Systemic Treatment of Advanced Bladder Cancer – Status Update

Dear Colleagues,

Bladder cancer is diagnosed in more than 400,000 cases annually worldwide, and it represents the sixth most common malignancy in the Western world. Since the mid-80s, systemic treatment of advanced disease has been limited to platinum-based combination chemotherapy, with few treatment options upon progression and with poor overall survival. The very recent advance introducing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) alongside standard, conventional chemotherapies are, however, changing the paradigm of systemic treatment of advanced UC. With the introduction of these new compounds, there is new hope for patients with advanced urothelial bladder cancer. A myriad of trials are evaluating these and other novel compounds in combination and at different stages of the disease. Further, the cancer trajectory for a patient with advanced bladder cancer receiving systemic treatment may be influenced by multiple factors, with the outcome dependent on both new biological knowledge as well as optimal supportive care. In this issue, we would like to present the present status of systemic treatment of advanced bladder cancer, covering the spectrum from selection markers to best antineoplastic treatment but also including improved symptom management and issues regarding quality of life in this often vulnerable patient population.

Prof. Helle Pappot
Dr. Anders Ullen
Guest Editors

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