Is targeted therapy better for upper tract urothelial cancer?

Question

Hi doctor,

I was diagnosed with upper tract urothelial cancer last year, and I recently came across information on targeted antibody-drug conjugates. I am wondering how these compare to traditional chemotherapy, particularly in terms of effectiveness and side effects. Does the location in the upper tract influence treatment options?

I am also interested in knowing if there are any promising new trials or second-line therapies specifically for upper tract tumors. Lastly, I am concerned about how these newer treatments might impact kidney function, as that is a major worry for me. I am 42 and anxious about the possibility of recurrence. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Targeted antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a modern cancer treatment that includes two parts: a specially made antibody that finds and attaches to cancer cells and a strong anti-cancer drug linked to it. This combination allows the treatment to be delivered directly to the tumor, where the drug is released to kill the cancer cells. Since ADCs are more targeted, they tend to spare healthy cells, which may lead to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. These therapies are increasingly being used in cancers such as urothelial cancer, particularly in cases that are advanced or difficult to treat.

Like Enfortumab vedotin, which is a targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), they are newer cancer treatments that have shown good results in treating urothelial cancer, especially when the cancer is advanced or has spread. These medicines work by using special antibodies that find cancer cells and deliver powerful drugs directly to them. This helps kill cancer cells more precisely and may cause fewer side effects compared to regular chemotherapy.

For people with upper tract urothelial cancer (affects the lining of the upper urinary tract, which includes the renal pelvis, the part of the kidney that collects urine, and the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), there are now more treatment options being studied in clinical trials. Some of these new treatments are showing better results than standard chemotherapy, giving patients more hope for better outcomes.

This type of cancer is close to the kidneys, and some of these newer drugs can affect kidney function. Doctors will usually keep a close watch on how the kidneys are working during treatment. Working with a team of specialists helps make sure the treatment is both safe and effective.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.