Vraj Rangrej, Co-Founder of The Hive Research Program, Junior Resident at GMERS Medical College – India, shared on LinkedIn:
“Evolving Treatment Paradigms in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer:
What’s Next?
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) management is undergoing a major paradigm shift. But as we look at emerging data, several critical questions come to the forefront:
With peri-operative chemo-immunotherapy establishing new benchmarks like the NIAGARA trial data, is neoadjuvant chemo-IO becoming the default for cisplatin-eligible patients?
- How do we strategically separate the NIAGARA paradigm from advanced-stage data like EV/pembrolizumab?
- Where does circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) truly fit for guiding clinical decision-making, escalation, or surveillance?
- And as treatment frameworks become increasingly resource-intensive, how do we tackle implementation barriers to ensure global access and equity?
In this compelling MedNews Week conversation, presented in partnership with OncoDaily, Karine Tawagi, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Genitourinary Medical Oncologist, and Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program Director at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to these clinical and educational questions.
Beyond cutting-edge genitourinary oncology, Dr. Tawagi reflects on something equally vital: medical education, curriculum innovation, and mentorship. As co-host of the popular podcast Two Onc Docs and a dedicated leader training the next generation of oncologists, her vision bridges scientific advancement with human-centered training and healthcare equity.
Perhaps that is one of the most important takeaways from this conversation: The future of urothelial cancer care will be defined not only by the systemic regimens we develop, but by how intelligently, equitably, and effectively we implement them.
Sincerely grateful to Dr. Karine Tawagi for sharing her deep expertise, leadership, and thoughtful vision for the future of GU oncology.
The full episode is now available and absolutely worth watching.
A special thank you to Dr. Chandler Park and Yan Leyfman and to the entire MedNews Week team.”
You can also read: Prognostic Value of Perioperative ctDNA Across Bladder Cancer Histologies
