Dr. Desai on the Evolving Standard of Care in Urothelial Cancer

Neil Desai, MD, associate professor, radiation oncology, UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the evolving standard of care in urothelial cancer.

The standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer of urothelial origin has long been neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by a radical cystectomy, Desai explains. However, this treatment course is not the best option for all patients, Desai adds. Some patients with bladder cancer often have comorbidities, and given the difficult nature of a cystectomy, not all patients will be candidates, Desai adds.

The goal for all of these patients is to preserve the bladder and quality of life, and researchers are continuing to explore alternatives for patients who are not ideal candidates for cystectomy, Desai concludes.