Emerging therapies for urothelial cancer

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César Serrano1, Rafael Morales, Cristina Suárez

  • 1Genitourinary, Sarcoma and Central Nervous System Tumors Program, Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autonoma Barcelona, Spain. ceserran@vhebron.net

Cancer Treatment Reviews
|November 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Advanced urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer) survival remains poor. This review examines novel targeted therapies and new cytostatic agents showing promise in clinical trials for this challenging disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Urothelial Carcinoma Research
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Urothelial carcinoma is a significant cause of cancer mortality in Europe and the United States.
  • Despite existing chemotherapy, advanced urothelial carcinoma has a median overall survival of approximately one year.
  • Limited success of second-line chemotherapeutic agents necessitates exploration of novel treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging therapeutic strategies for advanced urothelial carcinoma.
  • To discuss recent clinical trial results for novel agents.
  • To assess the efficacy and toxicity of new targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent clinical trials investigating new generation cytostatic agents.
  • Analysis of studies assessing toxicity and efficacy of novel targeted therapies.
  • Focus on agents targeting epidermal growth factor receptor, angiogenesis, and PI3K/mTOR pathways.

Main Results:

  • Emerging therapies, including targeted agents, are under investigation in Phase I and II trials.
  • New generation cytostatic agents are being evaluated for their activity.
  • Targeted therapies focus on key signaling pathways like EGFR, angiogenesis, and PI3K/mTOR.

Conclusions:

  • New treatment strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in advanced urothelial carcinoma.
  • Targeted therapies and novel cytostatic agents represent promising avenues for future treatment.
  • Ongoing research in Phase I and II trials is vital for advancing urothelial carcinoma care.

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