Genitourinary oncology is advancing fast. At the MOASC Spotlight on Oncology event on August 16, 2025, at VEA Newport Beach, we interviewed Dr. Nataliya Mar, MD, Assistant Professor — Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine. As a top US genitourinary oncologist, Dr. Mar specializes in prostate, bladder, renal, and testicular cancers. She shared key ASCO 2025 genitourinary cancer updates. This post highlights her insights for oncology professionals seeking the latest research.
NIAGARA Study: ctDNA in Bladder Cancer
The NIAGARA trial added durvalumab to chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). It showed ctDNA as a vital biomarker. For example, patients clearing ctDNA after treatment had better outcomes.
Dr. Mar said: “The Niagara Study, which added durvalumab to Standard of Care Chemotherapy in the muscle invasive bladder cancer space showed that patients who have not cleared their CT DNA postneoadjuvant treatment had worse outcomes compared to those who have.”
Thus, ctDNA guides personalized MIBC treatment, a key ASCO 2025 genitourinary cancer update.
Renal Cell Carcinoma: Casdatifan and Cabozantinib
The ARC-20 study tested casdatifan, a new HIF-2α inhibitor, with cabozantinib for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). It showed strong responses and manageable side effects. Additionally, it had less anemia and hypoxia than belzutifan, the only FDA-approved HIF-2α inhibitor.
Dr. Mar noted: “The combination of Kan and caboantinib seems to have promising activity in pretreated, locally advanced or metastatic, clear cell carcinoma… Kan and Caboantine seem to have non-overlapping toxicities that are manageable.”
Consequently, this combo is a highlight of ASCO 2025 genitourinary cancer updates.
Prostate Cancer: AMPLITUDE Study
The AMPLITUDE trial added niraparib to abiraterone for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) with HRR mutations. It improved progression-free survival with tolerable side effects.
Dr. Mar stated: “The amplitude study showed that adding therapb to Aeron versus placebo plus aer, showed activity and a manageable toxicity profile earlier in the disease course and patients with metastatic hormone sensitive processesstate cancer.”
Therefore, niraparib is a key advance in ASCO 2025 genitourinary cancer updates.
Why These Updates Matter
MOASC Spotlight connects ASCO research to practice. Dr. Mar, a Physician of Excellence (2021-2023), leads trials like STRIKE at UCI Health. Watch the full interview for more ASCO 2025 genitourinary cancer updates. Visit Dr. Mar’s UCI Health profile for details. Stay updated on genitourinary oncology!