By: David Bryan, M.D., Urology of St. Louis Medical Director
Medicine is a field that is constantly evolving and changing in ways that can have meaningful impacts on patients. As the Medical Director of Urology of St. Louis, I’m excited to announce that we will now have the opportunity to make a direct impact in finding innovative new diagnostic tests and treatments for our patients.
USL is pleased to announce that we are partnering with a national integrated research provider, ObjectiveHealth, to create Specialty Clinical Research of St. Louis. The joint clinical research center will offer access to innovative diagnostic tools, treatments and therapies aimed at improving health outcomes in urologic disease states.
This exciting announcement has sparked many questions and I am happy to answer four frequently asked questions.
When will research trials begin?
Fellowship-trained urologic oncologist, Dr. Gregory Auffenberg, will serve as the Research Clinic’s Medical Director and oversee the research program. Several research trials were opened this spring, and the group hopes to open four additional clinical research trials soon and expand throughout the year.
What kinds of trials will be offered?
The trial work will focus on treatments for population-intensive urological disorders such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, overactive bladder, benign prostatic hypertrophy, kidney stone disease and urinary tract infections. Among other focuses, the research will include interventional cancer trials and predictive biomarkers in precision medicine diagnostics.
Why should I choose a Research Clinic?
Specialty Clinical Research of St. Louis may offer patients access to innovative treatment options that may not be available elsewhere. Clinical research trials are specifically designed to determine the effectiveness and safety of new diagnostic methods and treatments.
Patients who volunteer to participate in these trials play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare and advancing the field of medicine. It’s exciting to have an opportunity to be a part of that process. Especially for our patients who may not have a clearcut next choice on treatment options– now we may.
Who can be seen at Specialty Clinical Research of St. Louis?
Members of the community with urologic conditions who meet the study’s medical criteria will have the option to participate. All research trials USL engages in will be extensively vetted by independent medical review boards, world-leading experts in their fields, and USL’s internal team.
At Urology of St. Louis, we strive to always provide the best possible care options for your urologic needs. We are committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and offering our patients the latest treatment options. Our clinical trial program will allow us to further that goal and to potentially open access to even newer treatments as they are being developed. This is just another testament that at USL, we are genuinely committed to finding the best possible care for our patients.
With the opening of our new research clinic, we are proud to continue this promise and look forward to providing our patients with access to innovative and effective treatments. If you want to learn more about USL’s research trial opportunities, please visit https://objective.health/location/specialty-clinical-research-of-st-louis/.
