UroGen Launches LG-UTUC Luminaries Initiative to Recognize Excellence in Treating Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer

The new program honors clinicians and institutions advancing kidney-sparing care for this rare and recurrent form of cancer.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:12pm

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UroGen Pharma, a biotech company focused on urothelial and specialty cancers, has launched the 'LG-UTUC Luminaries' initiative to recognize clinicians and institutions demonstrating leadership, expertise, and a commitment to advancing low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer (LG-UTUC) care. LG-UTUC is a rare form of cancer affecting an estimated 6,000-7,000 patients each year in the U.S., representing approximately 40% of UTUC diagnoses. The initiative aims to inspire broader adoption of evidence-based, kidney-sparing care, strengthen collaboration across the urology community, and accelerate progress toward better outcomes for LG-UTUC patients.

Why it matters

LG-UTUC is a highly recurrent form of cancer that often requires repeated endoscopic procedures or radical surgery to remove the kidney and ureter, underscoring the need for guideline-recommended kidney-sparing care approaches. By recognizing clinical leaders in this field, the LG-UTUC Luminaries initiative aims to drive broader adoption of these care approaches and improve the treatment experience and outcomes for patients living with this rare disease.

The details

The LG-UTUC Luminaries initiative recognizes clinicians and institutions with extensive experience in LG-UTUC treatment, research, and peer-to-peer education. Institutional recipients are distinguished by established, guideline-aligned care pathways and strong commitments to physician training, research participation, and comprehensive patient support. UroGen has named Saum Ghodoussipour, MD, Director of the Bladder and Urothelial Cancer Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, as the first recipient of this recognition.

  • The LG-UTUC Luminaries initiative was launched on April 8, 2026.

The players

UroGen Pharma Ltd.

A biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers.

Saum Ghodoussipour, MD

Director of the Bladder and Urothelial Cancer Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He is the first recipient of the LG-UTUC Luminaries recognition.

Vignesh Packiam, MD

Director of Clinical and Translational Research in Urologic Oncology and Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. His leadership and contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Rutgers Cancer Institute's program.

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What they’re saying

“Through the LG-UTUC Luminaries initiative, we are honored to recognize the clinicians and institutions redefining what is possible for patients living with LG-UTUC. By elevating these leaders, we aim to inspire broader adoption of evidence-based, kidney-sparing care, strengthen collaboration across the urology community, and accelerate progress toward a future where patients with this highly recurrent disease have better outcomes and a better care experience.”

— Liz Barrett, President and Chief Executive Officer of UroGen

“I'm truly honored to receive this recognition. This distinction reflects the dedication of our entire multidisciplinary team at Rutgers Cancer Institute, whose commitment to advancing education, research, and patient-centered care continues to drive progress for individuals living with LG-UTUC. I'd especially like to recognize Dr. Vignesh Packiam, Director of Clinical and Translational Research in Urologic Oncology and Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, whose leadership and contributions have been instrumental in shaping our program. Together, we remain committed to improving outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast focus on our patients.”

— Saum Ghodoussipour, MD, Director of the Bladder and Urothelial Cancer Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

What’s next

UroGen plans to continue recognizing additional clinicians and institutions through the LG-UTUC Luminaries initiative, with the goal of inspiring broader adoption of kidney-sparing care approaches and accelerating progress in this rare and highly recurrent form of cancer.

The takeaway

The LG-UTUC Luminaries initiative underscores UroGen's commitment to supporting clinical leaders who are driving innovation and improving care for patients with low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer, a rare and challenging disease that often requires invasive treatment. By elevating these experts, the program aims to foster collaboration and accelerate the adoption of evidence-based, kidney-sparing approaches that can enhance the treatment experience and outcomes for this patient population.