Bladder Cancer Review Highlights Liquid Biopsy and MRD Advances
This Nature Reviews Cancer article surveys advances in bladder cancer biology, from next-generation sequencing of driver mutations to immune checkpoint therapy and non-invasive diagnostics. Liquid biopsy methods have emerged for minimal residual disease detection and early-stage diagnosis, while molecular profiling of the tumour microenvironment improves prediction of immunotherapy response. The review positions genomic and liquid biopsy technologies as transformative for bladder cancer management.
The original study
Advances in bladder cancer biology and therapy.
- Authors
- Tran L, Xiao JF, Agarwal N, Duex JE, Theodorescu D
- Journal
- Nature reviews. Cancer
- Type
- Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Review
- PMID
- 33268841
Original abstract
The field of research in bladder cancer has seen significant advances in recent years. Next-generation sequencing has identified the genes most mutated in bladder cancer. This wealth of information allowed the definition of driver mutations, and identification of actionable therapeutic targets, as well as a clearer picture of patient prognosis and therapeutic direction. In a similar vein, our understanding of the cellular aspects of bladder cancer has grown. The identification of the cellular geography and the populations of different cell types and quantifications of normal and abnormal cell types in tumours provide a better prediction of therapeutic response. Non-invasive methods of diagnosis, including liquid biopsies, have seen major advances as well. These methods will likely find considerable utility in assessing minimal residual disease following treatment and for early-stage diagnosis. A significant therapeutic impact on patients with bladder cancer is found in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapeutics. These therapeutics have been shown to cure some patients with bladder cancer and significantly decrease adverse events. These developments provide patients with better monitoring opportunities, unique therapeutic options and greater hope for prolonged survival.