Review of Topical Treatment of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
2009

Topical Treatment of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Sample size: 37 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Kenneth G. Nepple, Fadi N. Joudi, Michael A. O'Donnell

Primary Institution: University of Iowa

Hypothesis

A select group of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma may be appropriate candidates for minimally invasive management.

Conclusion

Topical treatment of upper tract urothelial cancer can be effective for selected patients, but requires careful patient selection and follow-up.

Supporting Evidence

  • Topical treatments can be effective for patients who cannot undergo major surgery.
  • Patients must be compliant with treatment and follow-up to manage risks of recurrence.
  • Different treatment regimens have been used, with BCG being the most common.

Takeaway

Some patients with a specific type of kidney cancer can be treated with a less invasive method instead of major surgery, but they need to be closely monitored.

Methodology

The study reviews literature on topical treatments and describes an office-based approach for administering therapy.

Potential Biases

Selection bias may affect the outcomes due to the heterogeneous patient groups.

Limitations

The study lacks large prospective or randomized data, making the evidence somewhat anecdotal.

Participant Demographics

Patients included those with solitary kidneys, bilateral disease, poor renal function, and carcinoma in situ.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2009/472831

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