Oligometastatic Bladder Cancer: Current Definitions, Diagnostic Challenges, and Evolving Therapeutic Strategies

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Abstract
Background: Oligometastatic bladder cancer (OMBC) is increasingly recognised as an intermediate state between localised and widespread metastatic disease, although its definition and optimal management remain uncertain. Patients with OMBC have a generally more favourable prognosis compared to patients with metastatic disease. However, its definition, diagnostic criteria, and optimal management remain poorly standardised. Methods: This narrative review summarises current evidence on the definitions, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for OMBC, with an emphasis on emerging biological and molecular insights that may refine disease classification and guide therapy. Results: Existing definitions of OMBC rely on lesion count and anatomical distribution, overlooking molecular and clinicopathological heterogeneity that influences prognosis and treatment response. Advances in Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved detection of small-volume disease, while liquid biopsy and circulating tumour DNA show promise for assessing micrometastatic burden. Therapeutic approaches, including metastasis-directed and consolidative therapies, are under investigation. Nonetheless, most data are derived from small, retrospective series, and evidence from prospective studies remains limited. Conclusions: Prospective, biomarker-integrated, and randomised trials are essential to refine definitions, optimise patient selection for therapy, and define the role of precision-based multimodal therapy in OMBC management.

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