Tumor Evolution and Drug Response in Patient-Derived Organoid Models of Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer is the fifth most prevalent cancer in the U.S., yet is understudied, and few laboratory models exist that reflect the biology of the human disease. Here, we describe a biobank of patient-derived organoid lines that recapitulates the histopathological and molecular diversity of human bladder cancer. Organoid lines can be established efficiently from patient biopsies acquired before and after disease recurrence and are interconvertible with orthotopic xenografts. Notably, organoid lines often retain parental tumor heterogeneity and exhibit a spectrum of genomic changes that are consistent with tumor evolution in culture. Analyses of drug response using bladder tumor organoids show partial correlations with mutational profiles, as well as changes associated with treatment resistance, and specific responses can be validated using xenografts in vivo. Our studies indicate that patient-derived bladder tumor organoids represent a faithful model system for studying tumor evolution and treatment response in the context of precision cancer medicine.

Differential NEUROD1, ASCL1, and POU2F3 Expression Defines Molecular Subsets of Bladder Small Cell/Neuroendocrine Carcinoma With Prognostic Implications.

Small cell carcinomas (SMC) of the lung are now molecularly classified based on the expression of transcriptional regulators (NEUROD1, ASCL1, POU2F3, and YAP1) and DLL3, which has emerged as an investigational therapeutic target. PLCG2 has been shown to identify a distinct subpopulation of lung SMC with stem cell-like and prometastasis features and poor prognosis. We analyzed the expression of these novel neuroendocrine markers and their association with traditional neuroendocrine markers and patient outcomes in a cohort of bladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) consisting of 103 SMC and 19 large cell NEC (LCNEC) assembled in tissue microarrays. Coexpression patterns were assessed and integrated with detailed clinical annotation including overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and response to neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy. We identified 5 distinct molecular subtypes in bladder SMC based on the expression of ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3: ASCL1+/NEUROD1- (n = 33; 34%), ASCL1- /NEUROD1+ (n = 21; 21%), ASCL1+/NEUROD1+ (n = 17; 17%), POU2F3+ (n = 22, 22%), and ASCL1- /NEUROD1- /POU2F3- (n = 5, 5%). POU2F3+ tumors were mutually exclusive with those expressing ASCL1 and NEUROD1 and exhibited lower expression of traditional neuroendocrine markers. PLCG2 expression was noted in 33 tumors (32%) and was highly correlated with POU2F3 expression (P < .001). DLL3 expression was high in both SMC (n = 72, 82%) and LCNEC (n = 11, 85%). YAP1 expression was enriched in nonneuroendocrine components and negatively correlated with all neuroendocrine markers. In patients without metastatic disease who underwent radical cystectomy, PLCG2+ or POU2F3+ tumors had shorter RFS and OS (P < .05), but their expression was not associated with metastasis status or response to neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy. In conclusion, the NEC of the bladder can be divided into distinct molecular subtypes based on the expression of ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3. POU2F3-expressing tumors represent an ASCL1/NEUROD1-negative subset of bladder NEC characterized by lower expression of traditional neuroendocrine markers. Marker expression patterns were similar in SMC and LCNEC. Expression of PLCG2 and POU2F3 was associated with shorter RFS and OS. DLL3 was expressed at high levels in both SMC and LCNEC of the bladder, nominating it as a potential therapeutic target.

Final Results of a Phase I Trial of WST-11 (TOOKAD Soluble) Vascular-targeted Photodynamic Therapy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with the intravascular photosensitizing agent padeliporfin (WST-11/TOOKAD-Soluble) has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy as an ablative treatment for localized cancer with potential adaptation for endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. This Phase I trial (NCT03617003) evaluated the safety of vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with WST-11 in upper tract urothelial carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients underwent up to 2 endoscopic vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy treatments, with follow-up for up to 6 months. Patients who had residual or recurrent upper tract urothelial carcinoma (any grade/size) failing prior endoscopic treatment or unable or unwilling to undergo surgical resection were eligible for inclusion. The primary endpoint was to identify the maximally tolerated dose of laser light fluence. A dose escalation model was employed, with increasing light fluence (100-200 mW/cm) using a modified continual reassessment method. The secondary endpoint was treatment efficacy, defined by absence of visible tumor and negative urine cytology 30 days posttreatment. RESULTS: Fourteen (74%) patients received the maximally tolerated dose of 200 mW/cm, 2 (11%) of whom experienced a dose-limiting toxicity. The initial 30-day treatment response rate was 94% (50% complete, 44% partial). Eight patients underwent a second treatment, with a final observed 68% complete response rate. Leading toxicities were flank pain (79%) and hematuria (84%), which were transient. No ureteral strictures associated with treatment were identified during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with WST-11 has an acceptable safety profile with strong potential as an effective, kidney-sparing endoscopic management option for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. The recently initiated multicenter Phase 3 ENLIGHTED trial (NCT04620239) is expected to provide further evidence on this therapy.

Pathological and oncological outcomes in patients with sarcomatoid differentiation undergoing cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether urothelial carcinoma (UC) with sarcomatoid differentiation is associated with a lower pathological response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and worse oncological outcomes compared to UC without variant histology among patients undergoing radical cystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with UC undergoing cystectomy from 1995 to 2018 at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre were identified. Patients with sarcomatoid differentiation at transurethral resection (TUR) or cystectomy, and patients without variant histology were selected. Downstaging from ≥cT2 to ≤pT1N0 defined partial response and pT0N0 defined complete response. Recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survival were modelled. RESULTS: We identified 131 patients with sarcomatoid differentiation and 1722 patients without variant histology, of whom 25 with sarcomatoid histology on biopsy and 313 without variant histology received NAC. Those with sarcomatoid differentiation presented with higher consensus tumour stage (94% ≥T2 vs 62%; P < 0.001) and were, therefore, more likely to receive NAC (29% vs 18%; P = 0.003). We found no evidence to support a difference in partial (24% vs 31%) or complete (20% vs 24%) response between patients with sarcomatoid histology and those with pure UC at TUR (P = 0.6). Among patients with sarcomatoid differentiation, 5-year recurrence-free survival was 55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 41-74) among patients receiving NAC and 40% (95% CI 31-52) among patients undergoing cystectomy alone (P = 0.1). Adjusting for stage, nodal involvement, margin status and receipt of NAC, sarcomatoid differentiation was associated with worse recurrence-free (hazard ratio [HR] 1.82, 95% CI 1.39-2.39), disease-specific (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23-2.22), and overall survival (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.06-1.78). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcomatoid differentiation was associated with higher stage at presentation and independently associated with worse survival. Given similar pathological response rates if sarcomatoid differentiation is detected at initial resection, and greater survival among patients receiving NAC, treatment with NAC appears warranted. Other drivers of the poor outcomes of this histology must be investigated.

Genomic landscape of inverted urothelial papilloma and urothelial papilloma of the bladder.

Inverted urothelial papilloma (IUP) and urothelial papilloma (UP) are rare urothelial neoplasms that typically follow a benign clinical course. Oncogenic mutations in FGFR3, HRAS, and the TERT promoter have been reported in these entities but no comprehensive molecular analysis has been performed. We sought to characterize the genomic landscape of IUP and UP using whole-exome and targeted next-generation sequencing. In IUP, 10 of 11 tumors harbored oncogenic hotspot mutations in HRAS and the remaining tumor had an oncogenic KRAS mutation. None of the IUP tumors harbored TERT promoter or FGFR3 mutations. In UP, 8 of 11 tumors had oncogenic KRAS mutations and two had oncogenic HRAS mutations. One UP tumor had oncogenic mutations in FGFR3, PIK3CA, and the TERT promoter, and arose in a patient with recurrent non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinomas. In contrast to urothelial carcinoma, the APOBEC mutational signature was not present in any IUP and UP tumors, and oncogenic alterations in chromatin remodeling genes were uncommon in both IUP and UP. The current study suggests that IUP and UP are driven primarily by RAS pathway activation and lack the more common genomic features of urothelial cancers. Copyright © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Impact of Blue Light Cystoscopy on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Cancer.

Photodynamic diagnostic technique with blue light cystoscopy (BLC) takes advantage of the preferential uptake and accumulation of protoporphyrins in neoplastic tissue which emit a red fluorescence when illuminated with blue light (360-450 nm wavelengths). This allows enhanced visualization of small papillary tumors and flat carcinoma in situ lesions that might have been missed on white light cystoscopy (WLC). There is compelling evidence that the ability of BLC to detect these additional tumors translates into improved recurrence rates compared to WLC. However, the impact of BLC with regard to progression rates and in patients who are managed with intravesical therapy is not yet known. Further work is required to optimize the integration of BLC into clinical practice, but the future for BLC appears promising.

Neoadjuvant Treatment of High-Risk, Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Prior to Radical Prostatectomy.

Multimodal strategies combining local and systemic therapy offer the greatest chance of cure for many with men with high-risk prostate cancer who may harbor occult metastatic disease. However, no systemic therapy combined with radical prostatectomy has proven beneficial. This was in part due to a lack of effective systemic agents; however, there have been several advancements in the metastatic and castrate-resistant prostate cancer that might prove beneficial if given earlier in the natural history of the disease. For example, novel hormonal agents have recently been approved for castration-resistant prostate cancer with some early phase II neoadjuvant showing promise. Additionally, combination therapy with docetaxel-based chemohormonal has demonstrated a profound survival benefit in metastatic hormone-naïve patients and might have a role in eliminating pre-existing ADT-resistant tumor cells in the neoadjuvant setting. The Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB)/Alliance 90203 trial has finished accrual and should answer the question as to whether neoadjuvant docetaxel-based chemohormonal therapy provides an advantage over prostatectomy alone. There are also several promising targeted agents and immunotherapies under investigation in phase I/II trials with the potential to provide benefit in the neoadjuvant setting.

Histology of Testicular Biopsies Obtained for Experimental Fertility Preservation Protocol in Boys with Cancer.

PURPOSE: Cryopreservation of testicular tissue with subsequent reimplantation after therapy has the potential to preserve fertility for prepubertal boys with cancer. We present the histology and feasibility of testicular tissue procurement for this novel approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of boys at significant risk for treatment associated gonadotoxicity who were eligible for an experimental research protocol between 2008 and 2011. Open testicular biopsy was performed while the patients were anesthetized for another treatment related procedure. Half of the specimen was reserved for cryopreservation, while the other half was used for research purposes. Semithin sections of the biopsy specimens were evaluated for histological features and compared to age adjusted reference values. RESULTS: A total of 34 boys underwent biopsy between March 2008 and October 2011. Of the patients 29 had solid tumors and 5 underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for benign disease. A total of 27 patients had adequate tissue for histological analysis. Median patient age was 8.7 years (IQR 2.2 to 11.5). All children had either normal (81.5% of patients) or increased (18.5%) numbers of germ cells per tubule for their age. However, 5 of 26 patients (19%) older than 6 months had no evidence of adult dark spermatogonia and 9 of 16 (56%) older than 6 years had no evidence of primary spermatocytes on biopsy, which would be expected based on age norms. These findings are suggestive of abnormal germ cell maturation. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary histological findings of abnormal spermatogenesis maturation in the testes of prepubertal boys with cancer warrants further investigation.

Single instillation of mitomycin C plus bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) versus BCG alone in high grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to determine if the addition of perioperative mitomycin C (MMC) to treatment with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) after transurethral resection (TURBT) is superior to TURBT plus BCG alone in high grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for 719 patients diagnosed with NMIBC at the University of Pennsylvania Health System between 1977 and 2009 was reviewed retrospectively. Of these patients, 120 had high grade disease and were treated with either BCG alone or with a single instillation of 40 mg of MMC perioperatively in addition to BCG and were thus included in our study. The primary endpoints of this study included recurrence-free survival, overall and disease-free survival as assessed via Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Of the 120 patients identified who received treatment for high grade NMIBC, 97 were treated with BCG alone and 23 received a single instillation of perioperative MMC in addition to BCG. There were no statistically significant differences noted in demographic or pathologic variables. Patients were followed for a median of 4.5 years and a maximum of 21.8 years, with no differences demonstrated in recurrence-free survival (p = 0.75), overall survival (p = 0.93) or disease-free survival (p = 0.76). Both lack of lymphovascular invasion and BCG maintenance therapy reached significance as independent predictors of recurrence-free survival (p = 0.19 and p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: While our study indicates that perioperative MMC likely offers little benefit in regards to recurrence or survival in high grade NMIBC, at this point in time, a larger scale, randomized, controlled trial is needed to adequately address this question.

Simplification of the Fuhrman grading system for renal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The Fuhrman grading system (FGS) is the most widely utilized pathological classification and predictor of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) prognosis. The aim of this study was to test the prognostic ability of a simplified two-tier FGS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the data of 509 patients with clear cell RCC who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy between January 1994 and April 2007. The conventional four-tier (I, II, III, IV) FGS was compared to a simplified two-tier FGS in which grades I and II were combined (low grade) and grades III and IV were combined (high grade). Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was calculated for each patient. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used in combination with area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves to compare prognostic accuracies between grading schemes. RESULTS: Median follow up was 81.6 months. Using the conventional FGS, the 5 year CSS for Fuhrman grades I, II, III, and IV were 74.1%, 76.0%, 57.3%, and 40.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Using the simplified two-tier FGS, the 5 year CSS for low grade and high grade were 75.5% and 54.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Both FGSs achieved independent predictor status in multivariate analyses. Prognostic accuracy of multivariate models between the two FGSs had nearly identical AUCs, with a c-statistic of 0.769 and 0.716 for the two-tier and conventional systems, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the simplified FGS performs similarly to the conventional system. The use of this simplified system may promote greater continuity of pathological interpretation as well as provide a more simplified approach for clinician utilization.

Factors influencing the length of stay after radical cystectomy: implications for cancer care and perioperative management.

INTRODUCTION: Although radical cystectomy (RC) is the gold standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer it is associated with perioperative complications, readmissions, and a prolonged length of hospital stay (PLOS). We explored the perioperative factors associated with a PLOS after RC and subsequent long-term outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with urothelial bladder cancer undergoing RC with curative intent at our institution were classified into two groups: LOS <12 days and PLOS ≥12 days. Clinicopathological variables were compared on univariate and multivariable analysis. Complications, re-admissions, adjuvant chemotherapy use, recurrence free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. Competing risk analysis was performed for bladder cancer specific mortality (BCSM). RESULTS: 330 patients were included in the analysis (median LOS = 9 days [IQR = 8-11]) of which, 274 patients (83 %) had a LOS <12 days (median = 8 days [IQR = 7-10]) and 56 patients (17 %) had a PLOS ≥12 days (median = 16 days [IQR = 13-21.5]). Only female gender, older age, and perioperative complications were associated with a PLOS. 90 day readmission rates were similar (p = 0.75). No difference was seen for BCSM, RFS, or adjuvant chemotherapy usage between the two groups. However, OS was significantly worse for PLOS (median OS = 27.7 vs. 45.6 months [p = 0.046]; HR = 1.53 [95 % CI = 1.01-2.33]). CONCLUSION: Both female and elderly patients should receive preoperative counseling about their increased risk of a PLOS after RC. Patients who experience a PLOS are at greater risk for subsequent all-cause mortality. These patient groups may benefit from proactive interventions.

Does quantification of smoking history correlate with initial bladder tumor grade and stage?

The causal association between cigarette smoking and urothelial bladder cancer has been firmly established for several decades. However, the impact of smoking intensity on initial tumor aggressiveness is less established and is reviewed in this manuscript. Particular attention is given to the relation between smoking history with both muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This article also briefly reviews the epidemiologic evidence, smoking-associated carcinogenesis, and the limitations of quantifying smoking history. There is evidence to suggest that smokers have a three-fold increased risk of developing invasive bladder cancer compared to non-smokers, and smoking cessation can reduce this risk. Continued efforts should be made to raise awareness of bladder cancer in smokers and to advocate further for smoking cessation.

Implementation and Validation of an Automated, Longitudinal Robotic Surgical Evaluation and Feedback Program at a High-volume Center and Impact on Training.

Background: Surgical education lacks a standardized, proficiency-based approach to evaluation and feedback. Objective: To assess the implementation and reception (ie, feasibility) of an automated, standardized, longitudinal surgical skill assessment and feedback system, and identify baseline trainee (resident and fellow) characteristics associated with achieving proficiency in robotic surgery while learning robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Design setting and participants: A quality improvement study assessing a pilot of a surgical experience tracking program was conducted over 1 yr. Participants were six fellows, eight residents, and nine attending surgeons at a tertiary cancer center. Intervention: Trainees underwent baseline self-assessment. After each surgery, an evaluation was completed independently by the trainee and attending surgeons. Performance was rated on a five-point anchored Likert scale (trainees were considered "proficient" when attending surgeons' rating was ≥4). Technical skills were assessed using the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) and Prostatectomy Assessment and Competency Evaluation (PACE). Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Program success and utility were assessed by evaluating completion rates, evaluation completion times, and concordance rates between attending and trainee surgeons, and exit surveys. Baseline characteristics were assessed to determine associations with achieving proficiency. Results and limitations: Completion rates for trainees and attending surgeons were 72% and 77%, respectively. Fellows performed more steps/cases than residents (median [interquartile range]: 5 [3-7] and 3 [2-4], respectively; p < 0.01). Prior completion of robotics or laparoscopic skill courses and surgical experience measures were associated with achieving proficiency in multiple surgical steps and GEARS domains. Interclass correlation coefficients on individual components were 0.27-0.47 on GEARS domains. Conclusions: An automated surgical experience tracker with structured, longitudinal evaluation and feedback can be implemented with good participation and minimal participant time commitment, and can guide curricular development in a proficiency-based education program by identifying modifiable factors associated with proficiency, individualizing education, and identifying improvement areas within the education program. Patient summary: An automated, standardized, longitudinal surgical skill assessment and feedback system can be implemented successfully in surgical education settings and used to inform education plans and predict trainee proficiency.

Changes in the Perioperative Management and Outcomes of Patients With Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Undergoing Radical Nephroureterectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Over 20 Years of Experience.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated surgical trends, perioperative management evolution, and oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) at a tertiary cancer center over a 24-year period. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2018, we evaluated 743 consecutive patients with UTUC who underwent RNU. Generalized additive models were used to estimate the associations between date of surgery and continuous outcomes using a linear model, dichotomous outcomes using a logit link, categorical outcomes using multinomial models, and 2- and 5-year survival outcomes using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Over the study period, preoperative diagnostic endoscopic biopsies increased from 10% to 66%, along with the proportion of patients who underwent RNU for high-grade disease from 55% to 91%. The rate of open RNU declined from 100% to 56% with a rise in minimally invasive approaches. Median lymph node yield increased with more retroperitoneal lymph node dissections performed. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy utilization increased with a contemporary utilization rate of 32%, coinciding with an increase in pT0 rate from 2% to 8%. Cancer-specific survival probabilities improved over the study period, while metastasis-free and overall survival remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: We found several changes in treatment patterns and outcomes for patients with UTUC over the past 2 decades. How individual alterations in management factors, such as patient selection, perioperative chemotherapy, lymphadenectomy, and salvage therapies, impact patient outcomes is challenging in the setting of multiple overlapping practice changes for this rare disease and warrants further investigation.

Natural History and Genomic Landscape of Chemotherapy-Resistant Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

PURPOSE: Patients with residual invasive bladder cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radical cystectomy have a poor prognosis. Data on adjuvant therapy for these patients are conflicting. We sought to evaluate the natural history and genomic landscape of chemotherapy-resistant bladder cancer to inform patient management and clinical trials. METHODS: Data were collected on patients with clinically localized muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer treated with NAC and cystectomy at our institution between May 15, 2001, and August 15, 2019, and completed four cycles of gemcitabine and cisplatin NAC, excluding those treated with adjuvant therapies. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of recurrence-free survival (RFS). Genomic alterations were identified in targeted exome sequencing (Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets) data from post-NAC specimens from a subset of patients. RESULTS: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was the strongest predictor of RFS (hazard ratio, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.37 to 3.39]) on multivariable analysis. Patients with ypT2N0 disease without LVI had a significantly prolonged RFS compared with those with LVI (70% RFS at 5 years). Lymph node yield did not affect RFS. Among patients with sequencing data (n = 101), chemotherapy-resistant tumors had fewer alterations in DNA damage response genes compared with tumors from a publicly available chemotherapy-naïve cohort (15% v 29%; P = .021). Alterations in CDKN2A/B were associated with shorter RFS. PIK3CA alterations were associated with LVI. Potentially actionable alterations were identified in more than 75% of tumors. CONCLUSION: Although chemotherapy-resistant bladder cancer generally portends a poor prognosis, patients with organ-confined disease without LVI may be candidates for close observation without adjuvant therapy. The genomic landscape of chemotherapy-resistant tumors is similar to chemotherapy-naïve tumors. Therapeutic opportunities exist for targeted therapies as adjuvant treatment in chemotherapy-resistant disease.

An Interleukin-15 Superagonist with BCG - A Major Therapeutic Advancement or Just a Small Step in the Right Direction?

For more than 40 years, intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has remained the most effective treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC); however, tumor recurrence and progression are common, especially for those patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS).1 Therapeutic options are limited when treatment with BCG fails, and radical cystectomy remains the only curative treatment. BCG-unresponsive NMIBC criteria were developed in 2015 to identify patients for whom additional BCG would likely not be effective and to facilitate clinical trials of novel therapies.2,3.

Feasibility and tissue concordance of genomic sequencing of urinary cytology in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There is limited ability to accurately diagnose and clinically stage patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The most easily available and widely used urinary biomarker is urine cytology, which evaluates cellular material yet lacks sensitivity. We sought to assess the feasibility of performing next-generation sequencing (NGS) on urine cytology specimens from patients with UTUC and evaluate the genomic concordance with tissue from primary tumor. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we identified 48 patients with a diagnosis of UTUC treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) between 2019 and 2022 who had banked or fresh urine samples. A convenience cohort of matching, previously sequenced tumor tissue was used when available. Urine specimens were processed and the residual material, including precipitated cell-free DNA, was sequenced using our tumor-naïve, targeted exome sequencing platform that evaluates 505 cancer-related genes (MSK-IMPACT). The primary outcome was at least 1 detectable mutation in urinary cytology specimens. The secondary outcome was concordance to matched tissue (using ANOVA or Chi-Square, as indicated). RESULTS: Genomic sequencing was successful for 45 (94%) of the 48 urinary cytology patient samples. The most common mutations identified were TERT (62.2%), KMT2D (46.7%), and FGFR3 (35.6%). All patients with negative urine cytology and low-grade tissue had successful cytology sequencing. Thirty-six of the 45 patients had matching tumor tissue available; concordance to matched tissue was 55% overall (131 of the total 238 oncogenic or likely oncogenic somatic mutations identified). However, in 94.4% (n = 34/36) of patients, the cytology had at least 1 shared mutation with tissue. Eleven (30.6%) patients had 100% concordance between cytology and tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Sequencing urinary specimens from selective UTUC cytology is feasible in nearly all patients with UTUC. Prospective studies are underway to investigate a clinical role for this promising technology.

Multicenter Phase II Clinical Trial of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients With High-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has proven survival benefits for patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, yet its role for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains undefined. We conducted a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial of NAC with gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin (GC) for patients with high-risk UTUC before extirpative surgery to evaluate response, survival, and tolerability. METHODS: Eligible patients with defined criteria for high-risk localized UTUC received four cycles of split-dose GC before surgical resection and lymph node dissection. The primary study end point was rate of pathologic response (defined as < ypT2N0). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety and tolerability. RESULTS: Among 57 patients evaluated, 36 (63%) demonstrated pathologic response (95% CI, 49 to 76). A complete pathologic response (ypT0N0) was noted in 11 patients (19%). Fifty-one patients (89%) tolerated at least three complete cycles of split-dose GC, 27 patients (47%) tolerated four complete cycles, and all patients proceeded to surgery. With a median follow up of 3.1 years, 2- and 5-year PFS rates were 89% (95% CI, 81 to 98) and 72% (95% CI, 59 to 87), while 2- and 5-year OS rates were 93% (95% CI, 86 to 100) and 79% (95% CI, 67 to 94), respectively. Pathologic complete and partial responses were associated with improved PFS and OS compared with nonresponders (≥ ypT2N any; 2-year PFS 100% and 95% v 76%, P < .001; 2-year OS 100% and 100% v 80%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: NAC with split-dose GC for high-risk UTUC is a well-tolerated, effective therapy demonstrating evidence of pathologic response that is associated with favorable survival outcomes. Given that these survival outcomes are superior to historical series, these data support the use of NAC as a standard of care for high-risk UTUC, and split-dose GC is a viable option for NAC.

Targeted Therapies in Advanced and Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma.

This review describes the current landscape of targeted therapies in urothelial carcinoma. The standard of care for advanced urothelial carcinoma patients remains platinum-based combination chemotherapy followed by immunotherapy. However, median overall survival for these patients is still <1 year and there is an urgent need for alternative therapies. The advent of next-generation sequencing has allowed widespread comprehensive molecular characterization of urothelial tumors and, subsequently, the development of therapies targeting specific molecular pathways implicated in carcinogenesis such as FGFR inhibition, Nectin-4, Trop-2, and HER2 targeting. As these therapies are demonstrated to be effective in the second-line setting, they will be advanced in the treatment paradigm to localized and even non-muscle invasive disease.