Rare Genitourinary Malignancies: Current Status and Future Directions of Immunotherapy

Eur Urol Focus. 2020 Jan 15;6(1):14-16. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2019.03.011. Epub 2019 Mar 23.

Abstract

Treatment options for rare genitourinary malignancies, including adrenocortical carcinoma, bladder/upper tract cancers of variant histology, penile squamous cell carcinoma, and chemotherapy-refractory germ cell tumors, are limited, often with a poor response to systemic therapy. Given preclinical data and efficacy across multiple malignancies, immunotherapy has been and continues to be explored in this challenging setting. In this report, we explore the data for immunotherapy in these tumors and highlight ongoing clinical trials. International collaborations and innovative trials will be critical to advancing treatment for these rare tumors. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we explore the data for immunotherapy in rare genitourinary malignancies and highlight ongoing clinical trials. International collaborations and innovative trials will be critical to advancing treatment for these rare tumors.

Keywords: Adrenal cancer; Chemorefractory germ cell tumors; Immunotherapy; Penile carcinoma; Rare genitourinary; Variant histologies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / trends
  • Male
  • Rare Diseases
  • Urogenital Neoplasms / therapy*