A First Year of Looking Beyond the Abstract: 2025 in Urology Trials

Looking back at 2025, one pattern stands out: a year full of anticipation, but light on true game-changers. Many trials arrived with ambitious promises, yet only a small fraction delivered results that genuinely shift how we should think about treating urologic cancers. Incremental progress dominated; transformative change did not.

Among everything covered this year, one study clearly stands out. The trial evaluating Disitamab vedotin plus Toripalimab stands out as the strongest paper of 2025 for me. Not because it was flashy, but because it was methodologically solid: a large and clinically meaningful effect size, transparent and disciplined reporting, and a trial design that aligns closely with the clinical question being asked. In a landscape crowded with underpowered studies and endpoint gymnastics, this one respected both the data and the reader.

It’s also important to be explicit about what this newsletter is—and isn’t. Not every urology or oncology paper published in 2025 was covered yet. Selectivity is unavoidable, and since this is a project in addition to my clinical activity, time is limited. That said, the goal going forward is clear: to stay on top of every major publication in 2026 and continue filtering signal from noise, even when the signal is uncomfortable or disappointing. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have an idea; guest posts are welcome!

On a more personal note, starting Beyond the Abstract Urology has been one of the most rewarding professional decisions I’ve made this year. I’m genuinely grateful to everyone who reads, subscribes, and challenges interpretations. The only way to grow knowledge on critical appraisal is through interaction with like-minded people and learn from other viewpoints.

A special thank-you goes to Timothée Olivier from The Oncology Shot, whose work and discussions have been particularly influential for me this year—especially around the often-misunderstood concept of censoring, and why getting it wrong quietly undermines so many oncology trials.

2025 was a year of learning more than celebrating. That’s fine. The standards are higher now—and they won’t be lowered in 2026.