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Emerging biomarkers in urothelial carcinoma: Challenges and opportunities
Nikolaos Andreatos1, Gopa Iyer2, Petros Grivas3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.
Abstract:
Advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a very important cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality with, until recently, only a few available therapeutic options. The treatment landscape has dramatically changed in recent years with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the development of novel targeted agents, such as erdafitinib, and antibody-drug conjugates, such as enfortumab vedotin. Cost-effective utilization of this rapidly expanding therapeutic armamentarium can be further optimized via the identification and validation of reliable prognostic and predictive biomarkers that inform prognostication and patient selection. In this review, we aim to summarize examples of recent developments in the rapidly expanding field of emerging biomarkers in UC, outlining challenges and opportunities.
Insights
Advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) treatments are improving with new therapies. Identifying reliable biomarkers is key for effective patient selection and optimizing the use of these novel cancer drugs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Urothelial Carcinoma Research
Background:
- Advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) presents significant cancer morbidity and mortality.
- Limited therapeutic options historically existed for advanced UC.
- Recent advancements include immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted agents (e.g., erdafitinib), and antibody-drug conjugates (e.g., enfortumab vedotin).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in emerging biomarkers for UC.
- To outline challenges and opportunities in biomarker identification and validation.
- To support cost-effective utilization of novel UC therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in UC biomarkers.
- Analysis of emerging prognostic and predictive biomarkers.
- Discussion of challenges and opportunities in the field.
Main Results:
- The therapeutic landscape for advanced UC has rapidly evolved.
- Novel biomarkers are crucial for prognostication and patient selection.
- Emerging biomarkers offer potential for optimizing treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Biomarker discovery is essential for personalized medicine in UC.
- Further research is needed to validate emerging biomarkers.
- Optimizing biomarker use will enhance the efficacy of new UC therapies.
