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Minimally invasive management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma

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Abstract

Recently published studies that evaluated minimally invasive treatments for upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) were reviewed, including adjuvant topical therapy. Ureteroscopic management remains the initial diagnostic and possibly therapeutic procedure of choice. Percutaneous management is used to treat bulky tumors or tumors that cannot be accessed ureteroscopically. Low-grade UTUC in appropriately selected patients can be safely and effectively treated endoscopically. High-grade disease tends to fail, regardless of treatment modality, and warrants aggressive therapy. Adjuvant therapy seems to be safe, although its efficacy is debatable. Immunotherapy appears to be most effective in patients with upper tract carcinoma in situ.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 3 RCP, 52242-1089, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Michael A. O’Donnell MD

Authors
  1. Fadi N. Joudi MD
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  2. Curtis N. Crane MD
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  3. Michael A. O’Donnell MD
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Correspondence to Michael A. O’Donnell MD.

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Joudi, F.N., Crane, C.N. & O’Donnell, M.A. Minimally invasive management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Curr Urol Rep 7, 23–30 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-006-0034-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-006-0034-9

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