Yair Lotan, MD, presented “Bladder Cancer Biomarkers: Surveillance” at the 7th International Bladder Cancer Update on December 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas.
How to cite: Lotan, Yair. “Bladder Cancer Biomarkers: Surveillance.” December 2024. Accessed Apr 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/bladder-cancer-biomarkers-surveillance/
Bladder Cancer Biomarkers: Surveillance – Summary
Yair Lotan, MD, presents an in-depth discussion on urinary biomarkers, highlighting their evolving role in bladder cancer detection and surveillance.
In this 24-minute presentation, Dr. Lotan explores the essential functions of biomarkers in predicting cancer progression, guiding therapy selection, and improving the detection of bladder cancer. A detailed analysis of commercially available markers, including CX Bladder, GeneXpertⓇ, and UroAmplitude, outlines their varying sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value.
A critical comparison between qualitative and quantitative biomarkers underscores the need to refine clinical decision-making. Several ongoing and completed clinical trials, including the UroFollow and DaBlaCa studies, assess whether urinary markers can reduce cystoscopy while maintaining detection accuracy.
Challenges such as high false-positive rates, regulatory constraints, and limitations in differentiating upper tract from bladder cancer are addressed. The discussion also critiques the failure of early markers. Future directions emphasize the need for large-scale, randomized trials to establish clear guidelines for biomarker implementation in clinical practice.
The talk concludes with questions from the panel.
About the 7th International Bladder Cancer Update:
The International Bladder Cancer Update (IBCU) is a CME conference focused on the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. The conference offers medical professionals an opportunity to listen to updates from, and interact with, expert international faculty to improve knowledge and determine best treatment practices to improve patient outcomes. IBCU encompasses expert lectures, interactive discussions, a panel roundtable, debates, and case presentations. It is physician-led, multi-supported, and designed for urologists, urologic oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of bladder cancer.
For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yair Lotan, MD, graduated with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He trained in general surgery and urology at UT Southwestern and joined the faculty in 2003. Dr. Lotan is currently a Professor of Urology, Chief of Urologic Oncology, and holder of the Jane and John Justin Distinguished Chair in Urology, in Honor of Claus G. Roehrborn, M.D. at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is also the Medical Director of the Urology Clinic at UT Southwestern and Parkland Health and Hospital System.
Dr. Lotan is known nationally for his research on urine markers and molecular markers, which will help determine which patients are at higher risk for recurrent cancer. He is also involved in health economics research, which evaluates the cost-effectiveness of surgery and cancer prevention. Dr. Lotan is the co-chair of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center disease oriented team for urologic cancers. He is also a member of UT Southwestern’s Clinical Research Planning Group and the Tissue Bank Steering Committee and Cancer Committee.
Dr. Lotan is a frequent guest speaker at medical conferences around the world and belongs to numerous professional organizations, including the American Urological Association, the Society of Urologic Oncology, and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. He has published hundreds of research articles and several book chapters on urologic care and procedures, and he serves as editorial reviewer for medical periodicals such as the Journal of Urology, European Urology, Cancer, Urologic Oncology, and the British Journal of Urology International.
