Studies - Urology Health Research
Genetic Susceptibility to Bladder Cancer: A Molecular Epidemiology Approach (H-8577)
Bladder cancer is an ideal disease system for evaluating the relationship of the genetic make-up of persons susceptible to bladder cancer to tobacco, dietary, and work-related exposures (which are responsible for up to 90 percent of BCs). This is a clinical research study whose purpose is to identify genetic and lifestyle factors which increase a person's risk of developing specific cancer.
Eligibility: May be of any age, gender, or ethnicity - Diagnosis of superficial or muscle-invasive bladder cancer - Texas resident - Understands English or a qualified translator is available for the interview
Contact: For more information or to have a patient screened, contact the study coordinator at 713-798-4479.
Prostate Cancer Screening Program (H-2021)
The purpose of this study is to encourage the early detection in men over the age of 40 of prostate cancer through a screening program based on a digital rectal examination and a blood test specific for a prostate antigen. The American Cancer Society recommends that most men should be offered annual prostate cancer screening beginning at age 50, that information should be given to patients regarding the potential risks and benefits of early prostate cancer detection, and that men in high-risk groups (i.e. men with affected first degree relatives, African Americans) should begin annual screening at an earlier age. The doctors believe the best way to prevent death or serious adverse consequences from prostate cancer is to detect it at an early stage. However, there is not yet absolute proof that screening will prolong the lives of men who have prostate cancer but do not yet have any symptoms.
Contact: For more information or to have a patient screened, contact the study coordinator at 713-798-8517.
Changes in Neural Efferent Receptors in SCI Men (H-6079)
This study will examine tissue from patients who have spinal cord injuries in comparison with tissues from patients without such injuries. These tissues will be examined for differences in nerves, connective tissues and smooth muscle cells. Injuries to the spinal cord often result in the loss of the bladder's ability to stretch. This can cause damage to the kidneys because urine can back up because of the pressure. It is not known exactly what causes the bladder to lose its ability to stretch or to become stiff. It may be changes in the connective tissue, or changes in the nerves that affect the bladder, or changes in the smooth muscle cell. Eligibility: Adult VA patients with either: spinal cord injury with noncompliant bladders - men with normal bladder compliance scheduled for TURP or TURBT or lithotripsy
Contact: For more information or to have a patient screened, contact the study coordinator at 713-798-4079.