Maria Florencia Frascheri, Pablo Contreras, Dmitry Enikeev, Arman Tsaturyan, Giorgio Bozzini, Bhaskar K Somani
{"title":"Small tools, big impact and redefining endourology: the paradigm shift of ureteroscopy for large stones and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for small stones - a literature review.","authors":"Maria Florencia Frascheri, Pablo Contreras, Dmitry Enikeev, Arman Tsaturyan, Giorgio Bozzini, Bhaskar K Somani","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001283","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001283","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>We aim to review the evolving paradigm in endourology, where technology has led us to manage small stones with ureteroscopy (URS) and large stones with miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) techniques. We analyse recent literature, their findings, emerging trends and newer technologies that are helping redefine modern day endourology in pushing these boundaries.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>A significant trend is the use of smaller devices to treat larger stones via ureteroscopy, and to treat smaller stones via percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Improved laser technologies, smaller single use ureteroscopes and nephroscopes, suction access sheaths, all play a key role in this.The use of suction sheaths and vacuum assisted devices allows to control intrarenal pressure and help in reducing infectious and other complications whilst improving the stone-free rate (SFR). The treatment choice often depends on surgical expertise and available resources, guided by anatomical factors, stone composition and patient-specific considerations.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The management of kidney stone disease has undergone a paradigm shift. While ureteroscopy is being done for larger renal stones, miniaturised PCNL is being done for small stones. This has been driven by a surge in technology, but a tailored and patient-centred approach is needed, and must be helped by guidelines and a multidisciplinary approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":"347-353"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chiara Mercinelli, Chiara Carli, Rosanna Di Vita, Maria Oliveri, Luca Galli, Andrea Necchi
{"title":"Immunotherapy toxicities in genito-urinary cancers: insights and challenges for clinicians.","authors":"Chiara Mercinelli, Chiara Carli, Rosanna Di Vita, Maria Oliveri, Luca Galli, Andrea Necchi","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001295","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The advent of immunotherapy has completely transformed cancer treatment, particularly in genitourinary malignancies, where immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now a cornerstone in bladder and kidney cancer management. However, their use introduces a distinct spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), necessitating a thorough understanding of their incidence, mechanisms, and management. This review explores the safety profile of ICIs in genitourinary cancers, addressing their impact in both localized and metastatic settings.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies highlight the diverse nature of irAEs, which can affect multiple organ systems with varying severity. While ICIs have demonstrated durable responses, their toxicity profile differs significantly from conventional therapies, requiring vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention. Notably, combination therapies, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with CTLA-4 blockade or chemotherapy, may increase the risk of severe irAEs. Emerging data suggest that preexisting autoimmune conditions and specific patient subgroups may be more susceptible to toxicity, emphasizing the need for individualized risk assessment.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This review highlights the need for continuous monitoring, effective management strategies, and further research to better understand the mechanisms of irAEs and improve the well tolerated use of immunotherapy in genitourinary cancers. Clinicians should be aware of the incidence of immunotherapy-related adverse events in order to early identify them.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":"461-466"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143984947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Genetics of male infertility.","authors":"Christian Corsini, Edoardo Pozzi, Andrea Salonia","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001287","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The aim of this study was to outline the role of genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal anomalies, single-gene mutations, epigenetic changes, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects, in male factor infertility.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent advances in genetic research have brought incredible new perspectives to understanding male infertility, thanks in large part to next-generation sequencing. Chromosomal abnormalities like Klinefelter syndrome and Y chromosome microdeletions remain key contributors, with new insights into their variable presentations and impact on sperm retrieval. Advanced discoveries in genes such as CFTR and ADGRG2 have reframed our approach to conditions like CBAVD, while epigenetic disruptions and mitochondrial DNA mutations are revealing previously unrecognized mechanisms behind impaired spermatogenesis and sperm motility. Rare copy number variations and genetic syndromes like Kallmann and Noonan further underscore the complex interplay between systemic disorders and male fertility.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The field of genetic infertility is rapidly evolving, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind impaired spermatogenesis and fertility. These findings highlight the importance of integrating genetic testing into infertility evaluations to guide personalized management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":"489-496"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cost-effectiveness of serum, urine, and tissue-based prostate cancer biomarkers.","authors":"Veerain K Gupta, Brian D Cortese, Ruchika Talwar","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001293","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Prostate cancer remains a leading malignancy among men in the United States. While prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening improves early detection, it also leads to over-diagnosis and over-treatment. Biomarkers offer a promising solution for risk stratification and guiding treatment decisions. This review examines the cost-effectiveness of serum, urine, and tissue-based biomarkers to assess their impact on healthcare expenditures and clinical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Serum-based biomarkers like 4Kscore and PHI reduce unnecessary biopsies and healthcare costs. Urine-based biomarkers, including SelectMDx and ExoDx Prostate IntelliScore (EPI), have shown potential to optimize prostate cancer detection while being more cost-effective than some serum-based alternatives. Tissue-based biomarkers, such as OncotypeDx and Decipher, help in treatment selection, though their economic impact varies. Economic analyses suggest that biomarkers can enhance clinical decision-making while reducing healthcare expenditures, but real-world validation remains limited.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Prostate cancer biomarkers improve risk stratification and may lower healthcare costs. However, variations in cost-effectiveness, reimbursement policies, and guideline recommendations limit widespread adoption. Prospective studies are needed to validate real-world cost savings and refine biomarker integration into clinical practice. Addressing financial and policy challenges is essential to ensure equitable access and maximize their impact on prostate cancer management.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":"412-417"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ali Talyshinskii, Carlotta Nedbal, Bhaskar K Somani
{"title":"Urological impact of flozins (SGLT2 inhibitors): an EAU Endourology review of risks, side effects and clinical considerations.","authors":"Ali Talyshinskii, Carlotta Nedbal, Bhaskar K Somani","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MOU.0000000000001306","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), also known as flozins, are one of the modern oral antidiabetic drugs. Currently, there are sufficient number of studies devoted to the effect of flozins on various genitourinary disorders, confirming their multifaceted positive and side effects. Thus, the purpose of this review is to analyze the current literature for an up-to-date definition of the role of these drugs in urological practice, prospects for their further study, and side effects that urologists need to remember when treating patients with T2DM taking flozins.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Flozins (SGLT2i) are not linked to urological cancer risk, and might even lower the risk by disrupting tumor metabolism and cell cycle. Despite causing glucosuria, the resulting effect of Flozins is antilithogenic, which may be promising for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and kidney stone disease, especially regarding risk of recurrence. While the overall risk of UTI is not increased, flozins significantly increase the risk of genital mycotic infections. Flozins can worsen LUTS due to their diuretic action.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Current results of studies on the use of flozins in patients with T2DM are promising for different spectrums of genitourinary diseases caused by different pathogenetic mechanisms. However, we need future clinical trials with specific drugs and comparisons to get trustworthy results about how helpful flozins are for these patients and whether they can be used in urology.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mariela Corrales, Matthias Boeykens, Alba Sierra Del Rio, Eugenio Ventimiglia, Amelia Pietropaolo, Bhaskar Somani, Olivier Traxer
{"title":"The role of suction devices in enhancing outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery: a narrative review by the YAU urolithiasis and section of EAU endourology.","authors":"Mariela Corrales, Matthias Boeykens, Alba Sierra Del Rio, Eugenio Ventimiglia, Amelia Pietropaolo, Bhaskar Somani, Olivier Traxer","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MOU.0000000000001304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To provide a comprehensive overview of existing literature on suction-assisted ureteroscopy, evaluating its effectiveness and associated complications.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>A literature review was conducted in December 2024 using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases by two independent authors. To structure and address the clinical question, \"Do suction devices improve outcomes in RIRS?\", we employed the PICOS (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study Type) model. Exclusion criteria included case reports, studies involving suction techniques outside the context of endocorporeal laser lithotripsy (ELL), non-English language articles and articles or clinical trials with fewer than 15 patients.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Among the 36 included studies, 28 studies focused on SUAS, of which seven specifically investigated SUAS with pressure measurement, three studies examined DISS, three studies evaluated SURE and two comparative studies analyzed different suction techniques. The presented results show that advancements in suction technology seem very promising and likely to shift endourological practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144119160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence-enabled decision aids in improving patient inclusivity, empowerment, and education in urology: a systematic review by EAU endourology.","authors":"Solomon Bracey, Nasif Bhuiyan, Amelia Pietropaolo, Bhaskar Somani","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MOU.0000000000001301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in urology has the potential to enhance patient outcomes through the provision of intelligent tools, such as AI-enabled decision aids (AIDAs), which can support personalized care. The objective of this systematic review is to determine the role of AIDAs in educating and empowering patients, particularly those from underrepresented populations.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>We conducted a comprehensive systematic review following PRISMA guidelines to explore the potential for AIDAs to address healthcare inequalities and promote patient education and empowerment. From 1078 abstracts screened, 21 articles were suitable for inclusion, all of which utilized chatbots. Three main themes of studies were identified. Fourteen studies focused on enhancing patient education, four studies investigated whether chatbots can improve the accessibility of urological literature and three studies explored chatbots role in providing lifestyle guidance. While chatbots demonstrated great potential as educational and lifestyle support tools, current research found mixed accuracy and a tendency for them to produce unreliable information. In terms of accessibility, chatbots were able to effectively enhance readability and translate literature, potentially bridging language, and literacy barriers.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Through chatbots, AIDAs show strong potential to enhance urological education and empower underrepresented communities. However, chatbots must show greater consistency in accuracy before they can be confidently relied upon in clinical contexts. Further research evaluating chatbots' efficacy in clinical settings, especially with underrepresented groups, would enable greater understanding of their role in improving patient inclusivity, empowerment, and education.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent advancements in personalized management of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.","authors":"Fabian Falkenbach, Jonas Ekrutt, Tobias Maurer","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MOU.0000000000001305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy exhibits heterogeneous prognostic implications. Recent advancements in imaging and biomarkers have high potential for personalizing care.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Prostate-specific membrane antigen imaging (PSMA)-PET/CT has revolutionized the BCR management in prostate cancer by detecting microscopic lesions earlier than conventional staging, leading to improved cancer control outcomes and changes in treatment plans in approximately two-thirds of cases. Salvage radiotherapy, often combined with androgen deprivation therapy, remains the standard treatment for high-risk BCR postprostatectomy, with PSMA-PET/CT guiding treatment adjustments, such as the radiation field, and improving progression-free survival. Advancements in biomarkers, genomic classifiers, and artificial intelligence-based models have enhanced risk stratification and personalized treatment planning, resulting in both treatment intensification and de-escalation.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>While conventional risk grouping relying on Gleason score and PSA level and kinetics remain the foundation for BCR management, PSMA-PET/CT, novel biomarkers, and artificial intelligence may enable more personalized treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mattia Longoni, Fabian Falkenbach, Markus Graefen, Tobias Maurer, Pierre I Karakiewicz, Francesco Montorsi, Alberto Briganti, Giorgio Gandaglia
{"title":"Biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy and postoperative radiotherapy: current evidence and controversial issues.","authors":"Mattia Longoni, Fabian Falkenbach, Markus Graefen, Tobias Maurer, Pierre I Karakiewicz, Francesco Montorsi, Alberto Briganti, Giorgio Gandaglia","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MOU.0000000000001292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review explores challenges in managing biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy and postoperative radiotherapy for prostate cancer (PCa) highlighting gaps in risk stratification, imaging, and emerging therapies, as well as advances in molecular imaging and personalized treatment.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Approximately half of PCa patients experience a second BCR after postoperative radiotherapy. Time to recurrence, PSA kinetics, adverse pathological features (ISUP 4-5, pT3-4, and positive surgical margins), alongside genetic profile, are key factors for risk stratification. Combination of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and novel androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) represents an established treatment choice. However, recent findings emphasize the growing role of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET in detecting recurrent disease and guide tailored strategies. Based on early phase II trials and retrospective studies, metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) has demonstrated promising efficacy in oligorecurrent PCa, although further validation is warranted.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>BCR after radical prostatectomy and postoperative radiotherapy represents a challenge in PCa management. Risk stratification is key for guiding the addition of ARPIs to standard ADT. PSMA PET may further refine tailored strategies such as MDT, whose promising efficacy needs further exploration. Ongoing trials will clarify treatment sequencing and patient selection in the evolving paradigm of BCR management.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143982093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ethan Layne, Claire Olivas, Jacob Hershenhouse, Conner Ganjavi, Francesco Cei, Inderbir Gill, Giovanni E Cacciamani
{"title":"Large language models for automating clinical trial matching.","authors":"Ethan Layne, Claire Olivas, Jacob Hershenhouse, Conner Ganjavi, Francesco Cei, Inderbir Gill, Giovanni E Cacciamani","doi":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001281","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MOU.0000000000001281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The uses of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) technologies in medicine are expanding, with the use of large language models (LLMs) for matching patients to clinical trials of particular interest. This review provides an overview of the current ability of leveraging LLMs for clinical trial matching.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>This review article examines recent studies assessing the performance of LLMs in oncologic clinical trial matching. The research in this area has shown promising results when testing these system using artificially created datasets. In general, they looked at how LLMs can be used to match patient health records with clinical trial eligibility criteria. There is still a need for human oversight of the systems in their current state.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Automated clinical trial matching can improve patient access and autonomy, reduce provider workload, and increase trial enrollment. However, it may potentially create a feeling of \"false hope\" for patients, can be difficult to navigate, and still requires human oversight. Providers may face a learning curve, while institutions must address data privacy concerns and ensure seamless EMR/EHR integration. Given this, additional studies are needed to ensure safety and efficacy of LLM-based clinical trial matching in oncology.</p>","PeriodicalId":11093,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Urology","volume":" ","pages":"250-258"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143669440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}