Incidence of primary urethral carcinoma in the United States

Primary urethral carcinoma: Recommendations of the oncology committee of the French Urology Association

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is defined as a tumor process arising within the urethra, with no history of other urinary tract localization or synchronous tumor of the urinary tract. The most common histological types are urothelial carcinoma (UC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). In men, UC predominates, while AC is rare. In women, AC affects around one in two patients, while EC and UC are equally divided between the remaining cases. Diagnosis is often delayed, and requires endoscopic examination with biopsies. MRI is the gold standard for local staging. FDG-PET scan can help in cases of doubt about regional or distant extension. The prognosis remains unfavorable despite aggressive surgical treatment. Multimodal management combining surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy appears to improve prognosis in severe forms.

Contemporary conditional cancer-specific survival rates in surgically treated nonmetastatic primary urethral carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We examined the effect of disease-free interval (DFI) duration on cancer-specific mortality (CSM)-free survival, otherwise known as the effect of conditional survival, in radical urethrectomy nonmetastatic primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) patients.

METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database 2000-2020, patient (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and marital status) and tumor (stage and histology) characteristics, as well as systemic therapy exposure status of nonmetastatic PUC patients were tabulated. Conditional survival estimates at 5-year were assessed based on DFI duration and according to stage at presentation (T1 -2N0 vs. T3-4N0-2).

RESULTS

Of all 512 radical urethrectomy PUC patients, 278 (54%) harbored T1-2N0 stage versus 234 (46%) harbored T3-4N0-2 stage. In 512 PUC patients, 5-year CSM-free survival at initial diagnosis was 61.8%. Provided a DFI duration of 36 months, 5-year CSM-free survival was 85.6%. In 278 T1-2N0 PUC patients, 5-year CSM-free survival at initial diagnosis was 68.4%. Provided a DFI duration of 36 months, 5-year CSM-free survival was 86.9%. In 234 T3-4N0-2 PUC patients, 5-year CSM-free survival at initial diagnosis was 53.8%. Provided a DFI duration of 36 months, 5-year CSM-free survival was 83.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although intuitively, clinicians and patients are well aware of the concept that increasing DFI duration improves survival probability, only a few clinicians can accurately estimate the magnitude of survival improvement, as was done within the current study. Such information is crucial to survivors, especially in those diagnosed with rare malignancies, where the survival estimation according to DFI duration is even more challenging.

Unmarried status effect on stage at presentation and treatment patterns in primary urethral carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Unmarried status has been associated with advanced stage at presentation and lower treatment dose intensification rates in several urological and non-urological malignancies. However, no previous investigators focused of the association of unmarried status with locally advanced stage (T3-4N0-2) at presentation and lower bi-/trimodal therapy rates in primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) patients. To address these knowledge gaps, we relied on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

METHODS

Within the SEER database 2000 to 2020, all non-metastatic PUC patients were identified. Logistic regression models (LRMs) tested for differences in stage at presentation and treatment modality in the overall cohort and then in a sex-specific fashion, according to marital status (married vs unmarried).

RESULTS

Of all 1,430 non-metastatic PUC patients, 1,004 (70%) were male vs 426 (30%) were female. Of 1,004 male PUC patients, 272 (27%) were unmarried. Of all 426 female PUC patients, 239 (56%) were unmarried. In multivariable LRMs predicting T3-4N0-2, unmarried status was independently associated with an increased risk of locally advanced stage at presentation in the overall cohort (odds ratio [OR]:1.31; P = 0.03) and in female patients (OR:1.62; P = 0.02), but not in male PUC patients (P = 0.6). In multivariable LRMs predicting bi-/trimodal therapy, unmarried status was an independent predictor of lower bi-/trimodal therapy rates in the overall cohort (OR:0.73; P = 0.02) and in male patients (OR:0.60; P = 0.007), but not in female PUC patients (P = 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Unmarried female PUC patients more likely harbored locally advanced stage at presentation. Conversely, unmarried male PUC patients are less likely to benefit from bi-/trimodal therapy.

Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the urethra: A contemporary clinicopathologic analysis of 17 patients

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the urethra is rare. Here we performed a contemporary clinicopathologic analysis of this entity in both male and female patients. All cases with secondary tumors involving the urethra were excluded. Clinicopathologic parameters and follow up was obtained. Seventeen patients were included in the study, 9/17 (53 %) male and 8/17 (47 %) female. The mean patient age was 68 years (range: 53-88 years). The majority (11/17, 65 %) of patients were African American, with an even greater incidence (7/8, 87 %) in female patients. In male patients, prostatic urethra was the most common part of the urethra (6/9, 67 %) where the tumor arose from. Immunohistochemical stains were performed in 11/17 (65 %) tumors and were positive for CK20 (11/11, 100 %), CDX2 (11/12, 92 %), CK7 (8/9, 88 %), GATA3 (3/8, 37 %) and negative for NKX3.1, PSA, p63, PAX8, and Beta-Catenin. In resection specimens, tumors were categorized as pT2 (3/11, 27 %), pT3 (1/11, 9 %), and pT4 (7/11, 64 %). Lymph node status was categorized as pN0 (6/9, 67 %), pN1 (1/9, 11 %), and pN2 (2/9, 22 %). Available follow up data showed 7/13 (54 %) patients developed recurrence after surgical resection and chemotherapy, of which 3/7 (43 %) died of widespread metastatic disease. It is critical for pathologists and urologic oncologists to be aware of this entity in both male and female patients in view of potential diagnostic pitfalls, prognosis, and therapeutic implications.

Contemporary sex-specific analysis of the association of marital status with cancer-specific mortality in primary urethral carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether married status may be associated with lower cancer-specific mortality (CSM) rates in primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) patients. To test for differences in CSM rates, according to marital status, we relied on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database 2000-2020.

METHODS

Patient (age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status), tumor (stage, histology), and treatment (surgery, systemic therapy) characteristics of PUC patients were tabulated. Then, Kaplan-Meier plots, as well as univariable and multivariable Cox regression (MCR) models tested for differences in CSM rates according to marital status in overall cohort and then in sex-specific subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

Of all 1,571 PUC patients, 70% were male vs. 30% female. Females were statistically significantly younger (68 vs. 73 years), more frequently unmarried (54 vs. 28%), non-Caucasian (43 vs. 24%), more frequently harbored T3-4N0M0 (39 vs. 18%) and less frequently T1-2N0M0 (53 vs. 69%) or TanyN1-2M0/TanyNanyM1 (8 vs. 13%), relative to males. Moreover, we recorded differences in histotype proportions in females vs. males (urothelial 30 vs. 64%; squamous 24 vs. 22%; adenocarcinoma 36 vs. 7%; others 10 vs. 6%) and surgical treatment (none 22 vs. 17%; excisional biopsy 22 vs. 36%; partial urethrectomy 14 vs. 16%; radical urethrectomy 42 vs. 31%). In MCR models focusing on the entire cohort, married status independently predicted lower CSM (hazard ratio [HR]:0.82; P = 0.02). Similarly, in MCR models focusing on females, married status independently predicted lower CSM (HR:0.73; P = 0.03). Conversely, in MCR models focusing on males, married status failed to independently predict lower CSM (HR:0.89; P = 0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Married status was associated with lower CSM in PUC patients. However, this benefit applies to female PUC patients, but not to their male counterparts.

Evaluation and management of urethral and periurethral masses in women

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Female periurethral masses are an uncommon occurrence. The purpose of this review is to describe etiologies of female urethral and periurethral masses and to provide an update on diagnosis and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

The most common causes of periurethral and urethral masses in women are urethral caruncles, urethral diverticula, and Skene's gland cysts. Urethral meatal lesions such as urethral caruncles and prolapse can be managed conservatively with topical estrogen therapy and close follow-up or should be excised in the setting of thrombosis, significant or recurrent bleeding, acute urinary retention, or persistent pain. Benign periurethral gland masses, such as Skene's gland cysts, Gartner's duct cysts, and Mullerian duct cysts, remain rare. Recent case series reveal a high rate of surgical management of these lesions with few complications. Urethral malignancy or malignant transformation of benign etiologies are even rarer but can be aggressive in nature and should be treated promptly.

SUMMARY

Nonspecific urinary and vaginal symptoms as well as similar physical presentations make diagnosis of urethral and periurethral lesions in females difficult. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for differentiation of periurethral masses. The decision for conservative or surgical management is typically guided by patient symptom bother, as well as concern for urethral malignancy.

Morphologic spectrum of the epithelial tumors of the male and female urethra

The classification of the epithelial tumors of the male and female urethra includes benign and malignant neoplasms. Primary urethral carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the accessory glands are the most relevant tumors, both from the morphologic and clinical point of view. An accurate diagnosis, grading and staging are essential for determining adequate treatment strategies and outcome. Information on anatomy and histology of the urethra is of fundamental importance in understanding the morphology of the tumors, including the clinical importance of their location and origin.

Disitamab Vedotin plus anti-PD-1 antibody show good efficacy in refractory primary urethral cancer with low HER2 expression: a case report

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) has a low incidence, but with high aggressiveness. Most of the patients are found in late stage, with poor prognosis. At present, chemotherapy is still the main treatment for metastatic PUC, but it has limited effect. Here, we report a case of metastatic PUC with low HER2 expression that developed disease progression after multiline therapy including chemotherapy, programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors and multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor. After receiving Disitamab Vedotin(a novel antibody drug conjugate, ADC) and toripalimab (a PD-1 inhibitor), the patient achieved persistent PR, and the PFS exceeded 12 months up to now. Our report indicates that, despite the patient of metastatic PUC has low expression of HER2, it is still possible to benefit from Disitamab Vedotin combined with PD-1 inhibitor, which may reverse the drug resistance of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy to a certain extent. But larger sample studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this treatment strategy and its impact on survival.

A case report: Female primary urethral carcinoma presenting as vulval mass

INTRODUCTION

Primary urethral carcinoma is a rare disease with overall poorer outcomes in the past. It is relatively more uncommon in female sex.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We present a case of a female with primary urethral carcinoma that presented atypically as a vulval mass without any features of storage, voiding lower urinary tract symptoms, or gross haematuria.

DISCUSSION

As primary urethral carcinoma is rare in occurrence, prospective studies are limited so as the recommendations to guide treatment options. Treatment recommendations are still on development from different small-scale studies as well as from data in higher volume centers. Management options depends on location, extent, histology of the lesion as well as on sex of the patient and fitness of the patient.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and treatment with multidisciplinary consult and multimodality will improve the overall survival rate and quality of life of the patients.

CDX2- and PAX8-Expressing Subtypes in Female Urethral Adenocarcinoma: Pathogenesis Insights through Immunohistochemical and Morphological Analyses

Female urethral adenocarcinoma has attracted attention as a rare tumor type based on its differential pathogenesis from its male counterpart. However, to date, our knowledge concerning its immunohistochemical and morphological characteristics remains limited due to the small number of cases studied. In this study, nine consecutive cases of female urethral adenocarcinoma were used for immunohistochemical and morphological characterization of the tumor based on semi-comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis and detailed morphological evaluations. Our immunohistochemical assay revealed two subtypes of female urethral adenocarcinoma with distinctive staining patterns: the CDX2- and PAX8-expressing subtypes. The former stained positive for other intestinal markers (e.g., HNF4α and TFF1) as well (7 of 7 cases); the latter stained negative for these intestinal markers (0 of 2 cases) but stained positive for clear cell carcinoma markers (e.g., Napsin A and HNF1β) (2 of 2 cases). Regarding cytokeratins, the former displayed a CK7- and CK20-positive immunoprofile (7 of 7 cases); the latter exhibited a CK7-positive and CK20-negative immunoprofile (2 of 2 cases). Morphologically, CDX2- and PAX8-expressing subtypes resembled intestinal-type adenocarcinoma and clear cell carcinoma (occurring in gynecological organs), respectively. The semi-comprehensive immunoprofiling data presented in this study can potentially contribute to the correct diagnosis of this rare tumor type. Finally, our study represents an important basis for future investigations aiming to further elucidate the details and origin of female urethral adenocarcinoma, and it can potentially contribute to developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for treating this malignancy.

Prognostic Value of Tumor Budding in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Recently, tumor budding (TB) has been suggested as a strong prognostic marker in urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UC). The aim of this systematic review is to test the prognostic value of TB in UC by a meta-analysis of previously published studies. We systematically reviewed the literature related to TB by using the databases of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search was limited to publications in the English language up to July 2022. There were 790 patients from 7 retrospective studies in which TB has been evaluated in UC. Two authors independently extracted the results from eligible studies. The meta-analysis of eligible studies revealed that TB is a significant prognosticator for progression-free survival in UC, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.51 (95% CI, 1.86-6.62; P < .001) in univariate analysis and a HR of 2.78 (95% CI, 1.57-4.93; P < .001) in multivariate analysis; a significant prognosticator for overall survival and cancer-specific survival in UC, with a HR of 3.07 (95% CI, 2.04-4.64; P < .001) and a HR of 2.18 (95% CI, 1.11-4.29; P = .02) respectively in univariate analysis. Our findings confirm that UC with a high TB count is at a high risk of progress. TB could be considered as an element in pathology reports and future oncologic staging systems.

Reprint of: Female Urethral Carcinoma: A contemporary review of the clinicopathologic features, with emphasis on the histo-anatomic landmarks and potential staging issues

Primary female urethral carcinoma (PUC-F) accounts for less than 1% of all genitourinary malignancies and comprises a histologically diverse group of tumors that are usually associated with poor prognosis. The carcinomas documented at this site include adenocarcinoma (clear cell adenocarcinoma, columnar cell carcinoma, and Skene gland adenocarcinoma), urothelial carcinoma (UCa), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Recent studies have shown adenocarcinomas to be the most common type of primary urethral carcinoma in females. As most of the urethral carcinomas morphologically resemble carcinomas arising from surrounding pelvic organs or metastases, these should be ruled out before making the diagnosis of PUC-F. These tumors are currently staged according to the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. However, the AJCC system has limitations, including the staging of tumors involving the anterior wall of the urethra. Staging systems like the recently proposed histology-based female urethral carcinoma staging system (UCS) takes into account the unique histological landmarks of the female urethra to better stratify pT2 and pT3 tumors into prognostic groups, that correlate with clinical outcomes including recurrence rates, disease-specific survival and overall survival. Further larger multi-institutional cohorts are however required to validate the results of this staging system. There is very limited information regarding the molecular profiling of PUC-F. Thirty-one percent of clear cell adenocarcinomas have been reported to show PIK3CA alterations, whereas 15% of adenocarcinomas show PTEN mutations. Higher tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 staining have been reported in UCa and SCC. Although multimodality treatment is usually recommended in locally advanced and metastatic disease, the role of immunotherapy and targeted therapy is promising in select PUC-F cases.

Management of Primary Female Urethral Adenocarcinoma: Two Rare Case Reports and Literature Review

Primary urethral adenocarcinoma in females is an extremely rare malignancy with unclear origin and only a few retrospective cases have been reported. The controversy continues to exist over the origin of primary urethral adenocarcinoma from periurethral glands (which include the Skene's glands), urethritis glandularis or intestinal metaplasia. Herein, we report one case of a 49-year-old female with distal urethral adenocarcinoma who presented with obstructive voiding. Abdominal and pelvic CT scans and chest radiology were unremarkable. Biopsy of the mass confirmed urethral adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent partial ureterectomy and was disease-free at the 2-years follow-up period. We also present another extremely rare case of primary urethral adenocarcinoma with mucinous features in a 58-year-old female who initially complained of external urethral orifice itching with painless urethral bleeding and was treated with local excision. The patient has not received any neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy, and experienced tumor recurrence, inguinal lymph nodes metastasis, and even local iliopsoas metastasis during over 10-years follow-up. In conclusion, our current study emphasizes the importance of imaging studies and biopsy in making an accurate preoperative diagnosis of this rare disease, and further highlights the role of multimodal therapy. A combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery is recommended for the optimal local and distant disease control. Moreover, better medical compliance and regular follow-up are required in these patients.

Epidemiology of Unconventional Histological Subtypes of Urethral Cancer

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to examine cancer-specific mortality (CSM) of unconventional urethral cancers.

METHODS

Within the SEER (2004-2016) database, we analyzed CSM of 165 patients with unconventional urethral-cancer histology. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to test the effect of unconventional histologies in urethral cancer on CSM.

RESULTS

Of 165 eligible patients, the Mullerian type accounted for 55 (33.3%) versus melanocytic (26.7%) versus neuroendocrine 25 (15.2%) versus lymphoma 22 (13.3%) versus mesenchymal/sarcoma 15 (9.1%) versus spindle cell 4 (2.1%) patients. Median age at diagnosis was 81 years in spindle cell, 75 in melanocytic, 74 in neuroendocrine and mesenchymal/sarcoma, 67 in lymphoma, and 62 years Mullerian type (p < 0.001). Of all, 116 (70.3%) were female. The Mullerian type exhibited the highest female ratio (96.4%) versus the lowest female ratio in neuroendocrine (24.0%). The Mullerian type was most frequent in African-American females. In Caucasian females, the melanocytic type was most frequent (49.1%). In African-American (38.9%) and Caucasian males (33.3%), neuroendocrine histology was most frequent. Three-year CSM was, respectively, 27.5%, 23.1% 22.3%, 20.5%, and 16.1% for melanocytic, mesenchymal/sarcoma, Mullerian type, neuroendocrine, and lymphoma histology. Median cancer-specific survival was 106 versus 10 months for combined nonmetastatic versus metastatic nonconventional histologies.

CONCLUSION

Important age, sex, racial/ethnic group distribution, and survival differences exist between each unconventional urethral-cancer histological subtypes.

Pedicled dorsal penile skin tube as neourethra in total penectomy for primary male urethral carcinoma

Background:

The aim of this article is to present our experience of pedicled dorsal penile skin tube as neourethra after radical penectomy due to invasive primary male carcinoma of anterior urethra.

Methods:

This is an observational descriptive study including seven men with primary urethral carcinoma who underwent radical penectomy between 2018 and 2021. Instead of urinary derivation with suprapubic catheter, perineal urethrostomy, or bladder orthotopic/heterotopic reconstruction, patients underwent reconstruction of the anterior urethra with a pedicled dorsal penile skin tube. In brief, before corpora amputation and radical urethrectomy, the dorsal penile skin is preserved to reconstruct the neourethra. The distal end of the skin is anastomosed with the proximal urethral stump (usually membranous urethra) to assure continuity of the urinary tract, without jeopardising urinary continence. Finally, the flap is tubularized with two layers of watertight running sutures.

Results:

Median age was 50 (35–70) years. Histology revealed squamous cell carcinoma in all patients. Almost 100% of patients presented locally advanced (pT3–4, G3) disease and received perioperative chemotherapy (MVAC). The median follow-up was 10 (5–24) months. Median operative time was 230 min (190–315). There were not severe (Clavien–Dindo III–IV) perioperative complications. All patients were able to void in standing position through the reconstructed neourethra. No patients reported post-operative incontinence. Two patients died after 8 and 11 months from surgery.

Conclusion:

This new technique of using the dartos-based dorsal penile skin tube urethroplasty offers the possibility to void in standing position after radical penectomy with no need of urinary derivations.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable.

Progress in the treatment of urethral adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Urothelial adenocarcinoma (UA) is a rare subtype of primary urothelial carcinoma, which is more common in women and has a poor prognosis. Because of their low incidence, most of the existing literature is based on case reports and there is a lack of comprehensive literature on this type of tumor.

PURPOSE

This article provides a comprehensive and systematic review of the epidemiology, pathological types, treatment, and prognosis of UA. Especially in the treatment section, we reviewed the various treatment methods including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and management of UA.

METHODS

We reviewed the relevant literature of UA from Pubmed.

CONCLUSION

There is no standard treatment for UA. Multidisciplinary therapy, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, is the current trend. Immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy will also become viable options for the treatment of UA in future.

Female urethral carcinoma: a contemporary review of the clinicopathologic features, with emphasis on the histoanatomic landmarks and potential staging issues

Primary female urethral carcinoma (PUC-F) accounts for less than 1% of all genitourinary malignancies and comprises a histologically diverse group of tumors that are usually associated with poor prognosis. The carcinomas documented at this site include adenocarcinoma (clear cell adenocarcinoma, columnar cell carcinoma, and Skene gland adenocarcinoma), urothelial carcinoma (UCa), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Recent studies have shown adenocarcinomas to be the most common type of primary urethral carcinoma in females. As most of the urethral carcinomas morphologically resemble carcinomas arising from surrounding pelvic organs or metastases, these should be ruled out before making the diagnosis of PUC-F. These tumors are currently staged according to the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. However, the AJCC system has limitations, including the staging of tumors involving the anterior wall of the urethra. Staging systems like the recently proposed histology-based female urethral carcinoma staging system (UCS) takes into account the unique histological landmarks of the female urethra to better stratify pT2 and pT3 tumors into prognostic groups, that correlate with clinical outcomes including recurrence rates, disease-specific and overall survival. Further larger multi-institutional cohorts are however required to validate the results of this staging system. There is very limited information regarding the molecular profiling of PUC-F. Thirty-one percent of clear cell adenocarcinomas have been reported to show PIK3CA alterations, whereas 15% of adenocarcinomas show PTEN mutations. Higher tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 staining have been reported in UCa and SCC. Although multimodality treatment is usually recommended in locally advanced and metastatic disease, the role of immunotherapy and targeted therapy is promising in select PUC-F cases.

Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in primary female urethral squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

Primary female urethral carcinomas are uncommon and have a low morbidity rate. Most of these patients have advanced illness with high invasion and a poor prognosis. There is no standard treatment, and multimodal therapy is recommended. The use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy were mostly reported in previous studies on advanced female urethral squamous cell carcinoma. We report that chemotherapy combined with a programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor was effective in treating metastatic female urethral squamous cell carcinoma. During four cycles, we used systemic chemotherapy of albumin-paclitaxel + carboplatin in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor (toripalimab 240 mg) every 3 weeks, and a complete response was achieved. We performed a genetic test on the patient who had a tumor mutation burden of 5.7 mutations/Mb, tumor proportion score of 20%, and combined positive score of 20% (22C3). No recurrence or distant metastasis was found after 20 months of follow-up. In conclusion, in patients with positive PD-1 ligand 1 expression in primary female urethral squamous cell carcinoma, chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitors may be effective. Larger sample studies are required to determine PD-1 ligand 1 expression and the curative effect of PD-1 inhibitors, as well as their effect on survival.

Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Genitourinary System: A Systemic Review and Report of Eight Cases

Malignant melanoma (MM) of mucosal membranes (excluding anus and head-neck) is a rare but aggressive disease with poor outcomes. The knowledge of this tumor's development, etiology, and management is scarce, mainly due to the low case numbers. We presented eight cases and performed a comprehensive literature review on mucosal MM (between 1970 and 2020). We identified 47 manuscripts on 55 patients with primary mucosal MM (limited to urothelium and vagina) and reviewed demographics, tumor specifications (morphology, stage, etc.), management, and survival. We identified 10 manuscripts discussing treatment in 1595 mucosal and non-mucosal MM and extracted the data regarding the non-surgical treatment modalities of mucosal MM patients. In 63 cases, 48 tumors primarily occurred in the urothelium (urethra: 47, bladder: 1) and 15 in the vagina. Molecular studies in a subset of cases revealed alterations in c-KIT, NRAS, BRAF (non-V600E and V600E), TP53, and NF1. Fifty-three patients underwent surgery (with additional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy in 19, eight, and eight patients, respectively). The outcome was available in 52 cases, showing 21 deaths, 10 without recurrence, two alive with disease, and five lost to follow-up. Shared genetic signatures in mucosal and skin MM suggest a similar development mechanism; however, unlike skin MM, there are less BRAF mutations and more PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway alterations in mucosal MM. Prolonged chemotherapy (i.e., methotrexate) and immune-modulating agents (i.e., natalizumab) may be risk factors. The stage at diagnosis and proper surgical extirpation are keys to the prognosis and survival of patients.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor in a case with primary urethral adenocarcinoma with lung metastasis

Primary urethral adenocarcinoma is extremely rare, and the clinical experience in optimizing the management is limited. The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for these patients is not clear. Here, we describe a 52-year-old patient with primary urethral adenocarcinoma accompanied by inguinal lymph nodes and lung metastasis with progressive disease after radiotherapy and multiline chemotherapy. The expression of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) was positive. Hence, this patient was treated with tislelizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The disease is well controlled and the overall survival time is 5 years. Moreover, the patient tolerated the treatment well. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which immunotherapy was used for primary urethral adenocarcinoma. The immune checkpoint inhibitors may be a novel option for the treatment of these patients.

Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN+ with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (<T2) and/or more distal tumors underwent urethrectomy or partial penectomy. Kaplan-Meier curves were evaluated for analysis of overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

A total of 13 male patients with anterior PUC were studied retrospectively. Total penectomy was performed in 7 cases, while partial urethrectomy was performed in 5 cases, and partial penectomy in 1 case. Of the 7 patients who underwent total penectomy, 5 underwent radical cystectomy with bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. Three patients were treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy, of which 2 were cT3N+ and 1 was cT3N0. The predominant histologic subtype was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), found in 7 patients (53.8%), while urothelial carcinoma (UC) was present in 5 patients (38.5%) and a malignant fibro-histiocytoma in 1 case. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, with T2 tumors in 15.4% and T3 tumors in 46.2% of the cases. Median follow-up was 24 months (range 1-294). After surgical treatment, 8 patients (61.5%) presented disease recurrence after a median of 6.3 months, with a 5-year RFS of 58% ± 14%. The 5-year OS rate was 50% ± 14% while the 5-year CSS rate was 66% ± 13%.

CONCLUSION

Given its rarity, urethral carcinoma should be treated in a referral center. Treatment options include a radical approach or penile-preserving surgery (urethrectomy or partial penectomy) in cases of localized disease. Due to the high recurrence rate, strict follow-up is mandatory.

Penile sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma: A case report

A 74-year-old man with a penile mass was diagnosed with sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma. Further workup did not show any other lesions or metastases. He was treated with a total penectomy, bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection, and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Following surgery, he received six cycles of cisplatin and gemcitabine. Sarcomatoid carcinoma and carcinosarcoma of the urethra are rare; six prior cases have been reported in the literature, with this being the first urothelial with sarcomatoid component. Survival in patients with sarcomatoid carcinoma or carcinosarcoma of the urinary tract is poor, with the limited data supporting a multimodal approach to improve survival.

Urethral Masses

Urethral and periurethral masses in women include both benign and malignant entities that can be difficult to clinically differentiate. Primary urethral carcinoma is rare and the optimal treatment modality may vary depending on the stage at presentation. Because cancer-free survival is poor, clinicians shouldhave a high index of suspicion when evaluating a urethral mass. Some benign-appearing urethral masses may be safely observed. Surgical resection is an effective option that should be used based on patient preference and symptoms, and for suspicious lesions.

Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN + with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (

RESULTS

A total of 13 male patients with anterior PUC were studied retrospectively. Total penectomy was performed in 7 cases, while partial urethrectomy was performed in 5 cases, and partial penectomy in 1 case. Of the 7 patients who underwent total penectomy, 5 underwent radical cystectomy with bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. Three patients were treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy, of which 2 were cT3N + and 1 was cT3N0. The predominant histologic subtype was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), found in 7 patients (53.8%), while urothelial carcinoma (UC) was present in 5 patients (38.5%) and a malignant fibro-histiocytoma in 1 case. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, with T2 tumors in 15.4% and T3 tumors in 46.2% of the cases. Median follow-up was 24 months (range 1-294). After surgical treatment, 8 patients (61.5%) presented disease recurrence after a median of 6.3 months, with a 5-year RFS of 58%±14%. The 5-year OS rate was 50%±14% while the 5-year CSS rate was 66%±13%. CONCLUSIóN: Given its rarity, urethral carcinoma should be treated in a referral center. Treatment options include a radical approach or penile-preserving surgery (urethrectomy or partial penectomy) in cases of localized disease. Due to the high recurrence rate, strict follow-up is mandatory.

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Key Words

• Carcinoma de células escamosas
• Carcinoma uretral
• Inguinal lymphadenectomy
• Linfadenectomía inguinal
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Urethral carcinoma

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MESH Headings Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

J F Calderón Cortez Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
A Territo Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
M Fontana Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
J M Gaya Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
F Sanguedolce Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
J Palou Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
J Huguet Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
A Breda Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España

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Primary tumor surgery improves survival in non-metastatic primary urethral carcinoma patients: a large population-based investigation

Background

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare genitourinary malignancy with a relatively poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of surgery on survival of patients diagnosed with PUC.

Methods

A total of 1544 PUC patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 were identified based on the SEER database. The Kaplan-Meier estimate and the Fine and Gray competing risks analysis were performed to assess overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM). The multivariate Cox regression model and competing risks regression model were used to identify independent risk factors of OS and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results

The 5-yr OS was significantly better in patients who received either local therapy (39.8%) or radical surgery (44.7%) compared to patients receiving no surgery of the primary site (21.5%) (p < 0.001). Both local therapy and radical surgery were each independently associated with decreased CSM, with predicted 5-yr cumulative incidence of 45.4 and 43.3%, respectively, compared to 64.7% for patients receiving no surgery of the primary site (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that primary site surgery was independently associated with better OS (local therapy, p = 0.037; radical surgery, p < 0.001) and decreased CSM (p = 0.003). Similar results were noted regardless of age, sex, T stage, N stage, and AJCC prognostic groups based on subgroup analysis. However, patients with M1 disease who underwent primary site surgery did not exhibit any survival benefit.

Conclusion

Surgery for the primary tumor conferred a survival advantage in non-metastatic PUC patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08603-z.

A Contemporary Clinicopathologic Analysis of Primary Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urethra Without Concurrent Renal Pelvic, Ureteral, or Bladder Carcinoma

Primary urothelial carcinoma (UCa) of the urethra is relatively uncommon, and the underlying pathogenesis has not been well characterized, especially in the absence of concurrent UCa at other sites. A search for cases of primary UCa of the urethra was conducted. Patients with concurrent UCa of the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder at the time of diagnosis of the primary tumor were excluded. Clinicopathologic and follow-up data were obtained. A total of 35 cases from 30 patients (27 male and 3 female) were included in the study. The mean patient age at the initial diagnosis was 71 years (range: 41-90 years). Cases were composed of high-grade UCa (26 of 35 = 74%), low-grade UCa (4 of 35 = 11%), and UCa in situ (5 of 35 = 14%). Invasion was present in 14 of 26 (54%) cases of high-grade UCa. Interestingly, 23 of 30 (77%) patients had a previous history of UCa including 7 (30%) cases with divergent differentiation or variant histology. Follow-up data were available in 23 patients with a mean duration of 26.7 months (range: 0.6-87 months). Eleven patients (31%) died of metastatic UCa. This is one of the largest studies to date of primary UCa of the urethra without concurrent UCa of the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder. Previous history of UCa of the bladder, especially with divergent differentiation or variant histology is conceivably a key risk factor for developing subsequent primary UCa of the urethra. These findings are important for the development of surveillance protocols and therapeutic strategies.

Comprehensive genomic profiling of histologic subtypes of urethral carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the urethra (UrthCa) is an uncommon Genitourinary (GU) malignancy that can progress to advanced metastatic disease.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-seven metastatic UrthCa underwent hybrid capture-based comprehensive genomic profiling to evaluate all classes of genomic alterations (GA). Tumor mutational burden was determined on up to 1.1 Mbp of sequenced DNA, and microsatellite instability was determined on 114 loci. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC (Dako 22C3).

RESULTS

Forty-nine (39%) urothelial (UrthUC), 31 (24%) squamous (UrthSCC), 24 (19%) adenocarcinomas NOS (UrthAC), and 12 (9%) clear cell (UrthCC) were evaluated. UrthUC and UrthSCC are more common in men; UrthAC and UrthCC are more common in women. Ages were similar in all 4 groups. GA in PIK3CA were the most frequent potentially targetable GA; mTOR pathway GA in PTEN were also identified. GA in other potentially targetable genes were also identified including ERBB2 (6% in UrthUC, 3% in UrthSCC, and 12% in UrthAC), FGFR1-3 (3% in UrthSCC), BRAF (3% in UrthAC), PTCH1 (8% in UrthCC), and MET (8% in UrthCC). Possibly reflecting their higher GA/tumor status, potential for immunotherapy benefit associated with higher tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 staining levels were seen in UrthUC and UrthSCC compared to UrthAC and UrthCC. Microsatellite instability high status was absent throughout.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive genomic profiling reveals GA that may be predictive of both targeted and immunotherapy benefit in patients with advanced UrthCa and that could potentially be used in future adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and metastatic disease trials.

Current Perspectives on the Diagnosis and Management of Primary Urethral Cancer: A Systematic Review

Primary urethral cancer (PUC) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy that causes malignant urethral obstruction. We conducted a literature review using PubMed to identify original research studies that assessed the diagnosis and management of primary urethral cancer. PUC affects men more than women, is more common in African Americans than Caucasians, and is associated with history of chronic inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract. Patients suspected of PUC should undergo a complete work-up including cystoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and biopsy. In men and women, surgical monotherapy ranging from organ-sparing to more radical reconstructive procedures has adequate survival rates for early stage PUC and has been shown to be similarly as effective as radiation monotherapy, while multimodal therapy has become the standard of treatment for advanced stage PUC. Salvage surgery or radiation therapy has been linked with increased survival rates. Nodal involvement at the time of diagnosis is a negative prognosticator and should be treated with multimodal therapy. Further prospective studies with greater sample sizes and standardized clinical trials would allow for greater consistency in evaluating the different treatment modalities for PUC.

Systematic Review of the Role of BCG in the Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Prostatic Urethra

BACKGROUND: In patients with non-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the prostatic urethra (PUC), treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) could be beneficial. OBJECTIVE: To assess the response rates to BCG in the different tumor stages, to describe the clinical impact of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) before BCG treatment, and to review the side effects of BCG treatment for PUC. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed database to identify original studies between 1977 and 2019 reporting on PUC and BCG. RESULTS: Of a total of 865 studies, ten were considered for evidence synthesis. An indication for BCG treatment was found in non-stromal invasive stages (Tis pu, Tis pd) and in stromal infiltrating cases (T1) of primary and secondary PUC when transitional cell carcinoma was the histology of origin. Studies including patients treated with TURP before BCG showed a better local response in the prostatic urethra with a higher disease free survival (DFS) (80–100% vs. 63–89%) and progression free survival (PFS) (90–100% vs. 75–94%) than patients in studies in which no TURP was performed. However, this difference in recurrence and progression in the prostate neither affected the total PFS (57–75% vs. 58–93%), nor the disease specific survival (70–100% vs. 66–100%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of resection loop biopsies of the prostatic urethra in appropriate cases during the primary work-up for suspected PUC, as well as the use of the current TNM classification for PUC, need to be improved. BCG therapy for non-stromal invasive stages of PUC show a good local response. Local response is further improved by a TURP before BCG therapy, although the overall prognosis does not seem to be affected. Further evidence for BCG treatment in the rare cases of stromal invasive PUC is needed. Specific side effects of BCG treatment for PUC are not reported.

Incidence rates and contemporary trends in primary urethral cancer

PURPOSE

We assessed contemporary incidence rates and trends of primary urethral cancer.

METHODS

We identified urethral cancer patients within Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry (SEER, 2004-2016). Age-standardized incidence rates per 1,000,000 (ASR) were calculated. Log linear regression analyses were used to compute average annual percent change (AAPC).

RESULTS

From 2004 to 2016, 1907 patients with urethral cancer were diagnosed (ASR 1.69; AAPC: -0.98%, p = 0.3). ASR rates were higher in males than in females (2.70 vs. 0.55), respectively and did not change over the time (both p = 0.3). Highest incidence rates were recorded in respectively ≥75 (0.77), 55-74 (0.71) and ≤54 (0.19) years of age categories, in that order. African Americans exhibited highest incidence rate (3.33) followed by Caucasians (1.72), other race groups (1.57) and Hispanics (1.57), in that order. A significant decrease occurred over time in Hispanics, but not in other race groups. In African Americans, male and female sex-stratified incidence rates were higher than in any other race group. Urothelial histological subtype exhibited highest incidence rate (0.92), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (0.41), adenocarcinoma (0.29) and other histologies (0.20). In stage stratified analyses, T₁N₀M₀ stage exhibited highest incidence rate. However, it decreased over time (-3.00%, p = 0.02) in favor of T_1-4N_1-2M₀ stage (+ 2.11%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Urethral cancer is rare. Its incidence rates are highest in males, elderly patients, African Americans and in urothelial histological subtype. Most urethral cancer cases are T₁N₀M₀, but over time, the incidence of T₁N₀M₀ decreased in favor of T_1-4N_1-2M₀.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of Rare Urogenital Cancers: Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis, Ureters and Urethra

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a neoplastic growth that affects the lining of the urinary tract from the renal pelvis to the distal urethra. Urothelial cancer occurs less commonly along the upper urinary tract (renal pelvis and ureter) accounting for 5-10% and even rarer along the urethra approximately less than 1%. The incidence of UC of the upper urinary tract and urethra has been reported in the United States and Europe by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and the Rare Cancers in Europe project, respectively. Considering the rarity of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and primary urethral cancer (PUC), there is a paucity of data from Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the European Association of Urology guideline and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline have provided some clinical updates on the management of UTUC and PUC. However, UTUC and PUC present mostly at a more advanced stage than UC of bladder. A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis even more for UTUC. Organ-sparing surgery is possible for both localized UTUC and PUC but stringent follow-up with urine cytology, endoscopy and imaging is mandated for early detection of recurrence.

Transperineal-incision urethrectomy combined with laparoscopic prostatectomy for a male patient with squamous cell carcinoma involving distal plus proximal urethra and untypical symptoms-a case report

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare malignancy, covering less than 1% of all genitourinary cancers. Different tumor location, classified as tumor in distal or proximal urethra, represents different characteristics and often leads to different treatment modality. However, data on the surgical approach for PUC involving both distal and proximal urethra remains rare. In this case, we presented a 75-year-old man with untypical symptoms of perineal mass and unspecific frequent and painful urination. Results of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan, and percutaneous biopsy revealed a cT2N1M0 PUC involving both distal and proximal urethra. Given the request of patients for a normal penile appearance after surgery, a transperineal-incision urethrectomy combined with laparoscopic prostatectomy and iliac lymphadenectomy was performed with optimal outcomes. The results of histopathological analysis revealed a moderately-high differentiated PUC with no positive lymph node. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. On first visit 1-month after surgery, physical examination revealed a satisfactory wound healing and appearance of penis and no recurrent lesions were found on mp-MRI. This is a rare case with untypical symptoms indicating that patients with PUC involving both distal and proximal urethra may present with no symptoms of urethral stricture but only non-specific lower urinary symptoms. The surgical approach we proposed in this case proves to be a safe and feasible one to completely resect the tumor and preserve a normal appearance of penis, thus worth to be applied in the specific patient population.

Comparison Between Urothelial and Non-Urothelial Urethral Cancer

Background

To test the effect of variant histology relative to urothelial histology on stage at presentation, cancer specific mortality (CSM), and overall mortality (OM) after chemotherapy use, in urethral cancer.

Materials and Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (2004-2016) database, we identified 1,907 primary variant histology urethral cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier plots, Cox regression analyses, cumulative incidence-plots, multivariable competing-risks regression models and propensity score matching for patient and tumor characteristics were used.

Results

Of 1,907 eligible urethral cancer patients, urothelial histology affected 1,009 (52.9%) vs. squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) 455 (23.6%) vs. adenocarcinoma 278 (14.6%) vs. other histology 165 (8.7%) patients. Urothelial histological patients exhibited lower stages at presentation than SCC, adenocarcinoma or other histology patients. In urothelial histology patients, five-year CSM was 23.5% vs. 34.4% in SCC [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.57] vs. 40.7% in adenocarcinoma (HR 1.69) vs. 43.4% in other histology (HR 1.99, p < 0.001). After matching in multivariate competing-risks regression models, variant histology exhibited 1.35-fold higher CSM than urothelial. Finally, in metastatic urethral cancer, lower OM was recorded after chemotherapy in general, including metastatic adenocarcinoma and other variant histology subtypes, except metastatic SCC.

Conclusion

Adenocarcinoma, SCC and other histology subtypes affect fewer patients than urothelial histology. Presence of variant histology results in higher CSM. Finally, chemotherapy for metastatic urethral cancer improves survival in adenocarcinoma and other variant histology subtypes, but not in SCC.

Primary Female Urethral Carcinoma: Proposed Staging Modifications Based on Assessment of Female Urethral Histology and Analysis of a Large Series of Female Urethral Carcinomas

Primary female urethral carcinoma is rare. Limited clinicopathologic information has hindered development of staging criteria in this disease. We analyzed 29 primary female urethral carcinoma resections from 3 academic medical centers to characterize histopathologic features, clinical outcomes, and applicability of current and a novel modified staging criteria. We complemented this analysis with review of fully embedded female autopsy urethras to detail anterior and posterior urethral wall histology. Primary female urethral carcinoma subtypes included urothelial carcinoma in situ (3/29, 10%), adenocarcinoma in situ (1/29; 3%), invasive urothelial carcinoma (13/29, 45%), clear cell carcinoma (5/29, 17%), adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (4/29, 14%) and squamous cell carcinoma (3/29, 10%). Only 6/29 cases (21%) were originally assigned a stage at diagnosis. Using histologic landmarks specific to the female urethra, we modified existing eighth edition American Joint Committee on Cancer urethral staging to a histology-based female urethral carcinoma staging (UCS) system. UCS stages were defined as pTa/pTisUCS (noninvasive carcinoma), pT1UCS (subepithelial tissue invasion), pT2UCS (periurethral muscle invasion), pT3UCS (vaginal adventitia or surrounding fibrovascular tissue), and pT4UCS (anterior wall fibroadipose tissue or posterior vaginal wall). UCS staging was applicable to all cases and showed stepwise changes in disease recurrence with increasing stage and was statistically significant for disease-specific and overall survival in contrast to the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system. This study of one of the largest cohort of primary female urethral carcinomas provides a modified histology-based staging system specific to female urethral anatomy that provides outcomes-related information, which may be further validated by larger multi-institutional studies.

The effect of race/ethnicity on histological subtype distribution, stage at presentation and cancer specific survival in urethral cancer

OBJECTIVE

To test the effect of race/ethnicity on histological subtype, stage at presentation, and cancer specific mortality (CSM) in urethral cancer patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Stratified analyses (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results [2004-2016]) tested the effect of race/ethnicity on histology and stage. Cumulative incidence-plots and multivariable competing-risks regression models (CRR), addressed CSM, after matching for TNM-stage, histology, age, and gender.

RESULTS

Of 1,904 urethral cancer patients, 71% were Caucasian, 16% African American, 7% Hispanic and 5% other. African Americans were younger (66 years) than Caucasians (73 years) and Hispanics (74 years). In African Americans, adenocarcinoma (25%) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 29%) were more frequent than in Caucasians (12% and 23%) or Hispanics (15% and 20%). African Americans with adenocarcinoma exhibited higher stage than other adenocarcinoma patients. In CRR, African Americans (35%) and Hispanics (29%) exhibited highest and second highest 3-year CSM, even after matching. After further multivariable adjustment of matched CRRs, CSM was higher in Hispanics (HR: 1.93, P= 0.03) and in African Americans (Hazard ratio 1.35, P= 0.07), relative to Caucasians.

CONCLUSION

Race/ethnicity impacts important differences on urethral cancer patients. African American race/ethnicity predisposes to higher rate of SCC and adenocarcinoma. Moreover, African Americans are younger and present with higher stage at diagnoses. Finally, even after most detailed matching for stage, age, gender, and adjustment for treatment and systemic therapy and socioeconomic status, African Americans and Hispanics exhibit higher CSM than Caucasians.

MRI of common penile pathologies and penile prostheses

MRI can delineate finer details of penile anatomy and pathology due to inherent higher soft-tissue contrast and spatial resolution. It can characterize inflammation and identify abscesses, localize penile fractures, guide surgical planning in penile fibrosis and Peyronie's disease, and depict components of the penile prosthesis and its complications. MRI is a great investigative tool for penile neoplasms, including locally infiltrative neoplasms where clinical examination is limited, and local staging is crucial for surgical planning.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Primary Urethral Carcinoma-2020 Update

CONTEXT

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare cancer accounting for <1% of all genitourinary malignancies.

OBJECTIVE

To provide updated practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of PUC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search interrogating Ovid (Medline), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Urothelial carcinoma of the urethra is the predominant histological type of PUC (54-65%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (16-22%) and adenocarcinoma (10-16%). Diagnosis of PUC depends on urethrocystoscopy with biopsy and urinary cytology. Pathological staging and grading are based on the tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification and the 2016 World Health Organization grading systems. Local tumour extent and regional lymph nodes are assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the presence of distant metastases is assessed by computed tomography of the thorax/abdomen and pelvis. For all patients with localised distal tumours (≤T2N0M0), partial urethrectomy or urethra-sparing surgery is a valid treatment option, provided that negative intraoperative surgical margins can be achieved. Prostatic Ta-Tis-T1 PUC can be treated with repeat transurethral resection of the prostate and bacillus Calmette-Guérin. In prostatic or proximal ≥ T2N0 disease, neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy should be considered prior to radical surgery. All patients with locally advanced disease (≥T3N0-2M0) should be discussed within a multidisciplinary team. In men with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma, curative radiotherapy combined with radiosensitising chemotherapy can be offered for definitive treatment and genital preservation. In patients with local urethral recurrence, salvage surgery or radiotherapy can be offered. For patients with distant metastatic disease, systemic therapy based on tumour characteristics can be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

These updated European Association of Urology guidelines provide up-to-date guidance for the contemporary diagnosis and management of patients with suspected PUC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a very rare, but aggressive disease. These updated European Association of Urology guidelines provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians treating patients with PUC.

The Male Urethra: Imaging and Surgical Approach for Common Pathologies

Urethral pathology is common in clinical practice and important to recognize. It is essential to recognize urethral pathology on imaging and to understand how to best image the urethra. In this way, the radiologist can provide the urologist with the necessary information prior to intervention. Basic knowledge of commonly performed urethral surgeries can help the radiologist understand the expected appearance of the post-treatment urethra and common postoperative complications.

A Case study of the radiation therapy treatment of a transitional cell carcinoma of the distal urethra

Urethral carcinoma is a rare urological cancer, accounting for only 1% of malignancies in Australia. The most common histology is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). The majority of these cancers are treated with surgery. The main purpose of this case study is to describe a novel radiation treatment technique for treatment of this uncommon cancer. This report details organ-preserving treatment for a distal penile urethral cancer using definitive radiation therapy (RT). In May 2016 a 69-year-old male presented to Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) with a small TCC of the distal urethra. The patient was offered numerous treatment options, both radical and organ-preserving approaches, and came to a final decision of a course of radiation therapy despite the lack of randomised evidence to guide treatment in this setting. A dose of 66 Gy in 33 fractions from parallel opposed lateral beams was prescribed to the distal penile urethra. This case required an unusual approach to patient set up to allow access for accurate treatment delivery and to maintain patient comfort. The patient tolerated the full course of radiation therapy with expected skin side effects. He has maintained adequate penile function and is currently free from disease at 33 months with ongoing clinical follow-up.

Isolated urethral metastasis from appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma

We are presenting a compelling case of a 61-year-old female with a history of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma (AMA) with a new complaint of irritative lower urinary tract symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a semi-circumferential, T2 hyperintense, rim enhancing, and lacking restricted diffusion lesion involving the urethra and infiltrating the right perineal and internal obturator muscles. The suspected differential diagnosis was urethral malignancy, based on her cancer history and MRI findings. After interdisciplinary consensus, the patient underwent excision of the lesion, and pathology was consistent with metastasis from the primary tumor. The urethra is a rare site of primary malignancy and metastatic disease. In particular, a non-contiguous metastatic disease involving the urethra is exceedingly rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an AMA metastasizing to the urethra.

Prostate penile metastasis: Incidence and imaging pattern on 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer commonly metastasises to bone and regional lymphatics and more rarely to locations such as the brain, skin and penis. Gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen (⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has widely become the routine imaging modality for prostate cancer staging and re-staging in Australia. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review all ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA PET/CT examinations performed to date at our institution to determine the frequency of penile metastases.

METHODS

A total of 4860 ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA PET/CT examinations were performed between 16/07/2014 and 31/10/2019. Radiology reports for each examination were filtered to identify those with the words 'penis' or 'penile'. Once identified, relevant reports and images were individually reviewed to confirm the presence of a PSMA-avid penile lesion.

RESULTS

The incidence of penile metastasis of prostate cancer observed in this study was 0.1% with six examinations identified as having PSMA-avid penile lesions in five prostate cancer patients (age range: 71-88 years). The patients had a 1-8 year history of prostate cancer with varying severity of disease. Appearance of PSMA-avidity varied between single focal lesion, multiple focal lesions and diffuse lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

An incidence of 0.1% in our study confirms the rarity of penile metastases of prostate cancer. Although rare, identification of prostate cancer penile metastases is important for appropriate treatment management and symptom-relief.

Neoadjuvant Radiation with Concurrent 5-FU Resulting in Complete Pathologic Response in Stage IIIB Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Urethra

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the urethra is a rare malignancy, comprising less than 1% of all malignancies. The annual age-adjusted incidence of urethral SCC is 4.3 per million in men and 1.5 per million in women. Due to the rarity of the disease, there are a limited number of prospective randomized controlled trials to evaluate the optimal management of locally advanced urethral SCC. Here, we present the case of a 47-year-old man with stage IIIB urethral squamous cell cancer that showed complete clinical and pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation with only 5-flurouracil after incomplete response to traditional chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP).