“These shortages and declines in supply have forced practitioners to readjust their diagnostic algorithms or at least question the usual practices,” says Jacob Taylor, MD, MPH.
In this video, Jacob Taylor, MD, MPH, describes the background behind the study, “Diagnostic Imaging in the Evaluation of Asymptomatic Microhematuria: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Taylor is a fellow in urologic oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
The impetus for this study was twofold. First, over the past year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many practitioners and providers across the country have seen limitations in the availability of iodinated contrast media, the main material in CT urography, which historically has been the gold standard for the work-up of urologic malignancy. These shortages and declines in supply have forced practitioners to readjust their diagnostic algorithms or at least question the usual practices. There are other good reasons to be good stewards of imaging including reducing radiation exposure, cost, and concern over potential renal toxicities. In 2020, the [American Urological Association] guidelines were updated, which encouraged the de-intensification of imaging for patients with microhematuria, particularly for low and intermediate risk. So it was really in this context that we wanted to evaluate the evidence behind these recommendation changes and what the diagnostic test accuracy was for not only CT urogram, but ultrasound and MRU as well in detecting upper tract urothelial carcinoma in patients specifically with microhematuria.
This transcription was edited for clarity.
FDA approves nivolumab plus cisplatin/gemcitabine in urothelial carcinoma
March 7th 2024The approval is based on data from the phase 3 CheckMate-901 trial, which demonstrated improved overall survival and progression-free survival with the nivolumab-combination therapy vs cisplatin/gemcitabine alone.
Speaking of Urology Podcast: Dr. Ritch and Dr. Katz discuss new bladder cancer management app
December 7th 2021“It's not a replacement for clinical judgment, obviously. But at the end of the day, the idea is that it shows you what your next steps are based on what the American Urological Association and [Society of Urologic Oncology] guidelines are for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer,” Chad R. Ritch, MD, MBA, FACS.