Nuclear medicine in urological cancers: what is new?

Lymph Node Dissection in Testicular Cancer: The State of the Art and Future Perspectives

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in the management of testicular cancer (TC). It explores the significance of RPLND as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, highlighting its contribution to accurate staging, its impact on oncological outcomes, and its influence on subsequent treatment decisions.

RECENT FINDINGS

RPLND serves as an essential diagnostic procedure, aiding in the precise assessment of lymph node involvement and guiding personalized treatment strategies. It has demonstrated therapeutic value, particularly in patients with specific risk factors and disease stages, contributing to improved oncological outcomes and survival rates. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of meticulous patient selection and nerve-sparing techniques to mitigate complications while optimizing outcomes. Additionally, modern imaging and surgical approaches have expanded the potential applications of RPLND. In the context of TC management, RPLND remains a valuable and evolving tool. Its dual role in staging and therapy underscores its relevance in contemporary urological practice. This review highlights the critical role of RPLND in enhancing patient care and shaping treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for further research to refine patient selection and surgical techniques.

PET-based molecular imaging in personalized oncology: potential of the assessment of therapeutic outcome

Molecular imaging techniques allow an individualization and optimization of therapy on a patient basis noninvasively. The availability of new hybrid scanners, like PET-computed tomography and PET-MRI allow the combined assessment of changes in morphology and function and are a unique tool for personalized cancer treatment. In particular, it is crucial to identify nonresponders as soon as possible for therapy guidance. The choice of the appropriate therapy and optimal treatment duration can help to avoid side effects and save costs. Furthermore, the development of new specific tracers will enable a more accurate assessment of a therapeutic result. Numerous peptides targeting receptor-active tumors are in development with a high potential in a large spectrum of tumors for theranostic approaches.