Fulminant Fournier gangrene in bladder cancer: case report and review of the literature

M. De Felice, M. Tammaro, M. Caterino, V. Nacca, R. Cangiano

Department of Clinical Oncology, ASL Caserta, P.O. Piedimonte Matese, Caserta, Italy. marco.defelice1993@gmail.com

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• Oncology

BACKGROUND: The introduction of new target therapies and immunotherapy combinations has dramatically improved the prognosis of cancer patients. Surgery and radiotherapy currently represent the cornerstones of loco-regional management, both for palliative and curative purposes. It is no coincidence, therefore, that in recent years the frequency of complications once considered rare has increased.

CASE REPORT: Here we present the case of a patient affected by metastatic bladder cancer whose treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy) favored a rapid and acute onset of Fournier syndrome. The fulminant course prevented the establishment of a potentially effective treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Fournier gangrene is an acute perineal necrosis caused by anaerobic bacteria. Management is complex and requires a quick multidisciplinary approach, even though, among cancer patients, mortality is very high.

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