An 83-year-old man has credited a groundbreaking medical trial for extending his life by two years, becoming the first participant in a study testing new treatments for penile cancer.
Eddie Baker, from Yate, South Gloucestershire, joined the EPIC trial—led by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust—which combined immunotherapy with standard chemotherapy, a novel approach that benefited over half of its participants.
Baker, whose cancer was diagnosed late after he delayed seeking help for over a year, described the trial as “the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.” “I know if I hadn’t had that, I would not be on this planet today,” he told the BBC. His symptoms, which included swelling that worsened over time, eventually required amputation, leaving him with incurable disease.
The NHS notes penile cancer symptoms can include bleeding, rashes, lumps, growths, or skin color changes. However, consultant oncologist and EPIC chief investigator Professor Amit Bahl highlighted a critical barrier: stigma. “There’s no support system for these cancers—patients can’t talk about it because most people don’t even know penile cancer exists,” he explained. Unlike better-known gynecological cancers, penile cancer remains rarely discussed, leading to delayed diagnoses.
The trial’s results were promising: over 60% of participants with advanced disease saw clinical benefits, with average predicted lifespans increasing to 15 months.
Immunotherapy, though still a relatively new cancer treatment, showed significant potential here. Currently, the therapy is not available through the NHS, but Professor Bahl is seeking funding via the Cancer Drugs Fund to make it accessible to eligible patients.
“Our goal is to improve outcomes for this rare, aggressive cancer with limited treatments,” Professor Bahl said. “Penile cancer often starts externally, so early diagnosis could mean curable treatment. This trial shows we can buy patients more time—and we’re now planning a new trial to test immunotherapy earlier, hoping to boost cure rates.”
READ MORE
7 Common Types Of Infection On Pennis Skin
Why Men Should Also Get the HPV Vaccine?
Best 5 Treatments for Male Impotence
