Staging based on the tumor (T), node (N), and metastasis (M) schema of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) is usually the most important prognostic factor for any tumor type. Although a rare tumor, in penile cancers, this staging has evolved rapidly in the last two editions of the AJCC Cancer Staging manuals. These changes and updates are largely based on the advancement in our knowledge of the complex anatomy of the penis, the role of histopathological variables in disease biology, and the results of multicentric studies comprising large datasets. In this review, we present the evolution of the AJCC staging model from its inception to the present day. The evidence and data that entailed these changes are also discussed. We highlight a few issues with the current staging model and also briefly discuss the future perspectives and the road map which, with the help of global efforts can further refine the staging models.
Human pathology. 2022 Jun 14 [Epub ahead of print]
Akash P Sali, Gagan Prakash, Vedang Murthy, Amit Joshi, Ashish Shah, Sangeeta B Desai, Santosh Menon
Department of Pathology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (A unit of Tata Memorial Centre), Punjab, India, 148001., Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India, 400012., Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India, 400012., Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India, 400012., Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India, 400012., Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India, 400012. Electronic address: .