Although the treatment of choice for GCBL is surgical excision, various chemotherapeutic modalities have been used with mixed success as adjuvants to surgery or as treatment for recurrences. The postulated viral origin of these tumors led to the use of interferon with moderate success. One case of vaginal GCBL responded to 6 months of Interferon-2 alpha with apparent complete resolution. Traditional systemic anti-tumor agents have been used as well. Autopsy 1 year later showed no evidence of active disease.
Radiation therapy remains a controversial subject.
While some studies show evidence of new aggressive behavior after radiation, there are more than a few case reports documenting resolution of small tumors after radiation. One review recommended that radiation be avoided if possible, but if necessary, in a poor surgical candidate, to use a large dose to minimize chances of further mutation. As mentioned above, surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Its main advantage is the ability to histologically examine the entire specimen to assure clear margins and to evaluate for foci of squamous cell carcinoma. As a drawback, however, it will typically require at least a partial penectomy.