Preface

Bladder cancer is one of the most common carcinomas in urology. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease have led to important improvements in the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients, which are directly related to proper knowledge of the disease.

On one hand, conservative treatment strategies aim to preserve the bladder. On the other hand, robotic surgery can reduce the impact of adverse effects in those cases in which conservative treatment is not recommended.

The book begins with a review of bladder cancer, including molecular subtypes, the knowledge of which is key to understanding the behavior of different types of bladder cancer. Subsequent chapters discuss chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and minimally invasive techniques for surgical treatment.

Many experts have made this book a reality. Its completion would not have been possible without the efforts of many contributors. It is a pleasure for me to thank them all.

I would also like to acknowledge Maja and Ana for their precious support.

**Francesco Ziglioli and Umberto Maestroni** University Hospital of Parma, Italy
