OVERVIEW

Urologic Research at Mayo Clinic

The Department of Urology at the Mayo Clinic has a strong legacy and rich tradition of basic science and translational research in urologic oncology. Our objectives are to improve the understanding of urologic cancer biology through which improved treatments for cancer can be developed. Our focus is on the patients and how we, as scientists, can improve their lives.

The mission of the Department of Urology encompasses three major goals: 1) to provide comprehensive, compassionate, state of the art care for patients with urologic diseases; 2) to generate new medical knowledge through discoveries in the laboratory and through clinical research; and 3) to educate residents, fellows, and medical students in the art and science of urology and to stimulate them to become future leaders in our field. We seek to achieve these goals through a collegial, team-oriented approach, working together to provide the best medical care for our patients.

The Basic Urology Research Unit

The Basic Urology Research Unit is comprised of several state-of-the art research laboratories totaling over 3,000 square feet of space. It is equipped for state of the art molecular and cellular biology studies, development and maintenance of stable cell lines and primary cultures, biochemical and immunochemical studies, and molecular analysis of clinical specimens.

Much akin to our clinical programs, the Basic Urology Unit is committed to promoting newer and more innovative approaches to cancer treatment. Our research efforts are directed towards improving the quality of life of patients with cancer by developing, advancing, and subsequently offering state-of-the-art treatments to patients with urologic cancers by developing improved therapies and treatment paradigms that incorporate novel anti-cancer agents and technologies as a compliment to conventional surgical therapy.

Research is directed by four Principal Investigators. Each of these faculty members has his or her own research agenda and area of expertise, all founded on improving our understanding and treatment of metastatic disease.