Key opinion leaders give a glimpse of EAU18 Plenary Sessions (Part 3)
The final segment of the three-part series of recommendations by seven key opinion leaders regarding cutting-edge research which will be presented during EAU18. Prof. Jack Schalken (NL), Prof. Gary Lemack (US) and Prof. Dr. Olivier Traxer (FR) give a quick overview of Plenary Sessions 5, 6 and 7 respectively.
Prof. Jack Schalken (NL)
Plenary Session 5: Precision medicine
The PCA3 test was the first in class urine test to predict biopsy outcome (2006). This was a significant step forward, i.e the decision to propose a biopsy could be changed in 30-35% of patients. The biomarker on which the test was based, PCA3, however, was not a progression marker. Even more, some of the very aggressive cancers do not express PCA3. We then engaged in a discovery effort to find biomarkers for clinically significant prostate cancer, which led to a urine biomarker-based risk score that was launched as SelectMDx in 2016. With an NPV of 98% clinically significant PrCa can be excluded, leading to a 50% reduction in prostate biopsies. Furthermore, the test can also be a high potential stratification tool for state-of-the-art imaging-based biopsy procedures.
Prof. Gary Lemack (US)
Plenary Session 6: Preventing urological disease: Future Prospects
It has become increasingly clear that lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are often associated with other systemic conditions such as obesity, COPD and sleep disturbances. Recent data suggest that treating these conditions may be equally effective if not more effective than directly treating the lower urinary tract, with little risk. Using a case based approach, Professors De Nunzio, Goessaert, and Van Houten will discuss the role of systemic disease treatment in preventing or ameliorating LUTS. Specifically, we will focus on the roles of improving cardiac health, treating sleep and pulmonary disorders, and taking steps to minimize the frailty associated with aging in improving bothersome LUTS.
Prof. Dr. Olivier Traxer (FR)
Plenary Session 7: Stones
This session is an overview of how stone treatment will evolve in the near future. The use of (flexible) ureterorenoscopy has increased over the past years due to the technological advances of surgical armamentarium. This evolution will continue to advance as a result of the miniaturization of endoscopes and the development of smart systems.
Additionally, the session will examine and evaluate integrated pressure and temperature control systems in ureteral access sheaths or ureteroscopes, robotic systems, single-use instruments, laser systems and aspiration devices. Surgical treatment algorithms of urolithiasis will be discussed as well.
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Read Part 1 and Part 2.
Danish National Art Library photo courtesy of Thomas Høyrup Christensen