Advances in Transversal Topics Applicable to the Care of Bladder Cancer Patients in the Real-World Setting

SIMPLE SUMMARY: There are a number of scientific questions that are novel or controversial, which are clinically relevant in the real-world setting for patients diagnosed with bladder cancer, independently of the stage of disease or the histological type and grade of the tumors. These transversal topics have been discussed by a panel of expert specialists who participated in the Genitourinary Alliance Project, aimed to develop actions focused on the integration of relevant information into clinical practice. Advances in radiological imaging techniques have the potential of improving accuracy of staging methods, resulting in a more personalized planning and therapeutic option. The use of liquid biopsy will undoubtedly contribute to an increase in the efficiency of the evaluation of the clinical response and outcome of the disease. It is important to consider specific conditions of elderly people with bladder cancer, as well as the implementation of appropriate measures to enhance safe drug administration. ABSTRACT: Recommendations regarding transversal topics applicable to bladder cancer patients independent of tumor grade and stage were established by members of the Spanish Oncology Genitourinary Multidisciplinary Working Group (SOGUG). Liquid biopsy in urine and blood samples is useful in the surveillance of non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer, respectively. Multiparametric MRI is an accurate, faster and non-invasive staging method overcoming the understaging risk of other procedures. The combination of FDG-PET/MRI could improve diagnostic reliability, but definite criteria for imaging interpretation are still unclear. Hospital oncology pharmacists as members of tumor committees improve the safety of drug use. Additionally, safety recommendations during BCG preparation should be strictly followed. The initial evaluation of patients with bladder cancer should include a multidimensional geriatric assessment. Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction should be offered to motivated patients with full information of self-care requirements. Bladder-sparing protocols, including chemoradiation therapy and immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs), should be implemented in centers with well-coordinated multidisciplinary teams and offered to selected patients. The optimal strategy of treatment with ICIs should be defined from the initial diagnostic phase with indications based on scientific evidence. Centralized protocols combined with the experience of professional groups are needed for the integral care of bladder cancer patients.