Urine-based markers of angiogenesis in bladder cancer

Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for tumour growth and metastasis. Therefore, angiogenesis factors in bladder cancer, a common disease of the genitourinary tract, could serve as diagnostic tools, predictors of prognosis, and targets for therapy. Development of less invasive or noninvasive detection techniques, reliable prognostic markers, and individualized targeted therapy would have a significant impact on disease management. For this investigative goal, the utility of urine and blood is beneficial. Research in the field of angiogenesis and promising markers is currently evolving. In spite of the recent success of antiangiogenic agents in the oncological clinic, an optimal marker that will warrant substitution of the cystoscopic follow-up protocol in patients with urothelial neoplasms has not been identified yet. Despite this challenge, allocating more resources and attention to identifying such urine markers is justified to optimize the diagnostics and follow-up of urinary bladder cancer.