In this podcast, UROONCO BCa chief editor Dr. Benjamin Pradere (FR) interviews Dr. Srikala Sridhar (CA), about her abstract she recently presented at ESMO 2023, PET-MUSE: “Impact of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging on staging of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)”.

Dr. Sridhar shares details on the rationale and design of the study, as well as some interesting results.

For more details on this study, you can read this abstract on the UROONCO Bladder Cancer educational platform.

In this edition, Dr. Aisling Nic an Riogh (IE), a member of the EAU Guidelines panel for Non-neurogenic female LUTS, discusses bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women.

Dr. Nic an Riogh defines bladder outlet obstruction, its prevalence, and the various symptoms. She further explains that BOO can be divided into two main groups, anatomical (physical or mechanical), and functional (non-anatomical, non-urogenic).  It is diagnosed via urodynamics, and Dr. Nic an Riogh discusses the various tests available. 

Lastly, the guidelines for conservative treatment and surgical options are discussed in detail. 

In this podcast, UROONCO RCC board members, chief editor Dr. Carmen Mir (ES), and associate editors Dr. Riccardo Bertolo (IT) and Dr. Teele Kuusk (GB), discuss the progress made in the field of kidney cancer during 2023, and what is anticipated for 2024.

Some topics discussed include the game-changing ZIRCON trial, OpeRa trial, and 3D models in PN and single-port RPN, as well as SBRT – FASTRACK II.  Adjuvant IO, first-line mRCC treatments (KEYNOTE-426), and RN is also reviewed.

The main WHO classification changes are highlighted, as well as the classification changes that are expected in 2024. This podcast concludes with a summary of the RCC trials to look forward to in the coming year.

In 'Episode 4' of the series "What do young urologists need to know," 'Segment 1' covers the topic of "Navigating the transition from residency to professional urology practice." Assoc. Prof. Emre Şener (TR) discusses networking and building professional relationships in urology with Dr. Amelia Pietropaolo (GB).

Assoc. Prof. Şener and Dr. Pietropaolo delve into the critical aspects of establishing robust connections within the urology field. They emphasise the significance of networking for young professionals, highlighting strategies to initiate and nurture meaningful relationships with mentors, colleagues, and industry peers. The episode provides actionable tips on leveraging social media, attending conferences, and engaging in collaborative projects to expand one's professional network.

Ultimately, the episode aims to empower young urologists with the skills needed to forge impactful connections, fostering career growth and knowledge-exchange within the urology community.

This is 'Episode 3' of the podcast series "What do young urologists need to know," 'Segment 1': "Navigating the transition from residency to professional urology practice." Dr. Elena Seguí-Moya (GB) converses with Prof. Sabine Brookman-May (US) about preparing for a job interview.

The discussion highlights essential steps and strategies for excelling in a job interview within the specialised field of urology, emphasising the importance of showcasing clinical skills or research experience. Additionally, the episode offers valuable tips on effectively communicating one's passion for the field and aligning personal goals with the prospective employer's vision, ensuring a successful and promising start to a urology career. 

In 'Episode 2' of the series on "What young urologists need to know," segment 1 covers the topic of "Navigating the transition from residency to professional urology practice." Dr. Bhavan Prasad Rai (GB) and Dr. Guido Kamphuis (NL) delve into the aspects of preparing and maintaining an effective CV.

Dr. Rai and Dr. Kamphuis talk about how your CV should highlight relevant experiences and achievements, exploring the key elements that make a standout CV in the competitive field of urology. They emphasise the importance of tailoring your CV to reflect your career aspirations, including research, clinical, and academic pursuits specific to urology.

Additionally, Dr. Rai and Dr. Kamphuis touch upon the significance of regularly updating your CV to reflect ongoing professional development, certifications, and new skills in this rapidly evolving field. 

Tune in for expert insights and practical tips that will help young urologists present themselves effectively on paper and pave the way for a successful career trajectory.

In 'Episode 1' of the series on "What young urologists need to know," segment 1 covers the topic of "Navigating the transition from residency to professional urology practice." Assoc. Prof. Veeru Kasivisvanathan (GB) and Ms. María Pilar Moreno-Fontela (ES) discuss the significant transition from residency to independent practice in this episode titled: "My residency is finished: how will my life change?"

Assoc. Prof. Kasivisvanathan and Ms. Moreno-Fontela delve into the challenges and adjustments that come with newfound autonomy, such as managing patient loads, navigating administrative tasks and adapting to a different work-life balance.

The episode sheds light on the shifts experienced by these urologists, offering insights and advice on coping mechanisms, time management, and building a supportive network in the field. Additionally, it explores strategies for continual learning and growth as they embark on this new phase of their medical careers.

In this podcast, UROONCO BCa chief editor Dr. Benjamin Pradere (FR) talks with Prof. James Catto (GB) about the THOR-2 cohort 1 study: Results of erdafitinib (ERDA) vs intravesical chemotherapy (chemo) in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with select fibroblast growth factor receptor alterations (FGFRALT) who received prior bacillus calmette-guérin (BCG) treatment.

Prof. Catto shares details on the rationale and design of the THOR-2 cohort 1 study, the results he presented at ESMO 2023, and some important take-home messages.

For more details on this study, you can read this abstract on the UROONCO Bladder Cancer educational platform.

In this podcast, Dr. Neeraj Agarwal (US), presidential endowed chair of cancer research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, shares the results of the LITESPARK-013 Phase 2 trial - "Safety and efficacy of two doses of belzutifan in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma", that he presented at ESMO 2023. 

Firstly, Dr. Agarwal shares the rationale of the study, which compared belzutifan 200mg and 120mg doses in patients with advanced clear cell RCC that progressed on anti-PD-1/L1 therapy to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these two doses in a larger, randomised trial. 

Dr. Agarwal said that there was no difference in efficacy outcomes of belzutifan 200 mg and 120 mg orally once daily. Progression-free survival and overall survival were similar, as were the safety profiles between the two doses. 

But, according to Dr. Neeraj, when they took a deep dive into the belzutifan 200mg once daily dose, it was associated with a higher rate of overall dose modifications and drug discontinuation. Based on these results, he concluded that belzutifan 120mg once daily dose in patients with clear cell RCC should remain the dose. 

In this podcast, UROONCO RCC associate editor Dr. Teele Kuusk (GB) talks with Prof. Roberto Iacovelli (IT), Gostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, Rome, about the abstract he presented at ESMO 2023, "The TIDE-A study: Phase II study of avelumab (Ave) plus intermittent axitinib in previously untreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma".  

Prof. Iacovelli shares details on the TIDE-A study, the first study demonstrating the potential benefits of VEGFR-TKI interruption combined with immunotherapy. Results showed decreased treatment-related toxicity and delayed tumour progression in mRCC patients. The safety of the combination of avelumab and axitinib in mRCC patients was also promising, and he suggests that future investigations in a randomised trial would be worthwhile.