Nazy Zomorodian, NP, Director of the Genitourinary Clinical Trials Program
Our purpose is to contribute significantly to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of urologic diseases including, but not limited to, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, kidney transplantation, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) , and pelvic medicine and reconstruction.
Our goal is to increase basic research, population-based research and rapidly translate the findings into clinical trials and community applications. Basic scientific research is conducted in research labs based in clinical departments, through the Clark Urological Center, the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, and Olive View Medical Center.
COVID-19 Clinical Trial:
HITCH: VAH using Degarelix in COVID-19 Patients
Basic Information: Conducting a multi-center VA study for male Veterans who are hospitalized due to COVID-19 illness. The study is a phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study that is assessing the effects of temporary androgen suppression on clinical outcomes including mortality, need for ongoing hospitalization and requirement for intubation. The rational for the study relates to an interesting convergence between prostate cancer research and COVID-19 research. As it turns out, the virus gains entry into the lung through a receptor called TMPRSS2. This receptor is very well known in prostate cancer research, because it plays a role in the development of prostate cancer in about half of the cases. Interestingly, the receptor is regulated by male hormones in prostate cancer, and it may also be regulated in lung tissue by male hormones. In the trial, the plan is to suppress male hormones temporarily to shut down the production of the receptor and thereby reduce the ability of the virus to gain entry into lung tissue. The purpose of this study is to see if temporary androgen suppression can reduce the severity of COVID-19 illness. To suppress male hormone, the FDA-approved medication known as degarelix (Firmagon) will be used. Degarelix is approved for prostate cancer but not COVID-19. Degarelix is administered one time by an injection under the skin near the belly.
For More Detailed Information, Contact:
- Matthew Rettig, MD, Principal Investigator
- Samantha Tran, Study Coordinator, 310-478-3711 x44917
The UCLA Department of Urology is an integrated research community where collaboration and interaction are fostered and prized. Scientists at the various research centers collaborate extensively with their clinical colleagues to find scientific solutions to specific urological problems.
Unique and Renowned
What sets the UCLA Department of Urology apart from others nationwide is the close collaboration and partnership of our research scientists with our faculty members—internationally renowned physician specialists in their fields—on advancing the field of urology. This unique collaboration makes UCLA a leader in new treatments and cures for urology patients nationwide.
For additional information regarding UCLA Urology’s Clinical Trials, please contact:
UCLA Urology Clinical Trials Office - (310) 206-5930
For general information
