Centralization and Equitable Care in Rare Urogenital Malignancies: The Case for Penile Cancer

Centralization of specialized care for rare cancers can improve patient outcomes. Inguinal lymph node evaluation is the most important clinical aspect of penile cancer care and is often neglected in a decentralized setting. Centralization of care may reduce system delays, improve guideline adherence, provide access to a wider team of specialists, and improve prognosis, albeit with some inconveniences for patients. Patient summary: We reviewed evidence for the centralization of care for penile cancer. Patients may have to travel greater distances to receive specialized care in expert centers. However, centralization means that rare cancers can be treated by more experienced surgeons, which can yield better outcomes in terms of survival and penis-preserving or reconstruction surgery. (c) 2021 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Centralization of specialized care for rare cancers, such as penile cancer, can lead to improved patient outcomes by providing access to a wider team of specialists and reducing system delays. However, patients may need to travel greater distances to receive care at expert centers, where treatment by experienced surgeons can result in better outcomes.