HDR-plesiotherapy for the treatment of anogenital extramammary Paget's disease

Abstract Background Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare condition that most commonly affects the anogenital region in the elderly. It may be associated with an underlying invasive carcinoma. Surgical excision is nowadays considered a standard treatment for extramammary Paget's disease, although this approach might not be suitable for all patients. Good rates of local control and cosmetic outcome have been achieved by using high-dose-rate (HDR) plesiotherapy in the treatment of skin tumors arising in different locations. Material and methods We present the results observed in a patient with EMPD treated by HDR plesiotherapy with a custom-made mold up to a final dose of 54 Gy in 12 fractions of 450 cGy over 4 weeks. Results After a follow-up of 18 months, the patient is alive and without evidence of local or distant relapse. Acute toxicity was acceptable and cosmetic result was considered as excellent. Conclusion This technique represents an attractive alternative for those patients who are not candidates for surgical procedures because of unacceptable risk of disfigurements or functional impairment, medical contraindications or patient preference.