This is an extraordinary time in urology. After decades of relative stagnation, patients with urothelial carcinoma are receiving approved immuno-oncologic drugs that significantly extend survival and are safer and more tolerable than chemotherapy. The success of these treatments in metastatic bladder cancer has generated strong interest and promising early results for their use in localized disease.
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The Latest Research on Advanced Bladder Cancer
Curated by clinicians: educational forums with videos, abstracts and conference information
From the Desk of the Editor
Bladder cancer is common and challenging to treat. A thorough assessment of the molecular biology and immunology background has pinpointed potential biomarkers, “drivers” and promising therapeutic targets. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has heralded a new era after approximately two decades of a “stagnant landscape”. As single agents in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma, ICI can induce rapid and durable responses, with a very small proportion of patients achieving long term remission. However, most patients do not achieve response, while a proportion may have immune-related adverse events. Therefore, there is an urgent need for additional therapies that raise the bar, improve quality of life, and prolong the life of our patients.
Petros Grivas, MD, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and the Clinical Director of the Genitourinary Cancers Program at the University of Washington, and an Associate Member of the Clinical Research Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center with expertise in genitourinary cancers such as bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and testis cancer.
Dr. Grivas is dedicated to efficient, personalized and outstanding patient care. He believes in an optimal patient-physician relationship and community outreach. Dr. Petros Grivas was recruited from the Cleveland Clinic where he was leading the bladder/urothelial cancer program and was seeing numerous patients with bladder/urothelial cancer, prostate cancer and testis cancer. Prior to Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Grivas was seeing patients with similar diseases at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He played an important role in clinical trials that led to the FDA approval of new drugs for bladder/urothelial cancer, and he is considered a thought leader and international expert, giving lectures in several countries, educating other oncologists and trainees, leading clinical trials and publishing novel and important research.
Everyday Urology - Oncology Insights
Publications focusing on urologic cancer treatments through original manuscripts
Immuno-Oncology: The Urologist's Role
Immuno-oncology for Bladder Cancer
Initial Considerations
From BCG to interferon gene therapy, physicians have treated bladder cancer with immunotherapy for decades. Treatment particulars generally depend on whether bladder cancer is non-muscle invasive, muscle-invasive, or metastatic. About 75% of patients have non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC),1 which is considered high-risk if it consists of non-invasive papillary carcinoma (TaHG),
From BCG to interferon gene therapy, physicians have treated bladder cancer with immunotherapy for decades. Treatment particulars generally depend on whether bladder cancer is non-muscle invasive, muscle-invasive, or metastatic. About 75% of patients have non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC),1 which is considered high-risk if it consists of non-invasive papillary carcinoma (TaHG),
Library Resources
Evidence based monographs by experts to define and guide clinical practice
Expert Commentary
Evidence based monographs by experts to define and guide clinical practice
Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Results of the POUT Trial - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Upper tract urothelial (UTUC) is an uncommon malignancy. Defining the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on long term outcomes in UTUC patients is a critical clinical question. Recently, Birtle et al. reported
Outcomes of Open Versus Robotic Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Radical cystectomy continues to be the mainstay curative modality for bladder cancer patients. Understanding the long-term clinical outcomes of robotic and open radical cystectomy is critical for decision making.
Cytological Features of Micropapillary and Plasmacytoid Variants of Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The micropapillary and plasmacytoid variants are rare and aggressive urothelial carcinoma (UC) subtypes. The morphological features of these variants in urine cytology are not well described. A recent
A Prognostic Nomogram for Patients with Intravesical Recurrence After Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Defining the prognosis of patients who develop intravesical recurrence (IVR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is critical for the optimal management of these patients.
Intravesical Doxorubicin Following Resection of Primary Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Effective intravesical postoperative chemotherapy can reduce the risk of bladder cancer recurrence. A recent study by Fukuokaya et al. published in Clinical Genitourinary Cancer examined
Does Pre-Treatment Quality of Life Impact the Prognosis of Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma? - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The relationship between the baseline quality of life (QOL) and clinical outcomes for urothelial cancer (UC) patients is not well defined. A recent study published by Suppanuntaroek et al.
Risk Factors of Intravesical Recurrence in Patients with Upper Tract urothelial Carcinoma After Radical Nephroureterectomy - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Intravesical recurrence (IVR) rates remain high in urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UTUC) patients following radical nephroureterectomy
Lynch Syndrome in Japanese Patients with Upper Urinary Tract Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Lynch syndrome (LS), caused by a mutation in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). LS increases the individual’s risk of getting upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).
Intravesical BCG Versus Radical Cystectomy for High-Risk NMIBC with Histologic Variants - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The optimal management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), some histologic variants, including squamous and glandular, is challenging. A recent article published by Suh et al. in Scientific
A Randomized Phase II Trial of Vinflunine and Gemcitabine Versus Carboplatin and Gemcitabine in Cisplatin-Ineligible Patients with Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
A significant number of patients with locally advanced and metastatic urothelial cancer (aUC) are not eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Gender Disparities in Clinical Outcomes after Cystectomy - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Understanding the demographic factors which affect clinical outcomes following radical cystectomy (RC) is critical for improving oncologic outcomes for all patients. A recent study published in European Urology Oncology examined intraoperative
EMT Dysregulation Promotes the Most Aggressive Variant of Sarcomatoid Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Sarcomatoid urothelial bladder cancer (SARC) is an aggressive histological variant of bladder cancer. It is associated with early distant metastasis and poor survival rates. Understanding the molecular characteristics of SARC
The Prognostic Value of the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA) Pathway Proteins in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a high recurrence rate. Understanding the risk factors for recurrence is essential. The Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA)
The Efficacy of a Second BCG Induction Course for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends that non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients with persistent or recurrent Ta or CIS should receive a second induction course of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
BCG Immunotherapy Versus Radical Cystectomy in Intermediate or High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Treatment options available for intermediate or high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer include intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and radical cystectomy.
TERT Promoter Mutations in Primary and Recurrent Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Point mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promotor are reported in invasive and noninvasive, primary and recurrent urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). A deeper understanding of the clinical correlates
Immunohistochemical Markers for Risk Stratification of Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The relationship between the expression of GATA3, cytokeratin (CK) 20, CK 5/6, and p53 and survival in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is not well characterized.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Randomized Clinical Trials Including Bladder Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have incorporated patient-reported outcomes (PRO) to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment modalities. Adhering to systematic and consistent
The Utility of Urine Cytology in Predicting Recurrence following Intravesical Therapy for Non‐Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Urine cytology plays an essential role in detecting patients who are at high risk for disease recurrence following non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treatment. A recent study Gupta
Testing A Novel Molecular Urine Assay in Patients with Equivocal Urine Cytology - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Urine cytology plays a critical role as a noninvasive tool in bladder cancer detection and surveillance. However, a substantial fraction of cytology tests is classified as atypical or indeterminate. A need for a minimally-invasive
Randomized Phase 1 Trial of Pembrolizumab with Sequential Versus Concomitant Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Radiotherapy has the potential to sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint blockade. A recent article published by Sundahl et al. in European Urology assessed
A Phase I Study of Enfortumab Vedotin in Japanese Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Enfortumab Vedotin (EV) is a novel antibody-drug conjugate targeting Nectin-4, which is overexpressed in urothelial cancer. A recent study published by Takahashi et al. in Investigational New Drugs
Monthly Maintenance Intravesical Combination Gemcitabine/Docetaxel for Non Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin shortage is a critical access issue for patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Defining the efficacy of alternative intravesical treatments is an active area of investigation.
Bladder Cancer Outcomes in Women Vary over Time - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Understanding differences in bladder cancer outcomes between men and women can help physicians tailor optimal treatment and follow-up strategies. A recent paper published by Richters et al. in Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations studied
Late Recurrences of Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Patients with muscle-invasive and high-risk non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of bladder who undergo radical cystectomy (RC) and lymphadenectomy are closely monitored for recurrence. The risk of disease recurrence is highest during the first
FOXA1 and Oncogenic HRAS are Required for Maintenance of Urothelial Hyperplasia - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The oncogene addiction model occurs when cancer cells become dependent on one mutated oncogene or pathway for the maintenance of a malignant phenotype. Withdrawal of the oncogenic signal
Gemcitabine-Eribulin in Cisplatin-Ineligible Patients with Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The optimal treatment for cisplatin-ineligible patients with metastatic urothelial cancer is unknown.
Does Pathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Predict Survival in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients? - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Patients who achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have a better prognosis compared to patients with pathologic residual disease (pRD).
Carcinoma In Situ of the Bladder with Plasmacytoid Features - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a distinct pathological entity. The significance of histological variants associated with CIS is not well-understood. A recent paper published by Sangoi et al. in The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
The Efficacy of Immunotherapy and Carboplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Cisplatin-Ineligible Metastatic Urothelial Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The optimal treatment for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) patients who are unfit to receive the standard cisplatin-based chemotherapy is uncertain.
APOBEC Mutagenesis is Associated with FGFR3 S249C Mutations in Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
FGFR3 mutations are common in urothelial carcinoma. The APOBEC mutational process is the dominant mutational mechanism in bladder cancer.
Recurrence Risk Prediction Nomogram for Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC) represent the majority of new bladder cancer diagnoses. A high recurrence rate characterizes the natural history of the disease. Understanding the risk factors for recurrence
Early Detection of Relapse using Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients with Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma – Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
The use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as an early detection tool is a promising development. However, the clinical utility of ctDNA in urothelial bladder cancer is not fully understood.
Conditional Reprogramming of Patient-derived Bladder Cancer Cells for Personalized Treatment Strategies – Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
There is a broad spectrum of bladder cancer responsiveness to treatment in the clinic. The development of practical methods to provide accurate, individualized drug sensitivity information
Urothelial Carcinoma with Uncertain Muscularis Propria Invasion - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Detecting muscle-invasion is a critical step that dictates treatment recommendations. A definitive assessment of muscularis propria (MP) invasion cannot be made in a small number of transurethral resections of bladder tumor
The Impact of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Shortage on Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
A shortage of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Connaught strain occurred between 2013-2016.
Trends of Perioperative Chemotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Perioperative chemotherapy is frequently underutilized. Understanding the trends in the utilization of neoadjuvant or adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing cystectomy is critical.
The Use of High-Resolution Micro-Ultrasound in Diagnosing and Staging Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
High-resolution micro-ultrasound is a promising technology in the staging of prostate cancer but has not been well studied in bladder cancer patients. A recent paper published by Saita et al. European Urology evaluated the
Molecular Alterations in Urothelial Carcinoma Using CLIA-certified Genomic Testing - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Defining the genomic landscapes that characterize the different disease states of urothelial carcinoma is an important area of investigation. A recent study by Nassar et al. recently published in Clinical Cancer
Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Survival in Bladder Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
There is not enough data on the prognostic value of sarcopenia and nutritional indices in bladder cancer patients who receive definitive radiotherapy. A recent paper by Stangl-Kremser et al. in Urologic Oncology studied
The Role of Aurora Kinase A in Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
A recent study published by Guo et al. in BMC Systems Biology investigated the relationship between AURKA expression, clinicopathologic characteristics and overall survival in patients with bladder cancer using sequential gene expression profiling.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Micropapillary Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Micropapillary (MP) is a histological variant of bladder cancer. As with most other histological variants of bladder cancer, the available data is derived from small case series and treatment is based on expert opinion.
Understanding the Field Effects Which Initiate Bladder Carcinogenesis - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Bladder cancer is a ‘field’ disease in which early-events occurring in morphologically-normal urothelium eventually give rise to urothelial carcinoma.
Early Detection of Bladder Urothelial Cell Carcinoma Using Micronuclei, Nucleoplasmic Bridges and Nuclear Buds - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Chromosomal damage, breakage, loss, and rearrangement are early events in cancer initiations.
Validation of a Molecular Urine Test for the Detection of Bladder Cancer Recurrence - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Frequent long-term monitoring is required for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients due to the high rate of recurrence.
Mental Health Problems are Common in Bladder Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Bladder cancer takes an enormous physical, emotional and economic toll on patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab in Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) with lymph node dissection is the standard of care in patients with muscle-invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma (MIBC).
Mutational Analysis Reveals the Relationship Between Upper Tract and Lower Tract Urothelial Carcinomas - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Although urothelial carcinomas of the bladder and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) can have similar histology, they significantly differ in prevalence and risk factors.
Survival Benefit of Chemotherapy in Metastatic Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a distinct clinical entity with poor clinical outcomes.
Response to Platinum Reintroduction After Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) are approved as a second line of treatment for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) patients with progression on cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Factors Associated with Recurrence in Primary Carcinoma in situ of the Bladder Treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Primary carcinoma in situ (P-CIS) of the bladder is rare. Adjuvant intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy has been reported to be effective in reducing recurrence rates in CIS and P-CIS patients
Comparing the Outcomes of ddMVAC vs. GC before Cystectomy in Patients with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) before cystectomy have a survival advantage.
Diagnosing Bladder Cancer using Urinary Cell-Free microRNA - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Although hematuria is the most common symptoms of bladder cancer (BC), it can be caused by many non-malignant conditions.
Outcomes of Partial Cystectomy for Selected Bladder Cancer Patients - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Radical cystectomy (RC) is currently the gold standard operative treatment for localized (T2-T4a) muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) or recurrent high-risk non-MIBC.
The Significance of Persistent Muscle Invasive After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Downstaging of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) before radical cystectomy (RC) has been correlated with higher survival rates.
Racial Differences in Urinary Bladder Cancer in the United States - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
To achieve progress against Urinary bladder cancer (UBC), studies are needed to understand to understand the racial differences in the incidence, presentation, outcomes, and biology of UBC.
Mismatch Repair Gene Alterations and Microsatellite Instability in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Lynch Syndrome (LS) is a common hereditary cancer syndrome that is characterized by mutations in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes.
Microfluidic Analysis of Captured Urinary Exfoliated Tumor Cells - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Due to the very high risk of recurrence, bladder cancer patients require periodic screening and monitoring.
Immune Phenotype of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with High-risk Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a high recurrence rate. Although the BCG therapy is recommended as an immune targeting treatment in high-risk NMIBC tumors,
Gene Methylation and Urine Cytology to Monitor Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Currently, intermediate or high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients (NMIBC) require intensive follow-up.
Outcomes of Patients with Renal Carcinoma and Sarcomatoid Dedifferentiation Treated with Nephrectomy and Systemic Therapies: Comparison between the Cytokine and Targeted Therapy Eras: Expert Commentary
Written by Zhamshid Okhunov, MD
Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Urology
Though nephrectomy is the gold standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma, 20%-40% of patients have a recurrence and 20-30% of patients present with metastatic disease1.
Association of Testosterone Replacement With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Men With Androgen Deficiency: Expert Commentary
Written by Zhamshid Okhunov, MD
Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Urology
As men get older, starting at the age of 30 years, their testosterone levels decrease by an average of 3.1 to 3.5ng/dL per year.
When Partial Nephrectomy Is Unsuccessful: Understanding the Reasons for Conversion From Robotic Partial to Radical Nephrectomy at a Tertiary Referral Center - Expert Commentary
Written by Zhamshid Okhunov, MD
Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Urology
Partial nephrectomies are the standard of care with treatment of T1a or T1b tumors due to their better functional outcomes and decrease cardiovascular morbidity.
A Multicentered, Propensity Matched Analysis Comparing Laparoscopic and Open Surgery for pT3a Renal Cell Carcinoma: Expert Commentary
Written by Zhamshid Okhunov, MD
Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Urology
Laparoscopic renal surgery (LRS) has long been recognized for its improvements over open renal surgery for patient quality of life.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma and Adverse Pathologic Features Receiving Prior Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radical Cystectomy - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard of care for patients with cisplatin-eligible muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma.
Avelumab, an Anti–Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Antibody, In Patients With Refractory Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: Results From a Multicenter, Phase Ib Study - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Platinum-resistant urothelial carcinoma is a lethal disease. After a long period of therapeutic stagnation, the last two years have witnessed an explosion in the development of new second-line therapies.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Prior to Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer with Variant Histology - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard of care for patients with urothelial muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Contemporary Use Trends and Survival Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy or Bladder-Preservation Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Bladder preservation therapy is a definitive treatment option for clinically localized bladder cancer.
Circulating Tumor Cells in Bladder and Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells shed from the tumor that enter the circulation.
Photoimmunotherapy: A New Method for Targeting EGFR in Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Clinically-localized bladder cancer is amenable to local treatments because of its accessibility.
The Molecular Characteristics of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is less common than bladder urothelial carcinoma. The biological characteristics of this form of the disease is not completely understood.
Multi-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Pazopanib versus Weekly Paclitaxel in Relapsed or Progressive Urothelial Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Patients with advanced platinum-resistant urothelial carcinoma have limited therapeutic options.
Gemcitabine and Cisplatin as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Bladder Cancer - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Methotrexate-vinblastine-doxorubicin-cisplatin (MVAC) neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard of care for muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer.
Do Molecular Subtypes of Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Predict Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy? - Expert Commentary
Written by Bishoy M. Faltas, MD
Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).
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