Penile Cancer: Prognostic Factors and Life Expectancy in Clinical Management

Penile cancer is a rare neoplasm that, although infrequent in the Western world, significantly impacts the quality of life of affected patients. In recent decades, there has been an observed increase in the incidence of this type of cancer, underscoring the importance of updating clinical practice guidelines and improving the clinical management of the disease. This article explores the prognostic factors and life expectancy in the management of penile cancer, highlighting the factors that influence patient survival.

Prognostic Factors and Clinical Management

The prognosis of penile cancer is closely related to several factors, including tumor stage, degree of differentiation, and the presence of metastasis in the lymph nodes. Early detection and appropriate treatment of lymph node metastases are key determinants for improving patient survival. According to a recent study, early dissection of inguinal lymph nodes is associated with better survival outcomes [1].

Centralizing treatment in specialized centers has been shown to improve the relative survival of patients with penile cancer. In the Netherlands, for example, the centralization of care for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis has resulted in a significant improvement in the five-year survival rate [2]. Additionally, the use of nomograms based on extensive data, such as those from SEER and Chinese studies, has allowed for more accurate predictions of survival outcomes, surpassing the traditional TNM staging system [3].

Multimodal treatment, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, is increasingly utilized in the management of advanced penile cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce the size of bulky nodal disease, facilitating surgery and potentially offering long-term survival [4]. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of these treatments remains limited, highlighting the need for international collaborations to optimize treatment and improve the life expectancy of patients [5].

Conclusions

The management of penile cancer requires a multidisciplinary and centralized approach to improve survival outcomes. Early detection and appropriate treatment of lymph node metastases are crucial for enhancing the life expectancy of patients. Ongoing research and international collaboration are essential to advance the treatment of this rare disease and improve the quality of life for affected patients.

Referencias

• [1] Management of Lymph Node-positive Penile Cancer: A Systematic Review
• [2] Penile cancer care in the Netherlands: increased incidence, centralisation, and improved survival
• [3] Developing and validating a nomogram for penile cancer survival: A comprehensive study based on SEER and Chinese data
• [4] Multimodal Therapy in the Management of Advanced Penile Cancer
• [5] Advanced penile carcinoma

Created 13/1/2025