Evolving systemic management of urothelial cancers

Abstract

Purpose of review Bladder cancer is the 12th most common cancer worldwide. Historically, the systemic management of urothelial carcinoma has been confined to platinum-based chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the evolving landscape of systemic treatment for urothelial carcinoma. Recent findings Since 2016, when the Food and Drug Administration approved the first immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI), programmed cell death 1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors have been evaluated in the nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, localized muscle invasive bladder cancer as well as advanced/metastatic bladder cancer settings. Newer approved treatments such as fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) represent second-line and third-line options. These novel treatments are now being assessed in combination as well as with older traditional platinum-based chemotherapy. Summary Novel therapies continue to improve bladder cancer outcomes. Personalized approach with well validated biomarkers are important to predict response to therapy.