Management of advanced primary urethral carcinomas

Definitive treatment for primary urethral cancer: A single institution's experience with organ-preserving brachytherapy

BACKGROUND

Radical urethectomy ± cystectomy has long represented the standard of care for rare primary urethral cancer (PUC). With our analysis, we want to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of brachytherapy (BT) of urethra for organ preservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed treatment procedures and results of 3 patients with PUC, which have been treated in our department between 2011 and 2020 with brachytherapy. One male patient underwent brachytherapy with chemoradiotherapy after transurethral resection (TUR). Brachytherapy has been performed as high-dose-rate (HDR) boost with a cumulative dose of 8 Gy (9.3 Gy EQD2-α/β = 10 Gy). The 2 further female patients have been treated with sole pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy with a total dose of 49.9 Gy (50.3 Gy EQD2-α/β = 10 Gy) and 62.2 Gy (64.6 Gy EQD2-α/β = 10 Gy).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 103 months (41-153). No local recurrence occurred and all patients are still alive. For the male patient we documented Grade 3 cystitis. As late side effects the pre-existing Grade 2 incontinence worsened to Grade 3. Among female patients one developed Grade 3 vaginal synechiae. There was no Grade ≥4 toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Brachytherapy in PUC is a feasible and promising option with high local control rate and tolerable toxicity. It provides a good alternative to surgery for organ preservation in selected patients.

Hydrogel-Based Microdroplet Ensembles Encapsulating Multiplexed EXPAR Assays for Trichromic Digital Profiling of MicroRNAs and in-Depth Classification of Primary Urethral Cancers

The primary challenge in microarray-based biological analysis lies in achieving the sensitive and specific detection of single-molecule targets while ensuring high reproducibility. A user-friendly digital imaging platform has been developed for the encoded trichromic profiling of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs). This platform replaces the traditional exponential polymerase amplification reaction (EXPAR) conducted on the microliter scale with a system that confines the amplification process within thousands of femtoliter-sized microdroplet reactors, cross-linked from tetra-armed poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate (Tetra-PEGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) dithiol (HS-PEG-SH), thus offering significant advantages, including minimal sample input, enhanced reactivity, and simplified analytical procedures. The quantitative analysis relies on digital counting of fluorescently positive microdroplets, each containing an individual miRNA sequence. This approach significantly reduces nonspecific amplification and improves sensitivity by over 2 orders of magnitude. The system has shown great potential in differentiating between subtypes of primary urethral carcinoma, suggesting its practical application in routine cancer diagnostics through simple urinalysis.

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.

Penile cancer: ESMO-EURACAN Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

•This ESMO CPG provides recommendations for diagnosis, staging, pathology, treatment and follow-up of penile cancer. •Algorithms for the management of primary penile tumours and inguinal lymph nodes are provided. •The author group encompasses a multidisciplinary group of experts from different institutions and countries in Europe. •Recommendations are based on available scientific data and the authors’ collective expert opinion. •In clinical practice, all recommendations provided need to be discussed with patients in a shared decision-making approach.

A case report on locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma in permanent perineal urethrostomy: A surgical conundrum!!

Primary urethral cancer is a rare condition often manifesting in the sixth decade of life and is typically associated with urethral stricture disease. A 65-year-old male, a known case of stricture urethra, underwent perineal urethrostomy 10 years back. He presented with a growth at the urethrostomy site and the biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed that the lesion extended into the penile and prostatic urethra with possible involvement of the corpus spongiosum, bulbospongiosus, and the bladder neck. Radical cystectomy, penectomy, scrotectomy, and bilateral orchiectomy with ileal conduit were performed. At 18-months of follow-up, the patient is recurrence-free.

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

INTRODUCTION

To describe a novel method of penile sparing perineal urethrectomy for locally advanced proximal primary urethral cancers (PUC).

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

In mid-2021, 2 cases underwent pelvic exenterative surgery for pT3 and pT4 PUC. The procedure comprised of a complete urethrectomy, proximal penectomy, en bloc pubectomy and excision of pelvic diaphragm in both cases. One case included a wide excision of scrotum, whilst the other required a prostatectomy and abdominoperineal resection of the rectum to achieve complete tumor resection. A complete R0 resection was achieved in both cases. At 6 months follow up, there is no evidence of ischemic necrosis of the penis and cosmesis is satisfactory to both patients. We provide a comprehensive operative description of both cases, together with illustrations, and discuss the underlying principles of penile preservation in the surgical treatment of locally advanced proximal PUC.

CONCLUSION

Complete perineal urethrectomy with phallic preservation is feasible in men with locally advanced proximal bulbar urethral cancer in the absence of tumor invasion of the penile shaft. The remnant penis survives off arterial supply from the superficial penile arteries arising from the external pudendal arteries. Phallic preservation may benefit patient's psychological quality of life post-procedure.

Advanced Female Primary Urethral Carcinoma with Nodal Extension Managed with Exclusive Use of Chemoradiotherapy: Report of a Case and Review of the Relevant Current Literature

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare disease with frequent nodal metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Few risk factors have been established and overall prognosis remains poor. As of now, no clear therapeutic guidelines are established and management of advanced PUC often involves surgery which can have negative functional and psychological outcomes for the patient. Few authors have already reported the use of chemoradiotherapy alone to avoid surgery with some good short-term results. We report the case of a 48-year-old woman with advanced high-grade urothelial carcinoma of distal urethra associated to bilateral inguinal nodal metastasis. She was similarly and successfully treated using chemoradiotherapy exclusively without significant adverse effects. This experience reinforces benefits of a surgery-sparing management, when possible, as recommended in current guidelines.

Primary tumor surgery improves survival in non-metastatic primary urethral carcinoma patients: a large population-based investigation

Background

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare genitourinary malignancy with a relatively poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of surgery on survival of patients diagnosed with PUC.

Methods

A total of 1544 PUC patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 were identified based on the SEER database. The Kaplan-Meier estimate and the Fine and Gray competing risks analysis were performed to assess overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM). The multivariate Cox regression model and competing risks regression model were used to identify independent risk factors of OS and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results

The 5-yr OS was significantly better in patients who received either local therapy (39.8%) or radical surgery (44.7%) compared to patients receiving no surgery of the primary site (21.5%) (p < 0.001). Both local therapy and radical surgery were each independently associated with decreased CSM, with predicted 5-yr cumulative incidence of 45.4 and 43.3%, respectively, compared to 64.7% for patients receiving no surgery of the primary site (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that primary site surgery was independently associated with better OS (local therapy, p = 0.037; radical surgery, p < 0.001) and decreased CSM (p = 0.003). Similar results were noted regardless of age, sex, T stage, N stage, and AJCC prognostic groups based on subgroup analysis. However, patients with M1 disease who underwent primary site surgery did not exhibit any survival benefit.

Conclusion

Surgery for the primary tumor conferred a survival advantage in non-metastatic PUC patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08603-z.

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.

Urethral cancer managed with phallus preserving surgery: a case report

Background

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is rare and accounts for < 1% of all genito-urinary cancers. There is a male predominance of 3:1 and a peak incidence in the 7th and 8th decades. The aetiology of this cancer is similar to penile cancer, and the human papilloma virus (HPV) is thought to be an essential factor in tumorigenesis. Urethral cancer should be diagnosed and staged with a combination of tumour biopsy, MRI, and CT with treatment involving a multimodal approach. Contemporary management emphasises phallus-preserving surgery where feasible.

Case presentation

Here, we describe a case of distal urethral carcinoma, which presented as a metastatic groin mass and identifying the primary lesion proved challenging. Diagnostic flexible cystoscopy identified a tiny lesion in the navicular fossa, which was biopsied and confirmed to be a squamous cell carcinoma. The patient then underwent phallus preserving surgery, including distal urethrectomy with bilateral inguinal lymph node dissections. The final stage was pT1N1M0, and adjuvant chemotherapy was started. The distal urethrectomy involved the surgical creation of a hypospadic meatus in the midshaft of the penis. Normal voiding and sexual function were preserved.

Conclusions

Urethral cancer is a rare malignancy and clinicians should bear in mind that early diagnosis of this disease can be very difficult depending on the anatomical location of the tumour. Treatment currently favours penis-preserving surgery.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of Rare Urogenital Cancers: Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis, Ureters and Urethra

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a neoplastic growth that affects the lining of the urinary tract from the renal pelvis to the distal urethra. Urothelial cancer occurs less commonly along the upper urinary tract (renal pelvis and ureter) accounting for 5-10% and even rarer along the urethra approximately less than 1%. The incidence of UC of the upper urinary tract and urethra has been reported in the United States and Europe by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and the Rare Cancers in Europe project, respectively. Considering the rarity of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and primary urethral cancer (PUC), there is a paucity of data from Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the European Association of Urology guideline and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline have provided some clinical updates on the management of UTUC and PUC. However, UTUC and PUC present mostly at a more advanced stage than UC of bladder. A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis even more for UTUC. Organ-sparing surgery is possible for both localized UTUC and PUC but stringent follow-up with urine cytology, endoscopy and imaging is mandated for early detection of recurrence.

Transperineal-incision urethrectomy combined with laparoscopic prostatectomy for a male patient with squamous cell carcinoma involving distal plus proximal urethra and untypical symptoms-a case report

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare malignancy, covering less than 1% of all genitourinary cancers. Different tumor location, classified as tumor in distal or proximal urethra, represents different characteristics and often leads to different treatment modality. However, data on the surgical approach for PUC involving both distal and proximal urethra remains rare. In this case, we presented a 75-year-old man with untypical symptoms of perineal mass and unspecific frequent and painful urination. Results of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan, and percutaneous biopsy revealed a cT2N1M0 PUC involving both distal and proximal urethra. Given the request of patients for a normal penile appearance after surgery, a transperineal-incision urethrectomy combined with laparoscopic prostatectomy and iliac lymphadenectomy was performed with optimal outcomes. The results of histopathological analysis revealed a moderately-high differentiated PUC with no positive lymph node. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. On first visit 1-month after surgery, physical examination revealed a satisfactory wound healing and appearance of penis and no recurrent lesions were found on mp-MRI. This is a rare case with untypical symptoms indicating that patients with PUC involving both distal and proximal urethra may present with no symptoms of urethral stricture but only non-specific lower urinary symptoms. The surgical approach we proposed in this case proves to be a safe and feasible one to completely resect the tumor and preserve a normal appearance of penis, thus worth to be applied in the specific patient population.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus and Bulbous Urethral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a rare disease with malignant potential and has been identified by the European Society of Urology Guidelines as a risk factor for penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cancer. LS combined with urethral squamous cell carcinoma (USCC) is extremely rare. There has been only one case report of this combination in China over the last decade. The prevalence of this combination in East Asian population is unclear. In this report, a 49-year-old patient with the presence of LS, perineal masses, and abscesses was hospitalized. He underwent anti-infectious therapy, meatotomy, perineal abscess incision, and drainage and debridement of the perineal wound. USCC was diagnosed following a series of biopsies and treated with radiation therapy. The patient remains well and alive with no recurrence of USCC 13 months after radiation treatment.

Preoperative detection of Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) score 5 reliably identifies extravesical extension of urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder and predicts significant delayed time to cystectomy: time to reconsider the need for primary deep transurethral resection of bladder tumour in cases of locally advanced disease?

OBJECTIVES

(I) To determine Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) score 5 accuracy in predicting locally advanced bladder cancer (BCa), so as to potentially identify those patients who could avoid the morbidity of deep transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) in favour of histological sampling-TUR prior to radical cystectomy (RC). (II) To explore the predictive value of VI-RADS score 5 on time-to-cystectomy (TTC) outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients' ineligible or refusing cisplatin-based combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the bladder prior to staging TURBT followed by RC for muscle-invasive BCa. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated for VI-RADS score 5 vs. score 2-4 cases to assess the accuracy of mpMRI for extravesical BCa detection (≥pT3). VI-RADS score performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. A Κ statistic was calculated to estimate mpMRI and pathological diagnostic agreement. The risk of delayed TTC (i.e. time from initial BCa diagnosis of >3 months) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 149 T2-T4a, cN0-M0 patients (VI-RADS score 5, n = 39 vs VI-RADS score 2-4, n = 110) were examined. VI-RADS score 5 demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV, in detecting extravesical disease of 90.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84-94.3), 98.1% (95% CI 94-99.6), 94.9% (95% CI 89.6-97.6) and 96.4% (95% CI 91.6-98.6), respectively. The area under the curve was 94.2% (95% CI 88.7-99.7) and inter-reader agreement was excellent (Κ_inter 0.89). The mean (SD) TTC was 4.2 (2.3) and 2.8 (1.1) months for score 5 vs 2-4, respectively (P < 0.001). VI-RADS score 5 was found to independently increase risk of delayed TTC (odds ratio 2.81, 95% CI 1.20-6.62).

CONCLUSION

The VI-RADS is valid and reliable in differentiating patients with extravesical disease from those with muscle-confined BCa before TURBT. Detection of VI-RADS score 5 was found to predict significant delay in TTC independently from other clinicopathological features. In the future, higher VI-RADS scores could potentially avoid the morbidity of extensive primary resections in favour of sampling-TUR for histology. Further prospective, larger, and multi-institutional trials are required to validate clinical applicability of our findings.

Primary Urothelium Carcinoma of the Distal Urethra in a Male: Case Report and Literature Review

Male primary urethral urothelium carcinoma is a rare clinical case. Here, we detail a case of a 58-year-old man with primary urothelium carcinoma of the distal urethra treated in our hospital. The patient with a neoplasm inside the external urethral orifice for 2 years, which was previously diagnosed as condyloma acuminata, had received photodynamic therapy for 3 times, with initial symptoms of urinary stream bifurcation and dysuria. The exfoliative urine cytology showed negative. Cystoscopy showed a tumor growing around the distal urethra. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry revealed high-grade papillary urothelium carcinoma. The patient received partial urethrectomy, followed by urinary bladder irrigation chemotherapy with epirubicin postoperatively. The corpus spongiosum was invaded while the corpus cavernosa were not. Postoperative pathological examination showed high-grade invasive urothelium carcinoma. There is no evidence of tumor recurrence, metastasis or surgical complications during a 61-month follow-up period. Male primary urethral urothelium carcinoma is a rare clinical case with particular clinical and pathological characteristics. There are still no established treatment guidelines and should be studied further.

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.

Urethral carcinoma: A compilation of case studies and research findings

There are three major recognized histological types for primary urethral carcinoma (PUC). These include transitional cell carcinoma (55%), squamous cell carcinoma (21.5%), and adenocarcinoma (16.4%). However, primary urethral carcinoma still only accounts for approximately less than 1% of all bladder cancers. Current management includes surgery alone or surgery with adjunctive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Current research suggests that in those cases managed with only surgery, the five-year disease-free survival is only 20-30%; as additional treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is new recommendation, there is no published statistical data to suggest outcomes, only current clinical observation.

Neoadjuvant Radiation with Concurrent 5-FU Resulting in Complete Pathologic Response in Stage IIIB Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Urethra

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the urethra is a rare malignancy, comprising less than 1% of all malignancies. The annual age-adjusted incidence of urethral SCC is 4.3 per million in men and 1.5 per million in women. Due to the rarity of the disease, there are a limited number of prospective randomized controlled trials to evaluate the optimal management of locally advanced urethral SCC. Here, we present the case of a 47-year-old man with stage IIIB urethral squamous cell cancer that showed complete clinical and pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation with only 5-flurouracil after incomplete response to traditional chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP).

Imaging of the female urethra

Female urethral pathology can be challenging to diagnose clinically due to non-specific symptoms. High-resolution MRI has become a powerful tool in the diagnosis of urethral lesions and staging of malignancy. Additionally, dynamic MRI, fluoroscopy or ultrasound can evaluate for pelvic floor prolapse and the effectiveness of surgical interventions. This article will review the imaging features of common benign and malignant conditions of the female urethra including diverticula, benign cystic and solid lesions, malignancy, surgical slings, and injection of bulking agents.

Primary male urethral squamous cell carcinoma presenting with a genital abscess

Introduction

Primary urethral cancer is a rare disease accounting for <1% of all urological cancer cases. We encountered a patient with urethral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed during treatment of a genital abscess.

Case presentation

A 69‐year‐old male was referred to our hospital for recurrent urethritis and swelling of the scrotum. The genital skin was atrophic with a purulent discharge. A diagnosis of epididymitis‐induced genital abscess was made, and conservative treatment was administered. However, local infection recurred and the infected tissue was resected 4 months after the first examination. The pathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. Subsequently, radical surgery was performed, but the patient died 17 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Four patients with primary urethral squamous cell carcinoma presenting as genital abscess have been reported. Careful examination is necessary while considering a malignant tumor as an underlying disease.

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of penis - A rare presentation

Primary transitional cell carcinoma arising from the anterior portion of the male urethra is rare, with no recent cases reported in the literature. We present a case of penile TCC with positive urine cytology and a delayed definitive diagnosis.

Prognosis of rare pathological primary urethral carcinoma

Purpose

Urethral carcinoma (UC), as a rare tumor, is not widely studied. There have been no systematic studies of rare pathological types of UC. We conducted this study to further investigate rare pathological types of primary urethral carcinoma (PUC).

Materials and methods

We used the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate prognostic factors in rare pathological types of PUC. From 1978 to 2015, 2,651 and 257 cases were identified in the SEER database as common and rare pathological types of PUC, respectively. Overall and cancer-specific survival (CSS) times were computed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to evaluate patient age at diagnosis, gender, race, and TNM stage.

Results

The median overall survival (OS) rates were 36 and 59 months for rare and common pathological groups, respectively, and their respective 10-year OS rates were 31.9% and 42.4%, respectively. The median CSS rate was 61 months for the rare pathological group. Through multivariate analysis, it was found that age, race, T stage, and M stage were independent prognostic risk factors for rare pathological type of urethral cancer. In the age group, the HR ratio of patients aged older than 60 years and younger or equal to 60 years was 2.778 (P<0.001). The HR ratio of other races to Whites was 1.444 (P=0.040). In TNM staging, the HR ratio between T3–T4 and Ta–T2 was 2.386 (P=0.046), and the HR value of M1 and M0 was 5.847 (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Age, race, T stage, and M stage were predictive of OS and CSS in rare pathological PUC.

The role of inguinal lymph node dissection in men with urethral squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Urethral squamous cell cancer is a rare disease with limited clinical recommendations regarding management of the inguinal lymph nodes. Despite the similarities to penile cancer in terms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology and lymphatic drainage, there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against a prophylactic inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) in patients with clinically negative groins and a primary tumor stage of T1b or higher. The objective of the study was to identify the rate of prophylactic inguinal lymph node dissection, node positive rate, and overall survival in patients with clinical T1 to T4 stage. The patients were separated into clinical N stage and the rates of node positivity were compared. We hypothesize that the node positivity rate would be similar to that observed in penile cancer of similar clinical T and N stage and provide evidence for prophylactic inguinal lymph node dissection in urethral squamous cancer. We also sought to determine the value of ILND in clinically node positive (cN+) and clinically node negative (cN-) patients.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for all cases of primary urethral cancer in men from 2004 to 2014. Patients with other cancer diagnoses, metastasis, nonsquamous histology, female patients, and patients with a history of radiation therapy were excluded. Male patients with urethral squamous cell cancer of the anterior urethra with T1 or higher T stage were included in this study. All-cause mortality was compared using multivariable Cox regression controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

The study included 725 men with urethral SCC with T1 or higher clinical T stage. The median age was 63 years (33-83 interquartile range). Of the 725 men, 536 men did not receive an ILND and 189 (26%) underwent ILND. Patients who received LND had significantly higher clinical T and clinical N stage. There was no difference in age, sex, or histology between those with ILND versus no ILND. In patients with T1 to T4 and clinical N0, the ILND rate was 21.8% (89/396). The lymph node positive rate in patients with N0 and T1 to T4 primary tumor was 9%. In patients with clinically node positive disease (N1/N2), the overall ILND rate was 76%. The lymph node positive rate for patients with clinical nodal disease was 84%. On multivariable analysis cox regression, lymph node positivity was associated with worse overall survival when controlling for T stage, clinical N stage, and age (HR 1.56, 95% 1.3-1.9, P = 0.000). On multivariable analysis after controlling for T stage, sex, and age, having an ILND was associated with improved OS in patients with clinical N1 or N2 disease (HR 0.46, 95% 0.28-0.78 P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The node positivity rate in patients with T1 to T4 and N0 is 9%, much lower than reported in penile cancer with a high-risk primary tumor but clinically negative groins. This argues against routine prophylactic inguinal ILND in patients with urethral SCC who are clinically N0, perhaps suggesting different biological behavior of urethral SCC compared to penile SCC. Performing a lymph node dissection in patients with clinically N1 or N2 disease is associated with improved OS.

Treatment of intraurethral condylomata acuminata with surgery and cidofovir instillations in two immunocompromised patients and review of the literature

Condylomata acuminata (CA) or anogenital warts are benign proliferative lesions caused by low-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). Treating CA can be very frustrating for patients and clinicians due to the high recurrence rates. Immunosuppression is associated with larger size of CA that are more frequently resistant to treatment. Surgical approaches tend to be poorly effective in the long-term because of high recurrence rates related to the persistence of HPV-infected cells. In our search to find an agent to treat intraurethral CA with minor or no side effects, we evaluated intraurethral cidofovir in two male patients, who were under immunosuppressing therapy due to organ transplantation and suffered from extensive urethral HPV lesions. Both patients underwent biopsy of the lesions and initial transurethral resection. In our first case, intraurethral cidofovir instillations were started after 2 months due to recurrence after surgical treatment. In our second case, intraurethral cidofovir was administered after surgery because of incomplete resection of extensive lesions. Because of persistent or rapidly recurrent lesions despite intraurethral cidofovir instillations, the first patient needed two additional surgical interventions while the second patient underwent one additional surgical intervention. After surgical intervention, both patients received again adjuvant cidofovir instillations without side effects. Over a period of 56 weeks, both patients received each a total of 28 instillations with cidofovir. Following 3.5 years (patient 1) of the last cidofovir instillation, no recurrences were observed in our first patient. Following 6 months of the last cidofovir instillation (patient 2), two very small recurrent lesions in the most distal part of the urethra were observed in our second patient for which he will receive a cycle of 6 cidofovir instillations in the near future. Intraurethral cidofovir is a safe, easy-to-use, well-tolerated and an effective adjuvant to surgery for extensive intraurethral CA in immunocompromised patients.

The dog as an animal model for bladder and urethral urothelial carcinoma: Comparative epidemiology and histology

Despite the recent approval of several novel agents for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC), survival in this setting remains poor. As such, continued investigation into novel therapeutic options remains warranted. Pre-clinical development of novel treatments requires an animal model that accurately simulates the disease in humans. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the dog as an animal model for human UC. A total of 260 cases of spontaneous, untreated canine primary urethral and urinary bladder UC, were epidemiologically and histologically assessed and classified based on the current 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) tumor classification system. Canine data was compared with human data available from scientific literature. The mean age of dogs diagnosed with UC was 10.22 years (range, 4–15 years), which is equivalent to 60–70 human years. The results revealed a high association between UC diagnosis with the female sex [odds ratio (OR) 3.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.57–4.79; P<0.001], surgical neutering (OR 4.57; 95% CI 1.87–11.12; P<0.001) and breed (OR 15.11 for Scottish terriers; 95% CI 8.99–25.41; P<0.001). Based on the 2016 WHO tumor (T), node and metastasis staging system, the primary tumors were characterized as T1 (38%), T2a (28%), T2b (13%) and T3 (22%). Non-papillary, flat subgross tumor growth was strongly associated with muscle invasion (OR 31.00; P<0.001). Irrespective of subgross growth pattern, all assessable tumors were invading beyond the basement membrane compatible with infiltrating UC. Conventional, not further classifiable infiltrating UC was the most common type of tumor (90%), followed by UC with divergent, squamous and/or glandular differentiation (6%). Seven out of the 260 (2.8%) cases were classified as non-urothelial based on their histological morphology. These cases included 5 (2%) squamous cell carcinomas, 1 (0.4%) adenocarcinoma and 1 (0.4%) neuroendocrine tumor. The 2 most striking common features of canine and human UC included high sex predilection and histological tumor appearance. The results support the suitability of the dog as an animal model for UC and confirm that dogs also spontaneously develop rare UC subtypes and bladder tumors, including plasmacytoid UC and neuroendocrine tumor, which are herein described for the first time in a non-experimental animal species.

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.

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.

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.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone Caused by Carboplatin After Switching from Cisplatin in a Metastatic Urethral Cancer Patient

There is no established chemotherapy regimen in metastatic primary urethral cancer (mPUC). The efficacy of a cisplatin (CDDP)-based regimen has been reported, however, when the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) occurs, the chemotherapy regimen should be changed to another platinum compound. In this report, we describe a 66-year-old woman who was diagnosed as mPUC with, CDDP-induced SIADH. After switching her to CBDCA and careful managing her sodium balance, three courses of the chemotherapy regimen were completed.

Urethral carcinoma in situ: recognition and management

PURPOSE

Urethral carcinoma in situ (CIS) is an uncommon malignancy that is poorly described in the published literature and is often under-recognized in the clinical setting. This short case series reports some challenges associated with the recognition and management of this disease.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was done over a 12-year period of patients presenting with urethral cancer to the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Four patients were identified with CIS of the anterior urethra, and their demographic and clinical data were recorded.

RESULTS

Three patients presented with meatal lesions that were initially treated as infectious/inflammatory diseases before diagnoses of malignancy were determined following lesion biopsy. The fourth patient presented with painless hematuria and had a cystoscopy and biopsy of urethral polyps. All patients were treated surgically by sequential distal urethrectomy and various reconstructive procedures. Concurrent lymph node dissections were undertaken in two patients who had clinical or radiologic evidence of lymphadenopathy. One patient had persistent disease even after aggressive urethral resection, and he succumbed to his illness 2 years later.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest series of urethral CIS, a disease with potentially serious consequences. A high index of suspicion should be maintained when evaluating and managing these patients.

Development of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Buccal Mucosa Graft Used for Urethroplasty: A Case Report

Urethroplasty may involve the use of tissue substitution including buccal mucosa graft (BMG), penile fasciocutaneous flaps, or skin grafts. Stricture recurrence and fistula formation are some uncommon complications that can result from surgery. The development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after BMG substitution urethroplasty is a new complication that we encountered that has not been described in the literature. We present the first reported case of a patient who developed SCC of the buccal mucosa graft used to reconstruct the urethra.

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.