Advances in Understanding of Penile Carcinogenesis: The Search for Actionable Targets.

Authors

Juan Chipollini
Sharon Chaing
Mounsif Azizi
Laura C Kidd
Patricia Kim
Philippe E Spiess

Publication/Presentation Date

8-16-2017

Abstract

Penile cancer (PeCa) is a rare malignancy with potentially devastating effects. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common variant with distinct precancerous lesions before development into invasive disease. Involvement of the inguinal lymph nodes is the most important prognostic factor in PeCa, and once disease is present outside the groin, prognosis is poor. Metastatic PeCa is challenging to treat and often requires multidisciplinary approaches in management. Due to its rarity, molecular understanding of the disease continues to be limited with most studies based on small, single center series. Thus far, it appears PeCa has diverse mechanisms of carcinogenesis affecting similar molecular pathways. In this review, we evaluate the current landscape of the molecular carcinogenesis of PeCa and explore ongoing research on potential actionable targets of therapy. The emergence of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and other immunotherapeutic strategies may improve outcomes for PeCa patients.

Volume

18

Issue

8

ISSN

1422-0067

Published In/Presented At

Chipollini, J., Chaing, S., Azizi, M., Kidd, L. C., Kim, P., & Spiess, P. E. (2017). Advances in Understanding of Penile Carcinogenesis: The Search for Actionable Targets. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(8), 1777. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18081777

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

28813024

Department(s)

USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article