Squamous cell carcinoma antigen correlates with tumor burden but lacks prognostic potential for occult lymph node metastases in penile cancer

Abstract

Objectives: In penile cancer, radical groin dissection is the reference standard for lymph node staging, but it is associated with high morbidity. Prognostic markers for lymphatic spread would be helpful to select patients for a surveillance program. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen is a well-known marker for various carcinomas. Our aim was to evaluate the value of the SCC antigen in terms of lymph node staging and treatment control.

Methods: From 1994 to 2004, the serum levels of SCC antigen were analyzed in 54 men with penile carcinoma at different disease stages. The SCC antigen values were compared in patients without evidence of tumor, with a primary tumor only, with nodal metastases, and with progressive metastatic disease. In 13 patients, repeated SCC antigen measurements correlated with the treatment effects.

Results: Once lymph node metastases occurred, a trend was found toward increased SCC antigen levels and at the stage of organ metastases, the SCC antigen levels had risen significantly (P <0.01). In cases of repeated measurements, a correlation was found between SCC antigen values and treatment effect. A response to treatment occurred, even if the values were within normal limits.

Conclusions: The SCC antigen levels seemed to correlate with tumor burden in patients with penile carcinoma. However, it is of limited value in the primary prediction of occult lymph node metastases because the SCC antigen levels increased significantly only after massive lymph node involvement or metastatic disease has occurred. However, the SCC antigen could be used as a marker for treatment control in penile carcinoma.