this incredibly uncommon disease.

Primary urethral carcinoma: Recommendations of the oncology committee of the French Urology Association

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is defined as a tumor process arising within the urethra, with no history of other urinary tract localization or synchronous tumor of the urinary tract. The most common histological types are urothelial carcinoma (UC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). In men, UC predominates, while AC is rare. In women, AC affects around one in two patients, while EC and UC are equally divided between the remaining cases. Diagnosis is often delayed, and requires endoscopic examination with biopsies. MRI is the gold standard for local staging. FDG-PET scan can help in cases of doubt about regional or distant extension. The prognosis remains unfavorable despite aggressive surgical treatment. Multimodal management combining surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy appears to improve prognosis in severe forms.

Role of inguinal and pelvic lymph node dissection for primary urethral carcinoma: a systematic review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare urologic tumor. There is limited evidence on this entity. This review summarizes the existing evidence on lymph node dissection (LND) in patients with PUC.

RECENT FINDINGS

We performed a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to evaluate the impact of inguinal and pelvic LND on the oncological outcomes of PUC and to identify indications for this procedure.

RESULTS

Three studies met the inclusion criteria. The cancer detection rate in clinically nonpalpable inguinal lymph node (cN0) was 9% in men and 25% in women. In clinically palpable lymph node (cN+), the malignancy rate was 84% and 50% in men and women, respectively. Overall cancer detection rate in pelvic lymph nodes in patients with cN0 was 29%. Based on tumor stage, the detection rate was 11% in cT1-2 N0 and 37% in cT3-4 N0. Nodal disease was associated with higher recurrence and worse survival. Pelvic LND seems to improve overall survival for patients with LND regardless of the location or stage of lymph nodes. Inguinal LND improved overall survival only in patients with palpable lymph nodes. Inguinal LND had no survival benefit in patients with nonpalpable lymph nodes.

SUMMARY

The available, albeit scarce, data suggest that inguinal LND derives the highest benefit in women and in patients with palpable inguinal nodes, whereas the benefit of pelvic LND seems to be more pronounced across all stages of invasive PUC. Prospective studies are urgently needed to further address the prognostic benefit of locoregional LND in PUC.

Perspectives on the future of urothelial carcinoma therapy: chemotherapy and beyond

INTRODUCTION

Despite recent developments in the landscape of urothelial carcinoma (UC) treatment, platinum combination chemotherapy still remains a milestone. Recently immunotherapeutic agents have gained ever-growing attractivity, particularly in the metastatic setting. Novel chemotherapeutic strategies and agents, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and powerful combination regimens have been developed to overcome the resistance of most UC to current therapies.

AREAS COVERED

Herein, we review the current standard-of-care chemotherapy, the development of ADCs, the rationale for combining therapy regimens with chemotherapy in current trials, and future directions in UC management.

EXPERT OPINION

Immunotherapy has prompted a revolution in the treatment paradigm of UC. However, only a few patients experience a long-term response when treated with single-agent immunotherapies. Combination treatments are necessary to bypass resistance mechanisms and broaden the clinical utility of current options. Current evidence supports the intensification of standard-of-care chemotherapy with maintenance immunotherapy. However, the optimal sequence, combination, and duration must be determined to achieve individual longevity with acceptable health-related quality of life. In that regard, ADCs appear as a promising alternative for single and combination strategies in UC, as they specifically target the tumor cells, thereby, theoretically improving treatment efficacy and avoiding extensive off-target toxicities.

Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in primary female urethral squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

Primary female urethral carcinomas are uncommon and have a low morbidity rate. Most of these patients have advanced illness with high invasion and a poor prognosis. There is no standard treatment, and multimodal therapy is recommended. The use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy were mostly reported in previous studies on advanced female urethral squamous cell carcinoma. We report that chemotherapy combined with a programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor was effective in treating metastatic female urethral squamous cell carcinoma. During four cycles, we used systemic chemotherapy of albumin-paclitaxel + carboplatin in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor (toripalimab 240 mg) every 3 weeks, and a complete response was achieved. We performed a genetic test on the patient who had a tumor mutation burden of 5.7 mutations/Mb, tumor proportion score of 20%, and combined positive score of 20% (22C3). No recurrence or distant metastasis was found after 20 months of follow-up. In conclusion, in patients with positive PD-1 ligand 1 expression in primary female urethral squamous cell carcinoma, chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitors may be effective. Larger sample studies are required to determine PD-1 ligand 1 expression and the curative effect of PD-1 inhibitors, as well as their effect on survival.

A brief review on the diagnostic and therapeutic principles of primary urethral cancer

Objective

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare malignant carcinoma but with limited therapeutic options. This review aims to provide an overview of the current strategies on this patient settings.

Methods

Recent literature ranging from January 1987 and December 2021 was assessed through PubMed search to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic principles of PUC.

Results

A complete of examination including cystoscopy, imaging, and biopsy should be conducted for these patients. Once diagnosed, the clinical decision of PUC should be made according to the tumor location, pathological pattern, and extent of the tumor. For patients with superficial and distal urethral lesions, organ sparing approaches or radical reconstructive procedures can be utilized. While for more advanced disease or nodal involvement, an optimal multimodal treatment strategy consisted of surgery and radiochemotherapy should be adopted. For patients with urothelial carcinoma of the prostate, the management including transurethral resection of the prostate followed by bacille Calmette-Guerin or radical cystoprostatectomy should depend on the infiltration depth of PUC.

Conclusion

A complete of examination is important for the diagnosis of PUC. The management of PUC should be determined by the location, pathological pattern, and extent of the tumor. More multi-institutional collaborations should be held to investigate better treatment modalities for PUC.

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.

Urethral Masses

Urethral and periurethral masses in women include both benign and malignant entities that can be difficult to clinically differentiate. Primary urethral carcinoma is rare and the optimal treatment modality may vary depending on the stage at presentation. Because cancer-free survival is poor, clinicians shouldhave a high index of suspicion when evaluating a urethral mass. Some benign-appearing urethral masses may be safely observed. Surgical resection is an effective option that should be used based on patient preference and symptoms, and for suspicious lesions.

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.

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Key Words

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

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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

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The effect of centralization of care on overall survival in primary urethral cancer

PURPOSE

Centralization of care to high-volume centers improves outcomes across urologic malignancies, but there exists a paucity of data for low-incidence cancers. Given the rarity of primary urethral cancer (UC) and the need for complex multidisciplinary treatment, we sought to evaluate differences in practice patterns and clinical outcomes across types of treating facilities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified all patients diagnosed with UC from 2004 to 2016 in the National Cancer Database. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to investigate independent predictors of OS. The chi-square test was used to analyze differences in practice patterns.

RESULTS

We identified 6,445 patients with UC. Median overall survival was 40.5 months (interquartile range 38.4-42.6). There was a significant difference in OS based upon facility type, and this difference remained significant on subgroup analysis for squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma. Academic centers had superior OS on pairwise comparisons (all P< 0.05) and were associated with decreased risk of death, hazard ratio 0.858 (95% confidence interval 0.749-0.983). Academic centers had a significantly greater frequency of neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation (P < 0.001). Academic centers performed radical surgery in 34.1% of patients compared to 14.5% in community programs (P < 0.001), and regional lymphadenectomy in 31.6% of patients compared to 13.2% in community programs (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There exist significant differences in survival for patients with UC based upon treating facility. Variations in practice patterns including multimodal treatment, radical surgery, and regional lymphadenectomy may contribute to the observed differences in clinical outcomes.

Comparison Between Urothelial and Non-Urothelial Urethral Cancer

Background

To test the effect of variant histology relative to urothelial histology on stage at presentation, cancer specific mortality (CSM), and overall mortality (OM) after chemotherapy use, in urethral cancer.

Materials and Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (2004-2016) database, we identified 1,907 primary variant histology urethral cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier plots, Cox regression analyses, cumulative incidence-plots, multivariable competing-risks regression models and propensity score matching for patient and tumor characteristics were used.

Results

Of 1,907 eligible urethral cancer patients, urothelial histology affected 1,009 (52.9%) vs. squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) 455 (23.6%) vs. adenocarcinoma 278 (14.6%) vs. other histology 165 (8.7%) patients. Urothelial histological patients exhibited lower stages at presentation than SCC, adenocarcinoma or other histology patients. In urothelial histology patients, five-year CSM was 23.5% vs. 34.4% in SCC [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.57] vs. 40.7% in adenocarcinoma (HR 1.69) vs. 43.4% in other histology (HR 1.99, p < 0.001). After matching in multivariate competing-risks regression models, variant histology exhibited 1.35-fold higher CSM than urothelial. Finally, in metastatic urethral cancer, lower OM was recorded after chemotherapy in general, including metastatic adenocarcinoma and other variant histology subtypes, except metastatic SCC.

Conclusion

Adenocarcinoma, SCC and other histology subtypes affect fewer patients than urothelial histology. Presence of variant histology results in higher CSM. Finally, chemotherapy for metastatic urethral cancer improves survival in adenocarcinoma and other variant histology subtypes, but not in SCC.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Primary Urethral Carcinoma-2020 Update

CONTEXT

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare cancer accounting for <1% of all genitourinary malignancies.

OBJECTIVE

To provide updated practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of PUC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search interrogating Ovid (Medline), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Urothelial carcinoma of the urethra is the predominant histological type of PUC (54-65%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (16-22%) and adenocarcinoma (10-16%). Diagnosis of PUC depends on urethrocystoscopy with biopsy and urinary cytology. Pathological staging and grading are based on the tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification and the 2016 World Health Organization grading systems. Local tumour extent and regional lymph nodes are assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the presence of distant metastases is assessed by computed tomography of the thorax/abdomen and pelvis. For all patients with localised distal tumours (≤T2N0M0), partial urethrectomy or urethra-sparing surgery is a valid treatment option, provided that negative intraoperative surgical margins can be achieved. Prostatic Ta-Tis-T1 PUC can be treated with repeat transurethral resection of the prostate and bacillus Calmette-Guérin. In prostatic or proximal ≥ T2N0 disease, neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy should be considered prior to radical surgery. All patients with locally advanced disease (≥T3N0-2M0) should be discussed within a multidisciplinary team. In men with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma, curative radiotherapy combined with radiosensitising chemotherapy can be offered for definitive treatment and genital preservation. In patients with local urethral recurrence, salvage surgery or radiotherapy can be offered. For patients with distant metastatic disease, systemic therapy based on tumour characteristics can be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

These updated European Association of Urology guidelines provide up-to-date guidance for the contemporary diagnosis and management of patients with suspected PUC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a very rare, but aggressive disease. These updated European Association of Urology guidelines provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians treating patients with PUC.

Primary urethral cancer: treatment patterns and associated outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate treatment patterns and associated outcomes of patients with urethral cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After obtaining institutional review board approval we identified 165 patients treated for primary urethral cancer between 1956 and 2017. Treatment included monotherapy (surgery or radiation), dual therapy (surgery+radiation, surgery+chemotherapy, or chemotherapy+radiation) or triple therapy (surgery+radiation+chemotherapy). Rates of different treatments were described by treatment year. The association between treatment type and outcomes was evaluated with multivariable Cox regression models, adjusting for disease characteristics.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 74 men and 91 women, with a median age of 61 years. Common histologies were squamous cell (36%), urothelial (27%) and adenocarcinoma (25%). At presentation, 72% of patients had invasive disease, 24% had nodal involvement, and 5% had metastases. Treatment included monotherapy (57%), dual therapy (21%), and triple therapy (10%). The use of monotherapy decreased over time, while rates of dual therapy remained consistent, and rates of triple therapy increased. The median follow-up was 4.7 years. Estimated 5-year local recurrence-free, disease-specific and overall survival were 51%, 48% and 41%, respectively. Monotherapy was associated with decreased local recurrence-free survival after adjusting for stage, histology, sex and year of treatment (P = 0.017). There was no evidence that treatment type was associated with distant recurrence, cancer-specific or overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

We found preliminary evidence that multimodal therapy, more commonly used in recent years, was of benefit in patients with primary urethral cancer. This finding should be confirmed in further studies involving multiple centres because of the low incidence of the disease.

Nomograms for predicting long-term overall survival and cancer-specific survival in patients with primary urethral carcinoma: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to identify the independent prognostic factors in patients with primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) and to predict their overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) at 3, 5, and 8 years.

METHODS

Patients with PUC identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were divided into training and validation cohorts. Nomograms were constructed based on the results of Cox regression analysis. The predictive performance of each nomogram was evaluated using the consistency index (C-index), the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), and calibration plots. Decision-curve analysis (DCA) was used to test the clinical value of the predictive models.

RESULTS

Our study screened 822 patients with PUC. Multivariate analysis showed that the age at diagnosis, race, histology, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, and surgery status were independent prognostic factors for CSS and age at diagnosis, race, histology, AJCC stage, surgery status, and chemotherapy for OS (all P < 0.05). We used these prognostic factors to construct nomograms. The C-indexes for OS and CSS were 0.713 and 0.741 in training cohorts and 0.714 and 0.738 in validation cohorts, respectively. The AUC and calibration plots demonstrated the good performance of both nomograms. The DCA indicated the presence of clinical net benefits in both the training and validation cohorts.

CONCLUSION

We developed and validated nomograms for predicting OS and CSS in patients with PUC, which can help clinicians make treatment decisions.

A Rare Case of Advanced Urethral Diverticular Adenocarcinoma and a Review of Treatment Modalities

Female urethral diverticular cancer is a very rare entity with only around 100 cases reported so far in literature and accounts for <1% of all malignancies. In this article, we present a 47-year-old African American female with repeated hospital visits for urinary retention, hematuria, and urinary tract infections. Initial computed tomography imaging and cystoscopy was unremarkable except for a distended urinary bladder. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging and corresponding cystoscopy eventually indicated the presence of a urethral diverticulum. She underwent urethral diverticulectomy and was found to have a mass arising from urethral diverticulum extending to vaginal walls. Her biopsy was suggestive of invasive adenocarcinoma in advanced stages, for which she subsequently underwent a total pelvic exenteration. Next-generation sequencing of the tumor showed CDKN2A/B loss, MSI-stable, and low TMB, thereby ruling out the options for targeted therapies. Extensive literature search and expert opinions were sought for her case since no consensus exists regarding the optimal therapeutic approach due to the rarity of this tumor. A final decision was made to treat her with platinum-based chemotherapy. Different treatment approaches including neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and surgery followed by chemoradiation have been tried. Platinum-based chemotherapy has generally been preferred based on an extensive literature search. Multimodality treatment approach seems to be the current approach to management for advanced stages for better overall survival. This case illustrates the challenges faced in making diagnosis and treatment decisions due to the rarity of this type of tumor and lack of consensus in the treatment approach.

Primary urethral carcinoma: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data analysis identifying predictors of cancer-specific survival

Objectives

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is rare, accounting for <1% of genitourinary malignancies. Current knowledge regarding is founded upon tertiary care centers reporting their experiences. We aim to identify factors predictive of outcomes using a nationwide registry database.

Materials and Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-18 registries database was queried for cases of PUC ranging between 2004 and 2010. To identify PUC cases, ICD-O site code C68.0 was used as a filter, hence identifying PUC with histologic subtypes including urothelial carcinoma (UC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and adenocarcinoma (AC). Tumor characteristics were compared using log-rank analysis, and survival outcomes were compared using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 419 PUC cases were identified, 250 (59.7%) male and 169 (40.3%) female patients. The most common histology in men was UC (134, 53.6%), followed by SCC (87, 34.8%) and AC (29, 11.6%). The most common histology in women was AC (79, 46.7%), followed by SCC (43, 25.4%) and UC (42, 24.9%). Log-rank analysis illustrated significant difference in cancer-specific survival (CSS) for T-stage, N-stage, M-stage, and stage of PUC with all histological variants combined (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that stage and age were significant for survival, with a risk ratio of 1.033 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.020-1.046)/year of increased age (P < 0.001) and 3.71 (95% CI, 2.72-5.05) for patients with regional or distant spread.

Conclusions

Knowledge of patient and tumor characteristics that influences survival is paramount in dictating management. The present study illustrates that age and stage are factors significantly associated with CSS in PUC.

The prognostic effect of salvage surgery and radiotherapy in patients with recurrent primary urethral carcinoma

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the impact of salvage therapy (ST) on overall survival (OS) in recurrent primary urethral cancer (PUC).

PATIENTS

A series of 139 patients (96 men, 43 women; median age = 66, interquartile range: 57-77) were diagnosed with PUC at 10 referral centers between 1993 and 2012. The modality of ST of recurrence (salvage surgery vs. radiotherapy) was recorded. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank was used to estimate the impact of ST on OS (median follow-up = 21, interquartile range: 5-48).

RESULTS

The 3-year OS for patients free of any recurrence (I), with solitary or concomitant urethral recurrence (II), and nonurethral recurrence (III) was 86.5%, 74.5%, and 48.2%, respectively (P = 0.002 for I vs. III and II vs. III; P = 0.55 for I vs. II). In the 80 patients with recurrences, the modality of primary treatment of recurrence was salvage surgery in 30 (37.5%), salvage radiotherapy (RT) in 8 (10.0%), and salvage surgery plus RT in 5 (6.3%) whereas 37 patients did not receive ST for recurrence (46.3%). In patients with recurrences, those who underwent salvage surgery or RT-based ST had similar 3-year OS (84.9%, 71.6%) compared to patients without recurrence (86.7%, P = 0.65), and exhibited superior 3-year OS compared to patients who did not undergo ST (38.0%, P<0.001 compared to surgery, P = 0.045 to RT-based ST, P = 0.29 for surgery vs. RT-based ST).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients who underwent ST for recurrent PUC demonstrated improved OS compared to those who did not receive ST and exhibited similar survival to those who never developed recurrence after primary treatment.

Contemporary practice patterns and survival outcomes for locally advanced urethral malignancies: A National Cancer Database Analysis

PURPOSE

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) has an aggressive natural history; however, controversy exists regarding the role of multimodal therapy for its treatment. Our objective was to examine practice patterns and survival outcomes for locally advanced urethral cancers.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with T2-4 or N1-2M0 PUC with urothelial, squamous, or adenocarcinoma histology from 2004 to 2013. Temporal trends for receipt of local or definitive surgery, radiotherapy (XRT), and systemic therapy were assessed. Adjusting for clinicopathologic characteristics, we evaluated the effect of tumor stage and histology on receipt of definitive multimodal therapy (cystectomy + chemotherapy ± XRT) and effects of treatment on overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 1,749 patients met inclusion criteria (22.2% adenocarcinoma, 29.3% squamous, and 48.5% urothelial). Only 29.6% underwent cystectomy ± XRT, and 15.6% underwent definitive multimodal therapy. Following adjustment, older patients (age 50-75: odds ratio [OR] = 0.42 [95% CI: 0.28-0.63]; age 75+: OR = 0.06 [95% CI: 0.03-0.13]) and those with squamous histology (OR = 0.46 [95% CI: 0.3-0.7]) were less likely to receive definitive multimodal therapy. More advanced stage (T3: OR = 1.66 [95% CI: 1.15-2.41]; T4: OR = 3.57 [95% CI: 2.47-5.16]); and N2 status (OR = 1.88 [95% CI: 1.27-2.78]) were more likely to receive definitive multimodal therapy. On adjusted analysis, an overall survival benefit was only observed with definitive multimodal therapy for PUC of urothelial origin (hazard ratio = 0.61 [95% CI: 0.45-0.83]).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a survival benefit, most patients with locally advanced PUC do not undergo definitive multimodal therapy. We advocate for a multidisciplinary-based treatment approach for these patients. Future prospective trials of multimodal therapy are crucial.

Sex-related differences in clinicopathological features and survival of patients with primary urethral carcinoma: a population-based study

Purpose

To analyze the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to determine the effects of sex and prognostic factors on the survival of patients with primary urethral carcinoma (PUC).

Materials and methods

We selected 453 patients diagnosed with PUC from 2004 to 2013 from the SEER database. Statistical analysis was used to identify sex-specific differences associated with tumor characteristics and cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Compared with men, there was a higher proportion of black women, more negative lymph-node status, higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, more advanced T3 stage, more with adenocarcinoma (Ac), and fewer with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Among women, black race and M1 stage were associated with shorter CSS and OS, respectively. In addition, surgery was associated with longer OS in women. Among men, AJCC III and IV and M1 stages were associated with shorter CSS and OS. In addition, age >75 years associated with shorter OS in men.

Conclusion

Black race was associated with shorter OS and CSS of women, and surgery was associated with longer OS of women. Among men, AJCC stage III and IV were associated with shorter OS and CSS. Age >75 years was associated with shorter OS in men only. Women with Ac experienced poor CSS compared with men. Men with TCC experienced worse CSS compared with those with Ac or SCC.

Female Urethral Diverticulum Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

A 48-year-old woman with a history of voiding difficulty visited our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a periurethral tumor, which was pathologically diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma via transperineal needle biopsy. Radical cystectomy and urethrectomy were performed, and the urinary tract was reconstructed using an ileal conduit. Pathological examination of a resected specimen confirmed adenocarcinoma of the urethral diverticulum. The patient received adjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy. She is alive at 5 months since the operation.

Oncological Outcomes of Patients with Concomitant Bladder and Urethral Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed to investigate oncological outcomes of patients with concomitant bladder cancer (BC) and urethral carcinoma.

METHODS

This is a multicenter series of 110 patients (74 men, 36 women) diagnosed with urethral carcinoma at 10 referral centers between 1993 and 2012. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to investigate the impact of BC on survival, and Cox regression multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of recurrence.

RESULTS

Synchronous BC was diagnosed in 13 (12%) patients, and the median follow-up was 21 months (interquartile range 4-48). Urethral cancers were of higher grade in patients with synchronous BC compared to patients with non-synchronous BC (p = 0.020). Patients with synchronous BC exhibited significantly inferior 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to patients with non-synchronous BC (63.2 vs. 34.4%; p = 0.026). In multivariable analysis, inferior RFS was associated with clinically advanced nodal stage (p < 0.001), proximal tumor location (p < 0.001) and synchronous BC (p = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

The synchronous presence of BC in patients diagnosed with urethral carcinoma has a significant adverse impact on RFS and should be an impetus for a multimodal approach.

A Challenging Surgical Approach to Locally Advanced Primary Urethral Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare and aggressive cancer, often underdetected and consequently unsatisfactorily treated. We report a case of advanced PUC, surgically treated with combined approaches.A 47-year-old man underwent transurethral resection of a urethral lesion with histological evidence of a poorly differentiated squamous cancer of the bulbomembranous urethra. Computed tomography (CT) and bone scans excluded metastatic spread of the disease but showed involvement of both corpora cavernosa (cT3N0M0). A radical surgical approach was advised, but the patient refused this and opted for chemotherapy. After 17 months the patient was referred to our department due to the evidence of a fistula in the scrotal area. CT scan showed bilateral metastatic disease in the inguinal, external iliac, and obturator lymph nodes as well as the involvement of both corpora cavernosa. Additionally, a fistula originating from the right corpus cavernosum extended to the scrotal skin. At this stage, the patient accepted the surgical treatment, consisting of different phases. Phase I: Radical extraperitoneal cystoprostatectomy with iliac-obturator lymph nodes dissection. Phase II: Creation of a urinary diversion through a Bricker ileal conduit. Phase III: Repositioning of the patient in lithotomic position for an overturned Y skin incision, total penectomy, fistula excision, and "en bloc" removal of surgical specimens including the bladder, through the perineal breach. Phase IV: Right inguinal lymphadenectomy.The procedure lasted 9-and-a-half hours, was complication-free, and intraoperative blood loss was 600 mL. The patient was discharged 8 days after surgery. Pathological examination documented a T4N2M0 tumor. The clinical situation was stable during the first 3 months postoperatively but then metastatic spread occurred, not responsive to adjuvant chemotherapy, which led to the patient's death 6 months after surgery.Patients with advanced stage tumors of the bulbomembranous urethra should be managed with radical surgery including the corporas up to the ischiatic tuberosity attachment, and membranous urethra in continuity with the prostate and bladder. Neo-adjuvant treatment may be advisable with the aim of improving the poor prognosis, even if the efficacy is not certain while it can delay the radical treatment of the disease.

Prognostic factors and outcomes in primary urethral cancer: results from the international collaboration on primary urethral carcinoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate risk factors for survival in a large international cohort of patients with primary urethral cancer (PUC).

METHODS

A series of 154 patients (109 men, 45 women) were diagnosed with PUC in ten referral centers between 1993 and 2012. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test was used to investigate various potential prognostic factors for recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Multivariate models were constructed to evaluate independent risk factors for recurrence and death.

RESULTS

Median age at definitive treatment was 66 years (IQR 58-76). Histology was urothelial carcinoma in 72 (47 %), squamous cell carcinoma in 46 (30 %), adenocarcinoma in 17 (11 %), and mixed and other histology in 11 (7 %) and nine (6 %), respectively. A high degree of concordance between clinical and pathologic nodal staging (cN+/cN0 vs. pN+/pN0; p < 0.001) was noted. For clinical nodal staging, the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy for predicting pathologic nodal stage were 92.8, 92.3, and 92.4 %, respectively. In multivariable Cox-regression analysis for patients staged cM0 at initial diagnosis, RFS was significantly associated with clinical nodal stage (p < 0.001), tumor location (p < 0.001), and age (p = 0.001), whereas clinical nodal stage was the only independent predictor for OS (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that clinical nodal stage is a critical parameter for outcomes in PUC.