News and Announcements

Northwestern Medicine investigators have discovered new molecular mechanisms underlying DNA repair dysregulation in cancer cells, findings that may inform the development of new targeted therapies for patients that have become resistant to standard treatments.

Evan Panken, MD, a PGY-4 urology resident, explores the relationship between testosterone therapy, atrial fibrillation, and acute kidney injury. Dr. Panken discusses the background and key findings from the study “Association of Testosterone Replacement Therapy With Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Kidney Injury,” which he presented at the 2024 Sexual Medicine Society of North America Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In this episode of Speaking of Urology®, Robert E. Brannigan, MD, discusses recent updates to the AUA/ASRM guidelines on male infertility with Juan J. Andino, MD, MBA. They highlight three key changes: lowering the sperm concentration threshold for Y chromosome microdeletion testing, adding pelvic MRI as an option for suspected ejaculatory duct obstruction, and using testicular sperm in cases of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation. Additionally, they discuss other updates, including when to evaluate males with normal semen analysis, avoiding exogenous therapy for fertility, and the use of scrotal ultrasound.

Immunotherapy administered before and after chemotherapy along with surgical removal of the bladder improved survival compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

On the Rich Roll Podcast, Edward Schaeffer, MD, PhD, dives deep into the critical topics of prostate health, exploring the latest advancements in cancer care, the role of genetics, the impact of lifestyle choices, and cutting-edge developments in robotic surgery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in men's health and wellness.

RNA modifications could serve as a therapeutic target for certain types of cancer, according to a new study published in Molecular Cell which sheds new light on the complex process underlying RNA transcription.

Edward M. Schaeffer, MD, PhD, outlines Northwestern Medicine's strategic growth in urology and healthcare administration, highlighting partnerships and expansions over the past decade. Under his leadership since 2015, the department has established a robust team of 18 urologists across 8 sites within an 11-hospital system serving Chicagoland, integrating quality standards, education, and marketing to ensure consistent, high-quality care across geographic regions

Patients with metastatic urothelial cancer and increased expression of the NECTIN4 gene had a dramatically better response to antibody treatment than patients with reduced gene expression, according to recent findings published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Joshua Meeks, MD, PhD, and other experts delve into the key takeaways and groundbreaking highlights from the 2024 American Urological Association Annual Meeting. 

Joshua J. Meeks, MD, PhD, provides a comprehensive overview of a session held at the 2024 American Urological Association Annual Meeting titled, "Leveraging Innovation in Bladder Cancer Care: Expert Tactics for Successfully Integrating Contemporary Therapeutic Advances Throughout the Disease Spectrum."

Edward M. Schaeffer, MD, PhD, explores the latest developments and future prospects of PSMA-PET technology in the realm of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. With his vast knowledge and scholarly contributions to the field, Dr. Schaeffer provides invaluable insights into the evolving role of PSMA-PET imaging, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the way prostate cancer is detected, staged, and managed. 

Amy Krambeck, MD, delves into the complexities of kidney stone formation and recurrence, emphasizing the pivotal role dietary changes play in mitigating risks. Amidst the plethora of advice on what to avoid, she highlights key dietary habits that can proactively prevent the onset of kidney stones.

Joshua Meeks, MD, PhD, discuss the ongoing BCG shortage affecting bladder cancer treatment, tracing its roots to production issues in 2012 and increased demand following guideline changes in 2016. He highlight the growing use of Gemcitabine-Docetaxel (Gem/Doce) as both a salvage and primary treatment for high-risk bladder cancer due to its availability and proven effectiveness. The conversation also explores the BRIDGE trial, a critical study evaluating the efficacy of Gem/Doce, as well as several large trials investigating checkpoint inhibitors as potential alternatives to BCG.

Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered the Achilles heel of chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer — its hunger for cholesterol — and how to sneakily use that to destroy it.