CISPLATIN AND 5-FLUOROURACIL IN ADVANCED CANCER OF THE PENIS

A total of 8 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (Jackson stages III and IV) received chemotherapy with 100 mg./m.2 cisplatin intravenously on day 1 and a 24-hour infusion of 1,000 mg./m.2 5-fluorouracil on days 1 to 5. Of the patients 2 (25%) achieved a partial response: 1 required a further operation and 1 required surgery with radiotherapy to achieve a complete response. These 2 patients were disease-free at 32+ and 57+ months. Nonresponders had a survival range of 2+ to 28 months after chemotherapy. Nausea and vomiting were the most frequent side effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-related increase in serum creatinine occurred in 3 patients. Two patients had septicemia and 1 complained of tinnitus. Poor tolerability especially in the elderly was the main reason for discontinuing chemotherapy. The combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil may have a role in the management of advanced penile cancer together with surgery and radiotherapy.