Bladder cancer: what’s new in 2021–2022

Abstract

This review presents the main lines of research on bladder cancer in 2021 and 2022. The review largely focuses on molecular studies in the context of primary diagnosis and disease progression. Based on molecular and genetic data, 3 main types of bladder cancer with varying sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs can be identified. The main treatment approach to invasive bladder cancer is cystectomy. Data on complications after radical cystectomy in different followup periods depending on experience, as well as comparative results of open and robot-assisted surgeries in the context of time expenditure and complications are discussed. Methods of organ-saving treatment as alternatives to cystectomy are being developed. New regimens of drug treatment in combination with external beam radiotherapy are being investigated. In some studies, results of drug treatment are equal to results of radical cystectomy. Active investigation of new chemotherapy drugs for improvement of treatment results of advanced bladder cancer continues.