Donna E. Hansel, MD, PhD, presented “Pathology of Urothelial Cancers” at the 6th International Bladder Cancer Update on November 19, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How to cite: Hansel, Donna E. “Pathology of Urothelial Cancers” November 2022. Accessed Dec 2022. https://grandroundsinurology.com/pathology-of-urothelial-cancers/
Pathology of Urothelial Cancers
Donna E. Hansel, MD, PhD, delivered a compelling presentation on the pathology of urothelial cancers, emphasizing the complexity and heterogeneity of urothelial carcinomas and underscoring the critical need for accurate pathological evaluation in guiding treatment decisions.
She detailed the molecular subtypes of urothelial cancers, explaining their distinct genetic and epigenetic profiles. This classification aids in predicting treatment responses and patient outcomes. Dr. Hansel highlighted the importance of recognizing variant histologies, such as micropapillary, plasmacytoid, and neuroendocrine subtypes, which have unique clinical behaviors and therapeutic implications.
The presentation also covered the role of biomarkers in urothelial cancer, including FGFR3 mutations and PD-L1 expression, which are pivotal in the era of targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Dr. Hansel provided insights into the latest advancements in diagnostic techniques, such as next-generation sequencing and liquid biopsies, which are enhancing the precision of urothelial cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
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
Donna E. Hansel, MD, PhD, is currently the Division Head of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Hansel’s lab focuses on identifying high-yield, targetable pathways in advanced bladder cancer, with a strong emphasis on mTOR signaling and novel downstream targets that are involved in cell motility and invasion.
