Priya N. Werahera, PhD

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Aurora, Colorado

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).

Talks by Priya N. Werahera, PhD

Accuracy of ExactVu™ Micro-Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Posted by Priya N. Werahera, PhD | Aug 2020

Priya N. Werahera, PhD, Research Assistant Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Bioengineering at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, shares results from a study that compared ExactVu™ Micro-Ultrasound’s accuracy with that of mapping biopsy’s. He specifies that although more studies are needed to confirm these positive findings, this study has shown that the PRIMUS scoring system (similar to PIRADS) is consistent, and that there is potential clinical utility thanks to ExactVu’s™ ability to deliver real-time diagnoses and be used with or without MRI.

Next Generation Sequencing of Microbiomes in Urine Samples of Prostate Cancer Patients

Posted by Priya N. Werahera, PhD | Apr 2020

Priya N. Werahera, PhD, Associate Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Bioengineering at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, discusses the presence of bacteria in the prostrate and that next generation sequencing is the best way to identify microbial DNA in post DRE urine samples. He reveals that cutibacterium acnes strain Type II is the most prevalent bacteria found in PCa patients. Finegoldia magna produces equol and is associated with lower risks of prostate cancer. It is still unclear whether a malignant tumor creates an ideal environment for infection, or if a bacterial infection precedes a carcinoma.

TRUS Biopsy, MRI, and PROMIS Trial

Posted by Priya N. Werahera, PhD | Jun 2019

John W. Davis, MD, discusses the lack of consensus regarding the definitions and benefits of focal therapy for prostate cancer. He defines the patients who would benefit most from focal therapy, as well as overcoming current challenges in this approach.