Urology in the twenty-first century: noninvasive targeted treatments for urologic malignancies
1Department of Urology, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA. sarah.mcdermott@smtplink.mssm.edu
Abstract:
Notwithstanding the major advances that have been made in the treatment of bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and kidney cancer, much remains to be done if we are to translate the gains that have been made in "disease-free survival" into actual survival in terms of quantity as well as quality of life. Indeed, we are still at an embryonic stage in understanding how cancers originate, whether defense mechanisms exist that can recognize these cancers and recognize them when they first develop, when cancers metastasize during their development, whether we have methods that are sufficiently accurate to distinguish between organ-confined and regional extension or spread of disease, and the means by which we can identify cancers that are likely to remain organ-confined and distinguish them from those that are predestined to metastasize. If we are to be successful in the assessment and treatment of various urologic cancers, these questions must be answered. Many new methods of assessment and treatment are being explored that in themselves may provide some answers. The present discussion focuses on these issues, on how they may lead to further understanding of the unique biology of many of these tumors, and what we may expect in terms of increased longevity and improved quality of life as we attempt to cure patients of their disease.
Insights
Significant advances in urologic cancer treatment are improving disease-free survival, but further research is needed to enhance overall survival and quality of life for bladder, prostate, and kidney cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Urologic Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Despite progress in treating bladder, prostate, and kidney cancers, translating disease-free survival into improved quantity and quality of life remains a challenge.
- Fundamental questions persist regarding cancer origin, host defense mechanisms, metastasis, and accurate staging for urologic malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address critical knowledge gaps in urologic cancer biology and treatment.
- To explore novel assessment and treatment modalities for improving patient outcomes.
- To enhance understanding of tumor biology for increased longevity and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding and emerging research in urologic oncology.
- Focus on new methods for cancer assessment and treatment.
- Exploration of tumor biology and its impact on patient survival.
Main Results:
- Current understanding of urologic cancer origins, metastasis, and staging is limited.
- New assessment and treatment strategies are under investigation.
- Further research is expected to yield insights into tumor biology.
Conclusions:
- Answering fundamental questions about urologic cancers is crucial for effective assessment and treatment.
- Advancements in understanding tumor biology and treatment modalities hold promise for improving patient longevity and quality of life.
- Continued exploration of novel approaches is essential for overcoming current limitations in urologic cancer care.
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