Developing an improved transurethral resection (TUR) device for bladder tumors
Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, the technique may be responsible for high rates of tumor recurrence and understaging due to an increased risk of tumor seeding and a significant compromise of histopathologic information. Early repeat resection, new optical technologies, immediate post-TUR intravesical chemotherapy instillation, and novel TUR techniques have been investigated in attempts to work around these shortcomings and improve the prognosis of bladder cancer.
Our goal is to modify the TUR device to allow for tumors to be removed as one solid piece (en bloc) to limit seeding and improve the quality of histopathologic specimens. At the initial stage of this project we will be prototyping TUR devices, testing, and conducting experiments ex-vivo on cystectomy specimens. We intend to optimize the TUR device by implementing novel cutting and extraction methods. The overall goal is to improve the current technology to reduce bladder cancer recurrence rates and improve patient outcomes.
The summer project will focus on conceptualizing, designing, building, and evaluating innovative TUR devices and systems. Experiments will be conducted on cystectomy specimens with subsequent analysis of method efficacy and resulting tumor resection. Example research and development areas to address include: electrosurgery integration, mechanical design increasing tumor size removal, validation, and ease of use.
The BESIP student working on this project should have an interest in learning about cancer treatment and technologies, as well as developing bioinstrumentation and clinical procedures. Working closely with the interdisciplinary team, the intern will gain valuable hands-on experience with multiple clinical and biomedical engineering procedures and technologies, such as mechanical 3D modeling and prototyping, circuit design, clinical imaging, clinical diagnosis, and tissue experiments.
Ahdoot lab: Dr. Michael Ahdoot is a urologic oncologist at the clinical center at the National Cancer Institutes. While the Urologic Oncology Department has many basic science research endeavors, Dr. Ahdoot’s focuses on the development of new technologies to improve cancer treatment. He has a track record of medical device development and through continued collaboration plans to advance cancer care.
Pohida group: Provides electrical, electronic, electro-optical, mechanical, computer, and software engineering expertise to NIH projects that require in-house technology development. Collaborations involve advanced signal transduction and data acquisition; real-time signal and image processing; control and monitoring systems (e.g., robotics and process automation); and rapid prototype development. Collaborations result in the design of first-of-a-kind biomedical/clinical research systems, instrumentation, and methodologies.