New Therapeutic Horizons for Advanced or Metastatic Penile Cancer

Urol Clin North Am. 2024 Aug;51(3):367-376. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2024.03.005. Epub 2024 May 18.

Abstract

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Studies with single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated efficacy, but response rates are low. Studies combining ICIs with both chemotherapy and targeted therapy are ongoing. Up to 50% of penile cancer cases are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-targeting therapies, such as HPV-targeting vaccines and T-cell receptor therapies, are an area of active investigation. Penile cancer cells also express cell surface antigens that may be targeted by the emerging class of antibody-drug conjugates.

Keywords: HPV; Immunotherapy; Penile cancer; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Male
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications
  • Papillomavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Penile Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Penile Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Penile Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors