Molecular Characterization of Penile Cancers in Developing Countries

Molecular Characterization of Penile Cancers in Developing Countries

This study explores penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) in Brazil, a rare cancer associated with factors like poor hygiene and HPV infection, using next-generation sequencing to investigate its genomic profiles in 24 deceased patients with advanced PSCC.

This study focuses on penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC), a rare cancer that is more prevalent in underdeveloped regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America, with Brazil having one of the highest incidence rates due to socioeconomic factors. PSCC is primarily associated with risk factors like poor local hygiene, smoking history, phimosis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The research aims to understand the genomic profiles of PSCC and their correlation with clinical characteristics, particularly in circumcised vs. non-circumcised populations in Brazil. The study will employ next-generation sequencing (NGS) on tumor specimens from 23 deceased patients with advanced PSCC who received treatment in Brazilian cancer sites.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men ≥ 18 years of age;
• Diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic squamous-cell penile carcinoma;
• Have received at least one treatment for advanced disease (surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy);
• Available representative tumor block of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archive, from primary or metastasis;
• Patients must be already deceased at time of data collection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients without medical record available (lost, empty or irretrievable clinical information).