The department has demonstrated outstanding clinical proficiency in robotic-assisted procedures and has been at the forefront of education and technical exchange. It plans to further expand training programs and integrate digital capabilities into clinical practice.
A $4 million NIH grant will help UC Davis researchers develop and test bioengineered grafts infused with ligands to treat neurogenic bladders in children. The grafts, designed to grow their own blood supply, have the potential to reduce complications after standard bladder augmentation surgery.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that apalutamide plus hormone therapy before and after surgery reduced the risk of metastasis or death by 20% compared to hormone therapy alone. Patients treated with this regimen had a higher pathologic response rate and experienced delayed subsequent therapy.
A new study offers a powerful approach to personalized bladder cancer care using a non-invasive urine test. The test can detect minimal residual disease while accounting for mutations present in normal urothelium, allowing clinicians to distinguish between patients who benefit from additional therapy and those who don't.
The largest behavioral study on kidney stone prevention tested a hydration program with Bluetooth-enabled smart water bottles and personalized hydration goals. While participants did hydrate more, the increase wasn't large enough to lower symptomatic kidney stone recurrence across the group.
A new study found that A&E patients with visible blood in their urine who receive a scan within 48 hours are 2.5% less likely to die within three months. The study also showed that patients with cancer are diagnosed significantly faster when they receive prompt investigation.
Researchers compare prostate cancer screening to breast cancer screening, finding similarities in identifying significant cancers and reducing mortality. The study suggests that prostate cancer screening should be reconsidered, offering benefits over harms, and highlights the need for further analysis on costs.
A new smartphone app has been shown to significantly improve sex life and delay ejaculation in men with premature ejaculation. The app, developed by urologists and psychologists, teaches men therapeutic techniques and exercises to manage arousal and control ejaculation.
A new study suggests that using virtual reality (VR) to explain medical procedures can help patients better understand their treatment and reduce anxiety. The research tested VR as part of the consent process for a procedure to treat kidney stones, with patients reporting improved understanding and reduced anxiety after the experience.
A new imaging test, PSMA PET/CT scan, has been shown to safely reduce the number of biopsies needed for suspected prostate cancer, with no harm to patients. The PRIMARY2 trial found that the scan could identify low-risk patients who did not need a biopsy, while targeting suspicious areas for those who did.
A clinical trial is underway to assess the safety and efficacy of the UroActive implant for stress urinary incontinence in men. The trial aims to improve quality of life and provide a better treatment option compared to current SUI treatment.
Research presented at EAU26 confirms that prostate cancer screening leads to a reduction in mortality, but also detects cancers that would otherwise remain undetected. The study's findings suggest that using MRI in prostate cancer screening can reduce overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies.
A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that men with low testosterone levels are 60% more likely to have their prostate cancer progress to a more aggressive state during surveillance. Low testosterone may serve as a useful clinical marker to guide treatment and surveillance strategies.
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
Lori Lerner, a BU researcher, has received the Distinguished Contribution Award from the American Urological Association (AUA) for her work on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). She has spent over two decades developing responsible surgical approaches and advocating for patient-centered care.
Robert D. Oates, a professor and urologist at Boston University School of Medicine, has been recognized for his groundbreaking work on male reproductive medicine and surgery. He is being honored with the SMRU Lifetime Achievement Award for his numerous contributions to the field.
A study published in European Urology predicts a doubling of kidney cancer cases worldwide over the next 25 years. Modifiable risk factors such as obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, diabetes, and hypertension are expected to drive this rise.
Dr. Eggener brings extensive expertise in prostate and testicular cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment to UCLA Health. He aims to improve prostate cancer detection and treatment through research.
A new study found that one in six men with low-grade prostate cancer (GG1) actually have intermediate- or high-risk cancer when other clinical features are considered. This suggests that relying on biopsy grade alone can lead to underestimating disease risk and misclassifying individuals who may benefit from definitive treatment.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found a genetic mutation, F722fs, in the MMS22L gene that is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. The researchers identified this mutation in Ashkenazi Jewish men and found it was linked to increased sensitivity to a specific anticancer therapy.
Christopher Kane's appointment as ABU president reflects his commitment to excellence in patient care, groundbreaking research, and physician mentorship. As president, he will refine certification protocols and enhance the urologist experience.
Surgeons from USC and UCLA have successfully performed the world's first-in-human bladder transplant, offering a new treatment option for patients with terminal bladders. The procedure, which combined kidney and bladder transplants, showed promising results in improving the patient's condition and eliminating the need for dialysis.
Surgeons from UCLA Health and Keck Medicine of USC successfully performed the world's first-in-human bladder transplant. The patient, who had lost most of his bladder due to a tumor removal, received a new kidney and bladder through the pioneering technique developed by Drs. Nima Nassiri and Inderbir Gill.
A new study by UCLA researchers shows that advanced MRI imaging and targeted focal therapy can help many men with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer safely stay on active surveillance long-term, avoiding follow-up biopsies and delaying or avoiding invasive treatments. The findings suggest that routine follow-up biopsy can now be...
Researchers from the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences will present new research findings on robotic prostate cancer surgery and cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab in high-risk bladder cancer. The innovations aim to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of urology.
A growing number of urologists are adopting telemedicine to enhance access to sexual health services. However, significant ethical hurdles must be addressed, including ensuring patient data security and obtaining informed consent. The digital divide also poses a challenge to equitable healthcare access.
A study estimated that healthcare travel generates approximately 35.7 megatons of CO2e annually in the US, accounting for about 6% of national healthcare-related emissions. The study found that patient travel in rural areas resulted in higher emissions per trip compared to urban areas
A new surgical technique called NeuroSAFE has been shown to preserve erectile function in men with prostate cancer, with 39% of patients experiencing no or mild dysfunction after treatment. This is compared to 23% of those who received standard surgery.
A simple urine test has shown promising results in detecting early-stage kidney cancer recurrence, with a high sensitivity and specificity rate. The GAGome test can accurately identify patients at risk of recurrence, potentially reducing the need for invasive scans and enabling faster treatment access.
A new study has shown that high-resolution ultrasound can diagnose prostate cancer as effectively as MRI, with improved resolution and lower costs. The technology, called micro-ultrasound, is expected to speed up diagnosis, reduce hospital visits, and make imaging more accessible, particularly in less developed healthcare systems.
A TB vaccination has been shown to boost the immune system of bladder cancer patients, reducing cancer recurrence rates by up to 75% in a small pilot study. The vaccine was well-tolerated with no side effects and showed promising results in improving patient outcomes.
A new study shows that comprehensive clinical assessments (CCAs) are equally effective to guiding treatment for women with overactive bladder or urinary incontinence, avoiding invasive urodynamics testing. CCA includes a medical questionnaire, physical examination, and tests such as urinalysis, revealing similar patient-reported outcom...
The WATER III trial shows that waterjet surgery can better preserve ejaculation function compared to standard laser surgery. The technique has similar outcomes and can be performed with robot assistance, reducing waiting times for men with urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
A wearable t-shirt with sensors monitors vital signs and detects complications, allowing patients to be discharged 24-36 hours earlier than control group. The device also improved patient satisfaction and quality of life.
A sub-analysis of 20-year follow-up data from the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) reveals that men who consistently decline prostate cancer screening appointments have a 45% higher risk of dying from the disease compared to those who attend screening appointments.
Active surveillance is an extremely safe option for prostate cancer patients, with a 0.1% mortality rate after 10 years. A personalized approach to treatment is necessary, taking into account the patient's age and disease stage.
A new urine test for prostate cancer has been shown to be highly accurate and can be used at home. The test, known as MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2), analyzes 18 genes associated with prostate cancer and can rule out clinically significant cancers with high accuracy.
Researchers have developed a urine-based bladder cancer diagnostic kit with high sensitivity, detecting even early-stage cases. The kit's unique design prevents interference from impurities, enabling precise biomarker detection.
Researchers are investigating a water vapor system that uses small, targeted amounts of steam to kill cancer cells in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The trial aims to explore the safety and effectiveness of this treatment as an alternative to traditional therapies, which can cause life-altering side effects.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to overcome docetaxel resistance in advanced prostate cancer patients, which may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and prolong overall survival. The approach involves inhibiting cholesterol and lipid biosynthesis, reinducing sensitivity to the drug docetaxel.
The UCLA Urology department has been awarded $6 million to continue the IMPACT program, providing comprehensive prostate cancer treatment for underinsured and uninsured Californians. The program has helped over 2,300 men receive treatment services since its inception.
Researchers developed AI chatbot UroBot to answer complex urology questions with high accuracy, exceeding human urologists. The model justifies its answers based on European Society of Urology guidelines and has been tested on 200 specialist questions, achieving an accuracy rate of 88.4%.
The grant will create the Urinary Stone Disease Hub, combining medical expertise across adult and pediatric urology and nephrology, informatics, and AI to establish a novel data resource. The hub will include clinically important information from CT images, clinical notes, stone composition, and 24-hour urine labs.
A study published in Urology Practice found that ChatGPT generated 'acceptable' responses to nearly half of real-life patient questions, suggesting potential benefits for improving clinical efficiency. The AI tool scored high on accuracy and intelligibility but received lower scores for completeness and helpfulness.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that higher thiazide doses significantly lower urine calcium, leading to fewer symptomatic kidney stone events. The researchers suggest monitoring calcium excretion while on thiazide therapy to adjust dose and diet.
Scientists discovered a way to kill pancreatic cancer in mice by combining a ketogenic diet with an existing cancer drug. The diet blocks the cancer's only source of fuel, allowing the drug to take effect and shrink tumors. This finding opens a new vulnerability for treating cancer with diet and personalized therapies.
A new classification system, PTNM, has been proposed for identifying subtypes of Peyronie's disease and penile curvature. The system, based on evidence-based criteria, identifies four distinct subtypes of PD and three non-PD categories, including congenital, maturational, and trauma-induced penile curvature.
Tumors with mutations in ERCC2, ATM, or RB1 genes were more likely to be eliminated by cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The study found a correlation between these gene mutations and complete pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Researchers at UCLA Health Sciences identified three distinct patient preference-based profiles among men with low-risk prostate cancer. Despite differences in preferences, physician recommendations played a crucial role in determining treatment choices. The study highlights the need for better integrating patient preferences into trea...
A study by Dr. Takanori Sekito and colleagues reveals a strong association between vaginal pathogenic Escherichia coli and recurrent cystitis in postmenopausal women, suggesting that targeting both the urinary bladder and vagina is crucial for effective treatment.
A study published in Trends in Urology and Men's Health found that several treatments have been effective in treating delayed ejaculation, including vibration stimulation therapy and psychotherapy. The research highlights the need for health professionals to be aware of a patient's full medical and sexual history and offers hope for mi...
A new AI model has been shown to significantly improve the accuracy of diagnosing prostate cancer by 45 times compared to doctors' measurements alone. The system assists in mapping out the boundaries of cancerous tissue, reducing the risk of underestimation and enabling more precise treatment planning and effective surgical procedures.
Researchers have developed a breakthrough therapy that can adapt CAR-T cell therapy to target solid tumors, potentially transforming cancer treatment. The therapy uses a novel antibody and costimulatory protein to activate T cells, overcoming the challenges of immune suppression in solid tumors.
A report in Urology Practice compares four online tools to reduce prescription drug costs for patients with common urologic conditions, including Medicare Part D Plan Finder and Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company. The analysis highlights the benefits of using these tools, such as affordable pricing and convenient refill options.
Researchers have developed a new urine-based test that identifies high-grade prostate cancer by analyzing 18 genes linked to the disease. The test, called MyProstateScore2.0, was shown to be nearly 100% correct at ruling out aggressive cancers and helped avoid up to 41% of unnecessary biopsies.
A study published in JCI Insight reveals that an unexpected mechanism is responsible for the loss of kidney cells' ability to filter toxins from blood in primary membranous nephropathy. The researchers found that signaling in the C3a/C3aR pathway plays a critical role in disease progression.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered a surprising connection between male infertility and an increased risk of certain cancers in families. By analyzing genetic and public health data, the team identified 13 characteristic patterns that cluster similar things together, making it easier to uncover the reason behind a fami...
A new study found that combining pelvic floor exercises with behavioral therapy can be more effective than current medical treatments in helping men with frequent urges to urinate. The Bladder Emptying Disorder Therapy (BEST) Trial showed significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life measures after just 12 weeks.
A new oral vaccine for recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has been shown to prevent infections in over half of participants for up to nine years. The MV140 vaccine was found to be safe and effective, with no notable side effects reported.
A simple urine test can reduce the number of cystoscopies required to follow up high-risk bladder cancer patients by more than half. The test monitors for recurrence of bladder cancer by measuring levels of five target mRNAs and was found to be effective in picking up cancer recurrence before any disease was visible through a cystoscopy.