Our goal is to provide information on the latest advances in prostate cancer treatment and information on the research and work of Dr. William J. Catalona, Medical Director of the Urological Research Foundation.

Dr. Catalona developed the PSA test as a screening test for prostate cancer. He, and his research collaborators, continue their important work.

The funds and energies of the Urological Research Foundation (URF) are directed to research for the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of the diseases of the prostate and most specifically, prostate cancer.

Dr. Catalona is one of the first surgeons to perform and perfect nerve sparing surgery in radical prostatectomy operations. Dr. Catalona has performed more than 5,000 radical prostatectomies.

Early Treatment of Prostate Cancer

The Early Treatment of Prostate Cancer video was developed to explain the issues associated with the treatment of early prostate cancer. This video is for men who have been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and are trying to weigh the various options.

Click here to watch the video.

Sometimes, when you have an idea of what’s in front of you, you just have to jump ahead

My Response: Two Recent PSA Screening Studies
by Dr. Catalona

Since the publication of the two prostate cancer screening trials in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2009, and the widespread media coverage that followed, Dr. Catalona has been contacted by patients and fellow physicians asking what these studies really mean. This article is his response. Dr. Catalona is very concerned that the misinterpretations and unbalanced media coverage of these two studies will scare many men away from potentially life-saving PSA testing and prostate cancer treatment.

Read this article.

Patrick Walsh, MD, John Hopkins University School of Medicine

Does PSA Testing Save Lives? A Critical Analysis of Two Randomized Trials
by Patrick Walsh, MD

Because the PLCO was poorly planned and executed, the results of this trial are worthless when giving advice to a healthy man about impact on death from prostate cancer if he undergoes intelligent screening with PSA, a prompt biopsy when an abnormality is found, and effective therapy. The PLCO trial was dead before arrival.

"Understanding the details of the two trials could save your life."

Read this article.

Dr. Catalona: Over 5,000 Operations
Dr. Catalona is celebrating a surgical anniversary. He has now performed more than 5,000 radical prostatectomies, more than anyone else in the world. Dr. Catalona is one of the first surgeons to perform and perfect nerve- sparing surgery in radical prostatectomy operations. His patients have come from all 50 states in the United States, as well as from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America

Featured Articles

Sometimes, research is like being in a forest. The details are so important but the overall view makes it hard to see them.

Dr. Catalona was a guest presenter at the VII Congreso de Actualizaion en Urologia Oncologica in Caracas, Venezuela. Shaking hands is Dr. Oswaldo Karan, the founder of Clinica la Florista, the most prominent medical facility in Caracas.

While prostate cancer deaths are down significantly, there is now a decrease in screening which has resulted in a decreased incidence rate of prostate cancer. Dr. Catalona believes the reason for the decreased incidence is that unfortunately, there is less PSA screening due in part to recent anti-screening propaganda. Considering the decrase in mortality rates in the PSA testing era, the leveling off of PSA screening I not necessarily a good direction or good news.

Dr. Catalona explains why he believes the treatment of prostate cancer by removal of the prostate with laparoscopic/robotic surgery could set back by years the successful treatment of prostate cancer and will likely cause many patients to lose their opportunity to be cured.

Opportunities to Participate in Research Studies

New Discovery in Prostate Cancer Genetics

Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Dr. William Catalona offer opportunities to participate in research projects on the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer.

Presently, men can participate in Free Prostate Screenings, A Study in Prostate Cancer Prevention, and A Familial Prostate Cancer Screening Program.

Participation in these programs is at no cost. For more information on these programs including sign-up forms please: Click Here