Center for Cancer Research
National Cancer Institute
W. Marston Linehan
Chief, Urologic Oncology Branch
The Urologic Oncology Branch conducts clinical and basic research designed to develop better methods for detecting, preventing, and treating patients with kidney cancer, prostate cancer and bladder cancer. We evaluate and manage patients with non-inherited as well as inherited forms of kidney cancer. The Branch also has an expanding prostate cancer program. Patients with known or suspected localized and locally advanced prostate cancer undergo advanced MRI imaging followed by fusion image-guided biopsy to diagnose and characterize the cancer. They may then be managed with robotic surgery or be followed with active surveillance and intermittent imaging. In addition, we have a growing program in genomics and targeted therapy for bladder cancer patients, including therapy that targets EGFR, FGFR3 and other mutated bladder cancer genes.
News
The JAMA Report: MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy for Prostate Cancer
Our Science
Dr. Linehan speaks at White House Precision Medicine Initiative Summit
Our Clinical Trials
include renal cell, prostate, and bladder cancers, as well as urologic malignant disorders.Training
Opportunities are available in both clinical and basic research areas with the Urologic Oncology Branch.
Support Services
As part of our comprehensive care we provide natural history protocols pertaining to rare inherited and sporadic urologic malignant disorders. We treat these disorders with targeted molecular drug therapies and innovative surgical procedures. Our patients are provided guidance and assistance with appointments, travel, counseling and social support throughout the process and follow up. We also believe strongly in collaborating with your primary care physican (with your permission) to form your "expert care team." Before your first visit, we may ask you to provide medical records, CDs with MRIs, CTs, or PET scans, and a list of medications.
- Consultations are at no cost to the patient.
- After a patient is accepted on a study, treatments, tests and other services at the NIH Clinical Center are also no cost.
- NIH does not cover expenses for medical services at other facilities.
- We are located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, approximately 8 miles north of Washington, D.C.
- The Urologic Oncology Branch Clinic is on the 3rd floor of the Magnuson Clinical Center (Building 10).
- Visitor information is available at NIH Clinical Center - Access and Directions (View Map).
Genetics Counseling
We help patients with rare cancer susceptibility conditions understand the clinical and genetic basis of their condition and the importance of the surveillance plan that will be necessary throughout their life span. We meet with our patients to determine the appropriate genetic analysis to perform based on their personal and family medical history, renal tumor pathology, physical and dermatologic examinations and the results of other clinical evaluations.
Main Administrative Office: 240-858-3700
- Available Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Patient Records: 301-496-5981
Referrals and Information about Trials
- Kidney
- Information about Trials: 240-760-6247 | 240-760-6243
- Current Patients: 240-858-3907 | 240-858-3913
- Prostate
- Main Line: 240-858-7200
- Bladder
- Information about Trials: 240-858-3409 | 240-760-6118
- Current Patients: 240-858-3412
Our oncology nurses and practitioners understand both the genetic basis of prostate and urologic cancers and the rationale behind emerging clinical trials. Their knowledge of the basic principles of genetics, tumorigenesis, diagnostics, treatment and surveillance modalities is incorporated into our protocols and practice. When surgery is indicated, the Urologic Oncology Branch offers state-of-the-art procedures. Clinical trial coordinators guide patients and their families through our targeted therapies, and provide assurance by carefully explaining the treatment plan. In addition, genetic counselors provide further information for a wider perspective of various conditions.
Clinical Programs Overview
Our physicians study families who have rare inherited conditions which predispose to development of kidney cancer. We also see patients without a positive family history who are suspected to have one of these rare genetic conditions. It is the study of these patients and their family members that allow the discovery of new genetic conditions, the responsible genes and new understanding that is the foundation of this Branch and has allowed the successes of the Branch. The clinical team is comprised of one genetic counselor/ protocol manager, nurse practitioners, clinical research nurses and patient care coordinators. Several populations of patients are evaluated for sporadic renal and bladder cancer, sporadic prostate cancer, familial kidney cancer, and interventional clinical trials.
Molecular Therapeutics
Molecular Therapeutics translates discoveries at the genetic, molecular and cellular levels into improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary (GU) cancers by defining genetically identified oncogenic signaling pathways, identifying new therapeutic targets and strategies, and conducting preclinical and clinical drug and biomarker development. We believe that successful therapeutic strategies to treat GU cancers will require understanding how cancer-associated signaling defects affect cell and organ function, as well as the development of appropriate reagents, bioassays, and cell and animal models for pathway analysis, drug design and testing.
Our Physicians
W. Marston Linehan, M.D., Peter A. Pinto, M.D., Piyush Agarwal, M.D., Ramaprasad Srinivasan, M.D.,Vladimir Valera Romero, M.D., Ph.D., and Mark Ball, M.D.
Our Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners
Nana Yaqub-Ogun, P.A., Rebecca Dolan, N.P., Julia Friend, P.A., Lisa Mac, P.A., Charlotte Payne, P.A., Jamie Bullock, P.A.
Our Patient Care Coordinators
Cris Leite, Emily Jones, Patrica Vanags, Luis Nunez, Lisa Mowell, Janet Gichonge, and Lerkia Parks
Our Research and Registered Nurses
Erin Purcell, R.N., Megan Vaugh, R.N., Debbie Nielsen, B.S.N., Sonia Bellfield, R.N., Caitlin Drew, R.N., Tonesia Gross, R.N., Michelle Diffenderfer, R.N.
Our Clinical Core
Siobahn Telfer, M.D., Jonathan Bloom, M.D., Gustavo Pena La Grave, M.D., Amir Lebastchi, M.D., Patrick Gomella, M.D., Michael Ahdoot, M.D., Sandeep Gurram, M.D.
Our Medical Research Students
Rashid Siddiqui, M.D., Brian Calio, M.D., Joseph Baiocco, M.D., Dordaneh Sugano, M.D.
Our Programmer, Data Managers, and Imaging Specialist
James Peterson, Kristin Choo, Nida Hussain, Donna Drake, and Rabindra Gautam
Our Tissue Processing Facility
Cathy Vocke, Ph.D., Julian Custer, B.S., Robert Worrell, Ph.D., and Catherine Wells
Our Administrative Staff
Brandon Daniels, Gabby Coello, Crystal Fuller, Margot Michels, Rose Jochum
Training Opportunities
Clinical
- Urologic Oncology Fellowships (2 to 3-year SUO fellowship applicants)
- Lasker Clinical Research Scholars (potential for 10 years of support for physician-investigator)
- NIH Medical Research Scholars Program (1-year program for medical students)
- NIH Clinical Electives Program: Urologic Oncology (3rd & 4th year medical students, short-term)
Research
For Students
- Training Opportunities for Students
- Predoctoral Fellowships
- NIH Graduate Student Partnership Program
- NIH Postbaccalaureate Program
- NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research
The JAMA Report: MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy for Prostate Cancer
The JAMA Report: Dr. Peter Pinto talks about MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy for prostate cancer in this JAMA video.
About
W. Marston Linehan
Chief, Urologic Oncology Branch
The Urologic Oncology Branch conducts clinical and basic research designed to develop better methods for detecting, preventing, and treating patients with kidney cancer, prostate cancer and bladder cancer. We evaluate and manage patients with non-inherited as well as inherited forms of kidney cancer. The Branch also has an expanding prostate cancer program. Patients with known or suspected localized and locally advanced prostate cancer undergo advanced MRI imaging followed by fusion image-guided biopsy to diagnose and characterize the cancer. They may then be managed with robotic surgery or be followed with active surveillance and intermittent imaging. In addition, we have a growing program in genomics and targeted therapy for bladder cancer patients, including therapy that targets EGFR, FGFR3 and other mutated bladder cancer genes.
News
The JAMA Report: MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy for Prostate Cancer
Our Science
Dr. Linehan speaks at White House Precision Medicine Initiative Summit
Our Clinical Trials
include renal cell, prostate, and bladder cancers, as well as urologic malignant disorders.Training
Opportunities are available in both clinical and basic research areas with the Urologic Oncology Branch.
Referrals
Main Administrative Office: 240-858-3700
- Available Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Patient Records: 301-496-5981
Referrals and Information about Trials
- Kidney
- Information about Trials: 240-760-6247 | 240-760-6243
- Current Patients: 240-858-3907 | 240-858-3913
- Prostate
- Main Line: 240-858-7200
- Bladder
- Information about Trials: 240-858-3409 | 240-760-6118
- Current Patients: 240-858-3412
Our oncology nurses and practitioners understand both the genetic basis of prostate and urologic cancers and the rationale behind emerging clinical trials. Their knowledge of the basic principles of genetics, tumorigenesis, diagnostics, treatment and surveillance modalities is incorporated into our protocols and practice. When surgery is indicated, the Urologic Oncology Branch offers state-of-the-art procedures. Clinical trial coordinators guide patients and their families through our targeted therapies, and provide assurance by carefully explaining the treatment plan. In addition, genetic counselors provide further information for a wider perspective of various conditions.
For Patients
Support Services
As part of our comprehensive care we provide natural history protocols pertaining to rare inherited and sporadic urologic malignant disorders. We treat these disorders with targeted molecular drug therapies and innovative surgical procedures. Our patients are provided guidance and assistance with appointments, travel, counseling and social support throughout the process and follow up. We also believe strongly in collaborating with your primary care physican (with your permission) to form your "expert care team." Before your first visit, we may ask you to provide medical records, CDs with MRIs, CTs, or PET scans, and a list of medications.
- Consultations are at no cost to the patient.
- After a patient is accepted on a study, treatments, tests and other services at the NIH Clinical Center are also no cost.
- NIH does not cover expenses for medical services at other facilities.
- We are located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, approximately 8 miles north of Washington, D.C.
- The Urologic Oncology Branch Clinic is on the 3rd floor of the Magnuson Clinical Center (Building 10).
- Visitor information is available at NIH Clinical Center - Access and Directions (View Map).
Genetics Counseling
We help patients with rare cancer susceptibility conditions understand the clinical and genetic basis of their condition and the importance of the surveillance plan that will be necessary throughout their life span. We meet with our patients to determine the appropriate genetic analysis to perform based on their personal and family medical history, renal tumor pathology, physical and dermatologic examinations and the results of other clinical evaluations.
Teams
Clinical Programs Overview
Our physicians study families who have rare inherited conditions which predispose to development of kidney cancer. We also see patients without a positive family history who are suspected to have one of these rare genetic conditions. It is the study of these patients and their family members that allow the discovery of new genetic conditions, the responsible genes and new understanding that is the foundation of this Branch and has allowed the successes of the Branch. The clinical team is comprised of one genetic counselor/ protocol manager, nurse practitioners, clinical research nurses and patient care coordinators. Several populations of patients are evaluated for sporadic renal and bladder cancer, sporadic prostate cancer, familial kidney cancer, and interventional clinical trials.
Molecular Therapeutics
Molecular Therapeutics translates discoveries at the genetic, molecular and cellular levels into improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary (GU) cancers by defining genetically identified oncogenic signaling pathways, identifying new therapeutic targets and strategies, and conducting preclinical and clinical drug and biomarker development. We believe that successful therapeutic strategies to treat GU cancers will require understanding how cancer-associated signaling defects affect cell and organ function, as well as the development of appropriate reagents, bioassays, and cell and animal models for pathway analysis, drug design and testing.
Our Physicians
W. Marston Linehan, M.D., Peter A. Pinto, M.D., Piyush Agarwal, M.D., Ramaprasad Srinivasan, M.D.,Vladimir Valera Romero, M.D., Ph.D., and Mark Ball, M.D.
Our Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners
Nana Yaqub-Ogun, P.A., Rebecca Dolan, N.P., Julia Friend, P.A., Lisa Mac, P.A., Charlotte Payne, P.A., Jamie Bullock, P.A.
Our Patient Care Coordinators
Cris Leite, Emily Jones, Patrica Vanags, Luis Nunez, Lisa Mowell, Janet Gichonge, and Lerkia Parks
Our Research and Registered Nurses
Erin Purcell, R.N., Megan Vaugh, R.N., Debbie Nielsen, B.S.N., Sonia Bellfield, R.N., Caitlin Drew, R.N., Tonesia Gross, R.N., Michelle Diffenderfer, R.N.
Our Clinical Core
Siobahn Telfer, M.D., Jonathan Bloom, M.D., Gustavo Pena La Grave, M.D., Amir Lebastchi, M.D., Patrick Gomella, M.D., Michael Ahdoot, M.D., Sandeep Gurram, M.D.
Our Medical Research Students
Rashid Siddiqui, M.D., Brian Calio, M.D., Joseph Baiocco, M.D., Dordaneh Sugano, M.D.
Our Programmer, Data Managers, and Imaging Specialist
James Peterson, Kristin Choo, Nida Hussain, Donna Drake, and Rabindra Gautam
Our Tissue Processing Facility
Cathy Vocke, Ph.D., Julian Custer, B.S., Robert Worrell, Ph.D., and Catherine Wells
Our Administrative Staff
Brandon Daniels, Gabby Coello, Crystal Fuller, Margot Michels, Rose Jochum
For Trainees
Training Opportunities
Clinical
- Urologic Oncology Fellowships (2 to 3-year SUO fellowship applicants)
- Lasker Clinical Research Scholars (potential for 10 years of support for physician-investigator)
- NIH Medical Research Scholars Program (1-year program for medical students)
- NIH Clinical Electives Program: Urologic Oncology (3rd & 4th year medical students, short-term)
Research
For Students
- Training Opportunities for Students
- Predoctoral Fellowships
- NIH Graduate Student Partnership Program
- NIH Postbaccalaureate Program
- NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research
Our Science
News
The JAMA Report: MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy for Prostate Cancer
The JAMA Report: Dr. Peter Pinto talks about MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy for prostate cancer in this JAMA video.