As one of the largest and most diverse research programs of its kind in the United States, UCLA Institute of Urologic Oncology members are working to advance the understanding and treatment of genitourinary oncology. Given the overall goal to cure urologic cancers, associated discoveries often begin in the lab. From basic science to clinical research, investigators in the IUO are pushing scientific boundaries and earning recognition for their discoveries. IUO scientists from disciplines including urologic oncology, medical oncology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, pathology, and the basic sciences are engaged in:
Basic Science Investigation – Basic science is the anchor of research efforts. Also called “pure research” or “fundamental research”, basic science has the scientific aim to improve theories for better understanding or prediction of natural phenomena.
Translational Research – Our physician scientists seek ways to apply scientific discoveries to real-world treatments. Translational research is the process of applying knowledge from basic biology and clinical trials to techniques and tools that address critical medical needs, specifically designed to improve health outcomes. Our members’ translational research opens the door to partnerships with leading biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies for the collaborative development of new treatments for urologic oncology patients, leveraging the best public and private sector expertise to solve some of genitourinary oncology’s riddles.
Precision Medicine – The NIH defines precision medicine as “an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person.” This care is designed to optimize the therapeutic benefits for patients, by using genetic or molecular profiling.
IUO physician scientists are conducting leading-edge research in multiple laboratories. Here we present a sampling of the research activities from our lab groups – including lab members, publications, and an overview of each laboratory’s current focus:
