Paradigm Shifting Research: Key Studies in Urologic Oncology

Genitourinary malignancies have a substantial impact on men and women in the USA as they include three of the ten most common cancers (prostate, renal, and bladder). Other urinary tract cancers are less common (testis and penile) but still have profound treatment implications related to potential deficits in sexual, urinary, and reproductive function. Evidenced-based practice remains the cornerstone of treatment for urologic malignancies.

The authors reviewed the literature in consideration of the four top articles influencing clinical practice in the prior calendar year, 2022.

The PROTECT trial demonstrates favorable 15-years outcomes for active monitoring of localized prostate cancer. The SEMS trial establishes retroperitoneal lymph node dissection as a viable option for patients with seminoma of the testis with limited retroperitoneal lymph node metastases. CheckMate 274 supports adjuvant immunotherapy following radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer with a high risk of recurrence. Data reported from the IROCK consortium reinforce stereotactic ablative radiotherapy as an option for localized renal cell carcinoma.

The care for patients with urologic cancers has been greatly improved through advances in surgical, medical, and radiation oncologic treatments realized through prospective randomized clinical trials and large multicenter collaborative groups.