Florida urology clinical trials have increased along the entire genitourinary spectrum. Columbia University, is affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group, which is one of the most prominent comprehensive oncological groups or cancer treatment groups in the United States. As a direct result, our patients – if eligible - have access to potential new treatment paradigms. In addition, the Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center is a member of The Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) - a national clinical research group sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, which also harbors a myriad of protocols that are available to our patients.

In prostate cancer, we have protocols evaluating robotic prostate cancer surgery technique and its impact on seminal outcomes such as: continence, erectile function and cancer control. Recently, we were awarded at the American Urological Association National Meeting in Chicago for our phase II clinical trial that evaluated the value of a sphincter reconstruction technique.  Moreover, we have efforts aimed at chemo-prevention of prostate cancer, characterization of tumor aggressiveness, and biological ethnic disparities. Evaluation and improvement of surgical technique is a landmark of our research. We are currently conducting evidence-based trials to identify the pivotal aspects involved at the time of bladder neck reconstruction, potency nerve-sparring preservation and pain reduction. At Mount Sinai Medical Center we are one of the leading institutions evaluating the role of radiation therapy for men who have cancer recurrence after surgery. We seek to understand the impact of radiation not just to the prostate, but to the lymph nodes, and what is the additional contribution if any of concurrent hormone deprivation.

In bladder cancer, the Columbia University Department of Urology has been the leading institution developing the use of chemotherapeutic agents such as Taxotere in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and the results have been very impressive leading to a decreased rate of cystectomy, that is, removal of the bladder, or other invasive treatments. Our faculty has lead epidemiological studies in which we identified high risk bladder cancer areas and risk factors associated with bladder cancer clusters in Florida using individual and area based data. Our recommendations are leading to targeted bladder cancer public awareness campaigns, smoking cessation support and design of area specific screening to be considered in communities at increased risk for bladder cancer.

For renal tumors, we are running the intergroup trial evaluating the effects of a new class of drugs - targeted therapy - for patients with renal cell carcinoma.

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