Experts from NYU Langone Health’s , ranked No. 2 in its specialty by U.S. News & World Report, present the latest clinical findings and research at the annual meeting of the American Urology Association (AUA), held April 26 to 29 in Las Vegas.
These are a few of the topics presented:
- online misinformation about prostate cancer
- development of a machine learning model to triage the use of prostate MRIs
- assessment of GLP-1 receptor agonists on testosterone levels, erectile function, and metabolic outcomes in men with obesity and type 2 diabetes
- latest innovations in robot-assisted procedures for management of devastated bladder outlet
“We are advancing the detection and treatment of urologic conditions to offer patients the most up-to-date care possible,” said Herbert Lepor, MD, the Martin Spatz Chair of the Department of Urology and chief of urology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “Our innovative work across prostate and bladder cancer care, sexual function, the effects of GLP-1s, and more underscores our commitment to improving every aspect of urologic care.”
Urology faculty members will participate in more than 30 poster sessions, presentations, podiums, and on-demand discussions at the annual meeting. Below is a snapshot of some of the work that will be discussed.
Prostate 鶹Ƶapp Misinformation: Study Uncovers Myths vs Facts on TikTok, YouTube, and More
Encountering misinformation online and on social media is an all-too-common experience. This can be especially risky for patients seeking medical advice or information online, as Stacy Loeb, MD, a professor in the Departments of Urology and at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and colleagues found in a new study.
The study looked at the most-viewed social media posts about prostate cancer on platforms that included YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and found that over 40 percent contained misinformation. Researchers examined the types of false claims, their sources, why they’re convincing, and their potential impact. The results showed that most misinformation focused on supplements, diet, symptoms, screening, treatments, recurrence, and sexual side effects. Many posts came from individuals claiming to be doctors or medical professionals, despite lacking relevant or valid medical licensure.
“As medical professionals, we must actively guide patients to trustworthy sources and help them avoid misinformation that could negatively impact their healthcare decision making,” said Dr. Loeb.
This research will be presented by Dr. Loeb on April 26, 9:30 to 11:30AM, in Marco Polo 701, Poster IP04-08: Online Misinformation about Prostate 鶹Ƶapp.
Potential Benefits of GLP-1 Drugs on Testosterone Levels and Erectile Function
GLP-1 receptor agonists are commonly used to help people with type 2 diabetes or obesity lose weight and manage blood sugar. New research suggests that these medications may also help males increase their testosterone levels and improve erectile function. However, studies also indicate that the medication may cause muscle loss. Since testosterone plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass, this study examined how GLP-1 drugs affect testosterone levels and erectile function in men, independent of weight loss.
“There’s still much to learn about how GLP-1 receptor agonists impact men’s health,” said lead author Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD, a professor in the Departments of Urology, and and director of urology at NYU Langone’s Preston Robert Tisch Center for Men’s Health. Dr. Sadeghi-Nejad and the research team reviewed the medical records of men taking GLP-1 medications and found, on average, testosterone levels increased after starting the medication, even if weight loss did not occur. Erectile function also improved. However, more research is needed to achieve clinical significance. “I’m excited for future research to investigate the potential role of combined GLP-1 and testosterone therapies to manage patients’ weight, metabolism, and sexual health,” said Dr. Sadeghi-Nejad.
This research will be presented by Nathalie Eid on April 27, 9:30 to11:30AM, in Cassanova 501, Poster IP10-11: Preliminary Assessment of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Testosterone Levels, Erectile Function, and Metabolic Outcomes in Men with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
New Machine Learning Model Helps with Prostate 鶹Ƶapp Screening
Prostate MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing prostate cancer. It helps reduce underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of the disease. While the use of prostate MRI has steadily increased, access remains limited due to resource constraints, high costs, and the need for specialized expertise. As a result, some patients face prolonged wait times, while others may undergo unnecessary biopsies in the absence of MRI.
This study aimed to develop a machine learning model that predicts the likelihood of an abnormal prostate MRI using data from electronic health records. The model analyzed factors such as age, PSA levels, prostate size, and BMI to help prioritize patients who are more likely to need an MRI. The most accurate model that the study developed, called ProMT-ML, was able to predict abnormal MRIs with an accuracy of 75 percent.
“MRI plays a crucial role in diagnosing prostate cancer, and we are leveraging machine learning techniques to develop a predictive model that can help prioritize this test for patients who need it the most,” said lead author Madhur Nayan, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Departments of Urology and Population Health. “I’m optimistic that this model has the potential to enhance timely cancer diagnosis and treatment while also optimizing resource utilization.”
This research will be presented by Jesse Persily, MD, urology resident at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, on April 26, 9:30 to 11:30AM, in Marco Polo 703, Poster MP06-02: Development of Machine Learning Model to Triage the Use of Prostate MRI (ProMT-ML).
New Robotic Approach Saves Bladder from Devastating Radiation Injury
Radiation from prostate cancer treatment can sometimes cause such severe damage to the bladder and urethra that it leaves patients with no option besides bladder removal. In this session, Lee C. Zhao, MD, professor in the Departments of Urology and the at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses a robotic surgery technique to rebuild the urinary passage between the bladder and urethra by removing dead tissue and infected bone and then connecting the urethra to the bladder with a part of the patient’s small intestine.
“Although severe damage from radiation to the bladder is rare, it significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life,” said Dr. Zhao. “This procedure is a crucial step toward helping these patients restore their bladder function and improve their well-being.”
This research will be presented by Amr Elbakry, MD, reconstructive urology fellow at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, on April 26, 7:10 to 7:20AM, in Venetian G, Video 01-02: Single-Port Robotic-Assisted Posterior Urethroplasty with Tubularized Ileal Free Flap Interposition for Management of Devastated Bladder Outlet.
About NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone No. 1 out of 115 comprehensive academic medical centers across the nation for three years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently placed nine of its clinical specialties among the top five in the nation. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across 7 inpatient locations, its Perlmutter 鶹Ƶapp Center, and more than 320 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. With $14.2 billion in revenue this year, the system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise.
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