Athanasios Papatsoris

Full Professor Athanasios Papatsoris graduated from Patras School of Medicine (honorary scholarship) from which he obtained also a MSc. Another MSc was obtained from Hellenic Open University in Health Management. His PhD was obtained at University of Athens. He was trained in London (UK GMC active member since 1997) and Athens. In London, he completed a 2-year Endourology fellowship (recognized by Endourological Society). Also, he completed a clinical fellowship in Laparoscopy in Le Mans, France, supported by EUSP. For 1 year he was honorary Consultant at Royal London Hospital. He holds honorary contract at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge and Imperial College and is Faculty member of Cambridge Medical Academy and member of Cyprus Medical Council with GHS license to practice.. He obtained a FEBU degree in 2007 (thereafter examiner/v. Chairman of the EBU Examination Committee). Dr Papatsoris is Full Professor of Urology at 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, Athens Greece. Also, he is Visiting Full Professor of Urology Lebanese University, Adjunct Professor Guangzhou Medical University of China, Adjunct Professor of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY USA, Visiting Professor of Carol Davila University Bucharest, University of Basrah Medical College, Astana Medical University Kazakhstan. and of Rwanda University, Invited Professor University of Medicine Tirana, Scientific Collaborator European University of Cyprus, honorable fellow of the PUA. Also, he is Assoc. Board member of ESOU (PCa Committee), EULIS, ESUT, ESAU, GAF, SEGUR and U-Merge. He is an uCARE SIU Board member, SIU Academy Endourology and IUA Board member. Also, for 4 years he was Secretary (General & Associate) of the Hellenic Urological Association (HUA), as well as Vice Chairman and Chairman of Section of Endourology–Laparoscopy, Chairman of Section of Oncological Urology and Board Member of HUA. He is Board member of the IMBE, European Medical Association Scientific Committee, Supreme Health Council member, Secretary General of Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group and Secretary of U-Merge. Full Professor Papatsoris h-Index is 47 (>250 publications in PubMed, >6300 citations). He is member of the Editorial Board in many medical journals, invited faculty in international congresses, workshops, intensive courses and live Endourology surgeries, advisor in Companies (eg Dyania Health, Phosprint)He has won the Endourological Society “Arthur Smith” award, the IAU outstanting contribution award and he is the Chairman of the ESD annual Congress.

15th August 2025

Time Session
10:30
12:00
  • Hammad Ather Pakistan Speaker Current Evidence Supporting Adjuvant and Neo-Adjuvant TreatmentThe Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) is increasingly being considered as a genetic disorder. Following RNU, the IHC can detect a deficiency in mismatch repair proteins or microsatellite instability (MSI) using PCR. In the presence of MSI, it is necessary to undergo germline testing. High-grade UTUC is an aggressive cancer and is often associated with micrometastases, resulting in early recurrence and development of metastases. Risk classification and recognising more aggressive cancers in whom adjuvant or even neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be of benefit. One of the most crucial steps in considering patients for chemotherapy is the platinum eligibility, renal function (<30ml/min), functional status (ECOG >2) and comorbidities >2 grade are considered ineligible. There is good-quality evidence of improved survival for adjuvant chemotherapy in eligible patients following RNU for pT2–T4 and/or pN+ disease. The 2025 EAU guidelines recommend discussing adjuvant nivolumab with PD-L1-positive patients unfit for, or who declined, platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy for ≥ pT3 and/or pN+ disease after previous RNU alone or ≥ypT2 and/or ypN+ disease after previous neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by RNU. However, the evidence supporting this recommendation is weak. Single intravesical chemotherapy is strongly recommended. There is currently no level 1 evidence supporting neo-adjuvant chemotherapy; however, non-randomised series have shown a decreased incidence of positive surgical margins, recurrence, and improved survival over RNU alone.Avoiding Complication in Orthotopic NeobladderIn most large series from Europe, approximately 1-2 of every 10 patients undergoing radical cystectomy have an orthotopic neobladder (ONB). Data is supporting ONB in terms of quality of life, cosmetics, and improved patient satisfaction. Early and late morbidity in up to 22% of patients is reported. The terminal ileum is the GI segment most often used for orthotopic bladder substitution. With ileo-ureteral anastomoses, there is UUT reflux, and renal functional deterioration is a concern. Various forms of UUT reflux protection, including a simple isoperistaltic tunnel, ileal intussusception, tapered ileal prolongation implanted subserosally, and direct (sub)mucosal or subserosal ureteral implantation, have been described. Superiority of one over the other is not proven. Urethral recurrence is a significant concern; therefore, patient selection must be optimal. Short-term complications are related to the GI tract, including atelectasis and metabolic acidosis. They are all preventable with standardised post-operative measures. The ERAS protocol is particularly useful in avoiding short-term complications and decreasing postoperative hospital stay, among other benefits. The key to success in preventing complications is meticulous patient selection and the implementation of preemptive measures to avoid common complications.Prostate Biopsy Technique: Current EvidenceOptimal prostate biopsy is critical in risk-stratifying patients for appropriate patient care. The traditional TRUS-guided biopsy is associated with UTI sepsis and other infectious complications. Recently, the use of the transperineal route has been advocated for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Biopsy is either systematic or targeted. There is evidence supporting the notion that MRI-targeted biopsy without systematic biopsy significantly reduces the over-diagnosis of low-risk disease, compared to systematic biopsy. This seems true even when systematic biopsies are indicated after risk stratification with the Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator. EAU recommends performing prostate biopsy using the transperineal approach due to the low risk of infectious complications and better antibiotic stewardship. They also recommend using either target prophylaxis based on rectal swab or stool culture, or augmented prophylaxis (two or more different classes of antibiotics), for transrectal biopsy.
  • Vinod K.VIndia Moderator Testosterone Therapy: Implications for Cardiovascular Health Sexual Function Preservation in MIS for BPH
  • Sarbartha Kumar PratiharIndia Speaker Retroperitoneal vs. Transperitoneal Robot Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for RCC
  • Mahesh Bahadur AdhikariNepal Speaker Infectious Complications after Endourological Procedures
  • M. SivashankarSri Lanka Speaker Management of NMIBC during BCG Shortage EraDuring periods of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) shortage, management of non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) must be guided by risk stratification and resource optimization. Recent evidence supports reduced dosing (one third to half) rather than abbreviated schedules, with induction prioritized for high risk and carcinoma in situ cases. Alternative intravesical agents—mitomycin C (especially with chemohyperthermia or EMDA), gemcitabine, epirubicin, or sequential gemcitabine/docetaxel—are recommended when BCG is unavailable. In cases of incomplete BCG followed by chemotherapy, outcomes may be superior to chemotherapy alone. For high risk patients, upfront radical cystectomy should be considered when BCG is wholly unavailable. Future trials and supply diversification remain vital.
  • Athanasios PapatsorisGreece Speaker BCG Refractory Cancer: Current Status of Intravesical TreatmentRecommendations in Laser Use for the Treatment of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
  • Mahesh Bahadur AdhikariNepal Moderator Infectious Complications after Endourological Procedures
    Rajeev TPIndia Moderator Newer Advances in the Endourological Management of Stones – Have We Reached the Zenith
  • Md Jahangir KabirBangladesh Speaker Quality of Life Issues with Androgen Blockade in Prostate Cancer
  • Hammad Ather Pakistan Speaker Current Evidence Supporting Adjuvant and Neo-Adjuvant TreatmentThe Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) is increasingly being considered as a genetic disorder. Following RNU, the IHC can detect a deficiency in mismatch repair proteins or microsatellite instability (MSI) using PCR. In the presence of MSI, it is necessary to undergo germline testing. High-grade UTUC is an aggressive cancer and is often associated with micrometastases, resulting in early recurrence and development of metastases. Risk classification and recognising more aggressive cancers in whom adjuvant or even neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be of benefit. One of the most crucial steps in considering patients for chemotherapy is the platinum eligibility, renal function (<30ml/min), functional status (ECOG >2) and comorbidities >2 grade are considered ineligible. There is good-quality evidence of improved survival for adjuvant chemotherapy in eligible patients following RNU for pT2–T4 and/or pN+ disease. The 2025 EAU guidelines recommend discussing adjuvant nivolumab with PD-L1-positive patients unfit for, or who declined, platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy for ≥ pT3 and/or pN+ disease after previous RNU alone or ≥ypT2 and/or ypN+ disease after previous neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by RNU. However, the evidence supporting this recommendation is weak. Single intravesical chemotherapy is strongly recommended. There is currently no level 1 evidence supporting neo-adjuvant chemotherapy; however, non-randomised series have shown a decreased incidence of positive surgical margins, recurrence, and improved survival over RNU alone.Avoiding Complication in Orthotopic NeobladderIn most large series from Europe, approximately 1-2 of every 10 patients undergoing radical cystectomy have an orthotopic neobladder (ONB). Data is supporting ONB in terms of quality of life, cosmetics, and improved patient satisfaction. Early and late morbidity in up to 22% of patients is reported. The terminal ileum is the GI segment most often used for orthotopic bladder substitution. With ileo-ureteral anastomoses, there is UUT reflux, and renal functional deterioration is a concern. Various forms of UUT reflux protection, including a simple isoperistaltic tunnel, ileal intussusception, tapered ileal prolongation implanted subserosally, and direct (sub)mucosal or subserosal ureteral implantation, have been described. Superiority of one over the other is not proven. Urethral recurrence is a significant concern; therefore, patient selection must be optimal. Short-term complications are related to the GI tract, including atelectasis and metabolic acidosis. They are all preventable with standardised post-operative measures. The ERAS protocol is particularly useful in avoiding short-term complications and decreasing postoperative hospital stay, among other benefits. The key to success in preventing complications is meticulous patient selection and the implementation of preemptive measures to avoid common complications.Prostate Biopsy Technique: Current EvidenceOptimal prostate biopsy is critical in risk-stratifying patients for appropriate patient care. The traditional TRUS-guided biopsy is associated with UTI sepsis and other infectious complications. Recently, the use of the transperineal route has been advocated for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Biopsy is either systematic or targeted. There is evidence supporting the notion that MRI-targeted biopsy without systematic biopsy significantly reduces the over-diagnosis of low-risk disease, compared to systematic biopsy. This seems true even when systematic biopsies are indicated after risk stratification with the Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator. EAU recommends performing prostate biopsy using the transperineal approach due to the low risk of infectious complications and better antibiotic stewardship. They also recommend using either target prophylaxis based on rectal swab or stool culture, or augmented prophylaxis (two or more different classes of antibiotics), for transrectal biopsy.
  • Keval PatelIndia Speaker Radical Prostatectomy without Biopsy: Are We There?
TICC - 1F 101D

17th August 2025

Time Session
08:30
10:00
  • 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.
    Bertrand TombalBelgium Speaker Impact of Relugolix versus Leuprolide on the Quality of Life of Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer: Results from the Phase 3 HERO Study (European Urology, 2023)
  • Jeremy TeohHong Kong, China Speaker Transurethral En Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumor: Where Are We Now?There is increasing evidence that transurethral en bloc resection of bladder tumour (ERBT) could lead to better peri-operative and oncological outcomes in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Modified approaches of ERBT have also been proposed to expand its indications for larger bladder tumours. The quality of resection is also the key for bladder-sparing treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We foresee an exciting journey ahead for ERBT, and as a urologist, we must embrace this novel technique for the best interest of our bladder cancer patients. To Publish or not to Publish? Navigating the path to academia in urologyDoing good science is the basis for technological advancement in healthcare. However, pursuing a path to academic in urology is often tough, stressful and frustrating. In this talk, I will share with you what I have learnt throughout my 15 years of research work. I will let you know what's the best and fastest way to become a globally renowned and successful researcher. Most importantly, I will explain what it takes to develop a great team and create a positive impact in people's lives. Believe in yourself! If I can do it, so can you.SIU Lecture: Role of MISTs in Male LUTS Surgical Management (Will TUR-P/ Laser Prostatectomy be Replaced?)Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is the current gold standard in treating patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Laser prostatectomy has also been used widely especially in patients who are on anticoagulants. However, both TURP and laser prostatectomy are associated with several problems including the need of spinal / general anaesthesia and the risk of male sexual dysfunction. In the past decade, we have witnessed the introduction of multiple new technologies including Rezum, Urolift, iTind and Aquablation. in this SIU lecture, we will discuss about the technical details, as well as the pros and cons of every new technology. We will also invite you to be our jury and decide whether TURP and laser prostatectomy will be replaced in the future. Novel Intravesical Therapeutics in the Evolving Landscape of NMIBCNon-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is well known to be a difficult disease to manage, with a 1-year recurrence rate of up to 61% and 5-year recurrence rate of 78%. Despite the use of intravesical BCG therapy, NMIBC patients may still experience recurrence and develop what we call BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. Conventionally, we offer upfront radical cystectomy for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC, however, this is an ultra-major surgery with significant risk of complications and could also lead to significant deterioration in quality of life in the long run. We are in urgent need for novel therapies to manage this difficult condition. In this lecture, we will discuss the evidence on the different novel intravesical therapies in treating BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. SIU Lecture: Role of MISTs in Male LUTS Surgical Management (Will TUR-P/ Laser Prostatectomy be Replaced?)
  • Pukar MaskeyNepal Moderator
    Haruki KumeJapan Speaker Updates on Molecular Classification and Diagnostics of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial CarcinomaUpper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a relatively common form of urothelial cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its carcinogenesis and progression have not been well understood. Most urologists previously believed that the mutational profiles of UTUC and urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) were similar. In 2021, by analyzing 198 cases of upper urinary tract cancer, we identified five distinct molecular subtypes of UTUC, each characterized by unique gene expression patterns, tumor locations/histology, and clinical outcomes: hypermutated, TP53/MDM2, RAS, FGFR3, and triple-negative subtypes. Notably, the hypermutated subtype, accounting for approximately 5% of all cases, was predominantly associated with Lynch syndrome, aligning with previous reports. In contrast, UBC is known to be rarely linked to Lynch syndrome. In this plenary session, I will delve into the molecular pathogenesis of UTUC and discuss future perspectives in this field.
  • Osamu UkimuraJapan Speaker A Fully Automated Artificial Intelligence System to Assist Pathologists' Diagnosis to Predict Histologically High-Grade Urothelial Carcinoma from Digitized Urine CytologyBackground: Urine cytology, although a useful screening method for urothelial carcinoma, lacks sensitivity. As an emerging technology, artificial intelligence (AI) improved image analysis accuracy significantly. Objective: To develop a fully automated AI system to assist pathologists in the histological prediction of high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) from digitized urine cytology slides. Design, setting, and participants: We digitized 535 consecutive urine cytology slides for AI use. Among these slides, 181 were used for AI development, 39 were used as AI test data to identify HGUC by cell-level classification, and 315 were used as AI test data for slide-level classification. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Out of the 315 slides, 171 were collected immediately prior to bladder biopsy or transurethral resection of bladder tumor, and then outcomes were compared with the histological presence of HGUC in the surgical specimen. The primary aim was to compare AI prediction of the histological presence of HGUC with the pathologist's histological diagnosis of HGUC. Secondary aims were to compare the time required for AI evaluation and concordance between the AI's classification and pathologist's cytology diagnosis. Results and limitations: The AI capability for predicting the histological presence of HGUC was 0.78 for the area under the curve. Comparing the AI predictive performance with pathologists' diagnosis, the AI sensitivity of 63% for histological HGUC prediction was superior to a pathologists' cytology sensitivity of 46% (p = 0.0037). On the contrary, there was no significant difference between the AI specificity of 83% and pathologists' specificity of 89% (p = 0.13), and AI accuracy of 74% and pathologists' accuracy of 68% (p = 0.08). The time required for AI evaluation was 139 s. With respect to the concordance between the AI prediction and pathologist's cytology diagnosis, the accuracy was 86%. Agreements with positive and negative findings were 92% and 84%, respectively. Conclusions: We developed a fully automated AI system to assist pathologists' histological diagnosis of HGUC using digitized slides. This AI system showed significantly higher sensitivity than a board-certified cytopathologist and may assist pathologists in making urine cytology diagnoses, reducing their workload. Patient summary: In this study, we present a deep learning-based artificial intelligence (AI) system that classifies urine cytology slides according to the Paris system. An automated AI system was developed and validated with 535 consecutive urine cytology slides. The AI predicted histological high-grade urothelial carcinoma from digitized urine cytology slides with superior sensitivity than pathologists, while maintaining comparable specificity and accuracy. Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Deep learning; The Paris System; Urine cytology; Urothelial carcinoma.
  • Athanasios PapatsorisGreece Speaker BCG Refractory Cancer: Current Status of Intravesical TreatmentRecommendations in Laser Use for the Treatment of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
  • Lui Shiong LeeSingapore Moderator Technical Pearls: Robotic Intra-Corporeal OBSThis session will demonstrate the key steps required in the intra-corporeal creation of a Studer type orthotropic bladder substitute.
    Yuki EndoJapan Speaker UTUC Treatment — Evidence & Guideline Recommendation "Current Status and Future Perspectives of Robot-Assisted Nephroureterectomy (RNU) in the Treatment of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC): Evidence and Guideline Recommendations" The standard treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is surgical therapy. With the advancement of robot-assisted surgery, robotic procedures have become widespread in both upper and lower urinary tracts. In Japan, robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UTUC was included in health insurance coverage in 2019, and the proportion of RNUs for UTUC treatment is expected to increase. RNU, supported by robotic assistance, enables minimally invasive and precise procedures, allowing for reduced postoperative complications and shorter recovery periods (O'Sullivan et al., BJUI Compass. 2023). With further accumulation of data from randomized prospective trials and long-term follow-up studies, improvements in therapeutic outcomes, such as reduced postoperative recurrence, are anticipated. However, as a new technology, there is currently no established evidence. In a notable study, the only prospective randomized trial comparing laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) with open nephroureterectomy (ONU) showed no difference in disease-specific survival overall. However, in the pT3 or higher group, disease-specific survival and metastasis-free survival were significantly lower in the LNU group (Simone G et al., Eur Urol, 2009). Based on these results, both the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines and the Japanese Urological Association (JUA) guidelines recommend ONU for cT3 or higher stages. In addition, drug therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), are rapidly advancing, and reports of new clinical trials combining these therapies are changing the surgical strategies for MIUC. I would like to review the current positioning of RNU in each guideline and discuss cancer control points when performing RNU, which is expected to become more widespread, with the latest evidence.
TICC - 3F Banquet Hall