Brachytherapy for penile cancer using silicon mold

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Urologic Oncology

Background:

• Penile cancer treatment often involves radical surgery, leading to significant morbidity.
• Organ-sparing techniques are crucial for improving patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of afterloading brachytherapy using a custom-designed silicon mold for penile cancer treatment.
• To assess the feasibility of penis-sparing treatment in different tumor stages.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 15 penile cancer patients treated with afterloading brachytherapy (32-74 Gy) and a silicon mold.
• Inclusion of electron beam boost in some cases; median dose rate of 200 cGy/h.
• Analysis of tumor stage (T1-T3) and inguinal lymph node metastasis status.

Main Results:

• 80% local control (12/15 patients), with 100% for T1 and 80% for T2 tumors; 0% for T3.
• Penis conservation achieved in 73% (11/15) of patients.
• 3/4 patients with lymph node metastases had disease control; one T3 patient died.

Conclusions:

• Afterloading brachytherapy with a silicon mold is a viable, potentially first-choice organ-sparing treatment for penile cancer.
• Patients with T1 and T2 penile tumors are excellent candidates for this brachytherapy technique.
• Further research should explore outcomes in higher T-stage tumors and long-term oncological control.