title: Dermo beta brachytherapy with 188-Re in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis: a new therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP) is the most common penis neoplasia, favoured by phimosis, HPV infection and scleroatrophic lichen. The classic therapy is surgical with anatomic demolition, which often causes important psychological problems. Other non-demolitive therapies can be utilized, such as radiotherapy, brachytherapy and topical medical treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We propose a new non-invasive therapy called "Dermo beta brachytherapy (DBBT) with 188-Re" in which a synthetic inert resin-matrix containing a radioactive beta-emitting isotope is applied on the surface of the tumor lesion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 15 patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of SCCP were enrolled for treatment (DBBT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 15 patients, 12 healed, 1 was lost at follow-up and 2 did not respond to therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that DBBT is an effective treatment for SCC of the penis, sparing the anatomical integrity of the organ, and allowing normal sexual activity.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Carrozzo
authors.forename: Antioco Franco
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Sedda
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Muscardin
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Donati
authors.forename: Cesidio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cipriani
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001918:Brachytherapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012211:Rhenium / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes; D012211:Rhenium
keywords: brachytherapy; dermo-beta-brachytherapy; squamous cell carcinoma of penis; surface mould brachytherapy