Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer | Primary Research (KOL's Insight) | Market Intelligence | Epidemiology & Market Forecast-2035

Upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) comprise a spectrum of cancers that originate from urothelium at the level of the renal pelvis or ureter. They account for between 5 and 10% of all urothelial carcinomas and are discovered in about two out of every 100,000 Americans each year, the majority of whom are adults over the age of 70. Kidney-sparing approaches, such as endoscopic laser ablation of tumors, confer a similar rate of disease-free survival as radical nephroureterectomy among patients with low-grade UTUC, but endoscopy can be challenging to perform because of the potentially narrow ureteral lumen and the anatomic complexity of the calyceal system. In 2020, US-FDA approved the first drug Jelmyto, specifically for patients with low-grade UTUC and provides an option for some patients who may otherwise require a nephroureterectomy.

Description

Upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) comprise a spectrum of cancers that originate from urothelium at the level of the renal pelvis or ureter. Upper tract urothelial malignancies (UTUC) are typically treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), a severe surgical procedure that may result in short- and long-term morbidity and a reduction in renal function. Less invasive kidney-sparing procedures (LG-UTUC) may be used in place of RNU for low-risk, low-grade UTUC. Although the risk of recurrence may have slightly increased, they had better long-term renal function and similar disease-specific survival rates. Improved endoscopic instrumentation and increased risk stratification are two effective strategies for lowering the recurrence of LG-UTUC. Chemoablation may be an alternative, state-of-the-art method for treating LG-UTUC that spares the kidneys

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (Epidemiology)

Upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) comprise a spectrum of cancers that originate from urothelium at the level of the renal pelvis or ureter. They account for between 5 and 10% of all urothelial carcinomas and are discovered in about two out of every 100,000 Americans each year, the majority of whom are adults over the age of 70. The majority of UTUCs are low-grade UTUCs, which are primarily papillary tumors. These tumors are frequently accompanied by hematuria and urinary obstruction, which must be managed, but they are much less aggressive than high-grade UTUCs and have a low cancer-specific mortality rate. Bladder cancers (BCa), which are the second most frequent urogenital tract malignancy after prostate cancer, account for the majority of urothelial carcinomas (90-95%). Urothelial carcinomas with UTUCs make up only 5-10% of cases, which is incredibly uncommon. Urothelial carcinomas make up 90% of kidney pelvis tumors; other epithelial cell types present in these lesions include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinosarcoma, small cell carcinoma, and papilloma. Due to the fact that 60% of UTUCs are invasive at the time of diagnosis compared to 15% of bladder tumors, UTUCs have a different natural history than bladder cancer.

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer -Current Market Size & Forecast Trends

The market for low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer (LG UTUC) is projected to grow significantly, with estimates indicating a rise from approximately USD 150 million in 2023 to around USD 350 million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8.5%. This growth is driven by the increasing incidence of LG UTUC, advancements in treatment options such as UGN-102, and the rising awareness of the disease. UGN-102, a novel treatment currently under review by the FDA, aims to provide an effective solution for patients with LG UTUC and could potentially redefine treatment protocols if approved. The market is also supported by ongoing research and clinical trials that focus on improving patient outcomes and expanding therapeutic options. North America is expected to dominate the market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and high prevalence of urothelial cancers. Overall, the LG UTUC market is well-positioned for substantial growth through 2035, driven by innovative therapies and increased emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment.

Patients with low-grade UTUC benefit from kidney-sparing methods like endoscopic laser ablation of tumors at a rate of disease-free survival comparable to that of radical nephroureterectomy, but endoscopy can be difficult to perform due to the potentially narrow ureteral lumen and the anatomic complexity of the calyceal system. Additionally, the majority of patients experience recurrent disease that necessitates further ablations and repeated anesthesia. Radical nephroureterectomy, a more invasive procedure that increases the risk of a patient developing renal insufficiency later on, is the most conclusive treatment option for patients who have experienced multiple recurrences. Importantly, regardless of the course of treatment, the contralateral upper tract and bladder continue to have a higher risk of developing urothelial carcinoma. Because of these factors, chemoablation is regarded as a desirable kidney-sparing option for the management of low-grade UTUC. For patients with low-grade UTUC, the US-FDA approved the first medication in 2020. Jelmyto gives some patients who might otherwise need a nephroureterectomy an alternative. As an alkylating medication, Jelmyto prevents the transcription of DNA into RNA, halting the synthesis of proteins and obstructing the ability of the cancer cell to proliferate.

Report Highlights

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer - Current Market Trends

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer - Current & Forecasted Cases across the G8 Countries

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer - Market Opportunities and Sales Potential for Agents

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer - Patient-based Market Forecast to 2035

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer - Untapped Business Opportunities

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer - Product Positioning Vis-a-vis Competitors' Products

Low Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer - KOLs Insight