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Updated guidance offers evidence-based strategies to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of non-metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in June 2025 issue of American Urological Association to offer an evidence-based reference for diagnosing and managing non-metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).  

They performed literature searches through Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to March 3, 2022), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to January 2022), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (up to January 2022), with an update in August 2022 and evaluated the evidence strength and assigned ratings as A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) to support Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. When data were limited, guidance was based on Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions.  

The results showed that the guideline offered updated, evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing non-metastatic UTUC. It addressed approaches to risk stratification, surveillance, and survivorship. Treatment options included kidney-sparing techniques, surgical management, lymph node dissection (LND), neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.  

Investigators concluded that the guideline enhanced clinical decision-making for UTUC and emphasized the need for ongoing research to refine treatment strategies. 

Source: auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000003480