The Department of Urology is actively involved in studying the origins of genitourinary disease as well as advancing diagnostic techniques and treatment approaches across all subspecialties. We are dedicated to improving patient outcomes through translational research and our clinical, and research teams work collaboratively to bring the latest knowledge to bear on our patients’ treatment.
Urology Research
The Tewari Lab is actively involved in the following research domains: single cell genomics; high resolution MRI; development and evaluation of prostate cancer vaccines; techniques to improve nerve sparing and maximizing early return of continence and sexual function; advancement of MRI targeted biopsies and focal therapy; and novel intra-operative imaging techniques.
The Department of Urology has ambitious goals for our bench to bedside prostate cancer research. Most new drugs take 10 years and $1 billion to get to market; our objective is to achieve a turn out time of five years from Research/Discovery to Benefit. Learn more about our research in prostate cancer
In the ongoing pursuit of data collection, Ketan Badani, MD, Vice Chair of Urology and Robotic Operations and the Director of the Comprehensive Kidney Cancer Program at the Mount Sinai Health System has built the multi-institutional Kidney Cancer Collaborative, which is the largest network of patients who received robotic surgery for kidney cancer across the country and is expanding internationally. The Collaborative named Mount Sinai as the primary site for collection, research administration, and reporting of outcomes with Dr. Badani as its leader. The Collaborative focuses on genomic profiling and sequencing of kidney cancer and using tissue from cancer specimens to determine genes that predict aggressive versus indolent behavior.
New treatment regimens are needed for metastatic bladder cancer, and our physicians are on the forefront of exploring promising new therapies. Matthew Galsky, MD Director of Genitourinary Medical Oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine’s Tisch Cancer Institute, is the principal investigator for six ongoing clinical trials evaluating the safety and effectiveness of new and emerging agents.
All surgeons must stay current on advances in surgical procedures for the wellbeing of their patients. With that in mind, Ketan Badani, MD, and his team are creating the Robotic EpiCenter Site, which will be the go-to-destination for surgeons globally to experience and learn first-hand high-quality and innovative robotic surgery advancements including technical operative techniques, OR efficiency and setup, and training options.
Ongoing studies about Benign Prostatic Hyperplastia (BPH) are in final phases. A Phase 3 multicenter prospective randomized study is designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treating patients with symptomatic BPH with Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) using Embosphere Microspheres compared to conventional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). The goal of PAE is to selectively block blood flow to the prostate arteries to shrink the size of the prostate and reduce urinary symptoms.
An international Phase 2 randomized, controlled, efficacy assessor blinded, multi-center, prospective study is designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Medi-Tate i-Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device (iTIND) in patients with symptomatic BPH.
The Kidney Stone Center at Mount Sinai has more than a dozen research initiatives ongoing at present under the leadership of Mantu Gupta, MD, Chair, Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital and Director of the Kidney Stone Center. The number of simultaneous stone studies positions Mount Sinai as one of the foremost academic institutions in the field. Some of the key 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.
Mount Sinai faculty members are 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
Abstracts of our latest American Urological Association (AUA) presentations include:
- Anatomical Variations Between Vertical and Horizontal Bolster Placement and the Implications for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Access
- Medical Risk Factors For Chronic Kidney Disease In Patients With Normal Baseline Kidney Function are Not Independent Predictors Of Worse Renal Function Outcomes Following Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
- Diabetics on Metformin Experience Increased Stone Episodes Compared to Non-Metformin users
- Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy: A 12-step comparison of surgical technique
- Equivalent short-term outcomes of robotic versus open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
- Diabetics on Metformin Experience Increased Stone Episodes Compared to Non-Metformin users
- Incidence of Solid Renal Masses in Transplanted Allograft Kidneys
- Medical Risk Factors For Chronic Kidney Disease In Patients With Normal Baseline Kidney Function are Not Independent Predictors Of Worse Renal Function Outcomes Following Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
- BAP1 is Over-Expressed in Black vs. White Patients with Mx-M1 Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Off-Clamp Technique Offers Improved Renal Function Outcomes After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy in Low And Intermediate Complexity Tumors
- Beyond the Learning Curve: Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Outcomes Continue to Improve With Surgeon Experience
Isaiah Levy, a 2nd year student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai was awarded a Blue Ribbon Honorable Mention in the poster presentation category at the 22nd Annual Medical Student Research Day.