Albany Medical Center is leading three major urological clinical trials, focusing on new therapies and procedures. These randomized clinical trials aim to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments, surgical interventions, or diagnostic procedures.
Dr. Badar M. Mian, a specialist in prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers at Albany Medical Center, is leading two national randomized clinical trials initiated at the center. He continues to analyze results from a third completed trial. “A large, randomized trial allows researchers to obtain the highest level of scientific evidence,” Dr. Mian explained.
Paul Feustel, PhD, director of the Office of Research Affairs at Albany Medical College and co-investigator on these studies, provides statistical support. “There have not been a lot of multi-center randomized clinical trials originating at Albany Medical Center,” he noted.
One study led by Dr. Mian focused on prostate biopsy techniques and showed that complications after prostate biopsy were among the lowest in the country. The study analyzed patient experiences based on self-reported pain and function levels post-procedure.
The FOCUS-PC study investigates imaging techniques for prostate cancer detection through MRI-targeted biopsies versus image-fusion methods. Dr. Mian highlighted that no previous randomized trials had answered questions about accuracy between approaches.
The ARTS study examines interventions to reduce bleeding or thrombosis risks after abdominal surgery. It aims to enroll 5,500 patients globally and will provide evidence regarding anticoagulation benefits before and after surgery.
Dr. Mian’s research team collaborates with several institutions across the U.S., Canada, and other countries in these trials. “We are pleased that the success of our recent randomized studies has inspired clinicians at other centers to participate,” said Dr. Mian.
