The Role of Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: What Does Current Evidence Reveal?

Aims: This narrative expert review aims to elucidate the role of biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), highlighting their potential to enhance patient care by enabling more precise and individualized therapeutic strategies.

Methods and results: We performed a comprehensive review of literature focused on biomarkers relevant to IC/BPS, including bladder capacity, symptom intensity, bladder wall thickness, as well as serum and urinary inflammatory cytokines and other biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and urothelial and extracellular matrix remodeling. Evidence indicates that biomarkers such as TNF-α, IL-8, and bladder capacity can differentiate between Hunner lesion and non-Hunner lesion IC subtypes, predict treatment responses, and guide effective interventions. Furthermore, advanced statistical methods and machine learning applications show promise in improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcome predictions through clustering of the biomarker data.

Conclusions: Reliable biomarkers are vital for improving diagnostic precision and tailoring therapies for IC/BPS patients. Ongoing research and validation of these biomarkers are essential for advancing understanding, guiding treatment decisions, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by this complex syndrome. The need for integrated biomarker profiles and multipronged research approaches is crucial for the future of IC/BPS management.