Kidney stone disease (KSD) is one of the most common urological diseases. The incidence of kidney stones has increased dramatically in the last few decades. Kidney stones are mineral deposits in the calyces or the pelvis, free or attached to the renal papillae. They contain crystals and organic components, and they are made when urine is supersaturated with minerals. Calcium-containing stones are the most common, with calcium oxalate as the main component of most stones. However, many of these form on a calcium phosphate matrix called Randall’s plaque, which is found on the surface of the kidney papilla. The etiology is multifactorial, and the recurrence rate is as high as 50% within 5 years after the first stone onset. There is a great need for recurrence prevention that requires a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in stone formation to facilitate the development of more effective drugs. This review aims to understand the pathophysiology and the main molecular mechanisms known to date to prevent recurrences, which requires behavioral and nutritional interventions, as well as pharmacological treatments that are specific to the type of stone.

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most prevalent malignancies among men worldwide and continues to pose significant therapeutic challenges, especially in its metastatic and castration-resistant forms. Over the past two decades, the treatment paradigm has evolved from monotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to a multifaceted approach integrating chemotherapy, androgen receptor axis-targeted therapies (ARATs), radiopharmaceuticals, and precision medicine. This review explores the molecular underpinnings of PCa, including genetic and epigenetic alterations such as BRCA1/2, TP53, and PTEN mutations, and their role in disease progression and treatment resistance. We detail the evidence supporting the integration of systemic agents like abiraterone, enzalutamide, and darolutamide into both hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant settings. Furthermore, we highlight the expanding role of radioligand therapies, including radium-223 and Lutetium-177-labeled PSMA-617 (Lu-PSMA-617), as well as the growing impact of PARP inhibitors in genomically selected patients. The emergence of theranostic strategies and next-generation sequencing has paved the way for personalized treatment algorithms, moving toward a truly precision oncology model in PCa. This comprehensive review synthesizes current therapeutic strategies, clinical trial evidence, and future directions aimed at optimizing outcomes and quality of life for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Focal therapy has emerged as a balanced middle ground aiming to reduce overtreatment and the risk of progression, as well as patients’ distress and anxiety. Focal therapy and partial gland ablation prioritize the precise elimination of the index lesion and a surrounding safety margin to optimize treatment outcomes and lower the risk of residual disease. The paradigm of whole-gland ablation has shifted towards more targeted approaches. Several treatment templates ranging from subtotal and hemiablation to “hockey-stick”, quadrant, and even focal lesion ablation have emerged. Many types of energy may be utilized during focal treatment. First, focal therapy can be grossly classified into thermal vs. non-thermal energy. The aim of this non-systematic review is to offer a comprehensive analysis of recently available evidence on focal therapy for PCa.

The management of urothelial carcinoma has evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic procedures, challenging the traditional approach of open surgery, and giving rise to atypical recurrences (ARs). ARs include port-site metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, yet discrepancies persist among authors regarding their precise classification. Incidence rates of ARs vary widely across studies, ranging from less than 1% to over 10% in both muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and upper tract urothelial tumor (UTUC). Peritoneal metastases predominate as the most common ARs in patients with MIBC, while retroperitoneal metastases are prevalent in those with UTUC due to differing surgical approaches. The timing of AR presentation and survival outcomes closely mirror those of conventional recurrences, with which they are frequently associated. Pneumoperitoneum has progressively been regarded less as the cause of ARs, while surgical-related risk factors have gained prominence. Current major surgical-related causes include tumor spillage and urinary tract violation during surgery, avoidance of endo bag use for specimen extraction, and low surgical experience. Factors such as tumor stage, histological variants, and lympho-vascular invasion correlate with the risk of ARs, suggesting a close association with tumor biology. Further studies are required to better understand the incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes of ARs.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for a significant portion of new cancer diagnoses, with a subset presenting with tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC), complicating treatment and prognosis. Despite surgical intervention being the standard for non-metastatic RCC with IVC thrombus, the role of minimally invasive techniques and systemic therapies remains underexplored. Here, we systematically review the histopathologic features and oncological outcomes of non-metastatic RCC with IVC thrombus, analyzing data from 19 studies. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of clear cell histology and significant variability in survival outcomes based on histological subtypes and thrombus extent. The study underscores the potential of tailored therapeutic strategies, including neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, to improve patient outcomes. These insights contribute to refining treatment protocols and highlight the need for further research into personalized treatment approaches for RCC with IVC involvement.