Penile squamous cell carcinoma is a rare malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis, especially in advanced stages. Due to its rarity, few studies concentrate on higher understanding and managing this disease. In a brand new article published within the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Moffitt Cancer Center researchers share data on the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma, addressing a critical gap in evidence regarding treatment options for this rare and aggressive cancer.

The Moffitt team, in collaboration with institutions across the US, Europe and South America, examined the outcomes of 209 patients with locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by consolidative lymphadenectomy, a surgical operation to remove and dissect lymph nodes to check for malignancy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is therapy given prior to a patient’s most important treatment; for instance, to assist shrink a tumor before surgical resection.

Over half of the patients (57.2%) demonstrated an objective response, with 43.2% experiencing a partial response and 13.9% achieving an entire response. These responders experienced significantly longer overall survival in comparison with nonresponders. Patients who responded had a median overall survival of 73.0 months, in comparison with 17.0 months for nonresponders. Moreover, the study revealed a median progression-free survival of 26.0 months, highlighting the potential for long-term disease control.

We also found that neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy was well tolerated, with only 17% of patients experiencing grade 3 or higher treatment-related adversarial events. Importantly, no treatment-related mortality was observed.”

Jad Chahoud, M.D., M.P.H., study writer, assistant member of the Genitourinary Oncology Department at Moffitt

The study’s publication comes at a critical time as clinical trial efforts are ongoing to enhance outcomes for penile squamous cell carcinoma patients. The findings represent the biggest cohort evaluation reported up to now for this condition and might help clinical decision-making and shape treatment strategies for locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma.

“Our findings provide compelling evidence for the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in treating locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma. These results underscore the importance of a multimodal approach in addressing this difficult disease and offer hope for improved patient outcomes,” said study writer Philippe Spiess, M.D., assistant chief of Surgical Services and senior member of the Genitourinary Oncology Department at Moffitt.