Low dose combined chemotherapy/radiotherapy in the management of locally advanced urethral squamous cell carcinoma

The successful treatment of a patient with bulky squamous cell carcinoma of the urethra using low dose preoperative radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy is described. Dramatic rapid tumor response facilitated surgical resection of the remaining microscopic disease. This clinical behavior is remarkably similar to that seen with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal and esophagus when a similar regimen is used. At the latter tumor sites the successful use of combination radiotherapy and chemotherapy has reduced the morbidity of subsequent surgery, and in selected cases has obviated the need for a radical operation. Further investigation of such combination treatment is warranted for urethral carcinoma.