What Are Genitourinary Cancers, and How Are They Treated?

Genitourinary (GU) cancers affect the organs of the urinary and male reproductive systems. This includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, testes and penis. While prostate cancer is the most common GU cancer, others include bladder cancer, kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) and testicular cancer. The specific type of cancer and its stage will determine the treatment approach. Your oncologist will discuss your specific diagnosis and its implications with you.

How Are Genitourinary Cancers Diagnosed?

The diagnostic process typically involves a combination of imaging and biopsy. Your doctor will likely order scans such as a CT scan, MRI or ultrasound to visualize the tumor and check for its spread. A biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue, is essential to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its specific type. For bladder cancer, this is often done with a cystoscopy, a procedure where a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the urethra to view the bladder. Blood and urine tests may also be used to gather more information.

Treatment Options Across Genitourinary Cancers

Treatment for patients with GU cancers is highly personalized and depends on the type, stage and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Common treatment modalities include:

• Surgery: This is often the primary treatment, particularly for early-stage cancers. It may involve removing the entire organ (e.g., a radical nephrectomy for kidney cancer or a cystectomy for bladder cancer) or just the tumor.
• Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment, in combination with other treatments, or for palliative care to manage symptoms.
• Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be administered intravenously or orally and is often used for more advanced cancers or in combination with surgery or radiation.
• Targeted therapy: These drugs specifically target certain genes or proteins in cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells. They are a common option for some kidney cancers.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts your body's own immune system to help it recognize and destroy cancer cells. It has shown significant success in treating several types of GU cancers.

“We are moving from an era of monotherapies to better understanding how combinations of treatments with different mechanisms of action can work together to help patients have better survival and quality of life outcomes,” Dr. John L. Gore wrote for CURE. “… Combining traditional chemotherapies with drugs that block cancer cells escape mechanisms that allow them to evade our immune system was associated with better survival in bladder cancer that invades the outer muscle layer of the bladder [for example].”

Gore, a member of CURE’s advisory board, is an oncologist at the University of Washington Medical Center and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the University of Washington’s Jessie H. Bridges Endowed Professor in Prostate Cancer and Urology Research, a University of Washington associate professor of urology and a professor of surgery.

What Are the Side Effects From GU Cancer Treatment?

Treatments can cause side effects, which vary greatly depending on the type of treatment and the individual. Your care team will monitor you closely and provide supportive care to manage these effects. Common side effects may include:

• Fatigue: Feeling tired is a very common side effect of most cancer treatments.
• Nausea and vomiting: Often associated with chemotherapy, but can be managed with medication.
• Urinary and bowel changes: Surgery or radiation to the pelvic area can affect urinary and bowel function.
• Neuropathy: Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet can be a side effect of some chemotherapy drugs.
• Hair loss: A well-known side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs.

Next Steps With Your GU Cancer Journey

A diagnosis of non-prostate GU cancer can be overwhelming, but understanding your diagnosis and treatment plan is the first step toward a positive outcome. This information is a starting point for a conversation with your oncologist, who will be your partner throughout this journey. Don't hesitate to ask questions about your diagnosis, treatment plan, potential side effects and what you can expect. Together, you and your care team will determine the best path forward.

Editor’s Note: This guide is designed to be a starting point. Your personal experience will be unique. By using this information as a foundation for your discussions, you can partner with your oncologist to make the best decisions for your health.

References

1. “Rapid Developments to Enhance Patient Experience in GU Cancer,” CURE, May 30, 2025; https://www.curetoday.com/view/rapid-developments-to-enhance-patient-experience

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