Stephen A. Boorjian, M.D.

The research interests of Dr. Boorjian include the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in the development and progression of bladder and prostate malignancies. His work in particular focuses on study of the steroid hormone receptor pathways in these cancers, specifically the androgen receptor. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in various stages of cancer, here with the androgen receptor, may allow for the development of novel therapies for patients with these conditions.

In addition, he is involved in clinical research activity in the evaluation of outcomes for patients with cancers of the prostate, bladder, and kidney, primarily focusing on patients with high-risk prostate cancer and advanced renal cell carcinoma. His work in these fields utilizes Mayo Clinic?s extensive research databases, which contain information on thousands of patients treated with these conditions to allow for study.

Focus areas

Prostate Cancer:

• Understanding the mechanisms of activity of androgen receptor variants for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
• Identifying predictors of outcome following surgery for high-risk prostate cancer.

Kidney Cancer:

• Determining factors associated with improved survival among patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma undergoing surgical resection.

Significance to patient care

The optimal treatment for patients with high-risk prostate cancer remains to be established. Continued development of systemic therapies for patients with advanced disease, such as through study of the androgen receptor, is needed to improve survival. Likewise, critically evaluating outcomes from treatment for patients with prostate cancer will facilitate the identification of patients most likely to benefit from surgical resection.

Similarly, the treatment of advanced kidney cancer frequently involves the combination of surgery with systemic therapy. Determining which patients with renal cell carcinoma are most likely to benefit from surgical resection remains critical an individualized approach to care.

• President, Young Urologic Oncologists Section of the Society of Urologic Oncology, 2013-2014
• Editorial Board at Large, European Urology
• Editorial Board, Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Disease
• Best Reviewer in Prostate Cancer, Journal of Urology, 2007; 2010