Gopalkumar Iyer, MD, presented “Role of Immunotherapy for Upper Tract UC” at the 7th International Bladder Cancer Update on December 7, 2024, in Dallas, Texas.
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How to cite: Iyer, Gopalkumar. “Role of Immunotherapy for Upper Tract UC” December 2024. Accessed Oct 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/role-of-immunotherapy-for-upper-tract-uc/
Role of Immunotherapy for Upper Tract UC – Summary
Gopalkumar Iyer, MD, explores the evolving role of immunotherapy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), emphasizing molecular distinctions from bladder cancer.
In this 11-minute presentation, Dr. Iyer shares results from multiple phase II trials, including PURE-02, that checkpoint inhibitors have comparable response rates between metastatic upper tract and bladder cancers. Early results from ongoing neoadjuvant ipilimumab-nivolumab trials suggest slightly improved outcomes. He transitions to adjuvant studies, including CheckMate 274 and Ambassador, which establish disease-free survival benefits for nivolumab and pembrolizumab post-nephroureterectomy.
Dr. Iyer moves to ongoing trials investigating CTDNA-guided adjuvant immunotherapy and the responsiveness of Lynch syndrome-associated UTUC to immune checkpoint blockade. A Memorial Sloan Kettering study evaluating dostarlimab for MMR-deficient tumors aims to eliminate the need for radical surgery, representing a potential paradigm shift.
Immunotherapy continues to evolve, necessitating further research to optimize treatment strategies for upper tract disease.
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
Gopakumar V. Iyer, MD, is the Section Head of Medical Oncology in the Bladder Cancer Department at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York. Dr. Iyer specializes in the research and treatment of genitourinary cancers of the bladder, prostate, kidney, and testis. He has a special interest in understanding the genetic basis for bladder cancer.
