Dr Angus Robinson reflects on the EMUC on Urological Cancers 2024

The European Multidisciplinary Congress on Urological Cancers (EMUC) provides a valuable opportunity for practitioners to discuss the latest research and emerging developments in urological cancer treatment and diagnostics. We sponsored Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Angus Robinson to attend the conference and, after the event, he shared his insight and reflections with us.

I was delighted to attend EMUC again this year. The event is different to other meetings in that it successfully brings together a wide range of clinicians including surgeons, radiologists and oncologists as well as researchers and other health care professionals, who are all focused on improving outcomes for patients with urological cancers. From the evolving debate around cancer screening to understanding emerging treatments, the congress is an opportunity to evaluate the progress being made across Europe and share our thoughts on the challenges that lie ahead.

The value and challenges of prostate cancer screening

One of the most engaging discussions this year revolved around screening programmes for prostate cancer, an area where opinion remains divided. While it’s clear that early detection is key to improving survival rates, the complexity of implementing an effective screening programme is a recurring theme. We explored the potential benefits of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing, alongside newer developments with MRI scanning in those patients with a raised PSA – something that has undoubtedly changed the landscape since previous prostate cancer screening trials.

However, the pitfalls of overdiagnosis and overtreatment were also discussed extensively. Many of us shared concerns about subjecting patients to unnecessary biopsies and treatments for cancers that may never cause harm.

Diagnosis of the disease has increased dramatically since the 1980s but mortality hasn’t followed suit. In the UK, the recent media coverage of Sir Chris Hoy’s diagnosis has raised further awareness and drive more people to report their prostate cancer symptoms and ask for PSA testing. However, the challenge in implementing a nationwide screening programme is in striking the right balance.

The key aim is to identify those patients with important disease and diagnose their cancers at an early stage , but there also needs to be away to limit the physical and psychological burden of diagnosing and treating asymptomatic low risk cancers that are unlikely to impact a patient’s health or natural lifespan. This is an area that will require continued discussion and analysis.

What’s next?

This year’s EMUC once again underscored both the remarkable progress we’ve made in urological cancer treatment and the work that remains. The congress always inspires a sense of optimism and drive for further research as well as belief that working together as a multidisciplinary community there are many opportunities to tackle these complex challenges.

In terms of everyday practice, being able to answer patients’ questions about the latest treatment and diagnostic developments is a huge benefit of attending the event. As an oncologist, it’s vital to stay updated on changes to best practices and advancements in urological cancer treatment and diagnostics to ensure we provide our patients with the very best care.