External-beam radiotherapy in T1-2 N0 penile carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To review the outcome of 41 patients with invasive carcinoma of the penis treated with external-beam radiotherapy using a consistent technique and dose.


METHODS
Forty-one patients with carcinoma of the penis treated at Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK, between 1995 and 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. Radiotherapy was delivered using 4 MV linear accelerators with a dose of 50 Gy or 52.5 Gy in 16 fractions over 22 days.


RESULTS
The distribution of patients according to stage was T1=37, T2=4, N0=40, N3=1. Median follow-up was 4.5 years. The local control rate was 62%, nodal relapse-free rate of 88%, relapse-free rate of 51% and overall survival of 88% at 5 years. All recurrences were salvaged by surgery. Penile ulceration occurred in 8% and urethral stenosis requiring dilatation in 29%. There were no penectomies for penile necrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
EBXRT may be offered for T1-2 cancer of the penis with close surveillance to detect local recurrences early for salvage surgery without jeopardising overall survival. It remains an alternative option to penis-preserving surgery and should be discussed in a multidisciplinary setting and with the patient.
Azrif
M
M
Department of Clinical Oncology, Lancashire, UK. mohammed.azrif@christie-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
Logue
J P
JP
Swindell
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Cowan
R A
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Wylie
J P
JP
Livsey
J E
JE
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D010413:Penis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013534:Survival; D016896:Treatment Outcome