Global burden of penile cancer: A review of health disparities for a rare disease.

We performed a narrative review evaluating the influence of race and socioeconomic status for penile cancer patients based on region. We found higher incidence in underdeveloped nations. Globally, HPV-associated tumors are more prevalent, particularly in areas with high HPV and HIV infection. Socioeconomic determinants exacerbated these disparities. Similarly, in the United States, disparities were notable among racial and ethnic groups, with black men having worse survival. Understanding sociodemographic differences may help mitigate disparities by improving access to care with targeted interventions including education on risk factors and HPV vaccination to reduce penile cancer burden in vulnerable parts of the world.

Best predictive single nephrometry score component to correlate with achievement of trifecta outcome in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the predictive value of individual components of the R.E.N.A.L scoring system for Laparoscopic (LPN) and Robotic Partial Nephrectomy (RPN). METHODS: Patients that had undergone a Laparoscopic (LPN) or Robotic Partial Nephrectomy (RPN) between 2018 and 2023 were reviewed. Our data collection included Race, Ethnicity, Age, BMI, R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score, and complications. Cases that achieved trifecta outcomes were designated as "Group A" and cases that did not achieve trifecta were "Group B". All the data were collected using REDCap database. RESULTS: A total of 111 cases were included, Group A consisted of 82% of all cases, whereas Group B 18%. Radius score demonstrated significant distinction concerning trifecta attainment and was the most predictive component of the 5 scoring metrics of the nephrometry system. In a subgroup analysis, R-score of 3 or a renal mass measuring ≥ 7 cm, was a significant independent negative predictor for trifecta outcomes, as well as tumor size at presentation. CONCLUSION: Renal nephrometry score is predictive of trifecta outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomy. Radius of mass was the most effective predictive component of the nephrometry score for trifecta prediction.

Improving Quality of Life and Psychosocial Health for Penile Cancer Survivors: A Narrative Review.

Treatment of penile cancer (PC) focuses on organ preservation, employing various surgical and non-surgical approaches. These interventions may lead to disfigurement, impacting patients' functional outcomes and psychosocial well-being. We reviewed studies related to penile health and PC up to February 2024, limited to studies published in English. Studies employing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments have identified a detrimental association between aggressive treatment and overall health status, physical functioning, and relationships. In contrast, organ-sparing demonstrates improved measures related to HRQoL and sexual function. Assessment through validated questionnaires reveals diverse voiding outcomes, and varying impacts on QoL and sexual activity, emphasizing the necessity for multidisciplinary personalized care. Studies highlight substantial variations in sexual function, with patients reporting adaptations, reduced satisfaction, and concerns about body image and sexual well-being. Furthermore, unmet needs include challenges in patient-clinician communication, obtaining information, and accessing psychosocial support. Patient experiences underscore the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment access, and addressing psychological consequences. Organ-sparing approaches have higher QoL preservation and sexual function. Individualized support, including sexual therapy, support groups, and family counseling, is essential for post-treatment rehabilitation. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive care are paramount in addressing the multifaceted impact of PC on patients and families.

Gender, Racial and Ethnic Differences in Pathologic Response Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate trends and racial variations of pathologic complete response (CR) in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with non-metastatic muscle-invasive bladder cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. The primary endpoints, CR and mortality, were evaluated using the Cochran-Armitage test, multivariable regression, and Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 9955 patients. Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients were younger (P < .001), had a higher clinical tumor (P < .001), and had higher clinical node (P = .029) stages at presentation. CR for non-Hispanic White (NHW), NHB, and Hispanic patients were 12.6%, 10.1%, and 11.8%, respectively (P = .030). There was a significant increase in CR trends for NHW patients (P < .001) and increases in NHB (P = .311) and Hispanic patients (P = .236). On multivariable analysis, NHW females had lower odds of achieving CR (odds ratio: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71-0.97); however, NHB males (hazard ratio: 1.21, 1.01-1.44) and NHB females (hazard ratio: 1.25, 1.03-1.53) had higher overall mortality in adjusted analysis. Survival differences were not observed in patients who achieved CR, regardless of racial background; however, for those with residual disease, the 2-year survival probabilities were 60.7%, 62.5%, and 51.1% for NHW, HW, and NHB patients, respectively (log-rank P = .010). CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed differences in chemotherapy response based on gender and race or ethnicity. The CR trends for all racial or ethnic groups increased over time. However, Black patients were found to have worse survival, particularly when residual disease was present. Clinical studies with more underrepresented minorities are needed to verify biological differences in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Importance of Addressing the Psychosocial Impact of Penile Cancer on Patients and Their Families.

OBJECTIVE: In this article we review the quality of life and the psychosocial and functional outcomes experienced by patients and their partners following penile cancer diagnosis and treatment. DATA SOURCES: A literature search for primary articles related to patient reported outcomes following penile cancer treatment was conducted using the electronic database PubMed. CONCLUSION: Penile cancer is a rare malignancy in the United States, and it carries an excellent prognosis if diagnosed early. However, increased survivorship carries devastating long-term consequences on the mental health of patients and their families. Factors impacting the quality of life of patients include sexual dysfunction, cosmetic changes, voiding dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. Treatment modalities vary depending on the extent of the cancer but include medical, interventional, and surgical options. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The multidisciplinary team can support patients and their partners to develop, test and deliver posttreatment survivorship interventions to optimize psychosocial well-being and quality of life outcomes for this rare disease.