Histologic subtypes of urothelial carcinoma: an update

Abstract

Purpose of review The biological significance of urothelial carcinoma subtypes/divergent differentiation (S/DD) and clinical approach to them remain challenging issues. This review aims to summarize the most relevant recent information on urothelial carcinoma subtypes/divergent differentiation. Recent findings The urothelial carcinoma S/DDs have variable histologies and different genetic alterations. They are considered as high-grade by WHO-2022 system, but they still have prognostic variances and should not be pooled into a single clinicopathological group. Studies confirm that sarcomatoid, micropapillary, plasmacytoid and neuroendocrine forms follow more aggressive course even after other clinicopathological variables are matched. Their higher volume is associated with upstaging and decreased survival. The presence and extent of any S/DD should be documented in all specimens submitted to pathology without a cutoff threshold. Optimal treatment for the aggressive forms is controversial including the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Somatic alterations, some of which are likely oncogenic and targetable, occur in urothelial carcinomas with markedly variable frequency among different subtypes. Summary The role of intravesical treatment, neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy has not been well characterized for most subtypes, and prospective data are inadequate. Understanding detailed molecular biology of these tumors, development of personalized biomarkers and design of clinical trials focusing specifically on S/DDs with worse prognosis are needed to improve patient care.