Editor’s Note: The 31st Urology Academic Conference, organized by the Chinese Medical Association and the Chinese Urological Association (CUA), was held from September 19 to 22, 2024, at the National Convention Center in Tianjin. This event brought together leading urology experts from China and abroad to discuss the latest advances in clinical research and surgical treatment. After the conference, Urology Frontier invited Dr. Jian Huang, Chair of the CUA and Director of Urology at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, to share insights on the meeting's focus areas, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in bladder cancer, and the research directions of his team.

Urology Frontier: As the Chair of the Chinese Urological Association, what considerations were made in organizing the sessions for this year’s conference? Which areas deserve particular attention?

Dr. Jian Huang: As one of the premier events in urology, the 31st Chinese Urological Association Annual Meeting offered a diverse agenda focused on three main areas, aimed at promoting international exchange, talent development, and innovation in urology.

First, we expanded the international perspective by inviting top experts from the four major international urological organizations (EAU, SIU, AUA, and UAA), as well as Chinese urologists working abroad, to share the latest international research developments and cutting-edge knowledge. This provided attendees with a platform to stay informed on global trends in urology.

Second, we emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent. Academician Jun Ma was invited to discuss the topic “Conducting Technological Innovation with a Focus on Clinical Problems and Cultivating Young Innovative Talent Through Projects,” which aims to inspire young physicians to pursue scientific research and enhance their research capabilities.

Third, we highlighted innovation-driven growth by establishing three key topics: new clinical technologies, new clinical concepts, and new clinical advances. The goal was to enable participants to gain a deeper understanding of the latest innovative achievements and further promote the development of urology through innovation.

Urology Frontier: In your opinion, what value does artificial intelligence bring to bladder cancer patients? Based on your clinical experience, how can AI be better integrated into the clinical practice of urological oncology?

Dr. Jian Huang: In recent years, the rapid development of artificial intelligence has permeated various industries, marking our entry into the AI era.

In bladder cancer detection, AI significantly enhances the sensitivity of urine cytology. In imaging, AI improves the accuracy of diagnostic imaging. In pathology, AI provides strong decision support for clinicians. AI-based prognosis prediction and treatment outcome prediction models also enable clinicians to design more precise, individualized treatment plans, optimizing treatment efficacy and improving patients’ quality of life.

Looking ahead, if AI can be widely applied in clinical practice, combined with big data analysis and clinical research outcomes, it could lead to the development of diversified diagnostic and treatment models. This progress not only underscores AI’s potential in healthcare but also brings new hope to bladder cancer patients by offering them tangible benefits.

Urology Frontier: What future directions will you and your team explore in the field of urological oncology?

Dr. Jian Huang: Our team is primarily dedicated to in-depth research and exploration in the field of bladder cancer, with a focus on three main areas:

First, we are investigating the causes and mechanisms of bladder cancer, aiming to reveal the underlying mechanisms of the disease. This will provide a scientific basis for the prevention and early intervention of bladder cancer.

Second, we are focusing on the immune mechanisms of bladder cancer and exploring new immunotherapy strategies. By understanding the immune mechanisms, we aim to develop novel immunotherapeutic approaches to improve treatment outcomes and reduce recurrence rates.

Third, we are actively exploring the application of artificial intelligence in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. By integrating advanced technologies such as big data and machine learning, we aim to develop intelligent diagnostic systems and personalized treatment plans that will offer better therapeutic outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients.

Dr. Jian Huang Director and Professor of Urology, Chief Physician, PhD Supervisor at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Chair, Chinese Urological Association Vice President, Medical Robotics Physician Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association Chair, Oncology Group, Chinese Urological Association Editor-in-Chief, Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urological and Andrological Diseases Editor-in-Chief, Chinese Journal of Urology Editorial Board Member of International Journal of Urology, Asian Journal of Urology, and Journal of Endourology