High Risk and Advanced Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma – Still a Role for Surgery

Jennifer A. Linehan, MD

Jennifer A. Linehan, MD, presented “High Risk and Advanced Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma – Still a Role for Surgery” at the 6th International Bladder Cancer Update on November 20, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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How to cite: Linehan, Jennifer A. “High Risk and Advanced Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma – Still a Role for Surgery.” November 2022. Accessed Jan 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/high-risk-and-advanced-upper-tract-urothelial-carcinoma-still-a-role-for-surgery/

High Risk and Advanced Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma – Still a Role for Surgery – Summary#

Jennifer A. Linehan, MD, explores the treatment of advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), both current therapeutic strategies and future directions. She begins by outlining the unique challenges associated with UTUC, emphasizing the importance of accurate staging and risk stratification in guiding treatment decisions. She discusses diagnostic tools such as ureteroscopy, imaging techniques, and biopsy in providing detailed assessments of tumor characteristics.

Dr. Linehan highlights nephroureterectomy and examines minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, and their potential benefits. Dr. Linehan reviews the current use of platinum-based chemotherapy as the mainstay of treatment for metastatic disease and explores the emerging role of immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Looking ahead, Dr. Linehan highlights ongoing research efforts aimed at identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing personalized treatment approaches. Genomic profiling and molecular characterization of UTUC are emerging as important tools in understanding the disease’s biology and guiding targeted therapies.

About the 6th 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

Jennifer A. Linehan, MD

About The Author

Jennifer A. Linehan, MD

Jennifer A. Linehan, MD, is a board-certified urologist and associate professor of urology and urologic oncology at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. She completed her medical degree as well as a general surgery internship and urology residency at the University of Arizona, where she also received the George M. Drach Award for the most compassionate urologic resident. She also received awards for research in diagnosis and management of kidney cancer. Most recently, she received the Harold H. Benjamin Innovation Award for compassion and dedication in cancer care. After her residency at the University of Arizona, Dr. Linehan completed a two-year fellowship in robotic urologic oncology at City of Hope. Dr. Linehan’s current research focus is on molecular testing using miRNA and cfDNA in urine for tumor identification in renal tumors, 3D imaging to improve surgical outcomes, and new intracavitary therapy for urothelial carcinoma. She continues to practice general urology including complex robotic reconstruction, voiding dysfunction, and treatment of nephrolithiasis. In addition, Dr. Linehan has been involved in prostate cancer research and biomarker identification for this disease. She has authored papers, presented abstracts and research at conferences around the world, and continues to dedicate time to both science and clinical research. Dr. Linehan is certified by the American Board of Urology and is a member of the Society of Urologic Oncology, Endourological Society, American Urological Association, and the Western Section of the American Urological Association. She also has a lifelong love of animals, particularly rescue dogs. She dedicates time weekly to help educate less fortunate families and children.

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