โก Quick Summary
This article discusses the significant shift in detecting residual lesions after transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT), moving from traditional macroscopic evaluations to advanced molecular-level assessments. The integration of enhanced imaging and liquid biopsy technologies promises to improve patient outcomes in bladder cancer management.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Study Period: January 2000 to September 2025
- ๐ฌ Focus: Postoperative residual disease detection in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)
- โ๏ธ Technologies Used: Enhanced cystoscopy, artificial intelligence, liquid biopsy approaches
- ๐ Key Findings: Improved visualization and molecular profiling for individualized patient care
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ Residual lesions after TURBT are a major cause of bladder cancer recurrence.
- ๐ก Advances in diagnostic technology are shifting focus from macroscopic to molecular assessments.
- ๐งฌ Liquid biopsy techniques such as urinary tumor DNA and plasma circulating tumor DNA enhance detection sensitivity.
- ๐ Integration of imaging and molecular profiling supports personalized surveillance and early intervention.
- ๐ ๏ธ Future priorities include standardizing workflows and validating MRD-guided strategies.
- ๐ Potential benefits include refined risk stratification and reduced recurrence rates.

๐ Background
Bladder cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly in its non-muscle invasive form (NMIBC). Traditional methods of monitoring residual disease post-TURBT have relied heavily on visual inspections and cytology, which can miss subtle abnormalities. The emergence of advanced diagnostic technologies offers a promising avenue for improving detection and management of this disease.
๐๏ธ Study
The study conducted a systematic review of literature from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, focusing on the detection of residual disease in NMIBC. It highlighted the evolution of diagnostic techniques, emphasizing the role of enhanced cystoscopic modalities and artificial intelligence in recognizing urothelial abnormalities that may otherwise go unnoticed.
๐ Results
The findings indicate that liquid biopsy approaches significantly improve the sensitivity of detecting minimal residual disease. Techniques such as urinary tumor DNA and exosome-based biomarkers provide a more dynamic risk stratification compared to traditional methods. This shift towards molecular assessment is expected to enhance postoperative management strategies.
๐ Impact and Implications
The implications of this research are profound. By integrating advanced imaging techniques with molecular profiling, healthcare providers can offer a more comprehensive and personalized approach to bladder cancer management. This paradigm shift not only aims to reduce recurrence rates but also enhances the overall quality of care for patients, paving the way for future innovations in cancer treatment.
๐ฎ Conclusion
The transition from macroscopic clearance to molecular eradication in detecting residual lesions after TURBT represents a significant advancement in bladder cancer management. As we continue to refine diagnostic workflows and validate new strategies, the potential for improved patient outcomes becomes increasingly tangible. The future of bladder cancer care looks promising, and ongoing research in this area is essential for continued progress.
๐ฌ Your comments
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From macroscopic clearance to molecular eradication: paradigm shift and future perspectives in the detecting of residual lesions after transurethral resection of bladder tumors.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Residual lesions after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) are a major contributor to recurrence in bladder cancer. Advances in diagnostic technology are shifting postoperative management from conventional macroscopic evaluation toward molecular-level assessment.
AREAS COVERED: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science and Embase from January 2000 to September 2025 identified studies on postoperative residual disease detection in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). At the macroscopic level, enhanced cystoscopic modalities and artificial intelligence have improved visualization and recognition of subtle urothelial abnormalities. At the microscopic level, liquid biopsy approaches such as urinary tumor DNA, plasma circulating tumor DNA and exosome-based biomarkers enable more sensitive detection of minimal residual disease and dynamic molecular risk stratification beyond traditional cystoscopy and cytology. Integration of imaging findings with molecular profiling provides a more comprehensive basis for individualized surveillance and early therapeutic intervention in NMIBC.
EXPERT OPINION: Future priorities include standardizing diagnostic workflows, improving multi-omics integration and validating MRD-guided strategies in prospective studies. These developments may refine risk stratification, reduce recurrence and support more personalized postoperative management in bladder cancer.
Author: [‘Zhang Y’, ‘Yan R’, ‘Wang H’, ‘Man J’, ‘Yang L’]
Journal: Expert Rev Anticancer Ther
Citation: Zhang Y, et al. From macroscopic clearance to molecular eradication: paradigm shift and future perspectives in the detecting of residual lesions after transurethral resection of bladder tumors. From macroscopic clearance to molecular eradication: paradigm shift and future perspectives in the detecting of residual lesions after transurethral resection of bladder tumors. 2025; (unknown volume):(unknown pages). doi: 10.1080/14737140.2025.2597526