Mitchell C. Benson, M.D., mcb2@columbia.edu Research interests revolve around clinical trials in patients with urologic malignancies. The department maintains a comprehensive IRB approved database and students have the opportunity to conceive of a research idea and mine the database for outcomes. Ideas are synthesized with the help of the entire Urologic Oncology team.

Ralph Buttyan, Ph.D., rb46@columbia.edu Studies focused on the regulation of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and apoptosis-control genes in prostate cells have enabled us to identify gene products that are important for the development and progression of prostate cancers in humans. These genes are a target for the development of novel gene therapeutic agents to be used to treat prostate cancer patients. In particular, the role of vascular growth factors in the bladder and prostate are being studied.

Terry W. Hensle, M.D., twh2@columbia.edu The Division of Pediatric Urology at Babies Hospital has always been in the forefront of improving children’s health through both basic science and clinical research. Our basic science research efforts are directed at understanding the molecular genetic basis of urologic diseases. Current projects include the role of apoptosis in partial ureteral obstruction and the role of cell adhesion molecules in cryptorchidisim.

Aaron E. Katz, M.D., aek4@columbia.edu Investigative work focuses on cancer angiogenesis factors and the ability of cancer cells to invade the circulation. We have recently developed a PCR assay that can detect small quantities of prostate cancer cells in the peripheral circulation of prostate cancer patients. Several studies are presently ongoing in this area.

James McKiernan, M.D., jmm23@columbia.edu Research interests focus on the clinical and translational research aspects of patients with genitourinary malignancies.  Students have accomplished research goals in outcomes analysis, laboratory research, as well as participation in design and administration of IRB approved human clinical trials in cancer therapeutics.  The team maintains a comprehensive IRB approved outcomes research database and students have the opportunity to conceive their own investigation into the factors predictive of cure following cancer intervention.

Cathy L Mendelsohn, Ph.D., clm20@columbia.edu Our work is focused on understanding how the urogenital system forms, and on identifying the cause of urogenital malformations first in rodent, then in human models. We are currently pursuing two types of projects:

1) Investigating the molecular and cellular events important for formation of the nephric duct, for its insertion into the primitive bladder and for formation of connections between the ureter and the bladder.

2) Studying the mechanism by which vitamin A controls renal development. We have previously shown that vitamin A controls branching morphogenesis of the collecting duct system, in large part by regulating transcription of the proto-oncogene Ret.

Ridwan Shabsigh, M.D., DAP 11-1119, Ext. 5-0123, rs66@columbia.edu Primary research interests include the diagnosis and treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction (commonly known as male impotence), premature ejaculation, libido disorders, orgasmic disorders, Peyronie’s disease, genital deformities and female sexual disorders. These research activities are pursued at the clinical level in the form of clinical trials of new medications and treatment modalities. At the laboratory level molecular biology techniques are applied to investigate causes and cures for sexual dysfunction.