Long-term disease-free survival following surgical intervention in a case of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra

Background

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra (CCAU) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with reported 5-year survival rates below 50%. The optimal treatment strategies for CCAU are not well defined.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The patient was diagnosed with CCAU at clinical stage T3N2M0.
• Histopathological examination confirmed clear cell adenocarcinoma with CK7+/PAX8+ immunoprofile.
• The final pathological stage post-surgery was T3N0M0.
• She achieved 8 years of disease-free survival without adjuvant therapy.
• Follow-up CT scans showed a gradual reduction in lymph node size over time.

Clinical Implications

This case highlights the potential for long-term survival in patients with CCAU following surgical intervention, even in advanced stages. It underscores the importance of careful follow-up and monitoring for recurrence in this rare malignancy.

Conclusion

The case of this patient illustrates the possibility of extended disease-free survival after surgical treatment for clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra, contributing valuable data to the limited existing literature.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Urology, 2026 -- Durable disease control after multimodal therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy rechallenge in advanced clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra with lymph node metastases: a case report
2. Springer, 2022 -- Prophylactic Urethrectomy During Radical Cystectomy for Non-Metastatic Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma: Findings from a Multicenter Collaborative Study
3. Springer, 2016 -- Exploring Urothelial Carcinomas of the Upper Urinary Tract: A Decade of Experience from a Single Institution
4. Springer, 2024 -- Assessment of Histological Subtypes of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma as Predictors of Outcomes Following Radical Nephroureterectomy
5. EAU Guidelines on Primary Urethral Carcinoma, 2025
6. https://d56bochluxqnz.cloudfront.net/documents/full-guideline/EAU-Guidelines-on-Primary-Urethral-Carcinoma-2025.pdf