Clinical and Biological Differences between Upper Tract Carcinoma and Bladder Urothelial Cancer, Including Implications for Clinical Practice

Abstract

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease included, along with the much more frequent urothelial bladder cancer (BUC), in the family of urothelial carcinomas (UCs). However, while UTUCs and BUCs share several features, their epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and biological differences must be considered to establish an optimal therapeutic strategy. This review examines the clinical differences between UTUC and BUC, as well as the main results obtained by molecular screening of the two diseases. The findings of clinical trials, performed in peri-operative and metastatic settings and assessing systemic treatments in UC, are summarised. A comparison of the data obtained for UTUC and BUC suggests improved therapeutic approaches, both in regards to routine practice and future drug development.

A Comprehensive Review on Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: An Update in 2023

“…Nevertheless, significant differences exist between these two cancer types in terms of epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and biological features. In a review article, Lefort et al extensively explored these differences and their clinical implications [1]. The key steps in the management of patients with UTUC include precise diagnosis and risk stratification.…”