Bladder Cancer

The purpose of this article is to discuss important principles of radical cystectomy, whether performed using the open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach.

An investigatory bladder cancer agent was associated with a 12-month high-grade recurrence-free survival of 35% for patients with Ta/T1 disease, researchers reported.

Cancer patients taking certain immunotherapy drugs may be more susceptible to developing autoimmune joint and tissue diseases, including inflammatory arthritis, according to a recent study.

Nivolumab (Opdivo) is the second in class of immune checkpoint inhibitors approved for advanced bladder cancer-treatments that are having “tremendous responses across a spectrum of cancers,” says Leonard G. Gomella, MD.

Urology-related FDA approvals from 2016 encompassed drugs and devices for prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, stone disease, and more.

Other pipeline developments discussed include an implantable device for OAB treatment, a subcutaneous hypogonadism treatment, efficacy results for an HPV drug, and the status of a device-based BPH treatment.

Sanofi Pasteur recently announced that it is discontinuing its BCG products TheraCys and ImmuCyst, prompting fears of a shortage of BCG for bladder cancer patients. In this interview, Dr. Benjamin J. Davies, associate professor of urology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, discusses the implications of the announcement and what’s next for patients and clinicians.

Other pipeline developments discussed include a bladder cancer test, a male infertility assay, and the first oral dosage treatment for hypogonadism.

A team from Roswell Park Cancer Institute has developed and validated a quality assessment tool based on prospectively collected data on robot-assisted cystectomy.

Other pipeline developments discussed in this article include the initiation of an intravesical bladder cancer study, a gel treatment for ED that has met its primary endpoint, a patent awarded for the first rechargeable implantable SNM along with some other advancements.

A recently approved treatment for urothelial carcinoma provides durable responses when used as first-line treatment in patients who are ineligible for cisplatin-based therapy, according to a recent study.

A bladder cancer drug-device combination, a localized prostate cancer agent, and a new surgical robot are among other treatments in the pipeline discussed in this round-up.

A recent study of patients with a new diagnosis of microhematuria finds that rates of bladder and kidney cancer as well as urolithiasis depend on how thoroughly the patients are evaluated.

In her latest blog post, Adele M. Caruso, MSN, CRNP, discusses challenges related to bladder cancer surveillance and how they can be overcome.

Among survivors of the most common types of cancer, bladder cancer survivors have the highest risk for developing a second primary cancer, according to a recent study.

Other products discussed in this roundup include a smart-mobile connected ultrasound device, treatments for RCC, and more.

The emergence of robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (RLDN) and new findings regarding renal transplant patients' cancer risk highlight the discussions of transplantation/vascular surgery discussions at this year's AUA meeting.

Multiple studies on exosomes, data from the IMvigor 210 trial of atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ), and research on prehabilitation for cystectomy were among the highlights in bladder cancer from the 2016 AUA annual meeting.

Other products discussed in this roundup include a plasma vaporization device, a laser fiber safety device, and more.

A recently released guideline on diagnosis and treatment of nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer from the AUA and the Society of Urologic Oncology provides practitioners with a risk-stratified clinical framework to aid treatment decisions and surveillance strategies, said Sam S. Chang, MD, MBA.

Other basic science research pearls include preliminary evidence from a porcine model suggesting botulinum toxin type A facilitates ureteral stone passage and the identification of two different microdeletions in the NELL1 gene on chromosome 11 in men with Peyronie's disease.

Urologist Peter Black, MD, discusses the recent FDA approval of atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ) for the most common form of bladder cancer as well as a complementary diagnostic test.

A recent human study sought to replicate previous success seen in animal models of reperfusion injury, reports Urology Times SUO internship program member Katie Murray, DO.

Urology Times SUO internship program member Ryan Hutchinson, MD, reports on a presentation on plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

A novel oral TRT agent, bladder control system, and localized prostate cancer agent are among other treatments in the pipeline discussed in this round-up.