Urology

Transforming the lives of people affected by urologic conditions, including overactive bladder and bladder cancer.

A Healthcare Professional shows a patient a model of a bladder, illustrating Astellas’ commitment to transform urology care.

Transforming urology care for patients

With over 30 years of experience in urology, we have a profound understanding of the daily challenges faced by patients. These challenges inspire our commitment to making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Overactive bladder (OAB)

OAB is characterized by urgency, urinary incontinence, frequency and nocturia,1,2 significantly impacting the quality of life for both men and women. Among these symptoms, urgency is often the most bothersome.3

 

At Astellas, our vision is to create a future where the stigma and embarrassment often associated with OAB are eliminated. We strive for a world where this condition is not merely managed but overcome, empowering individuals to connect with life fully.

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OAB affects an estimated 550 million people worldwide.4,5

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Beyond its physical symptoms, OAB can cause considerable emotional distress, leaving patients feeling isolated and embarrassed. These emotional challenges make it difficult for them to discuss their condition with family and healthcare professionals, further exacerbating their challenges and impacting their quality of life.6

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The economic burden of OAB is significant and is projected to rise substantially as populations age. This underscores the need for effective management strategies to address both the financial and emotional impacts of the condition.7

Urothelial carcinoma (UC)

UC, also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases.8,9 It begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract.10

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Bladder cancer is the 7th most prevalent cancer worldwide11 and the 6th most common cancer in men worldwide.12

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The 5-year age-standardized survival rate for bladder cancer survival is 69% for men and 66% for women.13

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In many countries, bladder cancer is one of the top 10 cancers by incidence, especially in men.14 Globally, the 5-year prevalence estimates that over 1,700,000 men and women are living with bladder cancer within five years of a past diagnosis.15

Professionals shaking hands, illustrating Astellas’ belief that collaboration is essential for driving change in healthcare

Strong collaboration and advocacy

At Astellas, we believe that collaboration is essential for driving meaningful change in healthcare. By partnering with research institutions, healthcare providers, patient organizations and other stakeholders, we ensure that our therapies and initiatives are closely aligned with the needs of those we serve.

  • To support our efforts in OAB, we are proud to collaborate with leading patient organizations, such as the World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems (WFIPP), to amplify patients' voices in their healthcare journeys. Our support for WFIPP’s 4Cs (Commitment to Collaboration in Continence Care) campaign fosters collaboration among global scientific societies and patient organizations, promoting a unified approach to continence care.16
  • We developed a caregiver handbook for bladder cancer – co-created with six global patient groups – to ensure our caregivers have the resources they need to best support their loved ones.
  • We partner with organizations such as the European Association of Urology (EAU), where we work to uplevel education and connections with the cancer community.

Keep exploring

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Research and development

Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more about our R&D approach.

A patient surrounded by loved ones shows Astellas’ focus on improving quality of life with real-world treatment impact.

Patient centricity

We support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience, real-world evidence, medical needs and behavioral drivers of care. Learn more about how we are mobilizing teams across Astellas to improve patient outcomes.

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Healthcare professionals

We invite healthcare professionals to visit our HCP portal, where you will find valuable information and resources that reflect our commitment to collaboration and addressing unmet medical needs.

1Abrams P, Andersson KE, Birder L, Brubaker L, Cardozo L, Chapple C, et al. Fourth international consultation on incontinence recommendations of the international scientific committee: evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence. Neurourol Urodyn. 2010;29:213–40.

 

2Irwin DE, Kopp ZS, Agatep B, Milsom I, Abrams P. Worldwide prevalence estimates of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bladder outlet obstruction. BJU Int. 2011;108(7):1132–8.

 

3Wagg A, Ackerman A. Lenore Ackerman, Lai H. Henry, Newman Diane K. Review of the Impact and Burden of Urinary Urgency on Adults with Overactive Bladder, International Journal of Clinical Practice. Volume 2024.

 

4Irwin D. E., Kopp Z. S., Agatep B., Milsom I., and Abrams P., Worldwide prevalence estimates of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bladder outlet obstruction, BJU International. (2011) 108, no. 7, 1132–1138. 

 

5Stewart W. F., Van Rooyen J. B., Cundiff G. W., Abrams P., Herzog A. R., Corey R., Hunt T. L., and Wein A. J., Prevalence and burden of overactive bladder in the United States, World Journal of Urology. (2003) 20, no. 6, 327–336.

 

6Brodsky CN, Sitto HM, Wittmann D, Wallner LP, Streur C, DeJonckheere M, et al. "There is a lot of shame that comes with this": A qualitative study of patient experiences of isolation, embarrassment, and stigma associated with overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2024 Nov;43(8):1817-1825. 

 

7Milsom, Ian et al. Global Prevalence and Economic Burden of Urgency Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review. European Urology, Volume 65, Issue 1, 79 – 95.

 

8Wong MC, Fung FD, Leung C, et al. Scientific Reports. 2018;8(1):1129.

 

9American Cancer Society. What is Bladder Cancer? Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer/about/what-is-bladder-cancer.html#. Last accessed January 2024.

 

10Cancer.Net (ASCO). Bladder Cancer: Introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/bladder-cancer/view-all. Last accessed January 2024.

 

11GLOBOCAN IARC 2020: Worldwide 5-year Cancer Prevalence. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/online-analysis-table?v=2020&mode=cancer&mode_population=continents&population=900&populations=900&key=asr&sex=0&cancer=39&type=2&statistic=5&prevalence=1&population_ group=0&ages_group%5B%5D=0&ages_group%5B%5D=17&group_cancer=1&include_nmsc=1&include_nmsc_other=1#collapse-group-0-4. Last accessed January 2024.

 

12WCRF/AICR. (2019). Bladder cancer statistics. Available at: https://www.wcrf.org/cancer-trends/bladder-cancer-statistics/. Last accessed January 2024.

 

13EU Science Hub. Epidemiology of bladder cancer in Europe. Available at: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC101380. Last accessed January 2024.

 

14WBCPC. 2020. Bladder Cancer Facts. Available at: https://worldbladdercancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Bladder-Cancer-WBCPC-Infographic.pdf. Last accessed January 2024.

 

15World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition. GLOBOCAN 2020: Bladder cancer 10th most commonly diagnosed worldwide. Available at: https://worldbladdercancer.org/news_events/globocan-2020-bladder-cancer-10th-most-commonly-diagnosed-worldwide/. Last accessed: January 2024

 

16World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems https://wfipp.org/commitment-to-collaboration-in-continence-care-4cs-executive-summary/#:~:text=The%20Commitment%20to%20Collaboration%20in,aligned%20with%20the%204Cs%20objectives. Last accessed November 2024.