As new genetic and AI-powered tools emerge for bladder cancer screening, are we getting closer to reducing the need for invasive cystoscopies? In part five of the 2025 BackTable NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, host Dr. Vignesh Packiam engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Sarah Psutka from the University of Washington and Dr. Katie Murray from NYU about the complexities and potential benefits of using biomarkers in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

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This podcast is supported by:

Ferring Pharmaceuticals

https://www.ferring.com/home-classic/people-and-families/uro-uro-oncology/bladder-cancer/

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SYNPOSIS

The conversation covers the current challenges of interpreting positive biomarkers without clinical correlates, the gold standard of biopsies, and the potential of various biomarkers such as urine cytology, FISH, and newer genomic tests like the Decipher Bladder Genomic Classifier. They also touch upon the role of AI in pathology, the cost implications of biomarkers, and how these tools might influence future clinical practices and patient decisions. The episode emphasizes the need for precision medicine, careful patient counseling, and the impact of false positives and negatives on both patients and healthcare providers.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
05:25 - Challenges with Current Biomarkers
08:10 - New Biomarkers and Genomic Classifiers
21:10 - AI and Pathology in Bladder Cancer
35:13 - Screening and Future Directions
41:20 - Challenges and Future Directions in Bladder Cancer Surveillance
57:51 - Conclusion

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RESOURCES

DaBlaCa-15 Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40280776/

Sam Chang CHAI Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40514253/