Guest Editors
Prof. Richard Naspro
Email: richard.naspro@unipv.it
Affiliation: Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Research Interests: urologic oncology, benign prostatic hyperplasia, minimally invasive surgery
Dr. Marco Finati
Email: marco.finati@unifg.it
Affiliation: Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: urologic oncology, bladder cancer, prostate cancer
Summary
Non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) represents a heterogeneous disease spectrum in which risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making remain complex. In recent years, evolving definitions, new clinical endpoints, and novel intravesical and systemic agents have reshaped management paradigms. Yet substantial "grey areas" persist between traditional intermediate-risk categories and the emerging entity of BCG-unresponsive disease. These gaps have important implications for patient counseling, trial design, regulatory approval, and real-world implementation, underscoring the need for improved clarity and consensus in this rapidly progressing field.
This Special Issue aims to address these grey zones by synthesizing current evidence, highlighting areas of ongoing controversy, and outlining opportunities for innovation in NMIBC research and clinical practice. Its scope encompasses epidemiology, molecular characterization, risk assessment, guideline evolution, and therapeutic strategies spanning intravesical therapies, immunotherapy, bladder-preserving approaches, surgical decision-making, and emerging surveillance strategies.
Suggested themes include, but are not limited to:
• Refining intermediate-risk definitions and treatment pathways
• Active surveillance/de-intensification for low-grade disease without additional risk factors
• Role of immediate post-operative instillation and early intravesical therapy for intermediate/high-risk disease
• Biomarkers and molecular risk stratification
• Outcomes and endpoints in NMIBC clinical trials
• Management of BCG-unresponsive disease
• Emerging agents and bladder-preserving strategies
• Guideline harmonization and policy implications
Keywords
bladder neoplasm, non-muscle invasive disease, risk stratification, intermediate-risk, BCG-unresponsive, intravesical therapy, active surveillance, biomarkers, Bladder-preserving strategies,
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