Which flexible ureteroscope is the best for upper tract urothelial carcinoma treatment?

Being all-seeing gymnast within kidney cavity: analysis of the optical and flexibility characteristics trends of 61 flexible ureteroscopes over four decades

The purpose of this review is to analyze the trend in optical features and flexibility changes of flexible ureteroscopes over the past decades, and determine the correlation of individual parameters with release period as well as with dimensional parameters. Flexible ureteroscopes mentioned in the literature or those commercially available were searched. To minimize the search bias, the instruments were grouped by release date time-periods of < 2000 year, 2000-2009, 2010-2019, and 2020 onwards. The final review included only those instrument models for which data on minimum and maximum depth of field, field of view, direction of view, and deflection degree had been determined. The correlation among features investigated as well as with release period was also determined. 61 models of flexible ureteroscopes (27 fibreoptic and 34 digital scopes) were included. Among the different features investigated among fiberoptic endoscopes, minimum depth of field positively and negatively correlated with channel size and field of view, respectively, whereas maximum depth of view and field of view positively correlated with overall shaft and deflection degree, respectively. Up and down deflection strongly correlated with each other and both were negatively proportional to the distal tip size. For the digital endoscopes, minimum depth of field negatively and positively correlated with distal tip size and working length, respectively. Maximum depth of field positively correlated with field of view, whereas the latter was negatively proportional to the overall shaft. As for the fiberoptic counterparts, up and down deflection strongly correlated with each other. Field of view, up and down deflection of fiberoptic flexible ureteroscopes, were significantly increased among fiberoptic and digital endoscopes over decades. As flexible ureteroscopy technology has evolved, there has been a trend towards increasing field of view with up and down deflection. Given the importance of scope ergonomics, one aspect of this popularity is the improvement of optical characteristics and deflection degree, which significantly correlates with the release period.

What is the definition of stone dust and how does it compare with clinically insignificant residual fragments? A comprehensive review

PURPOSE

During endoscopic stone surgery, Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) and Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) technologies allow to pulverize urinary stones into fine particles, ie DUST. Yet, currently there is no consensus on the exact definition of DUST. This review aimed to define stone DUST and Clinically Insignificant Residual Fragments (CIRF).

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane databases were searched for both in vitro and in vivo articles relating to DUST and CIRF definitions, in November 2023, using keyword combinations: "dust", "stones", "urinary calculi", "urolithiasis", "residual fragments", "dusting", "fragments", "lasers" and "clinical insignificant residual fragments".

RESULTS

DUST relates to the fine pulverization of urinary stones, defined in vitro as particles spontaneously floating with a sedimentation duration ≥ 2 sec and suited for aspiration through a 3.6Fr-working channel (WC) of a flexible ureteroscope (FURS). Generally, an upper size limit of 250 µm seems to agree with the definition of DUST. Ho:YAG with and without "Moses Technology", TFL and the recent pulsed-Thulium:YAG (pTm:YAG) can produce DUST, but no perioperative technology can currently measure DUST size. The TFL and pTm:YAG achieve better dusting compared to Ho:YAG. CIRF relates to residual fragments (RF) that are not associated with imminent stone-related events: loin pain, acute renal colic, medical or interventional retreatment. CIRF size definition has decreased from older studies based on Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) (≤ 4 mm) to more recent studies based on FURS (≤ 2 mm) and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy(PCNL) (≤ 4 mm). RF ≤ 2 mm are associated with lower stone recurrence, regrowth and clinical events rates. While CIRF should be evaluated postoperatively using Non-Contrast Computed Tomography(NCCT), there is no consensus on the best diagnostic modality to assess the presence and quantity of DUST.

CONCLUSION

DUST and CIRF refer to independent entities. DUST is defined in vitro by a stone particle size criteria of 250 µm, translating clinically as particles able to be fully aspirated through a 3.6Fr-WC without blockage. CIRF relates to ≤ 2 RF on postoperative NCCT.

Miniaturization of flexible ureteroscopes: a comparative trend analysis of 59 flexible ureteroscopes

The purpose of this review is to analyze the trend in miniaturization of flexible ureteroscopes over the past decades, identify the advantages and disadvantages, and determine the correlation of individual parameters with release period. Flexible ureteroscopes mentioned in the literature or those commercially available were searched. To minimize the search bias, the instruments were grouped by release date time periods of < 2000 year, 2000-2009, 2010-2019, and 2020 onwards. The final review included only those instrument models for which data on tip size, overall shaft, working length and channel size had been determined. The correlation among features investigated as well as with release period was also determined. 59 models of flexible ureteroscopes (26 fiber optic and 33 digital scopes) were included. Among the different features investigated among fiber optic endoscopes, only the sizes of the distal tip and overall shaft positively correlated with each other. In contrast to their fiber optic counterparts, a strong positive correlation was observed between tip and channel sizes, whereas negative correlation was found between channel size and overall shaft size and working length of digital scopes. Only distal tip of fiber optic flexible ureteroscopes and overall shaft of digital endoscopes were significantly reduced over their evolution. With the development of technology, there has been an improvement of flexible ureteroscopes and one of the indicators of this trend is a decrease in their size. With a definite trend towards miniaturization over the past decades, a significant correlation was observed in tip size and overall shaft for fiber optic and digital endoscopes, respectively.

Consultation on UTUC II Stockholm 2022: diagnostics, prognostication, and follow-up-where are we today?

PURPOSE

To summarise the current knowledge regarding diagnostics, prognostication and follow-up in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

A scoping review combined with expert opinion was applied to provide an overview of the current research field. Based on the published literature and the experts' own experience and opinions, consensus was reached through presentations and discussions at the meeting Consultation on UTUC II in Stockholm 2022.

RESULTS

The strongest prognostic factors in UTUC are tumour grade and stage. They are correlated, and grade is used for indirect staging. The diagnostic examinations should include multiphase computed tomography urography (CTU) with corticomedullary phase, and urethrocystoscopy with cytology. If there is no clear diagnosis for clinical decision-making, ureterorenoscopy (URS) with focal cytology and biopsies should be performed. Both WHO classification systems (1973/1999 and 2004/2016) should be used. Novel biomarker tests are not yet widespread nor recommended for the detection of UTUC. Long-term, regular follow-up, including URS in patients who have had organ-sparing treatment, is important to check for tumour recurrences, intravesical recurrences, metastases and progression of the tumour.

CONCLUSION

Proper diagnostics with correct grading of UTUC are necessary for appropriate treatment decisions. The diagnostics should include CTU with corticomedullary phase, urine or bladder cytology, URS with focal barbotage cytology, and biopsies when needed for proper diagnosis and risk stratification. Regular, long-term follow-ups are fundamental, due to the high rate of recurrence and risk of progression.

2022 Recommendations of the AFU Lithiasis Committee: Endoscopic description of renal papillae and stones

Endoscopic observation is performed during treatments by flexible ureteroscopy to differentiate in situ between renal papillary abnormalities and stones based on their concordance with Daudon's morphological/composition descriptions adapted to endoscopy. These intraoperative visual analyses are now an integral part of the urinary stone disease diagnostic approach in addition to the morphological/structural and spectrophotometric analysis that remains the reference exam, but that loses information on the stone component representativeness due to the development of in situ laser lithotripsy. These are the first practical recommendations on the endoscopic description of renal papillae and stones. METHODOLOGY: These recommendations were developed using two methods: the Clinical Practice Recommendations (CPR) and the ADAPTE method, depending on whether the question was considered in the European Association of Urology (EAU) recommendations (https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urolithiasis [EAU Guidelines on urolithiasis. 2022]) and their adaptability to the French context.

Modern Kidney-Sparing Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To review the latest evidence on the modern techniques and outcomes of kidney-sparing surgeries (KSS) in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search on the study topic was conducted before 30 April 2023 using electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. A narrative overview of the literature was then provided based on the extracted data and a qualitative synthesis of the findings.

RESULTS

KSS is recommended for low- as well as select high-risk UTUCs who are not eligible for radical treatments. Endoscopic ablation is a KSS option that is associated with similar oncological outcomes compared with radical treatments while preserving renal function in well-selected patients. The other option in this setting is distal ureterectomy, which has the advantage of providing a definitive pathological stage and grade. Data from retrospective studies support the superiority of this approach over radical treatment with similar oncological outcomes, albeit in select cases. Novel chemoablation agents have also been studied in the past few years, of which mitomycin gel has received FDA approval for use in low-risk UTUCs.

CONCLUSION

KSSs are acceptable approaches for patients with low- and select high-risk UTUCs, which preserve renal function without compromising the oncological outcomes.

Learning from the past and present to change the future: Endoscopic management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Current guidelines recommend endoscopic management (EM) for patients with low-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, as well as those with an imperative indication. However, regardless of the tumor risk, radical nephroureterectomy is still mainly performed worldwide despite the benefits of EM, such as renal function maintenance, no hemodialysis requirement, and treatment cost reduction. This might be explained by the association of EM with a high risk of local recurrence and progression. Furthermore, the need for rigorous patient selection and close surveillance following EM may be relevant. Nevertheless, recent developments in diagnostic modalities, pathological evaluation, surgical devices and techniques, and intracavitary regimens have been reported, which may contribute to improved risk stratification and treatments with superior oncological outcomes. In this review, considering recent advances in endourology and oncology, we propose novel treatment strategies for optimal EM.

Feasibility of multi-section continuum robotic ureteroscope in the kidney

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a multi-section continuum robotic ureteroscope to address the difficulties with access into certain renal calyces during flexible ureteroscopy. First, the robotic ureteroscope developed in previous research, which utilizes three actuated bendable sections controlled by wires, was modified for use in this project. Second, using phantom models created from five randomly selected computer tomography urograms, the flexible ureteroscope and robotic ureteroscope were evaluated, focusing on several factors: time taken to access each renal calyx, time taken to aim at three targets on each renal calyx, the force generated in the renal pelvic wall associated with ureteroscope manipulation, and the distance and standard deviation between the ureteroscope and the target. As a result, the robotic ureteroscope utilized significantly less force during lower pole calyx access (flexible ureteroscope vs. robotic ureteroscope; 2.0 vs. 0.98 N, p = 0.03). When aiming at targets, the standard deviation of proper target access was smaller for each renal calyx (upper pole: 0.49 vs. 0.11 mm, middle: 0.84 vs. 0.12 mm, lower pole: 3.4 vs. 0.19 mm) in the robotic ureteroscope group, and the distance between the center point of the ureteroscope image and the target was significantly smaller in the robotic ureteroscope group (upper: 0.49 vs. 0.19 mm, p < 0.001, middle: 0.77 vs. 0.17 mm, p < 0.001, lower: 0.77 vs. 0.22 mm, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our robotic ureteroscope demonstrated improved maneuverability and facilitated accuracy and precision while reducing the force on the renal pelvic wall during access into each renal calyx.

French AFU Cancer Committee Guidelines - Update 2022-2024: Upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC)

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to propose an update of the French Urology Association Cancer Committee (ccAFU) Recommendations on the management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUT-UC).

METHODS

A systematic Medline search was performed between 2020 and 2022, taking account of the diagnosis, treatment options and follow-up of UUT-UC, while evaluating the references with their levels of evidence.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of this rare pathology is based on CTU acquisition during excretion and flexible ureterorenoscopy with histological biopsies. Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains the gold standard for surgical treatment. Nevertheless conservative treatment can be discussed for low risk lesions: tumour of low-grade, with no infiltration on imaging, unifocal<2cm, eligible for full treatment therefore requiring close endoscopic surveillance by flexible ureteroscopy in compliant patients. After RNU, postoperative instillation of chemotherapy is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence in the bladder. Adjuvant chemotherapy has shown clinical benefits compared to surveillance after RNU for tumours (pT2-T4 N0-3 M0).

CONCLUSION

These updated recommendations should contribute to improving not only patients' level of care, but also the diagnosis and decision-making concerning treatment for UUT-UC.

Advances in Ureteroscopy: New technologies and current innovations in the era of Tailored Endourological Stone Treatment (TEST)

Ureteroscopy has undergone many advances in recent decades. As a result, it is able to treat an increasing range of patient groups including special populations such as pregnancy, anomalous kidneys and extremes of age. Such advances include Holmium laser, high-power systems and pulse modulation. Thulium fibre laser is a more recent introduction to clinical practice. Ureteroscopes have also been improved alongside vision and optics. This article provides an up-to-date guide to these topics as well as disposable scopes, pressure control and developments in operating planning and patient aftercare. These advances allow for a custom strategy to be applied to the individual patient in what we describe using a new term: Tailored endourological stone treatment (TEST).

Level of evidence: 5

Current Evidence and Future Perspectives in the Management of Nonmetastatic Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

This case-based discussion describes the management of a 66-yr-old man who presented to the emergency department with gross hematuria. His urine cytology was benign, and computed tomography (CT) with nephrographic phase revealed a 2.5 cm filling defect within the left renal pelvis and luminal narrowing in the right proximal ureter with hydronephrosis. CT showed no lymphadenopathy and no sign of metastatic disease. Cystoscopy was normal. In a progressive case-based discussion fashion, we will discuss the diagnostic and treatment options with two different perspectives: (1) guidelines-based current standard of care and (2) an outlook on future perspectives using the latest scientific advances that may soon become the standard of care. PATIENT SUMMARY: This presentation of a real-life clinical scenario will be useful in describing the current standard of care and future perspectives regarding the diagnosis and treatment of upper urinary tract tumors.

Single-use flexible ureteroscopes: update and perspective in developing countries. A narrative review

Flexible ureteroscopy is a well-established method for treatment of urinary stones but flexible ureteroscopes are expensive and fragile devices with a very limited lifetime. Since 2006 with the advent of digital flexible ureteroscopes a great evolution has occurred. The first single-use flexible ureteroscope was launched in 2011 and new models are coming to the market. The aim of this article is to review the characteristics of these devices, compare their results with the reusable devices and evaluate the cost-benefits of adopting single-use flexible ureteroscopes in developing countries.

A 25-year perspective on advances in an understanding of the biology, evaluation, treatment and future directions/challenges of urothelial cancer

The Urologic Oncology Journal was founded 25 years ago and we reviewed the literature since that time in the area of urothelial cancer to see the progress and pitfalls we have made over this time period. A comprehensive literature search was conducted by the authors involved who are all actively involved in research, clinical trials, and treatment for urothelial cancer and the results were summarized over the past 25 years. The field of urothelial cancer has evolved tremendously in the last 25 years with the incorporation of molecular subtyping, novel imaging, immunotherapy, and robotic surgery. However, treatments such as BCG and radical cystectomy have remained steadfast over the last 25 years. Although we have a better understanding of the biology of bladder cancer, we still have a long way from being able to cure patients with bladder cancer and eliminate morbidity from treatments. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been made since the founding of the Urologic Oncology Journal 25 years ago.

Endoscopic Papillary Abnormalities and Stone Recognition (EPSR) during Flexible Ureteroscopy: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: The increasing efficiency of the different lasers and the improved performance of endoscopic devices have led to smaller stone fragments that impact the accuracy of microscopic evaluation (morphological and infrared). Before the stone destruction, the urologist has the opportunity to analyze the stone and the papillary abnormalities endoscopically (endoscopic papillary recognition (EPR) and endoscopic stone recognition (ESR)). Our objective was to evaluate the value for those endoscopic descriptions. Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched in February 2021 for studies on endoscopic papillary recognition and endoscopic stone recognition. Results: If the ESR provided information concerning the main crystallization process, EPR provided information concerning the origin of the lithogenesis and its severity. Despite many actual limitations, those complementary descriptions could support the preventive care of the stone formers in improving the diagnosis of the lithogenesis mechanism and in identifying high-risk stone formers. Conclusion: Until the development of an Artificial Intelligence recognition, the endourologist has to learn EPSR to minimize the distortion effect of the new lasers on the stone analysis and to improve care efficiency of the stone formers patients.

Endoscopic Management of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Oncologic Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in a Contemporary Cohort

Introduction: Appropriate risk stratification and complete tumor ablation are the key factors to optimize the oncologic outcomes of patients undertaking endoscopic management for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We aimed to identify risk factors associated to tumor recurrence and progression in a contemporary cohort of patients diagnosed and treated with the latest endourologic technologies. Patients and Methods: Forty-seven patients were selected between January-2015 and March-2019 for an endoscopic management of UTUC. Last generation of digital ureteroscopes with image-enhancing technologies were used for the detection of the lesions. The retrograde approach was the most frequent access (n = 45/47). The confocal laser endomicroscopy and multiple biopsy devices were variably used according to site and tumor presentation for their characterization. Holmium and Thulium lasers were variably used, with their combination being the preferred approach in case of larger lesions. Primary endpoints included the identification of factors associated with UTUC recurrence and progression, and bladder tumor recurrence. Results: Median follow-up (FU) was 24 months (interquartile range 17-44). On multivariate analysis, bladder cancer (BC) recurrence was associated to previous contralateral UTUC (hazard ratios: 5.08 confidence interval [95% CI: 1.35-18.94], p < 0.05) and tumor size (hazard ratios: 1.07 [95% CI: 1.00-1.14], p < 0.05). UTUC recurrence was associated to incomplete clearance after primary treatment (hazard ratios: 4.99 [95% CI: 1.15-21.62], p < 0.05), while UTUC progression was significantly related to the number of UTUC recurrences (hazard ratios: 3.10 [95% CI: 1.27-7.53], p < 0.05). No significant survival differences in BC/UTUC recurrence, as well as in UTUC progression, were detected between risk groups. No Clavien-Dindo grade >2 were detected; one patient developed ureteric stricture at 7-month FU. Limitations involve retrospective nature of the study and relatively small number of patients. Conclusions: The appropriate use of latest technology may enhance the oncologic outcomes of the endoscopic management of UTUC without compromising the safety of the approach. Among the prognostic factors identified in our series, UTUC recurrence seems to be associated to disease progression.

Flexible fibre optic vs digital ureteroscopy and enhanced vs unenhanced imaging for diagnosis and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC): results from the Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society (CROES)-UTUC registry

Objectives

To compare the oncological outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) undergoing kidney‐sparing surgery (KSS) with fibre‐optic (FO) vs digital (D) ureteroscopy (URS). To evaluate the oncological impact of image‐enhancement technologies such as narrow‐band imaging (NBI) and Image1‐S in patients with UTUC.

Patients and Methods

The Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society (CROES)‐UTUC registry is an international, multicentre, cohort study prospectively collecting data on patients with UTUC. Patients undergoing flexible FO‐ or D‐URS for diagnostic or diagnostic and treatment purposes were included. Differences between groups in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were evaluated.

Results

The CROES registry included 2380 patients from 101 centres and 37 countries, of whom 401 patients underwent URS (FO‐URS 186 and D‐URS 215). FO‐URS were performed more frequently for diagnostic purposes, while D‐URS was peformed when a combined diagnostic and treatment strategy was planned. Intra‐ and postoperative complications did not differ between the groups. The 5‐year OS and DFS rates were 91.5% and 66.4%, respectively. The mean OS was 42 months for patients receiving FO‐URS and 39 months for those undergoing D‐URS (P = 0.9); the mean DFS was 28 months in the FO‐URS group and 21 months in the D‐URS group (P < 0.001). In patients who received URS with treatment purposes, there were no differences in OS (P = 0.9) and DFS (P = 0.7). NBI and Image1‐S technologies did not improve OS or DFS over D‐URS.

Conclusions

D‐URS did not provide any oncological advantage over FO‐URS. Similarly, no differences in terms of OS and DFS were found when image‐enhancement technologies were compared to D‐URS. These findings underline the importance of surgeon skills and experience, and reinforce the need for the centralisation of UTUC care.

Novel Classification for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma to Better Risk-stratify Patients Eligible for Kidney-sparing Strategies: An International Collaborative Study

BACKGROUND

The European Association of Urology risk stratification dichotomizes patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) into two risk categories.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of a new classification to better risk stratify patients eligible for kidney-sparing surgery (KSS).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a retrospective study including 1214 patients from 21 centers who underwent ureterorenoscopy (URS) with biopsy followed by radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for nonmetastatic UTUC between 2000 and 2017.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified predictors of muscle invasion (≥pT2) at RNU. The Youden index was used to identify cutoff points.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 811 patients (67%) were male and the median age was 71 yr (interquartile range 63-77). The presence of non-organ-confined disease on preoperative imaging (p < 0.0001), sessile tumor (p < 0.0001), hydronephrosis (p = 0.0003), high-grade cytology (p = 0.0043), or biopsy (p = 0.0174) and higher age at diagnosis (p = 0.029) were independently associated with ≥pT2 at RNU. Tumor size was significantly associated with ≥pT2 disease only in univariate analysis with a cutoff of 2 cm. Tumor size and all significant categorical variables defined the high-risk category. Tumor multifocality and a history of radical cystectomy help to dichotomize between low-risk and intermediate-risk categories. The odds ratio for muscle invasion were 5.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-24.0; p = 0.023) for intermediate risk versus low risk, and 12.7 (95% CI 3.0-54.5; p = 0.0006) for high risk versus low risk. Limitations include the retrospective design and selection bias (all patients underwent RNU).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with low-risk UTUC represent ideal candidates for KSS, while some patients with intermediate-risk UTUC may also be considered. This classification needs further prospective validation and may help stratification in clinical trial design.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We investigated factors predicting stage 2 or greater cancer of the upper urinary tract at the time of surgery for ureter and kidney removal and designed a new risk stratification. Patients with low or intermediate risk may be eligible for kidney-sparing surgery with close follow-up. Our classification scheme needs further validation based on cancer outcomes.

Diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies in the management of upper-tract urothelial carcinoma

Upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease, posing many challenges for the treating physician due to the lack of strong evidence-based recommendations. However, novel molecular discoveries and a better understanding of the clinical behavior of the disease lead to a continuous evolution of therapeutic landscape in UTUC. The aim of the review is to provide a comprehensive update of the current diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies in UTUC with a special focus on recent developments and challenges. A comprehensive literature search including relevant articles up to August 2020 was performed using the MEDLINE/PubMed database. Despite several technological improvements, accurate staging and outcome prediction remain major challenges and hamper appropriate risk stratification. Kidney-sparing surgery can be offered in low risk UTUC; however, physician and patient must be aware of the high rate of recurrence and risk of progression due to tumor biology and understaging. The value and efficacy of intracavitary therapy in patients with UTUC remains unclear due to the lack of high-quality data. In high-risk diseases, radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision and template lymph node dissection is the standard of care. Perioperative systemic chemotherapy is today accepted as a novel standard for advanced cancers. In metastatic or unresectable disease, the therapeutic landscape is rapidly changing due to several novel agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors. While several diagnostic and treatment challenges remain, progress in endoscopic technology and molecular knowledge have ushered a new age in personalized management of UTUC. Novel accurate molecular and imaging biomarkers are, however, still needed to guide decision making as tissue acquisition remains suboptimal. Next generation sequencing and novel agents are promising to rapidly improve patient outcomes.

Advancements in the clinical management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Introduction: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains a complex disease to manage given challenges in staging, surgical resection, use of perioperative therapy, and prevention of bladder recurrences. High-level evidence is limited to guide management; however, recent data have shifted treatment paradigms. We intend to review recent evidence on advancements in the clinical management for UTUC.Areas covered: This review summarizes advancements in pre-operative work-up, surgical technique, and the use of intravesical and systemic therapy in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. Special comment is made on progress in the genomics of UTUC and how that can inform clinical practice.Expert opinion: Advancements in the clinical management of UTUC are most prominently being made in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy setting. Although level I evidence is sparse, data from both single and multi-institutional retrospective studies strongly encourage the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy especially in high-risk or advanced-stage patients.