Donna E. Hansel, MD, PhD, presented “UTUC Is it Biologically Distinct” at the 6th International Bladder Cancer Update on November 20, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

How to cite: Hansel, Donna E. “UTUC Is it Biologically Distinct.” November 2022. Accessed Dec 2022. https://grandroundsinurology.com/utuc-is-it-biologically-distinct/

UTUC Is it Biologically Distinct – Summary

Donna E. Hansel, MD, PhD, discusses the challenges presented by upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) due to its distinct biological characteristics compared to bladder urothelial carcinoma. Hansel delves into the molecular and genetic mutations, such as those in the FGFR3 and TP53 genes, that define UTUC, that guide therapeutic decisions.

Hansel explores the potential of targeted therapies and immunotherapies that specifically address the genetic aberrations prevalent in UTUC. The presentation also covers the role of comprehensive genomic profiling in identifying actionable mutations and guiding personalized treatment strategies. Further, Hansel examines the impact of anatomical location on the clinical management of UTUC. 

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

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Donna E. Hansel, MD, PhD, is the Division Head of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Previously, Dr. Hansel served as the Chair of Pathology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. In 2013, Dr. Hansel was appointed Professor of Pathology and Chief of the Division of Anatomic Pathology at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Hansel joined the Cleveland Clinic Anatomic Pathology Staff as Assistant Professor in 2006 as a subspecialty genitourinary pathologist and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010.

Dr. Hansel completed a bachelor of science degree in biology at Johns Hopkins University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. She subsequently completed the MD-PhD Medical Scientist Training Program, pathology residency, and urologic pathology fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dr. Hansel has authored over 170 peer-reviewed publications, edited or authored five textbooks on urologic pathology and biospecimen repositories, and participated in more than 100 national or international talks on bladder cancer. She has participated in the kidney-urinary tract panel for the 8th Edition Cancer Staging Manual of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and contributed to the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Urinary System and Male Genital Organs. In addition, Dr. Hansel is on the editorial board of the American Journal of Surgical Pathology, Advances in Anatomic Pathology, American Journal of Pathology, Histopathology, and Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine where she serves as Deputy Executive Editor. Dr. Hansel has mentored over 40 residents, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows while remaining active in clinical science and overseeing a research laboratory focused on invasive cancer mechanisms.