Progress in the pathogenesis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)

KE Han-wei; XU Ke-xin

doi:10.19538/j.fk2025050110

Abstract：Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)is a chronic condition primarily characterized by bladder pain,urinary urgency,urinary frequency,and other symptoms,severely affecting patients' quality of life.Although the pathogenesis of this disease remains incompletely understood,clinical studies have revealed that it is associated with multiple complex factors,including neuroimmune abnormalities,disruption of the bladder epithelial barrier,chronic inflammatory responses,and neurogenic mechanisms.Current treatment methods have some efficacy but the effects are generally limited and unsustained,and there is a lack of specific treatments targeting the underlying pathological mechanisms.This review summarizes the latest researches on the pathogenesis of IC/BPS,with a focus on chronic bladder inflammation,neuroimmune responses,and the role of mast cells in the pathological process.Furthermore,the commonly used diagnostic approaches in clinical practice are evaluated,including medical history collection,cystoscopy,and urodynamic testing,and the identification of Hunner's lesions in cystoscopy and the clinical application of bladder hydro-distension are discussed.In terms of treatment,the review highlights the limitations of existing therapies and explores emerging treatment options.In addition to traditional pharmacological treatments and bladder instillation therapies,targeted treatments such as platelet-rich plasma(PRP)injections and low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy are gaining attention in clinical practice,showing promising therapeutic prospects.Personalized treatment strategies will become a crucial direction for future therapy,especially for the disease in different stages and the patients with different clinical types.In conclusion,IC/BPS is a disease with complex and diverse etiologies.Future treatments should not only focus on symptom relief but also emphasize a deeper understanding of its pathological mechanisms,and more specific and long-lasting therapeutic strategies should be explored to improve patients' quality of life.