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
Patients
receive comprehensive care and guidance from a team of experts.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 within the 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
Our Administrative Staff:
Crystal Fuller
Program Specialist
240-858-3898
Margot Michels
Administrative Assistant (Contr.)
240-858-3966
Rose Jochum
Administrative Assistant (Contr.)
240-858-3971
Referrals and Information about Clinical 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., Ramaprasad Srinivasan, M.D., Mark W. Ball, M.D., Vladimir Valera Romero, M.D., Ph.D.,and Munjid Al Harthy, 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.
Our Patient Care Coordinators
Emily Jones, Patrica Vanags, Luis Nunez, Janet Gichonge, Lerkia Parks, Yvonne Wall, and Bryant Villavicencio
Our Research and Registered Nurses
Erin Purcell, R.N., Debbie Nielsen, B.S.N., Sonia Bellfield, R.N., Tonesia Gross, R.N., Michelle Diffenderfer, R.N.
Our Urologic Oncology Fellows
Siobahn Telfer, M.D., Amir Lebastchi, M.D., Patrick Gomella, M.D., M.P.H., Michael Ahdoot, M.D., Sandeep Gurram, M.D., Nitin Yerram, M.D., and Heather Chalfin, M.D.
Our Medical Research Students
Alex Wang and Luke O'Connor
Our Programmer, Data Managers, and Imaging Specialist
James Peterson, Kristin Choo, 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
Crystal Fuller, Margot Michels, Rose Jochum, Zac Duboff
Our Research
Molecular Genetic Analysis of Genetic Events Associated With Initiation and Progression of Urologic Malignancies. Dr. Linehan and his team identified the genes for the common forms of kidney cancer and described the pathways of these kidney cancer genes. Recent studies targeting the metabolic basis of kidney cancer have resulted in the regression of metastatic cancer in patients with type 1 and type 2 papillary kidney cancer.
Identifying Molecularly Targeted Therapeutic Approaches to Modulate Cancer Cell Growth and Survival. Dr. Neckers’ laboratory is investigating novel intracellular targets for specific pharmacologic intervention. For the last several years, his research has focused on 1) understanding the biologic activity of chaperone proteins, particularly HSP90, in mediating signal transduction in cancer cells, and 2) promoting the translational development of HSP90 inhibitors as novel anti-cancer agents.
Developing Novel Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities for Localized and Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer. Dr. Pinto’s research centers on the investigation of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in prostate cancer to improve diagnosis with mpMRI whole-mount pathology correlation and creation of a tumor-directed biopsy device; development of image-guided focal prostate cancer therapy; and evaluation of immunotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy or other pharmacotherapies in the management of localized or locally advanced prostate cancer.
Investigating Molecularly Targeted Therapeutics for Kidney Cancer. Dr. Srinivasan is developing treatment strategies and clinical trials for patients with both hereditary and non-hereditary forms of kidney cancer. Currently, his team is investigating a variety of newer 'targeted' agents in clear cell and papillary kidney cancer, as well as hereditary kidney cancer syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau, hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (RCC) and hereditary papillary renal cell cancer (HPRC).
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
News from the Urologic Oncology Branch
For the most up-to-date news, follow us on Twitter
CCR researchers show testing with combined biopsy method improves prostate cancer diagnosis
NCI Press Release
Mar 4, 2020
A method of testing for prostate cancer developed at NCI leads to more accurate diagnosis and prediction of the course of the disease, according to a large study. Read more...
Dr. Linehan discusses kidney cancer breakthroughs with the Federal News Network podcast
Sept 30, 2019
In this Federal News Network podcast, Dr. Linehan discussed how kidney cancer is not a single disease but rather a number of different cancers that all happen to occur in the kidney. Learn more...
Marston Linehan receives 2019 Urology Care Foundation Distinguished Mentor Award
May 7, 2019
Marston Linehan, M.D., Branch Chief, has received the 2019 Urology Care Foundation Distinguished Mentor Award. The award recognizes Dr. Linehan's outstanding track record of fostering the next generation of urologic researchers by providing excellent training and guidance to early-career investigators.
Dr. Linehan featured in "The Code" video series from STAT and Retro Report
Apr 9, 2018
"Finding the Code: The Race to Sequence the Human Genome and What it Means" is the first in a three-part series from STAT and Retro Report investigating the roots of today's most promising genetic technologies. Marston Linehan, M.D., is featured for his work on the Human Genome Project. Learn more...
Dr. Linehan receives the 2016 Ramon Guiteras Award
May 9, 2016
The American Urological Association selected W. Marston Linehan, M.D., to be the recipient of the 2016 Ramon Guiteras Award for identification of genes associated with different types of kidney cancer and developing new strategies for their management. The Ramon Guiteras Award is the Association's most prestigious honor and is presented annually for outstanding contributions to art and science of urology. Learn more...
Dr. Linehan speaks at White House Precision Medicine Initiative Summit
Feb 25, 2016
On the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Precision Medicine Initiative, Dr. Linehan participated in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. James Hamblin of The Atlantic on the importance of this initiative. Learn more...
JAMA Report: MR/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy for Prostate Cancer
Jan 27, 2015
In this video report, Peter A. Pinto, M.D., talks about MR/ultrasound fusion biopsy for prostate cancer. Learn more...
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
Patients
receive comprehensive care and guidance from a team of experts.Our Clinical Trials
include renal cell, prostate, and bladder cancers, as well as urologic malignant disorders.Training
Referrals
Main Administrative Office: 240-858-3700
- Available Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Patient Records: 301-496-5981
Our Administrative Staff:
Crystal Fuller
Program Specialist
240-858-3898
Margot Michels
Administrative Assistant (Contr.)
240-858-3966
Rose Jochum
Administrative Assistant (Contr.)
240-858-3971
Referrals and Information about Clinical 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., Ramaprasad Srinivasan, M.D., Mark W. Ball, M.D., Vladimir Valera Romero, M.D., Ph.D.,and Munjid Al Harthy, 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.
Our Patient Care Coordinators
Emily Jones, Patrica Vanags, Luis Nunez, Janet Gichonge, Lerkia Parks, Yvonne Wall, and Bryant Villavicencio
Our Research and Registered Nurses
Erin Purcell, R.N., Debbie Nielsen, B.S.N., Sonia Bellfield, R.N., Tonesia Gross, R.N., Michelle Diffenderfer, R.N.
Our Urologic Oncology Fellows
Siobahn Telfer, M.D., Amir Lebastchi, M.D., Patrick Gomella, M.D., M.P.H., Michael Ahdoot, M.D., Sandeep Gurram, M.D., Nitin Yerram, M.D., and Heather Chalfin, M.D.
Our Medical Research Students
Alex Wang and Luke O'Connor
Our Programmer, Data Managers, and Imaging Specialist
James Peterson, Kristin Choo, 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
Crystal Fuller, Margot Michels, Rose Jochum, Zac Duboff
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
Our Research
Molecular Genetic Analysis of Genetic Events Associated With Initiation and Progression of Urologic Malignancies. Dr. Linehan and his team identified the genes for the common forms of kidney cancer and described the pathways of these kidney cancer genes. Recent studies targeting the metabolic basis of kidney cancer have resulted in the regression of metastatic cancer in patients with type 1 and type 2 papillary kidney cancer.
Identifying Molecularly Targeted Therapeutic Approaches to Modulate Cancer Cell Growth and Survival. Dr. Neckers’ laboratory is investigating novel intracellular targets for specific pharmacologic intervention. For the last several years, his research has focused on 1) understanding the biologic activity of chaperone proteins, particularly HSP90, in mediating signal transduction in cancer cells, and 2) promoting the translational development of HSP90 inhibitors as novel anti-cancer agents.
Developing Novel Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities for Localized and Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer. Dr. Pinto’s research centers on the investigation of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in prostate cancer to improve diagnosis with mpMRI whole-mount pathology correlation and creation of a tumor-directed biopsy device; development of image-guided focal prostate cancer therapy; and evaluation of immunotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy or other pharmacotherapies in the management of localized or locally advanced prostate cancer.
Investigating Molecularly Targeted Therapeutics for Kidney Cancer. Dr. Srinivasan is developing treatment strategies and clinical trials for patients with both hereditary and non-hereditary forms of kidney cancer. Currently, his team is investigating a variety of newer 'targeted' agents in clear cell and papillary kidney cancer, as well as hereditary kidney cancer syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau, hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (RCC) and hereditary papillary renal cell cancer (HPRC).
News
News from the Urologic Oncology Branch
For the most up-to-date news, follow us on Twitter
CCR researchers show testing with combined biopsy method improves prostate cancer diagnosis
NCI Press Release
Mar 4, 2020
A method of testing for prostate cancer developed at NCI leads to more accurate diagnosis and prediction of the course of the disease, according to a large study. Read more...
Dr. Linehan discusses kidney cancer breakthroughs with the Federal News Network podcast
Sept 30, 2019
In this Federal News Network podcast, Dr. Linehan discussed how kidney cancer is not a single disease but rather a number of different cancers that all happen to occur in the kidney. Learn more...
Marston Linehan receives 2019 Urology Care Foundation Distinguished Mentor Award
May 7, 2019
Marston Linehan, M.D., Branch Chief, has received the 2019 Urology Care Foundation Distinguished Mentor Award. The award recognizes Dr. Linehan's outstanding track record of fostering the next generation of urologic researchers by providing excellent training and guidance to early-career investigators.
Dr. Linehan featured in "The Code" video series from STAT and Retro Report
Apr 9, 2018
"Finding the Code: The Race to Sequence the Human Genome and What it Means" is the first in a three-part series from STAT and Retro Report investigating the roots of today's most promising genetic technologies. Marston Linehan, M.D., is featured for his work on the Human Genome Project. Learn more...
Dr. Linehan receives the 2016 Ramon Guiteras Award
May 9, 2016
The American Urological Association selected W. Marston Linehan, M.D., to be the recipient of the 2016 Ramon Guiteras Award for identification of genes associated with different types of kidney cancer and developing new strategies for their management. The Ramon Guiteras Award is the Association's most prestigious honor and is presented annually for outstanding contributions to art and science of urology. Learn more...
Dr. Linehan speaks at White House Precision Medicine Initiative Summit
Feb 25, 2016
On the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Precision Medicine Initiative, Dr. Linehan participated in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. James Hamblin of The Atlantic on the importance of this initiative. Learn more...
JAMA Report: MR/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy for Prostate Cancer
Jan 27, 2015
In this video report, Peter A. Pinto, M.D., talks about MR/ultrasound fusion biopsy for prostate cancer. Learn more...