What Researchers Did
Researchers studied the effectiveness and safety of high-dose rate interstitial brachytherapy (HIB) for treating localized penile cancer in 12 patients.
What They Found
After a median follow-up of 27 months, the study found 5-year relapse-free survival at 83%, cause-specific survival at 100%, and overall survival at 78%. While all 12 patients experienced dermatitis, one patient with severe long-term dermatitis was successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with localized penile cancer, high-dose rate interstitial brachytherapy may be an effective treatment option, potentially preserving organ function. This study also highlights that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be a valuable treatment for severe radiation-induced skin complications following brachytherapy for penile cancer.
Canadian Relevance
This study is not Canadian. However, it covers the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a radiation-induced injury, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication.
Study Limitations
This study involved a small number of patients and requires longer follow-up to confirm the preliminary findings.