Department of Oncological Radiotherapy, Instituto Oncológico, Viña del Mar, Chile.
Penile cancer is a radiocurable disease. The different types of radiotherapy (RT)-brachytherapy, plesiotherapy, external beam radiation therapy-have proven valid in the treatment of the primary tumor allowing preservation of the penis and sexual function. RT is even an option in candidates for surgery who reject surgery for clinical or personal reasons. A high nodal recurrence rate has been observed after inguinal lymphadenectomy, specially in patients at high risk of relapse. Technological advances in the field of RT, new imaging techniques, and more modern equipment enable RT to enhance local control and improve survival in patients with this condition. Palliative RT can exercise a decompressive effect that makes possible tumor size reduction in cases of inguinal-pelvic recurrence in patients with lymphedema and thus improve quality of life. In this article, we review the current role of RT in the treatment of penile cancer. We also present two cases that illustrate the main indications.
Article in English, Spanish.
Written by:
González Domingo M, González San Segundo C. Are you the author?
Reference: Arch Esp Urol. 2011 May;64(4):351-62.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 21610280
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