From the Guidelines
There is no established link between tadalafil and penile cancer, and men taking tadalafil should continue routine cancer screenings as recommended by their healthcare providers. Tadalafil (commonly sold as Cialis) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis by relaxing smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls. Current medical evidence, including a recent update from the European Association of Urology-American Society of Clinical Oncology collaborative guideline on penile cancer 1, does not indicate that tadalafil causes, increases the risk of, or worsens penile cancer. In fact, some preliminary research suggests that PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil might potentially have anti-cancer properties in certain contexts, though this is not conclusive.
Key Points to Consider
- Men taking tadalafil should follow standard dosing guidelines (typically 5-20mg as needed for erectile dysfunction or 2.5-5mg daily for continuous therapy)
- Any unusual penile lesions, growths, or changes should be evaluated promptly, regardless of tadalafil use
- If you have specific concerns about medication interactions with existing penile cancer, consult with both your urologist and oncologist for personalized guidance
- The incidence of penile cancer varies according to geographical location, race, and ethnicity, with a peak in the sixth decade, but it does occur in younger patients 1.
- Risk factors for penile cancer include phimosis, balanitis, chronic inflammation, penile trauma, tobacco use, lichen sclerosus, poor hygiene, and a history of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) 2.
Recommendations for Patients
- Continue routine cancer screenings as recommended by healthcare providers
- Follow standard dosing guidelines for tadalafil
- Evaluate any unusual penile lesions, growths, or changes promptly
- Consult with urologist and oncologist for personalized guidance on medication interactions with existing penile cancer.
From the Research
Tadalafil and Penile Cancer
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links tadalafil to penile cancer.
- The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of tadalafil in treating erectile dysfunction, with no mention of penile cancer as a potential risk or association 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- One study discusses the safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, including tadalafil, and mentions that there is an association between PDE5I use and melanoma, but notes that the absence of a mechanism of causation raises doubt that the association is cause and effect 6.
- The same study also mentions that PDE5Is do not increase the risk of biochemical recurrence after prostate cancer management, but does not address penile cancer specifically 6.
- Overall, there is no evidence in the provided studies to suggest a link between tadalafil and penile cancer.