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

Posted by Priya N. Werahera, PhD | Apr 2020

Priya N. Werahera, PhD, presented “Next Generation Sequencing of Microbiomes in Urine Samples of Prostate Cancer Patients” during the 30th Annual International Prostate Cancer Update on January 23rd, 2020 in Beaver Creek, Colorado.

How to cite: Werahera, Priya N. “Next Generation Sequencing of Microbiomes in Urine Samples of Prostate Cancer Patients” January 23rd, 2020. Accessed Apr 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/next-generation-sequencing-of-microbiomes-in-urine-samples-of-prostate-cancer-patients/

Next Generation Sequencing of Microbiomes in Urine Samples of Prostate Cancer Patients – Summary:

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.

About The 30th 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. Dr. Werahera delivered this educational activity during the 30th iteration of the meeting in January 2020.

For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.

About The Author

Priya N. Werahera, PhD

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).

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