Podcast
BackTable Urology
Hosted by BackTable · EN
The BackTable Urology Podcast is a resource for practicing urologists to learn tips, techniques, and practical advice from their peers in the field. Listen here or on the streaming platform of your choice.
309episodes
Episodes
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Ep. 311 Career Diversification for Urologists Beyond the Clinic with Dr. Pat Keegan and Dr. Kelly Parsons
4d ago00:54:31Tap to summarizeWhat happens when urologists look beyond the clinic and take on leadership in the life sciences industry? In this episode of BackTable Urology, host Dr. Raj Pruthi talks with Dr. Kelly Parsons and Dr. Pat Keegan about their journeys from academic urology to executive roles in biotech and pharma. They discuss what motivated their transitions, how physician expertise adds value in industry, and the realities of life outside of traditional clinical practice. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction05:36 - Choosing a Non-Clinical Path11:07 - Reactions from Mentors and Peers14:31 - What Feels Most Fulfilling18:31 - A Typical Week in Biotech26:04 - Working with Investors31:21 - Additional Degrees and MBA Debate35:31 - Is it Risky to Leave Clinical Practice?44:13 - Networking and Next Steps47:59 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The conversation explores the day-to-day work of industry leaders, the impact of advanced degrees like MBAs, and the importance of networking for physicians considering a nonclinical path. Drs. Parsons and Keegan reflect on the challenges and rewards of leaving clinical medicine, the support and reactions from mentors and peers, and what they miss most about patient care. They also share practical advice for urologists and other specialists who are curious about new career opportunities beyond the exam room. --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 310 Bladder Cancer Risk Stratification: Best Practices with Dr. Sunil Patel and Dr. Kristen Scarpato
1w ago00:43:31Tap to summarizeWhy does up to 10% of bladder cancer pathology change on expert review, and what does that mean for your intermediate and high-risk patients? In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Bogdana Schmidt interviews urologists Dr. Kristen Scarpato and Dr. Sunil Patel to explore the complexities of diagnosis and risk assessment in non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). They discuss the real-world challenges of pathology interpretation, risk-group assignment, evolving diagnostic tools, and the impact these factors have on treatment decisions and patient outcomes. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson. --- Timestamps00:00 - Introduction01:02 - Risk Stratification07:22 - Upstaging to High Risk10:06 - Calculators and Patient Education15:22 - Specific Tests Use Cases18:50 - Conflicting Biomarker Results21:36 - Adjunct Tests and Counseling24:03 - Recurrence After Chemo Next Steps27:01 - Escalation Deescalation Balance32:48 - Future Research Priorities35:43 - Biology Based Risk Stratification38:03 - Clinical Pearls and Wrap Up --- More about this episodeThe conversation highlights the heterogeneity of intermediate-risk disease, the role and importance of expert pathology over-reads, and the need to accurately document the risk category for ongoing care. They discuss selective use of urinary and genomic assays and how these tests fit alongside cystoscopy and blue light endoscopy. Practical treatment approaches are reviewed, including when to use intravesical gemcitabine or BCG, managing care during BCG shortages, and balancing escalation versus de-escalation of therapy. Additional topics include strategies for long-term surveillance, upper tract imaging, rising rates of bladder cancer in younger patients, and why thorough TURBT and strong patient-provider communication remain central to optimal management. --- Resources The Memorial Studyhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/clinical-trials/19-288 The BRIDGE Studyhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1501035 --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 309 Advancing Urologic Reconstruction with Robotics with Dr. Ziho Lee
2w ago00:43:24Tap to summarizeRobotic technology is expanding what’s possible in reconstructive urology, prompting surgeons to rethink traditional approaches and consider new minimally invasive procedures. In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Ziho Lee joins host Dr. George Koch to explore the rapid evolution of robotic reconstructive surgery and its expanding role in complex pelvic and retroperitoneal procedures.They discuss the the role of single-port platforms, new strategies for managing ureteral strictures and urinary diversion, and how research, training, and patient-reported outcomes are shaping the future of minimally invasive urologic care. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps00:00 - Introduction03:10 - Bridging Reconstruction and Robotics07:41 - Where Robots Help Most14:33 - Ureteral Rest16:41 - 20% Nephrectomy Rule19:04 - Single Port Indications20:55 - Ileal Ureter Tips and Tricks22:34 - Robotic Reconstruction Course28:55 - Case: VUAS Repair39:35 - Final Advice --- ResourcesUreteral Rest is Associated With Improved Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction of Proximal and Middle Ureteral Strictureshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33639184/ --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 308 Navigating Shared Decision-Making in Bladder Cancer Treatment with Dr. Kelly Bree, Dr. Meredith Donahue, and Dr. Saum Ghodoussipour
2w ago00:48:23Tap to summarizeWhat matters most to patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Kelly Bree, Dr. Saum Ghodoussipour, and Meredith Donahue, N.P., join host Dr. Vignesh Packiam to discuss the power of shared decision-making across the NMIBC spectrum. They explore risk-adapted treatment selection, when to escalate or de-escalate therapy, and how to navigate conversations about recurrence risk, treatment burden, quality of life, and the possibility of cystectomy. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:55 - Second Opinions and Patient Counseling06:08 - Intermediate Risk Stratification12:13 - Treatment Options for Intermediate Risk NMIBC16:20 - BCG and Alternative Treatments for High Risk NMIBC26:49 - Options for BCG-Unresponsive NMIBC31:42 - Sequencing and Cystectomy37:03 - Financial and Time Toxicity41:08 - Biomarkers and ctDNA44:04 - Future Trials and NMIBC Innovations --- More about this episode They also review emerging therapies such as ZUSDURI, the evolving role of intravesical treatments, and the promise of biomarkers and ctDNA for personalized care. The discussion covers practical strategies for patient counseling, key updates to clinical guidelines, and a preview of innovations shaping the future of NMIBC management. --- Resources Active Surveillance Versus Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for High-grade T1 Bladder Cancer with Negative Second Transurethral Resection: The Randomized Noninferiority Phase 3 JCOG1019 Trial:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41571573/ Twelve-Month Results From the CISTO Study Comparing Radical Cystectomy Versus Bladder-Sparing Therapy for Recurrent High-Grade Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancerhttps://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO-25-01324 CIRCULATING TUMOR DNA AS A BIOMARKER FOR UPSTAGING AND ADVERSE PATHOLOGY IN HIGH-RISK NON–MUSCLE-INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER:https://www.auajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1097/01.JU.0001191388.74345.c9.09 Preoperative Circulating Tumor DNA Predicts Upstaging and Recurrence in High-Risk Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41843048/ --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 307 Germline & Somatic Testing in Prostate Cancer Therapy with Dr. Tanya Dorff and Dr. Evan Yu
3w ago00:40:51Tap to summarizeCan you really treat prostate cancer effectively without knowing the genetics? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Evan Yu and Dr. Tanya Dorff join host Dr. Alan Tan to discuss why genetic testing is essential in personalized prostate cancer care. They discuss when and how to perform germline and somatic testing, address common barriers, and share best practices for counseling patients. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Pfizer. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:18 - Who Gets Somatic Testing?06:43 - Patient Barriers to Testing09:00 - Genetic Testing Workflow12:28 - Treating BRCA2 Alterations24:18 - Monitoring Progression: ctDNA vs. PSA vs. Imaging29:32 - Treating mCRPC with ATM Mutations34:39 - CDK12 Classification 37:43 - Closing Takeaways --- More about this episode The doctors explore how BRCA2 and other DNA repair alterations can directly shape treatment decisions, focusing on the roles of PARP inhibitors and platinum therapy in advanced cases. The discussion highlights why both germline and somatic testing are critical for identifying actionable mutations and discuss the nuances of interpreting test results, including current limitations and emerging biomarkers. They also examine challenges such as insurance coverage, patient misconceptions, and workflow integration, as well as the movement toward truly personalized, biology-driven approaches in prostate cancer care. --- Resources Niraparib and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone for HRR-deficient metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer: a randomized phase 3 trial:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12705445/ Capivasertib plus abiraterone in PTEN-deficient metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: CAPItello-281 phase III study:https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(25)04936-1/fulltext Apalutamide for Metastatic, Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer:https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1903307 ARCHES 5-year Survival with Enzalutamide Plus Androgen-deprivation Therapy in Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer Patientshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0302283825048766 First-Line Camizestrant for Emerging ESR1-Mutated Advanced Breast Cancer:https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa2502929 PROMISE Registry:https://www.prostatecancerpromise.org/ Talazoparib plus enzalutamide in men with HRR-deficient metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: final overall survival results from the randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 TALAPRO-2 trial:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00683-X/abstract --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 306 Ep. 306 Launching Co-Managed APP/MD Clinics for Bladder Cancer with Dr. Amy Luckenbaugh and Meredith Donahue DNP
3w ago00:44:37Tap to summarizeAre traditional bladder cancer care models falling behind as new therapies flood the field and reshape the landscape? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Bogdana Schmidt talks with Dr. Amy Luckenbaugh and DNP/APP Meredith Donahue about building a co-managed intravesical therapy clinic that rethinks care for patients with non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). With innovative agents increasing patient volume and complexity, the team discusses adapting care models to new realities. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Why Clinic Models Need to Change Now04:03 - Overcoming Financial and J-Code Hurdles11:04 - High Volume Workflow14:10 - Pharmacy Coordination And Timing19:02 - Proactive Lower Urinary Tract SYmptom Management22:25 - Handling Difficult Catheters32:08 - Defining Clinic Success --- More about this episode The conversation covers prioritizing clinical trials, managing operational challenges such as prior authorizations and billing hurdles, and the importance of pharmacy coordination and predictable clinic workflows. Donahue describes a high-efficiency installation day model managing up to 50 patients a week with specialized staff, real-time decisions, and tailored logistics for therapies like Adstiladrin. They also discuss symptom prevention, patient triage, and clinic success measures including therapy availability, patient satisfaction, and opportunities to preserve bladder function. --- Resources Gemcitabine IDRS Drug Delivery Trialhttps://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2026.44.7_suppl.635 BCG-IO Combination Trialhttps://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2026/imfinzi-approved-in-us-for-early-bladder-cancer.html --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 305 Immune Therapy Innovations for BCG Unresponsive Cancer with Dr. Sam Chang
4w ago00:48:58Tap to summarizeReady to move beyond “one-size-fits-all” for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Ruchika Talwar hosts Dr. Sam Chang to discuss the evolving treatment landscape for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). They explore why BCG may fail, the science and clinical rationale behind new immunotherapies and gene therapies, practical approaches to patient selection, treatment sequencing, and surveillance, and the value of emerging biomarkers, empowering urologists to make more informed, personalized decisions in complex cases of NMIBC. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by ImmunityBiohttps://anktiva.com/ --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction03:48 - BCG: How it Works and Why it Fails11:13 - Pembrolizumab Role and Limits14:38 - Nadofaragene firadenovec 16:34 - Cretostimogene grenadenorepvec18:39 - BCG + Anktiva Rationale29:50 - Explaining Options to Patients33:05 - Post Treatment Surveillance37:32 - Future of Biomarkers and AI42:05 - Key Takeaways --- Resources N-803 Plus BCG Treatment for BCG-Naïve or -Unresponsive Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Plain Language Reviewhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11524197/ Safety, Tolerability, and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of an IL-15 analogue (N-803) Admixed with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for the Treatment of Bladder Cancerhttps://doi.org/10.1080/2162402X.2021.1912885 IL-15 Superagonist NAI in BCG-Unresponsive Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancerhttps://evidence.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/EVIDoa2200167 --- More about this episode This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the moderator and individual guest. --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 304 Optimizing Office Protocols for Urological Incontinence Procedures with Dr. Michael Kennelly and Dr. Jason Kim
May 2600:41:39Tap to summarizeHow do you keep no-shows low and patient satisfaction high in an office-based overactive bladder (OAB) practice? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Michael Kennelly and Dr. Jason Kim join guest host Dr. Polina Reyblat to share practical strategies for improving efficiency, reducing cancellations, and optimizing the patient experience for OAB and urinary incontinence procedures. --- Get the BackTable app https://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast was developed in collaboration withSociety of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) https://sufuorg.com/home.aspx --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:08 - Pre Visit Optimization05:49 - Botox Protocol11:31 - Spa-Style Comfort14:46 - Prior Auth and Medicare LCD21:25 - PTNS Workflow Challenges24:52 - Stacking Procedures27:55 - Bulking Agent Clinic Workflow36:17 - Rapid Fire Tips --- More about this episode The panel discusses streamlined Botox workflows, patient-centered approaches to anxiety and pain management, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) scheduling, office-based bulking procedures, and the evolving Medicare LCD documentation requirements. They also share tips for procedure-day planning, staffing, prior authorizations, and reducing no-shows while maintaining high-quality care. --- Resources Relaxing Environment Lowers Anxiety During Chemodenervation: a Randomized Trialhttps://journals.lww.com/fpmrs/abstract/2026/04000/relaxing_environment_lowers_anxiety_during.6.aspx --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 303 PARP Inhibitors: Clinical Trials & Real-World Applications with Dr. Neeraj Agarwal and Dr. Arun Azad
May 1901:15:29Tap to summarizeKeeping patients on PARP inhibitors long enough to see real benefit often comes down to proactive side effect management. In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Neeraj Agarwal and Dr. Arun Azad join host Dr. Alan Tan to discuss practical, evidence-based strategies for managing hematologic and GI toxicities in advanced prostate cancer patients receiving PARP inhibitors. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Pfizer. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction06:17 - Managing Anemia11:12 - Side Effect Profiles19:33 - Transfusions vs ESAs26:43 - Docetaxel vs PARP Inhibitors30:27 - Side Effect Management Pearls40:18 - Team Based Monitoring52:27 - Tissue Versus Liquid01:01:24 - Genetic Counseling Workflow01:07:07 - Trial Equity and Access --- More about this episode The doctors discuss the importance of close anemia monitoring during the critical first 3 to 4 months of therapy, maintaining dose intensity, proactive antiemetic use, and the role of exercise and resistance training in combating fatigue. The conversation also covers differences in toxicity profiles between PARP agents, the value of multidisciplinary care teams, molecular advances in molecular and germline testing, and the evolving landscape of emerging therapies in prostate care. --- Resources Talazoparib plus enzalutamide in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: final overall survival results from the randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 TALAPRO-2 trialhttps://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00684-1/abstract BRCAAway: A randomized phase 2 trial of abiraterone, olaparib, or abiraterone + olaparib in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) bearing homologous recombination-repair mutations (HRRm).https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.4_suppl.19 --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
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Ep. 302 Male Infertility: Diagnosis & Guidelines Update with Dr. Robert E. Brannigan
May 1200:46:50Tap to summarizeMale factor infertility accounts for nearly half of all infertility cases, yet male evaluation is often delayed or overlooked. In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Robert Brannigan joins guest host Dr. Catherine Nam to unpack the 2024 AUA/ASRM Male Infertility Guideline update and discuss how the field is evolving beyond basic semen analysis. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:12 - Rationale Behind the Updates09:37 - Concurrent Couple Evaluation15:01 - Diagnosis, Assessment and Evaluation20:33 - Y Chromosome Microdeletion Testing23:54 - Workup for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss33:57 - Pelvic MRI for EDO36:46 - MicroTESE40:15 - Future Research Directions44:09 - Closing Takeaways --- More about this episode They review updated definitions of infertility, challenges with WHO semen reference ranges, and the need for comprehensive male assessment. The discussion also covers sperm DNA fragmentation, recurrent pregnancy loss, the role of pelvic MRI for ejaculatory duct obstruction, micro-TESE for nonobstructive azoospermia, and the latest directions in male infertility research. --- Resources Increased risk of incident chronic medical conditions in infertile men: analysis of United States claims data:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26674559/ Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guidelinehttps://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/male-infertility Sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual of semen analysis: Updates and essential take away for busy clinicianshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10929669/ --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
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