In the evolving landscape of urologic oncology, emerging researchers are crucial in pushing the boundaries of innovation, refining clinical practices, and enhancing patient outcomes. Frontiers in Urology’s Rising Stars in Urologic Oncology: 2023 highlights some of the most promising contributions from early-career investigators, shedding light on key areas of advancement. This year’s Research Topic features four insightful studies that address contemporary challenges in prostate cancer and the role of the urinary microbiome in urological malignancies.
Magnetic resonance imaging in active surveillance for prostate cancer
The management of prostate cancer has shifted towards a more personalized approach, with active surveillance gaining prominence as a viable strategy for men with low-risk disease. The study on The Evolving Landscape: Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer Management explores the role of MRI in monitoring disease progression, aiming to improve patient selection and reduce unnecessary biopsies (De la Parra et al). With MRI’s increasing precision, its integration into surveillance protocols offers a promising path toward balancing effective cancer control with quality of life preservation
The urinary microbiome and its potential role in urological cancers
The role of the human microbiome in oncogenesis has been a topic of growing interest, and this year’s Research Topic includes a mini-review titled Urinary Microbiome and Urological Cancers (Randazzo et al.). This review synthesizes current knowledge on how microbial composition in the urinary tract may influence the development and progression of urological malignancies, particularly bladder and prostate cancer. As the field moves toward personalized medicine, understanding the microbiome’s role may unlock new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.
Comparative analysis of primary prostate cancer treatment and metastatic disease progression
Despite advancements in localized prostate cancer treatment, a subset of patients progress to metastatic disease, raising critical questions about treatment sequencing and resistance mechanisms. The study Comparative Analysis of Primary Prostate Cancer Treatment and Subsequent Metastatic Disease provides valuable insights into treatment response patterns and disease trajectories (Shahait et al.). By identifying factors associated with metastatic progression, this research contributes to refining treatment strategies aimed at delaying or preventing disease spread.
The emerging role of exosomes in prostate cancer
Exosomes have emerged as a novel component in the cancer microenvironment, with increasing evidence of their role in tumor progression, immune modulation, and potential as biomarkers. Roles and Clinical Application of Exosomes in Prostate Cancer delves into the intricate functions of these extracellular vesicles, exploring their diagnostic and therapeutic implications (Hu et al.). As liquid biopsy technologies advance, exosome-based approaches may offer minimally invasive tools for early detection, disease monitoring, and even targeted therapy.
Conclusion: a new generation driving innovation
The Rising Stars in Urologic Oncology: 2023 Research Topic exemplifies the forward-thinking research that is shaping the future of urologic oncology. By addressing key gaps in imaging, microbiome research, metastatic disease progression, and exosome biology, these studies contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer biology and patient management strategies. As these young investigators continue to make strides, their contributions will not only enhance scientific knowledge but also pave the way for more effective and personalized patient care in urological oncology.
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Author contributions
JR: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.
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The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Summary
Keywords
prostate, active surveillance, magnetic resonance imaging, microbiome, exosome
Citation
Gomez Rivas J (2025) Editorial: Rising stars in urologic oncology: 2023. Front. Urol. 5:1581141. doi: 10.3389/fruro.2025.1581141
Received
21 February 2025
Accepted
10 March 2025
Published
19 March 2025
Volume
5 - 2025
Edited and reviewed by
Chengfei Liu, University of California, Davis, United States
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Copyright
© 2025 Gomez Rivas.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Juan Gomez Rivas, juangomezr@gmail.com
Disclaimer
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.