Upper tract urothelial cancers (UTUC) are frequently managed by radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), a major operative procedure that may entail short-term morbidity and long-term decline in renal function. Kidney-sparing procedures offer a less invasive alternative to RNU for low-risk, low-grade UTUC (LG-UTUC). They are associated with similar disease-specific survival rates and better long-term renal function, albeit with a potentially increased risk of recurrence. Strategies to decrease LG-UTUC recurrence include improved risk stratification and enhanced endoscopic instrumentation. Chemoablation may represent an alternative, innovative kidney-sparing approach for LG-UTUC.
Reviews in urology. 2020 Jan [Epub]
Jay Raman, Neal D Shore
Division of Urology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA., Atlantic Urology Clinics and Carolina Urologic Research Center Myrtle Beach, SC.