Episode # 65 • 11 Jun 2026
Navigating Shared Decision-Making in Bladder Cancer Treatment
What 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.
This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:55 - Second Opinions and Patient Counseling
06:08 - Intermediate Risk Stratification
12:13 - Treatment Options for Intermediate Risk NMIBC
16:20 - BCG and Alternative Treatments for High Risk NMIBC
26:49 - Options for BCG-Unresponsive NMIBC
31:42 - Sequencing and Cystectomy
37:03 - Financial and Time Toxicity
41:08 - Biomarkers and ctDNA
44:04 - Future Trials and NMIBC Innovations
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
- Twelve-Month Results From the CISTO Study Comparing Radical Cystectomy Versus Bladder-Sparing Therapy for Recurrent High-Grade Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
- CIRCULATING TUMOR DNA AS A BIOMARKER FOR UPSTAGING AND ADVERSE PATHOLOGY IN HIGH-RISK NON–MUSCLE-INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER
- Preoperative Circulating Tumor DNA Predicts Upstaging and Recurrence in High-Risk Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy
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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.
The Materials available on BackTable are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the independent professional judgment of a qualified healthcare professional in diagnosing or treating patients. Any opinions, statements, or views expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, platform, or any affiliated organization.