Department: Urology

Clinical Medical Research devoted to tertiary level application of treatment modalities for neurologic and functional disturbances of the genitourinary tract. Problems such as urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary flow dysfunction (BPH), impotence, and chronic pelvic pain syndromes are addressed. New medical devices and technology for treating these disorders are investigated

We use genomic approaches to identify disease biomarkers. We are most interested in translating biomarkers into clinical practice in urological diseases with a particular focus in cancer.

Dr. Chen’s research examines the molecular causes of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. Recognizing that urinary incontinence linked to demise of smooth muscle sphincter function, she is investigating the potential use of stem cell regeneration to restore muscle capacity.

Renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer outcomes research and epidemiology.

Using various animal models of bladder outlet obstruction as a representation of human prostatic disease, I am investigating how intervening with pharmacotherapy, neuromodulation, and other novel therapies may help to reverse the adverse changes in the bladder due to the obstruction. I also am investigating new, minimally invasive treatments for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence. I am also investigating the role of neruomodulation in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and IC.

1. Pharmacologic methods in identifying alpha adrenergic receptors in the obstructed urinary tract. 2. Fluid mechanics and physiological mechanisms of contractility in the urinary tract. 3. Biomedical Engineering approaches in the characterization of static and dynamic properties of soft tissues. 4. Image processing and 3D reconstruction of magnetic resonance. 5. Computer models and vector analysis of pelvin floor musculature. 6. Software for interactive teaching.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia- Evaluation and development of new minimally invasive techniques Endourology: developing, designing and evaluating new instruments Bladder cancer: outcomes of treatment BPH: cryotherapy and HIFU

My laboratory is focused on studying the role of DNA methylation in prostate and bladder cancer. Certain genes and their downstream targets may be useful molecular markers for disease detection and prognostication. We are interested in utilizing methylation markers to detect abnormal changes in serum and urine. Clinical Focus: Prostate Cancer - Robotic Prostatectomy; Bladder Cancer - Robotic Cystectomy; Urologic Oncology - Prostate, Bladder, Kidney, Testicular Cancer.

Functional characterization of NuSAP (nucleolar and spindle associated protein) in prostate cancer.

Our laboratory is interested in how microbial-triggered inflammation protects against pathogens and yet can result in secondary, harmful effects such as tissue fibrosis and carcinogenesis. The genitourinary tract is our model system. We are examining anti-pathogenic inflammation induced by uropathogenic E. coli. Chronic infection-mediated tissue fibrosis and carcinogenesis are being studied using models of Schistosoma haematobium.

Male infertility; impotence; urinary calculi; urinary, incontinence (male and female)

My research interests are clinically 1) voiding dysfunction (BPH, incontinence, urinary retention, & neurogenic bladder). 2) Outcomes research and am currently developing a project to review the management of neurogenic bladder within the VA. Prior research in this field is in BPH. My Basic science interests are in epithelial physiology particularly that of the urothelium lining the bladder. Specifically permeability properties and neuro-epithelial interactions relating to sensation

Our research aims to improve the global quality of care for patients with Urologic cancer with a particular focus on kidney cancer. We are evaluating the comparative effectiveness of various kidney cancer surgeries and their impact on chronic kidney disease and its downstream effects. We are investigating nanofluidic proteomic assays to diagnose kidney cancer and signatures of response to therapy. We are applying epidemiology, bioinformatics, and health services methods to urologic conditions.

My laboratory is engaged in translational research to develop new in vitro and in vivo diagnostic tools for diseases of the urinary tract based on micro- and nanotechnology. We are developing an integrated biosensor platform optimized for point-of-care urinary diagnostics, particularly for urinary tract infections and bladder cancer. We are also developing in vivo imaging tools for applications in endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.

Obstetric Fistula Projects: 1. Preoperative ultrasound evaluation to detect ureteric involvement in vesicovaginal fistulas 2. Patient narrative study to identify key medical, social and economic factors that lead to fistula formation 3. Study of urinary continence after fistula repair Pelvic pain: investigation into role of pelvic floor in chronic pelvic pain

My research focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of the human prostate. Developing realistic experimental models is a major goal, and primary cultures of prostatic epithelial and stromal cells are my main model system. Our discoveries are relevant to prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant prostatic diseases.

My major interest has been neurogenic bladder and neurogenic bowel. In other areas where I have published research include urinary tract infections , use of Laser to vaporize urethral strictures in able bodies and surgery to improve voiding in spinal cord injury patients. Currently I am helping set up to evaluate and rehab. neurogenic bowel problems in GI Medicine at Stanford.

The timing for intervention in obstruction in the infant and child is poorly understood.Our group has been interested in trying to define the risks that may be involved in obstructive and infectious uropathies and discovering early signs of damage to the urinary tract and kidney. We have explored ways of imaging the urinary tract using nonionizing radiation (US, MRI). We have studied the relationships of sex steroid hormones, pregnancy, reflux, urinary tract infection and urinary tract function.

My research focuses on outcomes in the treatment of muscle invasive and high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This includes identifying markers of prognosis, predictive markers for response to surgery and chemotherapy, and working toward an individualized, multidisciplinary approach to disease management. I have also focused on optimizing the use of lower urinary tract reconstruction in patients undergoing cystectomy, and developing interventions to improve patient quality of life.

My research is focused on the development and evaluation of cutting edge minimally invasive treatment modalities for incontinence and prolapse including robotic surgery, the use of novel grafts, and the use of novel injection therapies. I am also involved in surgical education research.

Prostate cancer, its natural history, biologic, progression; differentiation antigens

My lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanism of transcription factors that govern the transformation of normal mammalian cells to a neoplastic state. We are especially interested in the action of the nuclear hormone receptors and the interactions between the receptors and other signaling pathways in related human disorders.

Preclinical studies on bone metastasis of prostate cancer

My lab studies the coordination of neonatal bladder and external urethral sphincter function. By understanding how the spinal cord creates efficient voiding in neonates and children, we hope to develop new treatments for pediatric voiding dysfunction and adult urinary incontinence.