Welcome Speeches
12 Aug 2025
08:00
08:30
TWTC - 2F Conference Room 5
Tai-Lung ChaTaiwan
Moderator
Novel Target for GU Cancer Metastasis and TherapeuticsCancer progression is shaped by both cell-intrinsic adaptations and complex extrinsic interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we identify a transmembrane protein, Meta1, as a shared therapeutic target that exhibits a Janus-like role: promoting malignant phenotypes in cancer cells while restraining tumor-supportive functions in non-cancerous stromal and immune cells. Meta1 is expressed in both compartments of the TME, orchestrating a dual program that supports metastasis and immune evasion. Mechanistically, we uncovered a malignancy-promoting factor (MPF) that acts as a functional ligand for Meta1, selectively enhancing pro-invasive signaling in cancer cells. We further identify Meta1 as an unconventional G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays as an accelerator in cancer cells of the TME. Meta1 interacts with Rho-GDI and Gαq to activate RhoA-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling and amoeboid migration, facilitating metastatic dissemination. We further identify MPF binding to Meta1 initiates Gβγ signaling, elevating intracellular cAMP and activating Rap1, thereby amplifying cell motility and metastatic potential. Leveraging the Meta1–MPF interaction, we designed MPF-derived peptides that specifically bind Meta1 and serve as the basis for a novel peptide-based PROTAC, which efficiently induces degradation of Meta1 and abrogates its pro-metastatic functions. Our study unveils Meta1 as an atypical GPCR with canonical signaling capacity and topological divergence, representing a shared and targetable vulnerability that bridges cancer cell-intrinsic adaptation with extrinsic TME communication. These findings establish the Meta1–MPF axis as a compelling therapeutic target for suppressing metastasis and reprogramming the TME.
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08:00
08:05
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08:05
08:10
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Allen W. ChiuTaiwan
Speaker
Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Present, and Envisioning the Future of UAASince 1990, the Urological Association of Asia (UAA) has stood as a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and advancement in urology in Asia. As we reflect on its evolution, acknowledge its current impact, and envision its future, it becomes clear that the UAA has played - and will continue to play - a pivotal role in shaping urological care, education, and research throughout Asia. Reflecting on the path we’ve traveled together from 16 member associations and 1,000 individual members in 2014 to 28 member associations and over 4,500 individual members today - I see more than growth. I see unity, commitment, and a shared belief in something bigger than ourselves. A defining milestone was enrolling the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand into the UAA, further enriching our diversity and strengthening our position as a truly Asia-Pacific organization. The UAA proudly supports several journals, including the International Journal of Urology, the Indian Journal of Urology, Asian Urology, which continue to shape the academic discourse. The Asian Urological Resident Course (AURC) started in 2014, in collaboration with the American Urological Association, has become a cornerstone in nurturing clinical excellence among young urologists. The Young Leadership Forum, since 2012, developed in partnership with the European Urological Association, has fostered cross-continental mentorship and exchange. These initiatives symbolize our commitment to creating a future shared across borders. We have faced challenges under the impact of COVID-19, but conquered it with resilience and shared purpose. As healthcare needs evolve and patient expectations rise, the UAA aims to: 1. Promote regional research 2. Enhance training and education 3. Strengthen partnerships 4. Champion equity in healthcare.Complex Robotic Assisted Surgery for Urinary Fistula RepairRobotic-assisted (da Vinci) surgery is increasingly used for repair of urinary fistulas, including vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal, and enterovesical fistula. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. A case report described using the da Vinci X system to fix a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) post-hysterectomy in 105 min with no complications, a 2 day hospital stay, and excellent patient reported quality-of-life at 12 months. A literature review including 30 cases showed robotic repair of VVF reduced blood loss and shortened hospital stays by 2 days compared to open repair. A review found that robotic repair of complex urinary fistulas is technically feasible in expert hands, with good early outcomes and less morbidity than open techniques.
This presentation illustrated the key operative procedures, inlcuding ureteral catheter placement to identify the ureteral tract, anchoring stitches on opened urinary bladder wall, robotic excision of the fistula tract, layered closure of bladder wall and adjacent organ (vagina or colon), with or without Interposition of tissue flaps (e.g. omentum or peritoneal flaps) to reinforce repair. The robot provides precise and secure ileal isolation with ICG technique for the ileal isolation, and and intracorporeal anastomosis to ureter and urinary bladder are safe. Intracorporeal bowel re-anastomosis and accessibility of the da Vinci platform is becoming more popular. The isolated ileal technique provides good urinary reconstruction (e.g., Neobladder, Augmentation Cystoplasty Ileal conduit (Bricker’s procedure), Orthotopic neobladder (Studer, Hautmann, etc.) The Role of the robot to harvestest, detubularize, and fold ileum to form bladder substitute. Suture to urethra and ureters. It is often performed entirely intracorporeally with the da Vinci Xi system.
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08:10
08:20
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08:20
08:30
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