Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.8
4.4
Journals
Cancers
Special Issues
New Advances in Urothelial Cancer: Diagnosis, Therapy and Prognosis (2nd...
cancers-logo
Submit to Cancers Review for Cancers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

New Advances in Urothelial Cancer: Diagnosis, Therapy and Prognosis (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Therapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 May 2025) | Viewed by 4073

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Giuseppe Palermo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Interests: prostate cancer; bladder cancer; BPH
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This collection is the second edition of a previous Special Issue on “New Advances in Urothelial Cancer: Diagnosis, Therapy and Prognosis” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers/special_issues/UCs).

Urothelial cancers are the sixth most common tumors in developed countries. Bladder tumors account for 90–95% of UCs and are the most common urinary tract malignancy; by contrast, upper urinary tract UCs are uncommon and account for only 5–10% of UCs. In recent years, new urothelial biomarkers have been proposed in their diagnostic and prognostic role; liquid biopsy has arisen as an important tool for urothelial cancer early detection and prognosis, identifying different pathways of cell signaling, proliferation, and apoptosis changes in tumor biology and progression. New immunotherapy agents based on checkpoint inhibitor-optimized cancer therapy and oncologic outcomes have emerged, and device-assisted therapy (EMDA, thermochemotherapy) has been outlined as a preserving approach to recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder disease, while the minimally invasive approach of robotic surgery has been found to reduce adverse events and hospital stay when major urologic surgery is needed. The purpose of this Special Issue is to identify and summarize the latest innovations in urothelial cancer management, overcome present challenges and open new paths to future strategies.

Dr. Giuseppe Palermo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • liquid biopsy
  • robotic surgery
  • device-assisted therapy
  • immunotherapy
  • PDL-1 inhibitors
  • urinary tumor DNA
  • bladder cancer
  • upper urinary tract cancer

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 1341 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Value of PLR, SIRI, PIV, SII, and NLR in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Can Inflammatory Factors Influence Pathogenesis and Outcomes?
by Francesco Pio Bizzarri, Marco Campetella, Pierluigi Russo, Giuseppe Palermo, Seyed Koosha Moosavi, Francesco Rossi, Lorenzo D’Amico, Antonio Cretì, Filippo Gavi, Enrico Panio, Simona Presutti, Fabrizio Bellavia, Mauro Ragonese, Chiara Ciccarese, Roberto Iacovelli, Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Marco Racioppi, Emilio Sacco and Bernardo Rocco
Cancers 2025, 17(13), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132189 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 133
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Given the increasing interest in the predictive role of inflammation in oncology, we aimed to assess the association between inflammatory factors (IFs) and the histopathological characteristics of bladder cancer (BC). Our objective was to correlate some of these IFs with BC progression [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Given the increasing interest in the predictive role of inflammation in oncology, we aimed to assess the association between inflammatory factors (IFs) and the histopathological characteristics of bladder cancer (BC). Our objective was to correlate some of these IFs with BC progression and recurrence, identifying possible new diagnostic tools. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 285 patients (79.8% male, 20.4% female; median age 73) who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) between January 2016 and January 2022. The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and standard clinical variables were collected one month before TURB and evaluated as predictors of recurrence and progression. Patients were stratified using the Youden Index and ROC analysis. Cox regression models were applied to identify independent predictors. Results: High-grade tumors were present in 74.6% of cases, and 34% were recurrent. Carcinoma in situ was found in 5%. After 72 months, 53% underwent radical cystectomy, and 13.7% died within 5 years. The optimal cutoffs were PLR 139, SIRI 1.12, PIV 248.49, NLR 2, SII 327. Smoking, primary MIBC, age, and lymph node status were significantly associated with recurrence. Elevated PLR correlated with recurrence and T2 progression (p = 0.004). Higher SIRI, PIV, and PLR levels were significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis (p < 0.05). PLR was linked to recurrence in tumors ≥ 3 cm post-BCG (p = 0.004); high SIRI predicted recurrence within 48 months (p = 0.05). Conclusions: High PLR and SIRI levels were associated with recurrence. Our findings support the emerging role of IFs in predicting BC outcomes and suggest their potential inclusion in future prognostic models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Urothelial Cancer: Diagnosis, Therapy and Prognosis (2nd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 857 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Outcomes of Intravesical Mitomycin C Administered via Electromotive Drug Administration or Conductive Chemo-Hyperthermia in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
by Maria Teresa Melgarejo-Segura, Alberto Zambudio-Munuera, Miguel Ángel Arrabal-Polo, Pablo Lardelli-Claret, Manuel Pareja-Vilchez and Miguel Arrabal-Martín
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030453 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1261
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a common form of bladder cancer with a significant risk of recurrence and progression, especially in intermediate- and high-risk patients. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy has been the gold standard, but its limitations have prompted the exploration [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a common form of bladder cancer with a significant risk of recurrence and progression, especially in intermediate- and high-risk patients. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy has been the gold standard, but its limitations have prompted the exploration of alternative therapies. This study aims to compare the long-term effectiveness of two such alternatives—hyperthermia-induced potentiation of mitomycin C (HIVEC) and electromotive drug administration (EMDA)—in preventing recurrence and progression in NMIBC patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a Spanish center, including patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC who were treated between August 2018 and December 2024. Participants were allocated to receive either HIVEC or EMDA based on their preferences. Both treatments followed a similar protocol, with an initial induction phase and maintenance sessions. Patient follow-up included regular cystoscopy, cytology, and imaging. Results: At 36 months, the disease-free survival rate was 62.4% for the HIVEC group and 67% for the EMDA group. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of long-term efficacy. The adjusted hazard ratio for the treatment effect was 0.95, indicating comparable outcomes. Conclusions: Both HIVEC and EMDA demonstrate similar long-term efficacy in preventing recurrence and progression in intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC. These findings suggest that both treatments show promise as potential future options for managing NMIBC, providing clinicians with additional considerations based on patient characteristics and preferences. Further studies, particularly randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm these results and optimize treatment protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Urothelial Cancer: Diagnosis, Therapy and Prognosis (2nd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2168 KiB  
Article
Low-Dose Eribulin Promotes NK Cell-Mediated Therapeutic Efficacy in Bladder Cancer
by Zaineb Hassouneh, Onika D. V. Noel, Niannian Ji, Michelle E. Kim, Jordan Svatek, Robert S. Svatek, April L. Risinger and Neelam Mukherjee
Cancers 2024, 16(22), 3875; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16223875 - 19 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1384
Abstract
Despite its immunogenic nature, bladder cancer (BCa) responds sub-optimally to FDA-approved immunotherapy. Background/Objectives: We have previously shown that natural killer (NK) cells are major contributors to overall patient survival in BCa. In our efforts to identify clinically approved agents that enhance NK cell [...] Read more.
Despite its immunogenic nature, bladder cancer (BCa) responds sub-optimally to FDA-approved immunotherapy. Background/Objectives: We have previously shown that natural killer (NK) cells are major contributors to overall patient survival in BCa. In our efforts to identify clinically approved agents that enhance NK cell activation, we identified eribulin, a microtubule destabilizer primarily used in breast cancer. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the potential integration of eribulin into the standard of care in BCa; however, the mechanistic rationale for these trials remains unclear. Methods: Here, we explore the effects of low-dose eribulin on direct NK cell activation in vitro, including on primary patient samples, and in vivo utilizing multiple murine models. Flow cytometry and RNA sequencing were employed to identify the mechanism of NK cell activation by eribulin, which was associated with increased migration and cytotoxicity of NK cells against BCa cells. Results: We found that localized eribulin instillation significantly reduces bladder tumor burden and improves survival in primary BCa in an NK cell-dependent manner. Importantly, eribulin promoted the shift of patient-derived intratumoral NK cells towards an anti-tumor CD49a+ CD103+ NK subset (ieILC1-like) while diminishing the dysfunctional NR4A2-expressing CD49a− NK subset. Moreover, it decreased the overall expression of exhaustion markers on NK cells, a pattern replicated in our murine models. Conclusions: These findings are paradigm-shifting given that chemotherapy is traditionally considered immunosuppressive. Our study reveals the novel effect of low-dose eribulin chemotherapy in inhibiting bladder tumor growth by enhancing anti-tumor NK cell immunity, challenging previous assumptions and opening new therapeutic approaches to improve antitumor immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Urothelial Cancer: Diagnosis, Therapy and Prognosis (2nd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

11 pages, 1303 KiB  
Review
Serum Tumor Markers for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in Clinical Practice: A Narrative Review
by Chirag Doshi, Mazyar Zahir, Anosh Dadabhoy, Domenique Escobar, Leilei Xia and Siamak Daneshmand
Cancers 2025, 17(5), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17050728 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 819
Abstract
In recent decades, serum tumor markers (STMs) have emerged as valuable adjuncts in early cancer detection and post-treatment surveillance. STMs are inexpensive, minimally invasive, and readily accessible tools that can be used to diagnose cancers, monitor patients’ responses to treatment, and even detect [...] Read more.
In recent decades, serum tumor markers (STMs) have emerged as valuable adjuncts in early cancer detection and post-treatment surveillance. STMs are inexpensive, minimally invasive, and readily accessible tools that can be used to diagnose cancers, monitor patients’ responses to treatment, and even detect recurrence without imposing additional burdens on patients. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the reliability of STMs in the prognostication of bladder cancer (BC). However, their potential role extends beyond prognostication. This review intends to provide a multidimensional picture of STM applications in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). In addition, we supplement this review with real-life clinical experiences from our institution to further illustrate the clinical feasibility of STMs in MIBC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Urothelial Cancer: Diagnosis, Therapy and Prognosis (2nd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop