Genitourinary small-cell carcinoma: a single-institution experience.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Small-cell carcinomas (sccs) of the genitourinary (gu) tract are rare and lack standard treatment.
• This study reviews management and outcomes for gu scc patients at a tertiary-care institution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the management and outcomes of patients with small-cell carcinoma of the genitourinary tract.
• To analyze prognostic factors and treatment effectiveness for this rare malignancy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients diagnosed with gu scc between 1982 and 2009.
• Data collected included demographics, clinical and pathologic characteristics, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• 58 patients were identified with primary scc sites in the urinary bladder (35), prostate (17), and upper urinary tract (6).
• Median survival was 7.5 months; extensive-stage disease (4.1 months) and prostate origin (5.1 months) were poor prognostic factors.
• Treatment improved median survival to 12.3 months compared to 2.3 months for best supportive care (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Small-cell cancer of the gu tract is aggressive with a poor overall prognosis.
• A multimodality treatment approach, similar to small-cell lung cancer, is recommended.
• Treatment is associated with significantly better outcomes than best supportive care.