The Department of Urology is at the forefront of prostate cancer research, focusing on personalized treatment approaches, molecular mechanisms, and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Through innovative tumor modeling and genomic susceptibility analysis, our researchers aim to identify drug sensitivities and minimize treatment resistance, leading to the development of new compounds currently in pre-clinical trials. The Department is also investigating the roles of various molecular factors, such as chromatin remodelers, immunomodulators, histone modifying enzymes, lncRNA, and miRNA, in prostate cancer progression, while exploring the reciprocal relationship between diabetes and prostate cancer.

The Department's research efforts extend to validating prognostic biomarkers, analyzing prostate cancer heterogeneity using single-cell genomics and transcriptomics, and developing non-invasive diagnostic tests. Our collaborations with other leading institutions focus on advanced genetic studies and novel treatment techniques. Additionally, the Department is investigating patient factors and preferences related to active surveillance, all of which aim to improve adherence, quality of life, and psychosocial outcomes. Innovative focal therapies, such as gold nanoparticle-directed ablation, are also being explored to provide curative treatment with minimal toxicity and reduced side effects.

Researchers involved include:

• Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.)
• Sujit S. Nair, PhD
• Manya Mascareno, PhD
• Nihal Mohamed, PhD
• Steven Canfield, MD

Our Kidney Cancer Collaborative exists as the largest network of patients who received robotic surgery for kidney cancer across the country, and it continues to expand internationally. Mount Sinai Health System is the primary site for collection, research administration, and reporting of outcomes for the Kidney Cancer Collaborative, which focuses on genomic profiling and sequencing of kidney cancer and using tissue from cancer specimens to determine genes that predict aggressive versus indolent behavior.

Researchers involved include:

• Ketan Badani, MD

New treatment regimens are needed for metastatic bladder cancer, and our physicians within the Bladder Cancer Program are on the forefront of exploring promising new therapies. With more than 600 completed cystectomies, in partnership with The Tisch Cancer Institute, the Department supports six ongoing clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of new and emerging therapies.

Researchers involved include:

• Matthew Galsky, MD
• Peter Wiklund, MD, PhD

For the well-being of all patients, surgeons must stay up to date on the latest advances in surgical procedures. To support this initiative, the Department has established the Mount Sinai Robotics Institute, which serves as the destination for urology surgeons—not only those within the Department, but nationwide—to master high-quality, innovative robotic surgery advancements, including technical operative techniques, operating room efficiency and setup, and enhanced training opportunities.

Researchers involved include:

• Ketan Badani, MD

Several of our ongoing studies on Benign Prostatic Hyperplastia (BPH) are in their final phases. Our phase 3 multicenter prospective randomized study is designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treating patients with symptomatic BPH with prostate artery embolization (using embosphere microspheres), compared to conventional transurethral resection of the prostate. The goal of prostate artery embolization is to selectively block blood flow to the prostate arteries, thereby shrinking the size of the prostate and reducing urinary symptoms. Another international phase 2 study is designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Medi-Tate i-Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device in patients with symptomatic BPH.

With support from the Department, the Kidney Stone Center at Mount Sinai is engaged in more than a dozen ongoing research initiatives. Some of these studies are the first of their kind, including comparing side effect profile and tolerability of metallic and polymeric ureteral stents; comparing 24-hour urine parameters for patients making calcium oxalate monohydrate stones versus calcium oxalate dihydrate stones; characterizing the factors predisposing to stone formation in octogenarians and nonagenarians; and evaluating the possible effect of metformin on kidney stone formation in diabetic patients.

Researchers involved include:

• Mantu Gupta, MD

Icahn Mount Sinai faculty members are currently overseeing three clinical trials in voiding dysfunction:

• A Prospective, Non-Randomized, Parallel Cohort, Multi-Center Study of Xenform Versus Native Tissue for the Treatment of Women With Anterior/Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Mount Sinai is in the Xenform arm. IRB 252-13

• A Phase 2 Study, Randomized, Controlled, Efficacy Assessor Blinded, Multi-Center, International Prospective Study to Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of Medi-Tate i-Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device (iTIND) in Subjects With Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Co-Investigator IRB 043-15

• A prospective, non-interventional, registry study of patients initiating a course of drug therapy for overactive bladder (OAB). IRB pending