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Clinical Trials

Research Studies - Urology at UCLA

The Department of Urology supports a number of major research programs.

Research Studies - Urology at UCLAOur purpose is to contribute significantly to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of urologic diseases including, but not limited to, cancers, renal transplantation, sexual dysfunction, and spina bifida.

Our goal is to increase basic research, population-based research and rapidly translate the findings into clinical trials and community applications. Basic scientific research is conducted in research labs based in clinical departments, through the Clark Urological Center, the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Oliveview Medical Center and Bowyer Surgical Oncology Center.

The UCLA Department of Urology is an integrated research community where collaboration and interaction are fostered and prized. Scientists at the various research centers collaborate extensively with their clinical colleagues to find scientific solutions to specific urological problems.

Unique and Renowned

What sets the UCLA Department of Urology apart from others nationwide is the close collaboration and partnership of our research scientists with our faculty members—internationally renowned physician specialists in their fields—on advancing the field of urology. This unique collaboration makes UCLA a leader in new treatments and cures for urology patients nationwide.

Ongoing Projects

Genetic Predisposition To Vaginal Prolapse   Larissa Rodríguez, MD
  In collaboration with Eric Vilain, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Human Genetics and Pediatrics at UCLA, Dr. Larissa Rodriguez is exploring genetic factors that predispose certain women to vaginal prolapse.
       
Physiology and Function Of The Genitourinary Tract And Vaginal Prolapse   Larissa Rodríguez, MD
  In collaboration with 1998 Nobel Laureate Louis J. Ignarro, Ph.D.,  Dr. Larissa Rodriguez is studying normal and abnormal physiology and function of the bladder, vaginal tissues and urethra, and how these change with age. The study is aimed at determining if estrogen levels lead to smooth muscle atrophy and decreased collagen deposition, leading to a loss of support of vaginal structures and normal vaginal physiology.
       
Polypropylene Sling For The Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence   Shlomo Raz, MD
  Dr. Shlomo Raz and Dr. Larissa Rodriguez evaluated the use of a thinly woven Prolene mesh under the mid to distal urethra to treat stress urinary incontinence. In a study of 98 patients, the mesh proved to be a simple, quick and effective method to correct stress urinary incontinence in women.
       
Prostate Cancer   Robert E. Reiter, MD
  Study of normal and malignant prostate disease to determine how malignancies evolve
       
Prostate Cancer   William Aronson, MD
  Low-Fat, High-Fiber Diets And Their Role In Prostate Cancer
       
Research Studies in Urologic Oncology   Arie Belldegrun, MD
 

Ongoing Research Studies

  • Immunotherapy and gene therapy approaches for treating kidney and prostate cancer.
  • Clinical, pathologic, and molecular markers that predict prostate cancer progression in Caucasian and African American men.
       
Research Studies into Bladder Cancer   Arie Belldegrun, MD
 

Ongoing Bladder Cancer Projects 

  • Bladder cancer biomarkers Identify bladder cancer biomarkers that may enable researchers to develop a test similar to the PSA  (Prostate Specific Antigen) test for prostate cancer
  • Bladder cancer in smokers - Investigating the genetic basis of bladder cancer risk in smokers
       
SPORE in Prostate Cancer   Jean B. deKernion, MD
 

Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Prostate Cancer

The purpose of the UCLA SPORE in Prostate Cancer is to contribute significantly to progress in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer.

Principle Investigator: Jean deKernion, M.D.

Associate Investigators:

  • David Agus, M.D.
  • William Aronson, M.D.
  • Pinchas (Hassy) Cohen, M.D.
  • Robert Elashoff, Ph.D
  • Sanvij Gambhir, M.D., PhD.
  • David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.N.
  • Philip Koeffler, M.D.
  • Diane Prager, M.D.
  • Robert Reiter, M.D.
  • Jonathan Said, M.D.
  • Charles Sawyers, M.D.
  • Marc Seltzer, M.D.
  • Peter Tontonoz, M.D., PhD
  • Owen Witte, M.D.
  • Hong Wu, Ph.D., M.D.

Developmental Research Program 2003 Development Research Awardees:

  • Benjamin Bonavida, PhD
    Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
  • Gang Zeng, PhD
    Assistant Professor, Urology
  • Kathleen M. Sakamoto, MD
    Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology-Oncology
       
Stem Cell Research For The Treatment of Incontinence and Vaginal Prolapse   Larissa Rodríguez, MD
  Dr. Larissa Rodriguez is conducting pioneering work in stem cell and tissue engineering research. Her current study involves the use of stem cells to form specific tissues and organs. In the near future, we hope to be able to use a patient's own stem cells to reconstruct the dysfunctional urethra to correct incontinence, as well as reinforce the weakening of tissues that results in vaginal prolapse in women.
       
The UCLA Integrated Staging System (UISS)   Arie Belldegrun, MD
  Using its database of over 1,500 patients, UCLA faculty assess, stage and predict possible kidney cancer patients’ probability of survival, as well assign patients into low-, intermediate- or high-risk groups. The findings will enable physicians to customize the best treatments by prognosis.