Introduction: Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC), a rare genitourinary cancer, is associated with poor outcomes due to limited treatment effectiveness, especially in advanced stages.
Areas covered: While chemotherapy and/or surgery remain the standard of care, emerging therapies like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and human papillomavirus (HPV) directed therapies show promise. Key to advancing treatment is understanding the immune microenvironment to gain insights into tumor resistance mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The scarcity of data on PSCC is a major obstacle in advancing research for this rare cancer.
Expert opinion: Future research should prioritize collaborative efforts across various research centers and countries. Enhancing data sharing and pooling resources can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of PSCC, ultimately supporting the development of precision medicine strategies tailored to this specific cancer type. This collaborative approach is essential for making significant strides in PSCC treatment and care.
Keywords: Penile squamous cell carcinoma; human papillomavirus; novel therapies; pharmacotherapy; tumor microenvironment.