[Endocurietherapy for carcinoma of the penis (author's transl)].

46 cases of epithelioma of the penis treated by endocurietherapy (Iridium 192) are analysed, with a minimum follow up to of 5 years. The local results appear to be excellent for small lesions, of the order of 20 mm, with only 2 recurrences out of 14 cases. With a slight potential of lymphatic spread, 12 of the patients are apparently cured. The organ has been preserved in perfect functional state. More extensive lesions, but less than 40 mm in size, have a less satisfactory prognosis by virtue of more frequent lymph node spread, difficult to control, and their general course. However local results remain quite respectable, despite 5 recurrences out of 25 cases, 3 of which were easily "salvaged" by surgery. 12 of these patients are apparently cured and in 9 the organ has been preserved in satisfactory functional condition. By contrast, massive forms, larger than 40 mm, recur or necrose and thus represent a poor indication for curietherapy. In conclusion it may be said that endocurietherapy for carcinoma of the penis, by virtue of a technique rendered opitmal by accurate prior dosimetry, is certainly an excellent therapeutic option for all small or moderately extensive lesions, avoiding mutilation. The presence of lymph node involvement has an unfavourable influence on prognosis.