Advancements in Urological Diagnostics: Emerging Technologies and Innovative Approaches

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2027 | Viewed by 186

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Urology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
Interests: urology; molecular diagnostics; imaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Diagnostics highlights innovative progress and emerging technologies shaping the future of urological disease diagnosis. Accurate and timely diagnosis is paramount for improving patient outcomes across a wide spectrum of urological conditions, from malignancies and functional disorders to infections and congenital abnormalities. This collection seeks to showcase cutting-edge research that advances diagnostic modalities such as advanced imaging techniques, molecular and genetic biomarker discovery, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, and novel minimally invasive procedures. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this issue aims to provide clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals with comprehensive insights into state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and methodologies that enable earlier detection, improved risk stratification, and personalized treatment strategies. We invite the submission of high-quality original research and reviews that push the frontiers of urological diagnostics, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient care and scientific discovery in this dynamic field. 

Dr. José Enrique Robles-García
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • urological diseases
  • diagnostic imaging
  • biomarkers
  • molecular diagnostics
  • prostate cancer diagnosis
  • renal disease diagnosis
  • artificial intelligence in urology
  • noninvasive diagnostic techniques

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

10 pages, 450 KB  
Review
Diagnostic Role and Clinical Impact of Zr-Girentuximab PET-CT for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
by Daniel A. González-Padilla, Felipe Villacampa-Auba, Jorge Caño-Velasco, José Daniel Subiela, María Rodríguez, Carlos Yánez, Andrés Calva, Vanessa Talavera, Carmina Muñoz, Marcos Torres, Guillermo Barbas, Guillermo Andrés, Daniel Sánchez-Zalabardo, Edgar Fernando Guillén-Valderrama and Bernardino Miñana-López
Diagnostics 2026, 16(9), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16091323 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents the predominant histologic subtype of renal cancer and poses persistent diagnostic challenges, particularly in the evaluation of small renal masses, where conventional imaging and biopsy have relevant limitations. Molecular imaging targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents the predominant histologic subtype of renal cancer and poses persistent diagnostic challenges, particularly in the evaluation of small renal masses, where conventional imaging and biopsy have relevant limitations. Molecular imaging targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) has emerged as a promising non-invasive alternative. This narrative review aims to summarize the biological rationale, diagnostic performance, and potential clinical applications of [89Zr]Zr-girentuximab positron emission tomography-computed tomography (girentuximab PET-CT) in ccRCC, as well as to discuss its current limitations and future directions. Methods: A narrative synthesis of published phase 1–3 clinical trials, post hoc analyses, and early clinical series evaluating girentuximab PET-CT was performed, focusing on diagnostic accuracy, clinical impact in localized and metastatic disease, and emerging theranostic applications. Results: The phase 3 ZIRCON trial demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy of girentuximab PET-CT for indeterminate renal masses ≤7 cm, with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 87%, as well as performance exceeding 96% for lesions <2 cm. Early studies suggest that this modality may influence clinical decision-making by supporting active surveillance, avoiding biopsy, and refining surgical or ablative strategies, although evidence remains limited by small cohorts and lack of long-term outcome data. Exploratory data indicate improved lesion detection in metastatic ccRCC, but the absence of systematic histopathologic confirmation restricts routine staging use. Conclusions: Girentuximab PET-CT is a highly accurate, CAIX-targeted molecular imaging technique with the potential to transform the diagnostic pathway of ccRCC. While current evidence supports its use in selected localized settings, broader clinical adoption will require prospective validation of its impact on patient outcomes and management strategies. Full article
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