Thought-provoking takeaways from AUA2025
A broad spectrum of urology research and expertise is available on demand.
There was no shortage of timely topics, expert guidance and clinical research on display at the 2025 AUA Annual Meeting, as highlighted in the AUA2025: Key Takeaways sessions on the last day.
The session “AUA2025: Key Takeaways: Thought-Provoking Discussions With the Experts” featured rapid-fire discussion and clinically significant abstracts from eight broader topics, ranging from prostate oncology to lower urinary tract reconstruction, to shine a light on cutting-edge developments.
Among the highlights of the session was a transformative moment in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with experts highlighting a surge in innovation, real-world data integration, and a growing emphasis on patient-centered outcomes. Speakers Dean Elterman, MD, MSc, FRCSC, an associate professor of urology at the University of Toronto in Canada, and Bilal Chughtai, MD, an associate professor of urology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, said the field is generating “excitement and innovation,” particularly in the move from research to clinical practice.
“BPH is one of those areas that has a lot of gizmos and gadgets, and I think it's an exciting time to be in the field and certainly on the surgical side of things,” Dr. Elterman said.
The session opened with a reflection on the sheer volume of research presented—over 100 abstracts focused on BPH—underscoring a field rich with innovation.
“We’re seeing a renaissance in BPH treatment,” said Dr. Elterman. “From novel stents to real-world evidence, the landscape is evolving rapidly.”
One of the session’s key themes was the validation of clinical trial outcomes through real-world data. For example, the AUA’s AQUA registry, encompassing over 1.6 million men, revealed that minimally invasive therapies are delivering consistent results outside of controlled trials. However, the presenters also noted a critical gap: Only 14% of patients had complete symptom score data, limiting the depth of analysis.
A highlight of the session was the presentation of the IMPACT randomized trial, comparing the UroLift® prostatic urethral lift to tamsulosin, a common alpha blocker. The results were striking. UroLift® patients saw a 40%-46% improvement in symptoms at one and three months, compared to just 15%-18% in the medication group. Additionally, the UroLift® was able to preserve or improve sexual function, while the medication group experienced declines.
“This is the kind of data that reshapes clinical practice,” Dr. Chughtai said. “Patients want more than symptom relief—they want quality of life.”
The session underscored the fact that the field of BPH treatment is rapidly evolving with a growing arsenal of minimally invasive and patient-friendly options. The focus is shifting toward early intervention, real-world validation, and preserving quality of life.
The session also featured in-depth discussion of female urinary health. During “Key Takeaways from AUA2025: Female Urology,” speakers Mitch Goldenberg, MD, FPMRS, and Kathleen Kobashi, MD, spotlighted groundbreaking research, novel technologies, and evolving clinical guidelines that promise to reshape care for women with complex urological conditions. Dr. Goldenberg is an assistant professor of clinical urology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, and Dr. Kobashi, MD, is a professor of clinical urology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York.
Among their discussions was a look at expanding sacral neuromodulation to neurogenic patients. Traditionally reserved for non-neurogenic bladder patients, sacral neuromodulation is now showing promise in those with neurogenic bladder conditions. Referencing one retrospective study of 275 patients, Drs. Goldenberg and Kobashi said the study revealed comparable outcomes between neurogenic and nonneurogenic groups, particularly among those with nonprogressive neurological diseases. With the advent of MRI-compatible implants, this therapy may soon become more accessible to a broader patient population.
“This could crack the nut wide open,” Dr. Kobashi said, emphasizing the potential for expanded treatment options.
Moving on to the topic of pelvic organ prolapse, Dr. Goldenberg introduced a study that he said personally challenged his notion about when patients should receive mesh. The study challenged long-held beliefs about mesh placement during hysterectomy and found that mesh exposure rates remained low—even in patients undergoing radical procedures or with prior pelvic radiation. With only an 11% failure rate over eight years and minimal need for reoperation, the findings support reconsidering mesh use during initial surgeries rather than delaying intervention.
The session continued, covering everything from brain imaging to immunotherapy and microbiome science. Drs. Goldenberg and Kobashi underscored a future rich with innovation and compassion in the field of female urinary health.
“We’re not just treating symptoms—we’re transforming lives,” Dr. Kobashi said.
All eight Key Takeaway presentations with slides are available on demand until Aug. 31, 2025.
