Penile Cancer Chemotherapy

To treat penile cancer, chemotherapy uses powerful medications to destroy cancerous cells. This treatment is typically provided in cycles; chemo medications are administered for three to four weeks, followed by a rest period to give a patient’s body time to recover before a new cycle begins.

There are several different ways that chemotherapy that can be used to treat penile cancer. Depending on a patient’s specific diagnosis, his medical oncologist might recommend:

• Topical chemotherapy – This approach involves applying chemotherapy medications (in the form of a cream or ointment) directly to the skin. This can be an effective form of treatment for cancers that are limited to the surface of the penis, but is not recommend for lesions that extend further into the organ.

• Systemic chemotherapy – This approach delivers chemotherapy through pills or intravenous injections. While it can treat more extensive cancers than topical chemotherapy can, it also tends to cause more side effects. Supportive care, such as medications to alleviate nausea, is often necessary.

• Combination chemotherapy – This approach combines two or more drugs (such as cisplatin and fluorouracil) and is typically recommended in cases where the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, our patients have access to some of the newest and most innovative penile cancer chemotherapy options, administered by a team of medical oncologists, chemotherapy nurses and other treatment specialists. A complete range of supportive care options, including dietary counseling and medications for skin irritation and nausea, are also available in the same, convenient location.

Referrals are not required to meet with our team specializing in the treatment of genitourinary cancers. To learn more about chemotherapy for penile cancer, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.