Fine-needle aspiration cytology predicts inguinal lymph node metastasis without antibiotic pretreatment in penile carcinoma

Outcomes of Prophylactic Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection in Malignancies of Lower Limb

AIM

To evaluate the role of early prophylactic inguinal node dissection in patients with squamous cell cancer and melanoma of lower limb.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2008 to 2018, a Tertiary Care Hospital connected to a teaching institute served as the site of this retrospective observational study. Patient records were gathered with the purpose of gathering clinical, investigative, surgical, pathological and follow-up information.

RESULTS

We included 33 patients in this analysis out of the 47 patients we treated ourselves between 2008 and 2018; among these 33 patients, 21 (63.63%) had palpable inguinal nodes at the time of primary presentation. All 21 patients' FNAC tests were positive for metastases, in 16 patients (76.19%). 5 patients on FNAC (23.80%) exhibited not metastases. The remaining 12 patients did not have enlarged lymph nodes at the time of their initial presentation. Patients who did not have palpable lymph node were given the option of having a modified inguinal block dissection. 8 patients with metastatic disease have nodes that are positive in histology. In addition, out of 5 patients with negative nodes 4 (80%) showed evidence of metastasis.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of this retrospective observational study is that although palpable lymph nodes in groin are unquestionably a sign that inguinal nodes should be dissected, prophylactic lymph node dissection should be still done even if nodes are not palpable or provide a negative FNAC result. Given that delayed lymphadenectomy has a significant effect on survival, delaying inguinal lymphadenectomy in non-palpable nodes could cause you to lose the battle against cancer in your lower limb. The related surgical morbidity is the only downside to prophylactic lymph node dissection. This can, however, be effectively decreased with a modified inguinal lymphadenectomy operation.

Therapeutic Approaches to Penile Cancer: Standards of Care and Recent Developments

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy, most commonly diagnosed in older men, associated with poor outcomes, dramatic decline in quality of life and sexual function. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathology of penile cancer, accounting for 95% of all cases. Localized, early-stage penile cancer can be effectively managed through penile-sparing techniques in many cases, though advanced stages of penile cancer carry a poor prognosis. Current innovative treatments are exploring the role of targeted therapy, HPV-directed therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T-cell therapies in treatment and prevention of relapse of penile cancer. Clinical trials are investigating the potential of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced penile cancer. This review examines the current management of penile cancer and highlights future directions in research and treatment.

Combined Reporting of Surgical Quality and Cancer Control after Surgical Treatment for Penile Tumors with Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection: The Tetrafecta Achievement

BACKGROUND

To optimize results reporting after penile cancer (PC) surgery, we proposed a Tetrafecta and assessed its ability to predict overall survival (OS) probabilities.

METHODS

A purpose-built multicenter, multi-national database was queried for stage I-IIIB PC, requiring inguinal lymphadenectomy (ILND), from 2015 onwards. Kaplan-Meier (KM) method assessed differences in OS between patients achieving Tetrafecta or not. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses identified its predictors.

RESULTS

A total of 154 patients were included in the analysis. The 45 patients (29%) that achieved the Tetrafecta were younger (59 vs. 62 years; p = 0.01) and presented with fewer comorbidities (ASA score ≥ 3: 0% vs. 24%; p < 0.001). Although indicated, ILND was omitted in 8 cases (5%), while in 16, a modified template was properly used. Although median LNs yield was 17 (IQR: 11-27), 35% of the patients had <7 nodes retrieved from the groin. At Kaplan-Maier analysis, the Tetrafecta cohort displayed significantly higher OS probabilities (Log Rank = 0.01). Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified age as the only independent predictor of Tetrafecta achievement (OR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.94-0.99; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our Tetrafecta is the first combined outcome to comprehensively report results after PC surgery. It is widely applicable, based on standardized and reproducible variables and it predicts all-cause mortality.

French AFU Cancer Committee Guidelines - Update 2022-2024: penile cancer

OBJECTIVE

To update French oncology guidelines concerning penile cancer.

METHODS

Comprehensive Medline search between 2020 and 2022 upon diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of testicular germ cell cancer to update previous guidelines. Level of evidence was evaluated according to AGREE-II.

RESULTS

Epidermoid carcinoma is the most common penile cancer histology. Physical examination is mandatory to define local and inguinal nodal cancer stage. MRI with artificial erection can help to assess deep infiltration in cases of organsparing intention. Node negative patients (defined by palpation and imaging) will present micro nodal metastases in up to 25% of cases. Invasive lymph node assessment is thus advocated except for low risk patients. Sentinel node dynamic biopsy is the first line technique. Modified bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy is an option with higher morbidity. 18-FDG-PET is recommended in patients with palpable nodes. Chest, abdominal and pelvis computerized tomography is an option. Fine needle aspiration (when positive) is an easy way to assess inguinal palpable node pathological involvement. Its results determine the type of lymphadenectomy to be performed (for diagnostic or curative purposes). Treatment is mostly surgical. Free margins status is essential, but it also has to be organ-sparing when possible. Brachytherapy and topic agents can cure in selected cases. Lymph node assessment should be synchronous to the removal of the tumour when possible. Limited inguinal lymph node involvement (pN1 stage) can be cured with the only lymphadenectomy. In case of larger lymph node stage, one should consider multidisciplinary treatment including chemotherapy and inclusion in a trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile cancer needs demanding surgery to be cured, surrounded by chemotherapy in node positive patients. Lymph nodes involvement is a major prognostic factor. Thus, inguinal node assessment cannot be neglected.

Guia de cáncer de pene de la Sociedad Colombiana de Urología

El cáncer de pene tiene una incidencia de 1.11 por 100.000 habitantes en Colombia, representado en el 95% por carcinoma de células escamosas el cual representa una alta morbilidad y mortalidad, La Sociedad Colombiana de Urología realizo la adaptación de la guía de cáncer de pene para el año 2021 con revisión de la literatura, esta guía permite realizar una evaluación y tratamiento del cáncer de pene, en muchas ocasiones con el objetivo de preservación de órgano utilizando la ecografía como determinante para evaluar el compromiso de la lesión a las estructuras del pene, los estudios de extensión dependerán de hallazgos al examen físico como ganglios o compromiso local de la enfermedad, de acuerdo al tipo de lesión y su estadificación puede recibir terapia con agentes tópicos, radioterapia, cirugía láser, cirugía preservadora de órgano o penectomía total; La linfadenectomía inguinal permitirá mejorar la supervivencia en tumores de riesgo intermedio y alto (>pT1G2), posteriormente la quimioterapia adyuvante esta en el grupo de pacientes en el cual la intención sea curativa, aunque en terapia paliativa de segunda línea se encuentran los platinos y texanos como alternativa pero con pobre respuesta (<30%); los esquemas de seguimiento se realiza de acuerdo al estadio y el compromiso ganglionar. Al final se presentan los resultados de actividad sexual después de cirugía preservadora de órgano; Esta guía abarca la literatura actualizada del cáncer de pene, el cual es útil para el manejo por parte de los profesionales de salud del país.

[French ccAFU guidelines - update 2020-2022: penile cancer]

OBJECTIVE

- To update French oncology guidelines concerning penile cancer.

METHODS

- Comprehensive Medline search between 2018 and 2020 upon diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of testicular germ cell cancer to update previous guidelines. Level of evidence was evaluated according to AGREE-II.

RESULTS

- Epidermoid carcinoma is the most common penile cancer histology. Physical examination is mandatory to define local and inguinal nodal cancer stage. MRI with artificial erection can help to assess deep infiltration in cases of organ-sparing intention. Node negative patients (defined by palpation and imaging) will present micro nodal metastases in up to 25% of cases. Invasive lymph node assessment is thus advocated except for low risk patients. Sentinel node dynamic biopsy is the first line technique. Modified bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy is an option with higher morbidity. 18-FDG-PET is recommended in patients with palpable nodes. Chest, abdominal and pelvis computerized tomography is an option. Fine needle aspiration (when positive) is an easy way to assess inguinal palpable node pathological involvement. Its results determine the type of lymphadenectomy to be performed (for diagnostic or curative purposes). Treatment is mostly surgical. Free margins status is essential, but it also has to be organ-sparing when possible. Brachytherapy and topic agents can cure in selected cases. Lymph node assessment should be synchronous to the removal of the tumour when possible. Limited inguinal lymph node involvement (pN1 stage) can be cured with the only lymphadenectomy. In case of larger lymph node stage, one should consider multidisciplinary treatment including chemotherapy and inclusion in a trial.

CONCLUSIONS

- Penile cancer needs demanding surgery to be cured, surrounded by chemotherapy in node positive patients. Lymph nodes involvement is a major prognostic factor. Thus, inguinal node assessment cannot be neglected.

Recent Advances in the Management of Penile Cancer: A Contemporary Review of the Literature

Penile cancer is a rare condition, which mostly affects men in their sixth decade of life. The most common histology is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with about half of the cases linked to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The lack of awareness and significant social and psychological stigma associated with penile cancer often leads to delays in presentation, diagnosis and management. Timely multidisciplinary care at experienced centers is therefore critical for improving outcomes. For patients with advanced disease, treatment options are limited and prognosis remains poor. Large international efforts are underway to further define the optimal standards of care. Targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors could potentially play a role in advanced disease and are under evaluation in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the current management of penile cancer and future directions.

Image-guided lymph node fine-needle aspiration: the Johns Hopkins Hospital experience

INTRODUCTION

Although the diagnostic utility of lymph node fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is well established in the evaluation of metastatic malignancy, its value in the diagnosis of lymphoma is more controversial; yet, there is a growing trend among practitioners towards less-invasive procedures such as FNA and core needle biopsy (CNB). The guidelines recently published by the American Society for Clinical Pathology/College of American Pathology (CAP) regarding the workup of lymphoma include recommendations on the value and limitations of FNA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 1237 image-guided lymph node aspirates from 695 procedures (410 nodes from 360 ultrasound [US]-guided cases, 799 from 309 endobronchial ultrasound [EBUS], 25 from 23 endoscopic ultrasound [EUS], and 3 from 3 computed tomography [CT]).

RESULTS

The majority (40 of 46, 87%) of lymph nodes suspected of lymphomatous involvement were aspirated under ultrasound. Core needle biopsy [CNB] was obtained for 41 (89%) lymph nodes, including all 40 US specimens. Flow cytometry (FC) was performed on 37 (80%) aspirates; aspirates without FC were from patients who had a history of Hodgkin lymphoma, or showed granulomata or non-hematologic malignancy onsite. Thirty-one (67%) lymph nodes were sent for review by hematopathology. Forty-two (91%) lymph node FNA/CNB yielded actionable diagnoses. Seventeen of 241(7%) cases aspirated for other indications (14 US, 3 EBUS) were involved by a lymphoproliferative process. All were reviewed by hematopathology. All 14 US cases had FC and CNB.

CONCLUSION

Our institutional approach towards lymph node cytopathology for lymphoma workup appears to be in accordance with the new CAP guidelines, and demonstrates a potential triage and workflow model for lymph node FNA specimens that allows for accurate diagnosis in cases where lymphoma is a consideration.

Inguinal lymph node dissection for penile cancer: a contemporary review

Penile cancer is an uncommon disease associated with significant psychological and physical morbidity. Penile cancer has an expectable pattern of spread in a stepwise fashion, from inguinal to pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) then distant spread. Patients with penile cancer have variable survival, with patients with a low burden of nodal metastatic disease having lasting survival with surgical management, however patients with a large amount of locoregional metastatic disease having a worse prognosis. The current management options for patients with metastatic lymph node disease in penile cancer aims to reduce the morbidity associated with radical inguinal lymph node (ILN) surgery with appropriate risk stratification to optimise oncological control of the disease. This article describes current challenges in managing the inguinal region in patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Nomograms to predict the presence and extent of inguinal lymph node metastasis in penile cancer patients with clinically positive lymph nodes

Background

We developed two nomograms to predict the presence of inguinal lymph node metastasis (ILNM) and two or more histologically positive inguinal lymph nodes (ILNs) or one ILN with extranodal extension (ENE) in penile cancer patients with clinically positive inguinal lymph nodes (ILNs).

Methods

This study enrolled 75 penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) patients with clinically positive ILNs. A binary logistic regression model was taken to screen out the risk factors for the presence of ILNM and two or more positive ILNs or one node with ENE in one side. Nomograms were plotted based on the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Our multivariate analysis demonstrated that the pathological grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and short diameter (SD) of the largest ILN were independent risks. The bootstrap-corrected concordance index of the nomogram for the presence of ILNM was 0.948, and 0.878 for two or more histologically positive ILNs or one ILN with ENE on one side.

Conclusions

By incorporating tumor pathological grade, LVI and SD of the largest ILN, our nomograms can efficiently predict the ILNM in penile cancer patients with clinically positive nodes.

[Penile cancer : Diagnosis and treatment]

The incidence of penile cancer in central Europe and North America is low, and patients often present at a late stage of the disease. The diagnosis can very often be made by visual examination of the primary tumor. Its morphology, size, and location as well as the inguinal lymph nodes are of clinical interest. The removal of (micro)metastatic lymph nodes is decisive for the prognosis. These cannot be diagnosed clinically or by imaging with sufficient reliability, which makes invasive lymph node staging necessary. Penile cancer can only be cured by surgery in patients with localized cancer and early stage regional lymph node metastasis. The primary tumor, including metastatic lymph nodes, must be completely excised as early as possible. If indicated, organ preservation must be performed with strict adherence of safety margins. Optimal lymph node management is crucial for long-term survival.

RETRACTED: Recommandations françaises du Comité de Cancérologie de l’AFU — Actualisation 2018—2020: tumeurs du pénis French ccAFU guidelines — Update 2018—2020: Penile cancer

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). Cet article est retiré de la publication à la demande des auteurs car ils ont apporté des modifications significatives sur des points scientifiques après la publication de la première version des recommandations. Le nouvel article est disponible à cette adresse: doi:10.1016/j.purol.2019.01.008. C’est cette nouvelle version qui doit être utilisée pour citer l’article. This article has been retracted at the request of the authors, as it is not based on the definitive version of the text because some scientific data has been corrected since the first issue was published. The replacement has been published at the doi:10.1016/j.purol.2019.01.008. That newer version of the text should be used when citing the article.

Current controversies and developments on the role of lymphadenectomy for penile cancer

Penile squamous cell carcinoma is a rare cancer in men. The main prognosticators of survival for penile cancer patients remain the presence and the extent of lymph node metastasis. While radical inguinal lymphadenectomy has been the cornerstone of regional lymph node management for many years, it is still associated with significant morbidity and psychological distress. Recent developments in penile squamous cell carcinoma management have been met with some controversy in the urologic oncology community. Herein, we review the current controversies and developments on the role of inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer.

Advancements in staging and imaging for penile cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review recent advancements in staging and imaging of penile cancer, including surveillance after therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

For cN0 patients, the sentinel lymph node biopsy is currently considered the preferred way for invasive staging. It has largely replaced other modalities such as staging inguinal lymphadenectomy. Its diagnostic value increases when combined with other staging modalities such as ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration cytology (US-FNAC) or fluorodeoxyglucose-PET with computed tomography (PET/CT). In patients with palpably suspicious nodes (cN+), imaging is more useful. PET/CT has shown good accuracy in a limited number of small studies. US-FNAC can confirm nodal metastatic disease. A staging inguinal lymphadenectomy is of therapeutic value but is associated with significant morbidity. Omitting staging inguinal lymphadenectomy was recently described; one study showed well tolerated use of sentinel lymph node biopsy combined with intraoperative ultrasound-guided resection of suspicious nodes in cN+ patients. Therapeutic inguinal lymphadenectomy was only performed in the 42% of groins with metastases confirmed by disorder. For M-staging, PET/CT has shown good sensitivity, and its role should be further evaluated. Follow-up and surveillance rely on physical examination and US-FNAC.

SUMMARY

Over the past decade, staging and treatment of penile cancer have become less invasive, while survival tends to improve.

Differences in Survival Associated with Performance of Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Invasive Penile Cancer: Results from the National Cancer Database

PURPOSE

Inguinal lymphadenectomy remains under performed in patients with invasive penile cancer. Using a large national cancer registry we assessed temporal trends in inguinal lymphadenectomy performance and evaluated the impact of the procedure on survival in patients in whom inguinal lymphadenectomy was an absolute indication (T1b-4 N0/x-1) according to NCCN^® (National Comprehensive Cancer Network®) Guidelines®.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We queried the National Cancer Database for all cases of nonmetastatic, T1b-4 N0/x-1 squamous cell carcinoma of the penis from 2004 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for patient, demographic, and clinicopathological characteristics were used to examine the association between available covariates and receipt of inguinal lymphadenectomy. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was then done to assess the impact of clinical and pathological variables on overall survival. Propensity score weighted analysis was performed to assess the effect of inguinal lymphadenectomy on overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 2,224 patients met analysis criteria, of whom 606 (27.2%) underwent inguinal lymphadenectomy. Following adjustment the procedure was more likely in younger patients, those who presented with palpable adenopathy (cN1), those treated at an academic facility and those with a more contemporary diagnosis. On survival analysis controlling for all known and measured confounders inguinal lymphadenectomy was associated with improved overall survival (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.74-0.84, p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

At hospitals that report to the National Cancer Database the overall rate of inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with invasive penile cancer was only 27.2%. Inguinal lymphadenectomy was associated with increased overall survival, justifying the procedure as an important quality metric for performance reporting in patients with invasive penile cancer.

Surveillance strategies in the management of penile cancer

Penile cancer is a rare disease and can be associated with a high risk of recurrence in regional lymph nodes and distant sites. Surveillance strategies geared towards early detection and treatment are recommended given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with recurrences. Although physical examination is the single most important surveillance strategy, imaging is an important adjunct in high-risk disease and certain clinical scenarios.

Penile sparing surgical approaches for primary penile tumors: preserving function and appearance

Penile cancer is a rare and potentially disfiguring disease. There are multiple treatment options for primary penile lesions. Penile sparing approaches offer an attractive option as they can provide several quality of life benefits without detrimental oncologic outcomes. With appropriate diagnostic evaluation and staging, penile sparing techniques provide proper cancer control with improved cosmetic and functional results. Regardless of the chosen treatment modality, a commitment to close follow-up remains a critical component of all treatment considerations. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the multiple treatment strategies for primary penile tumors with a focus on penile sparing surgical approaches.

Minimal Invasive Management of Lymph Nodes

Penile cancer is a rare genitourinary malignancy. Lymph node involvement is the single most important factor determining survival in these patients, and those patients with occult disease are difficult to identify on conventional cross-sectional imaging. Until recently, lymph node sampling (eg, lymphadenectomy) has been the diagnostic modality of choice in the detection of micrometastasis. More recently, several novel molecular and minimally invasive diagnostic techniques have been developed, which have been demonstrated to decrease the false-negative and -positive results of conventional imaging and lymphadenectomy. This article focuses on the minimally invasive management of lymph nodes in men with penile cancer.

Value and efficiency of sentinel lymph node diagnostics in patients with penile carcinoma with palpable inguinal lymph nodes as a new multimodal, minimally invasive approach

PURPOSE

The international guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for lymph node staging in penile cancer with non-palpable inguinal lymph nodes (LN) but it is not recommended with palpable inguinal LN. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and morbidity of SLNB in combination with an ultrasound-guided resection of suspect inguinal LNs as a new multimodal, minimally invasive staging approach in these patients.

METHODS

We performed SLNB in 26 penile cancer patients with 42 palpable inguinal LNs. Prior to the combined staging procedures the patients underwent an ultrasound examination of the groins as well as planar lymphatic drainage scintigraphy and SPECT/CT scans. During the surgical procedure, the radioactive-labelled sentinel lymph nodes and, in addition, sonographically suspect LNs, were resected under ultrasound guidance. Follow-up screening was done by ultrasound examination of the groins according to the guidelines of the European Association of Urology.

RESULTS

Nineteen groins of 42 preoperatively palpable inguinal findings were histologically tumor-positive. SLNB alone showed lymphogenic metastases in 14 groins. Sonography revealed five further metastatic groins, which would not have been detected during SLNB due to a tumor-related blockage of lymphatic drainage or a so-called re-routing of the tracer. During follow-up, none of the 28 groins with tumor-negative LN status showed any LN recurrence in this combined investigation technique. The median follow-up period was 46 (24 to 92) months. Morbidity of this procedure was low at 4.76 % in relation to the number of groins resp. 7.69 % in relation to the number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that this combined procedure is a reliable multimodal diagnostic approach for treatment of penile cancer patients with palpable inguinal LNs. It is associated with low morbidity rates. SLNB alone would lead to a significantly higher false-negative rate in these patients. The encouraging results of this work can extend the range of indications for nuclear medicine in the form of SLNB using radioactive tracers in this patient group.

Inguinal Lymph Nodes in Carcinoma Penis-Observation or Surgery?

INTRODUCTION

In Indian sub-continent the presentation of carcinoma penis is variable. Mostly presents with palpable inguinal lymph nodes but not confirm of metastases.

AIM

To evaluate whether all clinically positive nodes are metastatic and decide when to address inguinal lymph node.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study on carcinoma penis from a regional cancer centre of south India over a period from 2001 to 2012. All the clinical, investigational, operative, pathology details and follow-up data were collected from patient records.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty cases of carcinoma penis have been identified and 112 cases had clinically positive nodes. In 74 cases fine needle cytology was positive for malignancy and they have been addressed with block dissection with surgery of primary lesion. At two years follow up, 70 patients were identified with inguinal lymph node metastasis and block dissection was performed and all was were positive for malignancy on histology. The rate of recurrence is related to the T stage of the primary tumour.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that elective surgery is appropriate for palpable inguinal lymph nodes and prophylactic nodal dissection in high risk cases of carcinoma penis.

Ultrasound examination and fine needle aspiration cytology-useful for followup of the regional nodes in penile cancer?

PURPOSE

Routine followup of the groins of patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma after primary treatment consists of physical examination together with ultrasound of the groins, followed by fine needle aspiration cytology if suspicious. We assessed the value of this routine followup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology we assessed 247 patients during followup who were treated from 2004 to 2010 and underwent dynamic sentinel node biopsy only or observation of the inguinal regions. A negative result was defined as no evidence of metastatic disease after at least 2 years of followup. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ultrasound and ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology using standard statistical methods.

RESULTS

Recurrence was diagnosed in 47 of 247 patients (55 groins). In 40 of 55 groins (73%) recurrence was detectable by physical examination. In 12 of 15 cases of nonpalpable recurrence (80%) ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology revealed the recurrence. We considered 217 groins to be suspicious on ultrasound followed by fine needle aspiration cytology. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed tumor in 49 groins and showed false-positive findings in 1 patient after negative completion lymphadenectomy. Sensitivity and specificity were 87.3% (48 of 55 cases) and 99.9% (1,304 of 1,305), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although inguinal recurrence manifests clinically in most patients, ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology detected 80% of metastatic disease in patients with nonpalpable disease. Therefore, it has great value for detecting lymph node metastases during followup.

[Penile squamous cell carcinoma]

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is uncommon in Europe, where it accounts for approximately 0.7% of all malignant tumors in men. The main risk factors are poor hygiene, lack of circumcision, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and certain chronic inflammatory skin diseases. HPV infection is detected in 70% to 100% of all penile in situ SCCs and in 30% to 50% of invasive forms of the disease, mainly basaloid and warty SCCs. In situ tumors can be treated conservatively, but close monitoring is essential as they become invasive in between 1% and 30% of cases. The treatment of choice for penile SCC is surgery. Inguinal lymph node irradiation is no longer recommended as a prophylactic measure, and it appears that selective lymph node biopsy might be useful for reducing the morbidity associated with prophylactic inguinal lymph node dissection. Survival is directly related to lymph node involvement. Improving our knowledge of underlying molecular changes and their associated genotypes will open up new therapeutic pathways.

Penile cancer: what's new?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnostic modalities and treatment of localized and advanced penile cancer, with special emphasis on most recent findings from the literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Penile cancer is a rare disease and its treatment suffers from a paucity of evidence in the literature. Risk factors include phimosis with poor hygiene, human papilloma virus infections, chronic balanitis xerotica obliterans and smoking, among others. Surgical treatment for local disease remains the best option, but organ-preserving procedures provide good aesthetic and functional results with acceptable oncologic control. Regional disease, when present in the form of adenopathy, is best diagnosed with fine-needle aspiration, and treated with radical inguinal lymphadenectomy if resectable. Occult metastatic disease constitutes a challenge and is managed according to primary tumour risk factors. For nonresectable regional disease and metastases, neoadjuvant cisplatinum-based regimens are the best option, and provide a selection of patients who will be optimal candidates to consolidative surgical therapies.

SUMMARY

Penile cancer at its various stages constitutes a therapeutic challenge. Management should be increasingly confined to high volumes centres of excellence, allowing for clinical trials, which will hopefully provide a better understanding of the disease and the best treatment approach.

Current and future strategies in the diagnosis and management of penile cancer

Penile cancer is an uncommon malignancy that has a devastating effect on the patient while also being challenging to diagnose and treat. By implementing preventive measures, we can decrease the incidence of this disease and improve the quality of life of our patients. Early detection plays an important role in disease control and proper diagnostic modalities must be used in order to accurately identify the cancer and its progression. Primary penile lesions should be initially approached when surgically feasible and clinically appropriate with penile preserving surgical techniques. Advances in inguinal lymph node detection and management, has improved the clinical outcome of penile cancer. Advanced penile cancer still portends a poor prognosis and should be approached via a multimodal treatment regimen. In this review, we address the importance of prevention, early detection, and the contemporary management of primary penile lesions, as well as the advances in inguinal lymph node disease detection and surgical treatment, for both localized and advanced disease.

The role of lymph node fine-needle aspiration in penile cancer in the sentinel node era

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommon condition in Western countries. Inguinal lymph nodes dissection can be curative in 20%–60% of node positive patients. However, there is a high complication rates from the dissection, thus accurate diagnosis of inguinal lymph nodes metastasis is required. Current non invasive methods to detect lymph nodes metastasis are unreliable. Dynamic Sentinel Node Biopsy (DNSB), ultrasonography (US), and fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology were proposed to in an attempt to detect sentinel lymph node (SLN). Despite the initial high rate of false negative results, recent DSNB showed improved survival compared to wait and see policy as well as reduced mortality compared to prophylactic inguinal lymphadenectomy. In addition, the US guided FNA shown 100% of specificity in detecting clinically occult lymph nodes metastasis. We proposed an algorithm for management of lymph nodes in penile cancer and suggest that FNA with US guidance should be performed in all high risk patients and that therapeutic dissection should be performed if findings are positive.

Penile cancer: clinical presentation, diagnosis, and staging

Penile cancer is an uncommon malignancy in developed countries, with an estimated 1290 new cases of invasive penile cancer and 290 deaths among men in the United States in 2009, but is much more common in the developing countries of Asia, Africa, and South America. This disease can result in loss of function, disfigurement, and death. Thus, recognizing penile cancer early in the clinical setting and accurately diagnosing the patients is critical. Because the management and prognosis varies by the extent of local disease, lymph node status, and other factors, accurate staging of penile cancer is of utmost importance. This article focuses on the presentation, diagnosis, and staging of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. The authors highlight the recent changes to the American Joint Committee on Cancer's staging system for penile carcinoma and discuss other prognostic factors and predictive models.

Controversies in ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy

Patients with penile cancer who are proven to have negative inguinal lymph nodes have an excellent prognosis. Furthermore, patients with small-volume inguinal node involvement can often be cured by surgery alone. Lymphadenectomy has clear survival benefits for patients when applied to those with lymph node metastasis. However, the current morbidity of the standard technique of lymphadenectomy is an impediment to its universal application, and innovative strategies to reduce the morbidity of staging/treatment that do not compromise oncologic control must be developed and standardized. The optimal integration of multimodality therapy to improve survival in advanced disease will occur only through collaborative studies between centers with significant patient volume, which would be facilitated through the development of regional referral centers.

Penile cancer: management of regional lymphatic drainage

Presence and magnitude of the inguinal nodal metastases are the most important determinants of oncologic outcome in patients with squamous carcinoma of the penis (SCP). Surgical removal of the inguinal lymph nodes provides an important staging and therapeutic benefit to SCP patients, while the methodology of appropriate patient selection for lymph node dissection continues to evolve. Compliant, motivated, and reliable patients with low risk of harboring metastatic inguinal lymph nodes can be managed with careful inguinal surveillance. In SCP patients whose primary tumors demonstrate pathologic features of aggressive disease, modified bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection should be performed and converted to classic ilioinguinal lymph node dissection if metastatic disease is confirmed on frozen sections. Patients with bulky inguinal metastases are unlikely to be cured by surgery alone. Integration of systemic therapy, especially in a presurgical setting, is an attractive strategy for management of patients with advanced SCP, and is currently being studied prospectively.

[Management of penile cancer, 2009]

Penile cancer is a rare anomaly. Primary tumor and lymphnodes metastasis managements are essential. Nowadays, there is a growing wish for less invasive but curative treatment.

AIMS AND METHODS

Newest opportunities of the management of penile cancer are reviewed according to the recent literature by the authors. It is a serious challenge and also aims to preserve a cosmetically acceptable looking penis. Because of the morbidity of the inguinal lymphadenectomy, the possibilities of less invasive procedures are shown.

RESULTS

Development of surgical management and re-evaluation of previous serious guidelines made possible to introduce the organ preserving surgery. Midterm oncological results are similar either performing penectomy or organ preserving surgery. Most recent knowledge in the diagnosis and management of sentinel lymph nodes helps to decrease the morbidity of the procedure and assists in faster recovery of patients.

CONCLUSION

Extension of penis preserving technique makes possible to avoid amputation with safe oncological result. More accurate evaluation of inguinal lymph-node status is possible with the latest diagnostic examinations. Morbidity of removal of lymph-nodes can be significantly decreased with development of the procedure.

EAU penile cancer guidelines 2009

CONTEXT

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis is a relatively rare but ominous disease.

OBJECTIVE

To present a condensed version of the updated 2009 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on penile SCC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a literature search of new data available up to December 2009. No randomized study was found; consequently, level of evidence (LE) and grade of recommendations (GR) are low.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

More insight was gained into the etiology of SCC of the penis, together with improved staging and treatment: Human papillomavirus 16 plays an etiologic role in approximately 40-50% of cases. Similarities in etiology with SCC of the head and neck, the female genitalia, and the anal canal have been found. Improved diagnostics allowed earlier diagnosis, leading to more conservative treatments. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed promising results in patients with advanced or recurrent disease. Centralization of the disease contributed to standardization and rapid diffusion of new treatments with improved results and increased organ preservation.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in the management of SCC of the penis are reflected in changes in the guidelines, but the rarity of the disease precluded randomized studies, leading to low level of evidence and grade of recommendation.

[Treatment of lymph nodes in epidermoid carcinoma of the penis: review of literature by the Committee of Cancerology of the French Association of Urology-External Genital Organs Group (CCAFU-OGE)]

INTRODUCTION

Invasive lymph nodes are an independent factor of prognosis and essential for the survival of patients with cancer of the penis. The aim of this article is to analyse published research results on the diagnosis and treatment of lymph nodes in cancer of the penis.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Bibliographic research on Medline was carried out using the terms penile carcinoma, lymph node dissection, lymphadenectomy, survival, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The risk of lymph node metastasis depends on the stage of the primitive tumour, its histological grade, the presence of venous and lymphatic embolus and the presence of palpable lymph nodes (classification into risk groups by the European Association of Urology [EAU]). A diagnosis of suspected adenopathy based on clinical examination associated with FNA biopsy is essential. No medical imaging (tomodensitometry, NMR, PET-scan) has proven to be superior to clinical examination. The search for the sentinel lymph node although interesting remains to be defined, especially in patients who have no palpated adenopathy but are at risk of metastasis. Not only is surgery on inguinal lymph nodes the only reliable way of confirming an invasive metastatic lymph node, it also plays a therapeutic and prognostic role for patients who have a tumour of the penis which risks spreading to lymph nodes (intermediate or high risk according to EAU). The act should always be two-fold. The type of dissection is in function with the clinical examination: a radical inguinal dissection is recommended in the case of palpated adenopathy and a modified inguinal dissection is recommended if there is no palpated adenopathy, this should be radicalised in the case of metastatic adenopathy on histological examination. Neo-adjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy would appear to play a interesting role when combined with surgery for certain patients without there being currently being precise consensus because of the lack of documented cases. The same goes for external radiotherapy on inguinal lymph nodes which seems to play a role in local controls of the lymph node disease though increases morbidity risks of surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node dissection alone has a therapeutic role in patients who have reached metastasis of lymph nodes (stage pN1). However, it remains insufficient for patients who have metastatic infiltration of more than 2 lymph nodes (stage > or =pN2). Consequently, it would seem important to develop multimodal approaches in the treatment of these patients in order to increase the rate of response to treatment.