New concepts in carcinogenic pathways and for the management of upper urinary tract tumor

Introduction. Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUC) are rare sporadic tumors which account for only 5% of urothelial carcinomas. The aim of this study was to report recent evolution in the vision of carcinogenic pathways and in the strategy of management of UTUCs.Method. The literature search was conducted on Medline® using the following key words (MeSH): renal pelvis; ureter; urothelial carcinoma; genetics ; molecular marker ; prognostic factors ; conservative treatment ; nephroureterectomy; ureteroscopy. This research was limited to English or French publications. Results. Recent epidemiologic and molecular data have shown a singular susceptibility of UTUCs for specific risk factors. The main exogenic factors involved in UTUCs carcinogenesis remain tobacco and occupational exposure. Enzymatic variants of detoxification system may be responsible of carcinogenesis with these toxics. Familial genic polymorphism of detoxification system would explain geographic distribution in endemic areas. To date, there is a growing body of evidence supporting that the interaction between individual genetic susceptibilities and environmental toxic exposure is a key to explain carcinogenesis in the majority of sporadic UTUC occurence. UTUCs are most likely to have a bad prognosis and nephroureterectomy remains the gold-standard surgical treatment to date. However, conservative endoscopic management is being increasingly considered by some teams in light of promising oncologic outcomes obtained with of low grade superficial UTUCs in order to spare the kidney unit.Conclusion. The multidisciplinayr approach is essential as soon as a UTUC is diagnosed in order to guarantee the choice of the best treatment strategy that aims to spare the renal unit and to offer the best quality of life.