Updates on Urologic Oncology: From Diagnosis to Localized and Systemic Therapy Options (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 7429

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is the second edition of the Special Issue titled “Updates on Urologic Oncology: From Diagnosis to Localized and Systemic Therapy Options” https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers/special_issues/6DA892SP7G.

Urological malignancies are one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The early and accurate diagnosis of these neoplasms can enable more effective and personalized management of the affected patients. Liquid biopsy is playing an increasingly prominent role in the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder and prostate cancer. New prognostic biomarkers are currently being studied in the context of renal cancer management. Moreover, the new minimally invasive surgical technologies enable the constant improvement of patients’ oncological and functional outcomes, just as immunotherapy represents a significant advance in the evolution of the treatment of major urological neoplasms, both localized and locally advanced. The purpose of this Special Issue is to summarize the latest innovations in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of urological neoplasms and the future perspectives that may be derived from current research.

Dr. Giuseppe Palermo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bladder cancer
  • prostate cancer
  • renal cancer
  • urologic cancer treatment
  • urologic cancer diagnosis
  • urologic cancer innovation
  • urologic neoplasm therapy
  • immunotherapy

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1937 KB  
Article
Cell Models of Castration Resistant and High Dose Testosterone-Resistant Prostate Cancer Recapitulate the Heterogeneity of Response Observed in Clinical Practice
by Laura S. Graham, Lih-Jen Su, Andrew Nicklawsky, Frances Xiuyan Feng, David Orlicky, Joseph Petraccione, Maren Salzmann-Sullivan, Steven K. Nordeen and Thomas W. Flaig
Cancers 2025, 17(4), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17040593 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1261
Abstract
The use of supraphysiologic testosterone, particularly when alternated with an anti-androgen agent in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials. As the use of this therapy in clinical practice is more widely adopted, there will be [...] Read more.
The use of supraphysiologic testosterone, particularly when alternated with an anti-androgen agent in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials. As the use of this therapy in clinical practice is more widely adopted, there will be a growing need to understand the mechanisms of resistance. To that end, we independently derived three separate cell models of testosterone-sensitive CRPC. From each CRPC line, high dose testosterone-resistance (HTR) lines were selected. We demonstrated the differential response of the three CRPC lines to a high dose of testosterone in vitro and in vivo. We subsequently demonstrated the resistance of the HTR lines to testosterone and varying responses to testosterone withdrawal in vivo. The heterogeneity in responses to hormonal manipulation is correlated with varying levels of androgen receptor expression within the population. Overall, we show that we have developed three models of HTR that can be used to study the mechanisms of high dose testosterone resistance and identify potential therapeutic targets. Full article
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Review

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14 pages, 248 KB  
Review
A Narrative Review of Treatment Options for Patients with Node-Positive Disease After Radical Prostatectomy: Current Evidence and Controversies
by Paolo Zaurito, Andrea Cosenza, Leonardo Quarta, Pietro Scilipoti, Mattia Longoni, Alfonso Santangelo, Alessandro Viti, Abigail Gettman, Francesco Barletta, Simone Scuderi, Vito Cucchiara, Armando Stabile, Francesco Montorsi, Alberto Briganti and Giorgio Gandaglia
Cancers 2025, 17(17), 2792; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17172792 - 27 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Purpose of Review: In approximately 10–15% of patients with prostate cancer (PCa), pathological lymph node metastases (pN1) are detected at radical prostatectomy (RP). The aim of this review is to describe the various treatment options for pN1 patients, with a focus on [...] Read more.
Purpose of Review: In approximately 10–15% of patients with prostate cancer (PCa), pathological lymph node metastases (pN1) are detected at radical prostatectomy (RP). The aim of this review is to describe the various treatment options for pN1 patients, with a focus on the most recent evidence reported in the literature. Evidence Synthesis: Due to the lack of prospective studies, several retrospective analyses were conducted according to different types of treatment. Most common strategies are represented by observation plus early salvage radiotherapy (RT) in case of PSA rising, adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone, or adjuvant RT with or without ADT. Patients with pN1 disease and favorable disease characteristics (lower T stage and ISUP ≤ 2 at RP, <3 metastatic nodes at pathology) have a similar overall mortality risk if observed with PSA testing and eventual use of early salvage RT compared to patients directly treated with adjuvant RT with or without ADT. While conflicting results in terms of survival benefit were reported for the use of adjuvant ADT only, several studies showed an overall survival benefit in patients with pN1 disease treated with adjuvant RT when high-risk features (such as an increasing number of positive nodes, ISUP > 3) were detected at RP. Lastly, few studies analyzed the rate of adverse events following adjuvant ADT or RT, leaving the issue of treatment-related side effects still open. Summary: There is no clearly established standard of care for men with pN1 PCa, and disease characteristics should guide the choice of optimal post-operative management for these patients. Prospective data and clinical trials are clearly needed to define the most effective therapeutic strategy. Full article
21 pages, 966 KB  
Review
A Personalized Approach for Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer: Current Understanding and Future Directions
by Parissa Alerasool, Susu Zhou, Eric Miller, Jonathan Anker, Brandon Tsao, Natasha Kyprianou and Che-Kai Tsao
Cancers 2025, 17(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17010147 - 5 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2827
Abstract
Oligometastatic prostate cancer (OMPC) represents an intermediate state in the progression from localized disease to widespread metastasis when the radiographically significant sites are limited in number and location. With no clear consensus on a definition, its diagnostic significance and associated optimal therapeutic approach [...] Read more.
Oligometastatic prostate cancer (OMPC) represents an intermediate state in the progression from localized disease to widespread metastasis when the radiographically significant sites are limited in number and location. With no clear consensus on a definition, its diagnostic significance and associated optimal therapeutic approach remain controversial, posing a significant challenge for clinicians. The current standard of care for metastatic disease is to start systemic therapy; however, active surveillance and targeted radiotherapy have become attractive options to mitigate the long-term effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Furthermore, evolving biomarker methodologies may further define optimal treatment selection. In this review, we summarize the current understanding that guides the treatment of OMPC, with a focus on how host response can be an important contributing factor. Evolving scientific understanding and clinical development will continue to shape the landscape of treatment strategies for this distinct disease state. Full article
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16 pages, 616 KB  
Review
Relationship Between Loss of Y Chromosome and Urologic Cancers: New Future Perspectives
by Pierluigi Russo, Francesco Pio Bizzarri, Giovanni Battista Filomena, Filippo Marino, Roberto Iacovelli, Chiara Ciccarese, Luigi Boccuto, Mauro Ragonese, Filippo Gavi, Francesco Rossi, Cosimo Savoia, Paolo Pietro Suraci, Roberto Falabella, Savio Domenico Pandolfo, Luigi Napolitano, Chiara Leoni, Valentina Trevisan, Giuseppe Palermo, Marco Racioppi, Emilio Sacco, Stijn Muselaers and Nazario Foschiadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2024, 16(22), 3766; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16223766 - 8 Nov 2024
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2374
Abstract
Background: The Y chromosome (ChrY) is essential for male sex determination and spermatogenesis. However, recent studies have revealed its broader role in various physiological processes and disease susceptibility, including cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases like MEDLINE, Scopus, Web [...] Read more.
Background: The Y chromosome (ChrY) is essential for male sex determination and spermatogenesis. However, recent studies have revealed its broader role in various physiological processes and disease susceptibility, including cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases like MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review included clinical and preclinical studies in animals and humans focusing on the role of LoY in urological tumors. Data on the frequency of LoY, its clinical implications, and underlying mechanisms were extracted and analyzed. Results: The evidence suggests that LoY is associated with an increased risk of urologic neoplasms, potentially serving as an early marker of genomic instability. Studies reveal that LoY in urologic cancers correlates with worse survival outcomes and may contribute to tumor progression. LoY may interfere with chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation, suggesting its role as a contributor to early tumorigenesis. Conclusions: LoY appears to be a structural aberration with unique biological and clinical relevance in urologic cancers, possibly serving as a biomarker for genomic instability. Further research is necessary to identify specific Y-linked genes affected by LoY, potentially informing targeted therapies and early diagnostic strategies for these cancers. Full article
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