Dr. Spiess on Key Updates in the Management of Penile Cancer

Philippe E. Spiess, MD, MS, FACS, assistant chief of Surgical Services, senior member, Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center; and professor of oncology and urology, Department of Urology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, shares key updates in the management of patients with penile cancer.

Early diagnosis remains a key factor in the care of patients with penile cancer, Spiess says. Previously, the majority of patients diagnosed with this disease would undergo radical surgery, which could lead to depression due to a loss of sexual function and quality of life (QOL), Spiess explains.

Penile-sparing surgical approaches have emerged as an alternative to radical procedures, allowing patients to maintain sexual function, improve QOL, and achieve better outcomes, Spiess adds.

For patients with advanced disease that has spread to the lymph nodes, a multimodal approach to treatment is beneficial, Spiess says. Consulting with medical and radiation oncologists can help to tailor management plans to each patient, Spiess concludes.