BackTable Urology

Same risk group, very different benefit. Can biomarkers help identify who needs treatment intensification in prostate cancer? On this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Ruchika Talwar and Dr. Angela Jia, a radiation oncologist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, break down the difference between prognostic and predictive biomarkers and how genomic testing is informing the way clinicians counsel patients. They review trial data suggesting that men with a low genomic score may gain little from adding hormone therapy, along with early prospective evidence that the luminal B subtype may help identify who benefits most from intensification.

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This podcast is supported by

Verasytehttps://www.veracyte.com/

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction02:08 - Prognostic vs. Predictive Biomarkers06:34 - The NRG/RTOG 0815 Biomarker Cohort10:15 - Applying a Low Genomic Score in Clinic15:16 - Genomic Classifiers After Prostatectomy18:52 - RTOG 9601, SPPORT and the Salvage Evidence24:39 - Stage Migration and the Case for an ARPI28:13 - Ordering and Reading the Genomic Report34:31 - Common Mistakes in Interpretation37:31 - Where Genomics Could Go Next41:03 - Reflex Testing, EMR Integration and AI44:44 - Closing Remarks

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More about this episode

The conversation covers practical application of test results, counseling with absolute risk numbers, and the pitfalls of stretching predictive claims beyond their evidence. Dr. Jia explains the limits of biopsy sampling, how stage migration with advanced imaging may shift baseline risk, and why a large portion of the genomic score remains unexplained by standard variables. The episode closes with a look at reflex testing, the potential role of AI, and the longer-term goal of giving patients clear, individualized benefit estimates for each treatment option.

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Resources

NRG/RTOG 0815: A Phase III Prospective Randomized Trial of Dose-Escalated Radiotherapy With or Without Short-Term Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Patients With Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer (trial record)https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00936390 NRG-GU006 (BALANCE): A Phase II Randomized Trial of Salvage Radiotherapy With or Without Apalutamide in Recurrent Prostate Cancer (trial record)https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03371719 Feng FY, et al. Validation of a 22-Gene Genomic Classifier in Patients With Recurrent Prostate Cancer: An Ancillary Study of the NRG/RTOG 9601 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol. 2021https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33570548/ Pollack A, et al. The addition of androgen deprivation therapy and pelvic lymph node treatment to prostate bed salvage radiotherapy (NRG Oncology/RTOG 0534 SPPORT). Lancet. 2022https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35569466/ Zhao SG, et al. Associations of Luminal and Basal Subtyping of Prostate Cancer With Prognosis and Response to Androgen Deprivation Therapy. JAMA Oncol. 2017https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28494073/ Patel KR, Nguyen PL, et al. Biopsy-based Basal-luminal Subtyping Classifier in High-risk Prostate Cancer: A Combined Analysis of the NRG Oncology/RTOG 9202, 9413 and 9902 Phase 3 Trials. Eur Urol Oncol. 2026https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39542826/ Grist E, et al. Tumor transcriptome-wide expression classifiers predict treatment sensitivity in advanced prostate cancers (STAMPEDE). Cell. 2025https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40865526/ Jia AY, et al. Cross-Comparison Individual Patient-Level Analysis of Three Gene Expression Signatures in Localized Prostate Cancer in Over 50,000 Men. JCO Precis Oncol. 2025https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40479622/ Dr. Angela Jia, University Hospitals physician profilehttps://www.uhhospitals.org/doctors/Jia-Angela-1902338718 Dr. Ruchika Talwar, BackTable Urology contributor pagehttps://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/contributors/dr-ruchika-talwar

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BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

How do you decide if a neurogenic bladder is a safety problem or a quality of life problem for each patient, and how do you move from guideline risk categories to a real surveillance plan? On this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Anjali Kapur interviews Dr. Benjamin Brucker, professor of urology and director of neuro-urology at NYU Langone Health, about navigating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. They start with the AUA and SUFU guideline framework, covering history, physical exam, mobility, cognition, voiding diaries, and risk stratification to sort patients into low, unknown, or high risk. Dr. Brucker outlines the findings that move a patient between categories and the workup needed, from renal ultrasound and urodynamics to identifying unsafe storage pressures and elevated post-void residual.

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Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app

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This podcast is supported byMedtronic

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction03:20 - Initial Evaluation Under the AUA and SUFU Guidelines05:39 - Risk Stratification and Surveillance13:08 - Role of Fluoroscopy in Urodynamics14:55 - Spinal Cord Injury and Detrusor Sphincter Dyssynergia17:35 - Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson Disease, and Stroke23:13 - Cognitive and Functional Status in Therapy Selection25:16 - Neuromodulation in the Neurogenic Population29:07 - Catheter Management and Sphincterotomy35:49 - Medical Therapy, Chemodenervation, and Surgical Escalation42:50 - Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Antibiotic Stewardship46:04 - Gaps in Practice and Research on the Horizon50:48 - Closing Remarks

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More about this episode

The conversation dives into the nuances of managing neurogenic bladder by underlying disease, from detrusor sphincter dyssynergia after spinal cord injury to the variable patterns in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, and stroke. Dr. Brucker explains the role of videourodynamics, the importance of matching therapy to cognition and mobility, and how to counsel patients on medical therapy, neuromodulation, catheterization, and surgery. They discuss antibiotic stewardship for asymptomatic bacteriuria, gaps between guidelines and real-world care, and what new devices and bladder transplant might mean for the future. The episode closes with a reminder that management is about treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

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Resources

Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: AUA/SUFU Guidelinehttps://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/adult-neurogenic-lower-urinary-tract-dysfunction Ginsberg DA, Boone TB, Cameron AP, et al. The AUA/SUFU Guideline on Adult Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: Diagnosis and Evaluation. J Urol. 2021https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002235 Ginsberg DA, Boone TB, Cameron AP, et al. The AUA/SUFU Guideline on Adult Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: Treatment and Follow-up. J Urol. 2021https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002239 Vurture G, Peyronnet B, Palma JA, et al. Urodynamic Mechanisms Underlying Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Patients With Parkinson Disease. Int Neurourol J. 2019.https://doi.org/10.5213/inj.1938086.043 Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU). https://sufuorg.com/ American Urological Association (AUA)https://www.auanet.org/ First human bladder transplant, UCLA Health, 2025.https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/first-human-bladder-transplant-performed-ucla Dr. Benjamin Brucker, NYU Langone Health physician profilehttps://nyulangone.org/doctors/1235295619/benjamin-m-brucker Dr. Benjamin Brucker, BackTable Urology contributor pagehttps://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/contributors/dr-benjamin-brucker Dr. Anjali Kapur, BackTable Urology contributor pagehttps://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/contributors/dr-anjali-kapur

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BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

What is the difference between mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching in a physician’s career, and how can coaching influence your professional development? On this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Helen Bernie interviews Dr. Emilie Johnson and Dr. Angie Smith about the transformative impact of career coaching for urologists. They break down how coaching differs from mentorship and sponsorship, who stands to benefit most, and the real value of having a conversation focused entirely on your goals and growth.

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Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app

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This podcast was developed in collaboration withSociety of Women in Urologyhttps://swiu.org/home.aspx

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction03:21 - Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Coaching06:23 - Paths Into Physician Coaching11:39 - Who Should Seek a Coach15:56 - What a Coach Does Differently22:57 - Anatomy of a Coaching Session28:21 - Coaching Frameworks and Tools35:14 - Uncovering Unrecognized Goals42:12 - Coaching Beyond the Workplace47:16 - Advice for the Undecided Urologist52:08 - Closing Remarks

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More about this episode

The discussion explores what a coaching session looks like, from low-stakes one-offs to multi-month programs, and the frameworks and tools that stick, like strengths-based assessments, DiSC, and the career portfolio exercise. Dr. Smith shares insights from her credentialed coaching program, while Dr. Johnson explains how coaching changes everything from listening at home to decision-making in the OR. The episode closes with advice on finding the right coach, recognizing when you are ready, and why coaching is about unlocking what you already know.

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Resources

Society of Women in Urology (SWIU)https://www.swiu.org/ Effect of a Professional Coaching Intervention on the Well-being and Distress of Physicians: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial (Dyrbye et al., JAMA Internal Medicine, 2019)https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.2425 International Coaching Federation, credentialing and coach education requirements (ACC, PCC, MCC)https://coachingfederation.org/credentialing/prepare-for-icf-credential-application/education-training-requirements/ UNC School of Medicine coaching programs, Office of Faculty Affairs and Leadership Developmenthttps://www.med.unc.edu/facultyaffairs/coaching-culture/ VIA Character Strengths Survey, the free strengths assessment Dr. Smith recommendshttps://www.viacharacter.org/ CliftonStrengths (Gallup)https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx

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BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

Adrenal lesions now turn up on four to ten percent of cross-sectional scans, and every urologist needs a reliable way to sort out the harmless ones from the dangerous ones. On this episode of BackTable Urology, co-hosts Dr. Gina Badalato and Dr. Chris Anderson speak with Dr. Ben Ristau to share a practical, case-based framework for evaluating adrenal lesions. They walk through imaging criteria, the essential hormonal workup, size thresholds for surgery, the rare but crucial role of biopsy, and the operative planning that separates a smooth adrenalectomy from a crisis.

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Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app

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This podcast was developed in collaboration with

Society of Academic Urologistshttps://sauweb.org/

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction03:42 - Imaging Criteria for Adrenal Adenoma08:15 - Framework for Hormonal Workup12:48 - Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion16:20 - Adrenal Venous Sampling21:12 - Genetic Syndromes and Pheochromocytoma25:40 - Suspected Pheochromocytoma Case31:19 - Alpha Blockade Before Surgery35:36 - Intraoperative Hemodynamic Swings40:50 - Adrenocortical Carcinoma Case45:00 - Managing Adrenal Vein Avulsion48:00 - Closing Remarks

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More about this episode

The discussion opens with a 3.4 centimeter lipid-rich adenoma and the two questions that drive every evaluation, whether the lesion is malignant and whether it is functional. Dr. Ristau walks through the overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test, the aldosterone to renin ratio, plasma free metanephrines and adrenal venous sampling, then explains why mild autonomous cortisol secretion is the most commonly missed diagnosis. Later cases cover preoperative alpha blockade for pheochromocytoma, the blood pressure swing that follows adrenal vein ligation, and open resection for suspected adrenocortical carcinoma. They close with pearls on surgical judgment, resident teaching, and the importance of systematic protocols in adrenal mass evaluation.

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Resources

CUA guideline: Diagnosis, management, and follow-up of the incidentally discovered adrenal mass (endorsed by the AUA, Rowe et al., CUAJ 2023)https://cuaj.ca/index.php/journal/article/view/8248 European Society of Endocrinology clinical practice guidelines on the management of adrenal incidentalomas, with ENSAT (Fassnacht et al., Eur J Endocrinol 2023)https://doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/lvad066 AACE / AAES Medical Guidelines for the Management of Adrenal Incidentalomashttps://pro.aace.com/disease-state-resources/pituitary-and-neuroendocrine/clinical-practice-guidelines/american Discrepancies in the Recommended Management of Adrenal Incidentalomas by Various Guidelines (Journal of Urology)https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000001342 Society of Academic Urologistshttps://sauweb.org/

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BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

What does a urologist actually need to know to confidently manage advanced prostate cancer in the clinic? On this episode of BackTable Urology, host Dr. Ruchika Talwar interviews Dr. Kristen Scarpato, director of the advanced prostate cancer clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Jason Hafron, chief medical officer of the Michigan Institute of Urology. They break down how the landscape has shifted, why more patients stay in urology for treatment, and how to select and monitor therapy based on disease state, comorbidities, and patient goals.

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Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app

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This podcast is supported by

Bayer

https://www.bayer.com

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction02:41 - Shift to Urology-Led Advanced Prostate Management07:07 - Sorting Therapies by Disease State10:33 - Treatment Intensification and Doublet Therapy17:54 - ARPI Selection and the Four Ps Framework25:46 - Managing Financial Toxicity29:30 - Monitoring, Labs, and Imaging34:11 - Red Flags and Comanagement36:49 - When to Refer to Medical Oncology41:11 - Future Directions and Practice Economics46:33 - Closing Remarks

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More about this episode

The discussion covers sorting therapies by disease state rather than drug class, doublet and triplet intensification, the nuances of choosing between abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide, and Dr. Hafron’s “four Ps” framework for drug selection. Dr. Scarpato addresses financial toxicity, surveillance protocols, and red flag symptoms. Both guests share their referral triggers for medical oncology, approaches for oligometastatic disease and metastasis-directed therapy, and practical tips for running an advanced prostate cancer clinic.

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Resources

Advanced Prostate Cancer: AUA/SUO Guidelinehttps://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/advanced-prostate-cancer Trial Design and Objectives for Patients With Prostate Cancer: Recommendations From the Prostate Cancer Working Group 4 (JCO)https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO-25-02834 ARACOG (AFT-47): Darolutamide vs Enzalutamide and Cognitive Function, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04335682https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04335682 ARASENS: Darolutamide and Survival in Metastatic, Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (NEJM)https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2119115 PSMAddition: 177Lu-PSMA-617 Plus Standard of Care in mHSPC, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04720157https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04720157 Medicare Plan Finder, referenced on air for comparing Part D out-of-pocket drug costshttps://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/

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BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app