Priya N. Werahera, PhD, presented “The Microbiome and Prostate Cancer” during the 33rd International Prostate Cancer Update on January 24, 2023, in Vail, Colorado.
How to cite: Werahera, Priya N. “The Microbiome and Prostate Cancer.” January 2023, 2023. Accessed Jul 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/the-microbiome-and-prostate-cancer/
The Microbiome and Prostate Cancer – Summary
Priya N. Werahera, PhD, presents a comprehensive discussion on the role of microbiomes in cancer, highlighting the sensitivity of detection methods and their potential in cancer research. Microbes have been found in cancer tissues and are implicated in the hallmarks of cancer. Analyzing samples using advanced techniques like NextGen sequencing has improved the identification of microbial DNA, facilitating a deeper understanding of the composition of microbiomes in cancer patients.
Studies have shown significant differences in the microbiomes of cancer patients compared to controls, emphasizing the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Specific bacteria, such as Acne bacterium and F. Magna, have been associated with inflammation and soy metabolism, respectively, indicating their clinical significance in cancer. Further research, including analyzing EPS samples and frozen tissue samples, holds promise in unraveling the complex interplay between microbiomes and cancer development.
About The 33rd Annual International Prostate Cancer Update:
The International Prostate Cancer Update (IPCU), founded in 1990, is a multi-day CME conference focused on prostate cancer treatment updates with expert, international faculty. It is led by expert physicians and is designed for urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The 33rd iteration of the meeting occurred January 22-25, 2023 in Vail, Colorado. To view more educational presentations from IPCU 33, visit our collection page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Priya N. Werahera, PhD, is a Research Associate Professor (Retired) in the Departments of Pathology and Bioengineering at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He received his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 1994. His main research interests are biomedical imaging, optical spectroscopy, bioinstrumentation, computer modeling, and nanotechnologies for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Dr. Werahera is a renowned leader in clinical translational research in prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy with over 30 years of experience. He developed a novel computer algorithm and methodology to create equivalent 3D computer models of human prostate specimens. One of his major accomplishments is the proof-of-concept work on template-guided transperineal mapping biopsy protocol to identify low-risk prostate cancer patients. Additionally, Dr. Werahera led a team of investigators that measured prostate tumor growth rates in humans to find out whether there is a difference in growth rates of latent versus aggressive prostate cancer, proving that maximum tumor doubling times of latent and prostate tumors are not significantly different, as was previously thought.
Dr. Werahera has prototyped a minimally invasive 16g optical biopsy needle capable of diagnosing prostate cancer with very high sensitivity and specificity by inserting an optical sensor at the tip of a biopsy needle (US patent). Additionally, he is the Chief Science Officer (CSO) and Consultant of PreView Medical Inc., a startup company which has licensed this technology and is working on development of ClariCore Optical Biopsy System™ for real-time diagnosis of prostate cancer. Dr. Werahera has written over 60 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications. He is a Senior Life Member of the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
