Ep. 271 How Biomarkers Enhance Precision Medicine in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer with Dr. Katie Murray and Dr. Sarah Psutka
As new genetic and AI-powered tools emerge for bladder cancer screening, are we getting closer to reducing the need for invasive cystoscopies? In part five of the 2025 BackTable NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, host Dr. Vignesh Packiam engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Sarah Psutka from the University of Washington and Dr. Katie Murray from NYU about the complexities and potential benefits of using biomarkers in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
https://www.ferring.com/home-classic/people-and-families/uro-uro-oncology/bladder-cancer/
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SYNPOSIS
The conversation covers the current challenges of interpreting positive biomarkers without clinical correlates, the gold standard of biopsies, and the potential of various biomarkers such as urine cytology, FISH, and newer genomic tests like the Decipher Bladder Genomic Classifier. They also touch upon the role of AI in pathology, the cost implications of biomarkers, and how these tools might influence future clinical practices and patient decisions. The episode emphasizes the need for precision medicine, careful patient counseling, and the impact of false positives and negatives on both patients and healthcare providers.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction05:25 - Challenges with Current Biomarkers08:10 - New Biomarkers and Genomic Classifiers21:10 - AI and Pathology in Bladder Cancer35:13 - Screening and Future Directions41:20 - Challenges and Future Directions in Bladder Cancer Surveillance57:51 - Conclusion
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RESOURCES
DaBlaCa-15 Trialhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40280776/
Sam Chang CHAI Studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40514253/
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Ep. 270 Reconstructive Urology: Techniques, Training & Career Pathways with Dr. Rachel Mann
Considering a reconstructive urology fellowship or already in the thick of it? This episode is for you. Dr. Rachel Mann (University of Minnesota) sits down with Dr. George Koch (Ohio State University) to discuss her journey in reconstructive urology and the mentors who shaped it. Together, they explore how creativity, adaptability, and mentorship fuel progress in this evolving subspecialty.---SYNPOSISDr. Mann also shares practical advice for residents and fellows who are planning their next steps in training. She reflects on how to identify the right fellowship, make the most of a unique learning year, and transition effectively into independent practice. The episode closes with a discussion of the future of reconstructive urology, including global health opportunities, the potential for dedicated transgender surgery fellowships, and the mindset required to continue evolving as a reconstructive surgeon.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:01 - Training and Mentorship11:09 - The Evolution and Scope of Reconstructive Urology32:49 - The Future of Reconstructive Urology35:01 - Expanding Internationally38:24 - Rapid Fire Advice for Residents45:59 - Advice for Fellows---RESOURCESThe Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons (TURNS)https://www.turnsresearch.org/Optilume ROBUST III trialhttps://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bco2.312RD-180 Suture Devicehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35070820/
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Ep. 269 Beyond PSA: The Science Driving Smarter Blood Tests with Dr. Jason Hafron
We have relied on PSA for decades, but what’s next in precision screening for prostate cancer? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Jason Hafron from the Michigan Institute of Urology joins host Dr. Ruchika Talwar to discuss the evolving role of biomarkers and artificial intelligence in prostate cancer screening.---This podcast is supported by:Cleveland Diagnosticshttps://www.isopsa.com/---SYNPOSISTogether, Dr. Hafron and Dr. Talwar examine the ongoing challenges of PSA testing and the promise of next-generation blood-based biomarkers, including 4Kscore and IsoPSA tests. They explore how these advancements are reshaping detection, diagnosis, and risk stratification. The episode also highlights how these tools may improve active surveillance protocols, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and better personalize prostate cancer management for better outcomes.---TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction2:23 - Limitations of PSA10:21 - Limitations of MRI18:08 - Overview of Biomarkers (IsoPSA, 4K, PHI, SelectMDx, MIPS, ExoDx)26:30 - Artificial Intelligence---RESOURCESProstate Cancer Screening With PSA, Kallikrein Panel, and MRI: The ProScreen Randomized Trialhttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817323 Using IsoPSA With Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Score May Help Refine Biopsy Decision Making in Patients With Elevated PSAhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36965817/ Clinical validation of IsoPSA, a single parameter, structure-focused assay for improved detection of prostate cancer: A prospective, multicenter studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35840465/
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Ep. 268 Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Role of Medical Oncology with Dr. Tyler Stewart
With the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors into non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) management, who’s on point for planning, administering, and optimizing combination therapies? Is it still the urologist, or does medical oncology play a more significant role now than it did before? In this episode of the BackTable 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, host Dr. Bogdana Schmidt sits down with Dr. Tyler Stewart, medical oncologist from the University of California San Diego, to discuss the contemporary role of medical and surgical oncology in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.---This podcast is supported by:Ferring Pharmaceuticalshttps://www.ferring.com/home-classic/people-and-families/uro-uro-oncology/bladder-cancer/---SYNPOSISThe conversation covers the efficacy and safety of checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, and the challenges of balancing systemic and localized treatments. They also touch upon the potential future role of biomarkers in reducing invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction02:04 - The Role of Medical Oncologists in Bladder Cancer12:58 - Combination Therapies and Patient Outcomes21:18 - The CREST Study26:59 - Managing Adverse Events34:44 - Collaboration Between Urologists and Oncologists41:06 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts---RESOURCESCREST Trialhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03738-zCISTO Studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37980511/
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Ep. 267 Sequencing Therapies in NMIBC Management with Dr. Mark Tyson and Dr. Suzanne Merrill
New FDA-approved therapies for BCG-refractory non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)–where do they fit in the treatment algorithm, and how do you administer them? This installment of the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series features host Dr. Bogdana Schmidt, assistant professor of Urologic Oncology at the University of Utah, and leading urologic oncologists Dr. Mark Tyson from Mayo Clinic Arizona and Dr. Suzanne Merrill from Colorado Urology.---This podcast is supported by:Ferring Pharmaceuticalshttps://www.ferring.com/home-classic/people-and-families/uro-uro-oncology/bladder-cancer/---SYNPOSISThe discussion delves into the newest treatment strategies and FDA-approved therapies for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with an emphasis on BCG-refractory patients. They highlight their approaches to sequencing therapies, the real-world applicability of these treatments, and the impact of patient factors in clinical decision-making. The panel also explores emerging trials and innovative treatment mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of personalized care in oncology.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction05:09 - Challenges and Strategies in Treatment10:55 - Bladder Sparing Therapies21:41 - Practical Tips for Therapy Administration30:39 - Challenges and Considerations in Reinduction37:05 - Clinical Trials and Future Directions44:11 - Counseling Patients on Treatment Options57:36 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook---RESOURCESCORE-008 Clinical Trial https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1078143924010147Legend Clinical Trial:https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.5_suppl.802CISTO Studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37980511/
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