The 2026 American Urological Association Annual Meeting brought the global urology community together from May 15 to 18, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, for four days of scientific exchange, clinical updates, and innovation across the full spectrum of urologic care.
As one of the leading international meetings in urology, AUA 2026 featured more than 2,500 abstract presentations, nearly 100 educational courses, and a dedicated Science & Technology Hall, where new tools, product demonstrations, and hands-on sessions highlighted the evolving role of technology in daily practice. The meeting served as a major platform for physicians, researchers, industry leaders, and healthcare professionals to discuss emerging data, updated clinical guidelines, and the future direction of urology.
Below are some of the highlights, insights, and key updates shared during AUA 2026, reflecting the latest advances in urologic oncology, bladder cancer research, surgical innovation, patient-centered care, and global collaboration presented throughout the congress.
“Presented a comprehensive review of the potential of IL-15 at AUA26 as we have begun to understand the consequences of lymphopenia. An hour discussion with slides for review. Here is the full presentation with Q&A.”
“AUA26 Sarah P. Psutka MD MS highlighted a major gap in bladder cancer research: PROs remain dramatically underutilized in NMIBC trials, with only ~1 in 5 studies incorporating patient-reported outcomes. IBCG is now working to develop: Disease-specific PRO tools NMIBC/MIBC/metastatic modules Better assessment of treatment burden, time toxicity, and financial toxicity More patient-centered trial endpoints Notably: International multi-stakeholder collaboration Patient advocates integrated into development New HRQOL tool/toxicity actively under development The future of bladder cancer trials cannot rely on oncologic outcomes alone.”
“Saving the best for last! Come join us at IP77: Bladder Cancer Basic Research & Pathophysiology II at AUA26. 7–9 AM in Room 147A for a great lineup of bladder cancer science.”
“Proud to chair the 5th annual IBCG Bladder Cancer Forum at #AUA26 alongside an extraordinary group of global colleagues, thought leaders, and patient advocates committed to advancing care for patients with bladder cancer. What began five years ago as a vision for open, high-level, multidisciplinary dialogue has grown into one of the most engaging and collegial forums at the meeting. This year’s debates and discussions once again reflected the passion, expertise, and shared purpose of this community. My sincere thanks to all of the speakers, moderators, panelists, advocates, and attendees who made the session such a success.”
“Couldn’t imagine a better first AUA experience than reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones along the way. Very grateful for the mentorship and support from David B. Solit, MD and Eugene Pietzak, and for all the inspiring conversations throughout the meeting!”
“Grateful for a full house at AUA26 Thank you to everyone who joined Course 018IC: COMPLICATIONS of Robotic Urological Surgery at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. Robotic surgery is not only about precision, but also preparation, judgment, and how we respond when the case becomes difficult. Special thanks to our outstanding faculty for sharing their expertise through real-world cases, surgical video review, and practical intraoperative strategies.’
“Not taking it too seriously But the World’s 1 & 2 in Urology met at the AUA26 Presidents Reception. Cleveland Clinic Urology
and SNUH were ranked 1 and 2 in Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals ’26.”
“Fantastic AUA26 in Washington. Great meeting and city. Enjoyed moderating survivor debate in stone plenary, teaching on Dust or Bust laser course + lecture on medical mx of Cystinuria in ROCK meeting. And lots of catching up with friends from around the world.”
“Want to thank Amer Urological for everything. To me, gratitude reigns. See you all in San Diego in 2027 for the 125th Anniversary!
“3rd annual Women in Focal Therapy gathering at AUA26. Wonderful to connect with familiar colleagues and meet some new ones as well! Thank you to all who came! ”
“One of the most humbling parts of AUA26 had nothing to do with AI, lectures, or technology. It was the people. Several people reminded me of conversations we had 8–10 years ago, moments I had forgotten, but they still remembered. AI will absolutely transform medicine. But this week reminded me that mentorship, relationships, encouragement, and human connection still matter more than anything. Medicine moves fast. Technology moves even faster. But people remember how you made them feel.”
“Honoured to receive the F. Brantley Scott Award at AUA26 in Washington DC. Medicine is a team sport. This belonges to our incredible team at http://kliniekvoorurologie.be Motivated to keep advancing our field ! Thanks to ward sam
for introducing me at the ceremony ”
“One of the best parts of AUA is the people AUA26 AmerUrological
The mentors who guide you, the friends who become second family, and the energizing conversations that remind you why you chose urology in the first place.”
“Grateful to have been able to present our research from BIDMC Urology at the AUA26 Amer Urological Measurements of renal fat thickness associated with CKD after radical nephrectomy. Easy to measure and good for risk stratification, especially above 33mm. ”
” Busy but incredibly rewarding weekend at AUA26 in Washington, DC — honored to present two of my works under the mentorship of Sia Daneshmand and Hooman Djaladat, along with a third project on behalf of Michael Basin. Very proud to be part of the incredible USC Urology team.”
” The past days were intense and rewarding. The AUA26 in DC was a great opportunity to connect with scientists in the field, and to see what comes next. What I really like about the AUA is that more women are able to participate. I think the American Urological Association has been done a great job in empowering women to come to their meetings. I hope to see more women next year in San Diego. And I hope to continue contributing with presentations and reviews.
See you soon, California! Can’t wait! ”
“AUA26 First indirect comparison of two FDA-approved bladder-sparing strategies for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC: NAI + BCG vs TAR-200. After MAIC adjustment: 12-mo CR: • NAI+BCG: 49.2% • TAR-200: 45.9% TRAEs: • 61.7% with NAI+BCG • 83.5% with TAR-200 → ~68% lower odds of treatment-related toxicity with NAI+BCG (OR 0.32) No head-to-head trial yet, but an important attempt to compare emerging bladder-preserving options in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC.”
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan,MD