Overview

Urologic care is entering a new era — one defined by innovation, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to improving patients' lives. At Mayo Clinic, we are leading this transformation by uniting advanced clinical expertise, pioneering research and prioritizing patient-centered care.

The Department of Urology-Research has a long-standing tradition of excellence in urologic disease research, with a strong emphasis on developing innovative treatments that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Our team includes investigators dedicated to full-time laboratory research, as well as physician-scientists who balance research with patient care. Together, they address a broad spectrum of urologic diseases and conditions. Faculty members collaborate closely both within the department and across other specialties at Mayo Clinic to conduct basic, translational and clinical research in urology.

In addition to leading numerous clinical trials and research investigations, our department provides mentorship and advanced training to the next generation of physician-scientists through the Urologic Oncology Fellowship.

Basic and translational research

We conduct a wide range of basic and translational research aimed at improving the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of urologic conditions.

Our laboratories span more than 5,000 square feet of advanced research space. They are fully equipped to support studies in molecular and cellular biology, development of stable cell lines and primary cultures, and analysis of clinical specimens. This foundational work drives discovery of novel diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies.

Translational research plays a key role in moving promising findings from the lab into clinical settings, bringing innovative treatments to patients more quickly and refining therapies through real-world application. Our investigators also are developing noninvasive blood and urine tests to aid in early cancer detection and help tailor treatments to individual patients.

Research efforts are highly collaborative and multidisciplinary. We bring together experts in surgery, oncology, pathology, radiation oncology, data science and industry. This bench-to-bedside approach is critical to accelerating progress and addressing unmet needs in the care of patients with urologic cancers and other conditions.

Clinical research

Our clinical research is dedicated to developing innovative therapies that expand treatment options and improve outcomes. Our physician-scientists lead a wide range of clinical studies, from evaluating new surgical techniques to testing novel drug therapies and diagnostic tools.

Many of our research efforts focus on minimally invasive treatments, which are associated with fewer complications and faster recovery. These advances contribute to Mayo Clinic's ongoing commitment to improving the effectiveness of care and the overall patient experience.

Our clinical trials are rigorously designed and closely monitored to ensure safety and scientific integrity. These studies are an essential part of our translational research model, where discoveries from the laboratory are applied directly to patient care, and clinical findings help guide future research in the lab.

The Department of Urology-Research is nationally recognized for its leadership in clinical research on prostate, bladder and kidney cancers. In addition to cancer-focused trials, we also conduct research on noncancerous urologic conditions, such as urinary incontinence, kidney stones and Peyronie's disease.

Our clinical research program is highly collaborative and multidisciplinary, involving close partnerships among urologists, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, data scientists, and external research and industry partners. Together, we work to bring the latest scientific discoveries to the bedside, helping patients benefit from cutting-edge care now and in the future.