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2015 has seen advances in various bladder conditions. MicroRNAs might become therapeutic targets, the MAPP network characterized central neurological changes in chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and urologists were reminded to consider cognitive effects of long-term anticholinergics use. A study of obstetric vesicovaginal fistula repair shows how evidence-based research might improve public health in poorly resourced countries.
In 2015, population-based studies in patients with urinary stones informed us of the changing trends in contemporary stone management and identified areas for improvement. Although meta-analyses aim to provide the highest level of evidence, a randomized controlled trial of medical expulsive therapy challenged current paradigms and was the defining publication of the year.
HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infection incidence remains persistently high for men who have sex with men. Results of new studies show that clinicians might be able to address this challenge by providing oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and by intensifying efforts to diagnose and treat other sexually transmitted infections.
Radical cystectomy is the standard treatment for patients with bladder cancer, but the prognosis of patients undergoing this procedure has not changed for decades. Small steps towards improvement include better selection of high-risk T1 patients, the use of perioperative chemotherapy and, maybe, robotic cystectomy.
Kidney cancer research in 2014 was characterized by a diverse array of studies. Advances were made in both the localized and the metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arenas. Importantly, significant progress was also made in our understanding of the underpinnings of RCC tumorigenesis and progression.
The past 5 years have seen some of the most significant changes in the way we view and treat prostate cancer. 2014 continues in the same spirit and will be remembered as a landmark year for practice changing studies reporting their results in surgery, chemotherapy and novel medical therapies.
Male sexual medicine has continued to evolve and several publications related to premature ejaculation, lower urinary tract symptoms, Peyronie's disease and testosterone replacement therapy have provided new insights in these fields. Our understanding has been revolutionized by these studies and clinical management in male sexual dysfunction has improved.
Publications in 2014 advanced our therapeutic armamentarium for bladder cancer. Molecular characterization might propel us into an era of targeted therapy, and immunotherapeutics might expand our options for patients with metastatic disease. We were also reminded that outcomes are inextricably linked to the quality of the transurethral resections we perform.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains a hot topic in urological research—more than 800 manuscripts were published on this subject in 2014. The most important advances included improvements in the understanding of the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the medical and surgical management of BPH and LUTS, with a particular focus on new combination strategies and advances in surgical technologies.
