A Review of Solasodine Rhamnosides Therapy for In-Situ Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Penis

Abstract

The majority of penile cancers develop from squamous cells within the skin resulting in a non-melanoma form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas can develop anywhere on the penis, most appear on the foreskin in men who have not been circumcised or on the glans. Various types of squamous cell carcinomas ranging from Bowen’s disease, erythroplasia of Queyrat and Buschke-Lowenstein tumour have been identified on the penis. When detected early, these types of cancer can be successfully treated. However, the current treatment procedures have the potential for disfigurement and dysfunction of male genitalia, with associated psychological distress. A relatively new class of antineoplastic agents, consisting of the solasodine rhamnosides, solamargine and solasonine, are very effective and safe for the treatment of a variety of skin cancers and show promise for the treatment of internal cancers. Here, three cases of distinct squamous cell carcinomas on the penis, Bowen’s disease, erythroplasia of Queyrat and Buschke-Lowenstein tumour are reviewed which were successfully treated with a standard mixture of solasodine rhamnosides.