Molecular Characterization of Penile Cancers in Developing Countries

This study focuses on penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC), a rare cancer that is more prevalent in underdeveloped regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America, with Brazil having one of the highest incidence rates due to socioeconomic factors. PSCC is primarily associated with risk factors like poor local hygiene, smoking history, phimosis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The research aims to understand the genomic profiles of PSCC and their correlation with clinical characteristics, particularly in circumcised vs. non-circumcised populations in Brazil. The study will employ next-generation sequencing (NGS) on tumor specimens from 23 deceased patients with advanced PSCC who received treatment in Brazilian cancer sites.