Multidisciplinary Centre for Studies and Research of Bladder and Upper Urinary Tract Tumors

Activities carried out:

Patients suffering from bladder and upper urinary tract neoplasia often face a complex diagnostic-therapeutic path; radiological and histopathological diagnostics play a crucial role. The therapeutic approach requires close collaboration between oncologist and urologist. Currently, the role of MRI and PET in the staging of urothelial tumors is much debated, as is the use of genetic markers in the early detection of high-risk forms. Perioperative chemotherapy is currently a cornerstone of the treatment of infiltrating forms, but new evidence is emerging about the use of immunotherapy. Further, robotic surgery is increasingly finding use in selected high-volume centers.

On a weekly basis, the center discusses the clinical cases of patients with urothelial cancer in order to identify the most suitable diagnostic investigations to stage the disease correctly and customize the surgical and oncological strategy for each patient. 

Goals and objectives:

The primary objective is to classify patients with urothelial neoplasm according to risk, adapting the diagnostic-therapeutic path most appropriate for the characteristics of each individual patient. The weekly multidisciplinary meetings guarantee a multimodal approach and represent an important moment of cultural exchange among the professionals involved which encourages the emergence of prospective studies and access to the most innovative therapeutic strategies. Examples include the VIRADS study on the use of MRI in staging, the NIAGARA protocol on the use of monoclonal antibodies before robotic cystectomy, and collaboration with other Italian universities in the research of genetic markers in order to make earlier diagnoses.

• Veronica Mollica

• Caterina Gaudiano

• Beniamino Corcioni

• Francesca Giunchi

• Francesco Vasuri

• Maria Ntreta