Modern aspects of the development and application of drug-eluting ureteral stents: from experimental models to clinical practice

Ureteral stents are widely used in urological practice to restore urinary tract patency in cases of obstruction of various etiologies. However, their use is frequently associated with complications, including urinary tract infections, biofilm formation, encrustation, inflammation, and patient discomfort. Contemporary research is focused on the development of next-generation drug-eluting stents capable of providing localized and sustained release of pharmacologically active agents. This review systematizes current data on modern types of drug-eluting stents used in urology, including those incorporating antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic agents, and analyzes their effectiveness and limitations. Results of experimental and clinical studies demonstrating the potential of controlled drug-release stents to reduce the risk of infection, hyperplasia, and ureteral strictures are presented. Issues of biocompatibility, material degradation, drug resistance, and future prospects for the implementation of biodegradable and smart stents based on nanotechnology and 3D printing are discussed. The development of such stent designs may substantially improve the efficacy and safety of stenting, enhance patients’ quality of life, and establish a new direction in minimally invasive urologic therapy.