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Benjamin P. Saylor is associate editor of Urology Times, an Advanstar Communications publication.

The objectives of the trial are to further confirm the recommended phase 2 dose and to assess the efficacy of MVR-T3011. 

Phase 2 trial of oncolytic immunotherapy launches in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC

The NDA is supported by a pivotal phase 3 trial of zoliflodacin vs ceftriaxone plus azithromycin in patients with uncomplicated gonorrhea. 

FDA accepts new drug application for zoliflodacin for uncomplicated gonorrhea

The regimen showed activity regardless of the prior immunotherapy-based combination used in the first-line setting.

Second-line cabozantinib shows efficacy in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Teoh is the assistant dean (External Affairs) and associate professor of the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China.

"As urologists, we are the gatekeepers, and we must always perform the best possible surgery to optimize oncological outcomes," writes Jeremy Teoh, MBBS, FRCSEd (Urol), FCSHK, FHKAM (Surgery).

En bloc resection of bladder tumor: Is it the way forward?

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Clinical Focus

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS; Maha Hussain, MD, FACP, FASCO; Daniel P. Petrylak, MD

18th Annual Interdisciplinary Prostate Cancer Congress® and Other Genitourinary Malignancies

Jason Hafron, MD; Aaron D. Berger, MD; Arpeet Shah, MD

Medical Crossfire® in Adjunctive Testing: Charting a New Course in Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment

Pearls & Perspectives: From Guidelines to Practice—Navigating the TRT Treatment Spectrum, with Alex Tatem, MD

In this episode of Pearls & Perspectives, host Amy Pearlman, MD, sits down with Alex Tatem, MD, a urologist with Urology of Indiana and corporate director of men’s health for US Urology Partners, for a deep dive into the practical and nuanced realities of testosterone therapy.

Together, they unpack what it means to deliver meaningful care in a landscape crowded with confusion, outdated messaging, and inconsistent training. Tatem shares his path from fellowship under Larry I. Lipshultz, MD, to leading national men’s health strategy, blending clinical experience with a personal perspective on testosterone deficiency. He outlines the most effective and sustainable treatment options—from injectables like cypionate and enanthate to newer oral therapies like Kyzatrex—explaining how he customizes regimens based on body composition, aromatization risk, and patient lifestyle.

Pearlman and Tatem dig into the art of hormone management, discussing injection technique, frequency, side effect mitigation, and how to guide patients through formulation decisions. They touch on evolving views around estradiol, the limitations of past training models, and how a few key lab values (like LH, FSH, and prolactin) can dramatically change management—especially in younger men or those considering fertility.

Later, they address broader questions about medical trust, guideline gaps, and testosterone’s misunderstood cardiovascular risk profile. Tatem calls for providers to be the first line of preventive care for aging men, noting that although testosterone has become culturally controversial, proper management is rooted in physiology, long-term health, and personalized care.

Together, Pearlman and Tatem demystify testosterone therapy, positioning it not just as a treatment—but as a critical tool for enhancing longevity, independence, and quality of life.

Explore the latest insights on testosterone therapy, its benefits, and practical applications from leading urologists in men's health.

Pearls & Perspectives: Expanding BPH care & patient choice, with Kevin Zorn, MD, at AUA 25

, host Amy Pearlman, MD, is joined by Kevin Zorn, MD, at the American Urological Association meeting in Las Vegas. They dive into the evolving landscape of 

 treatment—covering everything from personalized care in private practice to research collaborations that stretch far beyond traditional academic walls.

Zorn shares his journey from academia to opening BPH Canada, a center focused on comprehensive, individualized care for men dealing with prostate issues. He explains how moving out of an academic setting has actually allowed him to do 

 research, not less—thanks to flexible structures, external IRBs, and strong collaborations through groups like ICARUS.

They talk about the rapid expansion of BPH technologies and how Zorn’s approach is to offer the full range—not just what’s convenient or available in one setting. “No man should feel steered into a treatment because it’s the only one on the shelf,” he says. From UroLift to Aquablation and beyond, he outlines how shared decision-making is only meaningful when patients truly have options.

Zorn also previews his plenary talk on ejaculatory preservation, calling it a critical piece of informed consent that’s too often brushed aside. They cover what techniques can help preserve function, how to talk to patients about it, and why it’s time to ditch the “less mess” joke.

They close by discussing a supplement aimed at ejaculatory volume, real patient conversations about sex and expectations, and why old questionnaires might not capture the full story. For Zorn, it all comes back to one thing: treating patients like people, not procedures.

Urologists discuss innovative BPH treatments, emphasizing personalized care, and the importance of ejaculatory preservation.

Pearls & Perspectives: Understanding and addressing priapism, with Serge Carrier, MD, and Gregory Broderick, MD

, host Amy Pearlman, MD, is joined by Gregory Broderick, MD, of Mayo Clinic Florida, and Serge Carrier, MD, of McGill University, for a timely discussion recorded ahead of their plenary session at the 

2025 American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting

 in Las Vegas, NV. Together, they break down the clinical and procedural nuances of priapism—from test injections in the office to surgical intervention in the ER.

Broderick and Carrier, both long-time contributors to AUA guideline development, walk through a staged, case-based approach to managing prolonged erections. Pearlman opens with the common scenario of an in-office diagnostic injection leading to prolonged tumescence—an awkward, and potentially dangerous, outcome if not handled properly. They discuss the importance of efficient protocols, availability of phenylephrine, and why sending a patient “to another room to take care of it” is neither practical nor safe.

Carrier emphasizes the urgency of intervention once priapism crosses the ischemic threshold. He outlines what to do when patients show up with erections lasting more than 12 hours, including aspiration, phenylephrine use, and when to escalate to surgical shunting. Broderick reinforces that every minute counts, sharing insights from decades of resident training and why aspiration should be performed until bright red blood returns—signaling better oxygenation and a higher chance of pharmacologic success.

The conversation also touches on the blurred lines between urology clinics and online or non-specialist men’s health centers. With compounded GLP-1s leaving the market, Pearlman and Broderick anticipate an increase in ED treatments from non-urologists and warn of the risks that come with uncontrolled injection protocols. They underscore the importance of ownership—if you're initiating penile injections, you're responsible for teaching, titrating, and reversing them safely.

Looking ahead, the panel stresses collaboration, not criticism, when it comes to non-traditional ED care providers. Their message: priapism is rare, but when it happens, there’s no room for delay, denial, or delegation.

Experts discuss urgent priapism management strategies, emphasizing timely intervention and collaboration for optimal patient outcomes.

Pearls & Perspectives: Evolving role of APPs in urology, with Corinna Hughes, DNP, at AUA 2025

In this edition of Pearls & Perspectives from the 

American Urological Association's (AUA) 2025 Annual Meeting

, Dr. Amy Pearlman sat down with Corinna Hughes, a nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic specializing in outpatient urology. A graduate of Mayo Clinic’s advanced practice provider (APP) fellowship, Hughes has established herself not only as a procedural urology provider but also as a widely followed educator on social media.

Hughes began her Instagram presence in 2020, recognizing a lack of visibility into APP fellowship experiences and career development. Her platform—@UroNursePractitioner—has since evolved into a hub for peer education, mentorship, and insight into the day-to-day realities of practicing urology as a nurse practitioner. With a mix of procedural discussion and humor, Hughes helps demystify both the training path and clinical responsibilities of APPs in this specialty.

The conversation highlighted the growth of urology-specific APP fellowships, which have expanded from 4–5 programs in 2020 to 15 nationwide. Hughes emphasized that while fellowship is not mandatory, it can be critical for those entering subspecialties like urology, especially when institutional support or mentorship is limited. She encouraged prospective applicants to closely evaluate a program’s procedural training opportunities and collaboration with physician faculty.

At Mayo, Hughes practices independently and collaboratively, with a diverse weekly schedule that includes cystoscopies, transperineal prostate biopsies, and a general clinic. She credits Mayo’s team-based approach and emphasis on procedural integration with enhancing job satisfaction and reducing burnout.

Hughes also spoke to the significance of increased APP-specific programming at the AUA. Sessions tailored to APPs, she said, not only support clinical development but also affirm their growing role in urology. As national organizations like the AUA expand opportunities for APP education and engagement, providers like Hughes are leading by example—both in clinic and online.

Follow her work on Instagram at @UroNursePractitioner.

Corinna Hughes, DNP, sits down with Amy Pearlman, MD, to discuss the evolving recognition of APPs in urology. 

Pearls & Perspectives: Future of reconstructive urology, with Ryan Terlecki, MD, at AUA 2025

, Amy Pearlman, MD, reconnects with her former fellowship director, Ryan Terlecki, MD, vice chair of Urology at Wake Forest and a leader in genitourinary reconstruction. Recorded at the 

 in Las Vegas, NV, their conversation explores the evolving definition of reconstruction, emerging surgical education formats, and the practical realities shaping the field.

Terlecki reflects on the growing emphasis on surgical video presentations at specialty meetings such as GURS, noting a generational shift in how urologists consume educational content—from textbooks to digital, video-based instruction. He outlines the logistical and technical challenges of producing high-quality surgical video, emphasizing the need for training programs to build AV infrastructure and digital literacy into their education models. As surgical teaching evolves, so too does the delivery of care, and Terlecki underscores the increasing importance of clinic-based procedures and patient-centered strategies in reconstructive urology.

The discussion also touches on burnout, surgical case complexity, and workforce trends. Terlecki notes a shift away from high-intensity surgeries among some early-career urologists, a reality that programs must acknowledge to maintain sustainability and meet patient demand. The role of international collaboration is also highlighted, with Terlecki discussing his nonprofit work delivering practical reconstructive training in resource-limited settings and how technology—particularly surgical video and translation tools—can help scale impact.

Looking ahead, he advocates for broader inclusion of outpatient and office-based procedures in reconstructive forums and cautions against drawing rigid lines between academic and community practice. Importantly, he calls for embracing wellness and lifestyle interventions—such as weight management—as core elements of reconstructive care, particularly for conditions like buried penis. His message: reconstruction must evolve beyond the operating room to include holistic, accessible, and efficient models of care.

A discussion on evolution of surgical education, importance of video training, and the future of patient-centered care in reconstruction.

Welcome back to Pearls & Perspectives, with Amy Pearlman, MD! 

Pearls & Perspectives: innovation in male fertility care with Larry Lipshultz, MD, at AUA 2025

host Amy Pearlman, MD, sits down with the legendary Larry Lipshultz, MD, professor of Urology at Baylor College of Medicine and a pioneering figure in the field of andrology.

 in Las Vegas, NV, this conversation explores the questions that continue to drive one of urology’s most prolific clinician-researchers—and the answers his team is working to uncover.

Lipshultz discusses his approach to identifying research opportunities, which are often sparked by unresolved clinical challenges he encounters in daily practice. With a fellowship program and a focus on intellectual curiosity, his team aims to consistently produce meaningful research—evidenced this year by 10 accepted abstracts at the AUA.

The latter part of the discussion centers around several of the team's current areas of investigation, including new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for men with 

. Lipshultz describes cutting-edge work using high-resolution ultrasound to localize sperm-producing tubules and a novel technique involving fluorescent tagging and flow cytometry to identify rare sperm cells missed by standard analysis. This innovation has the potential to dramatically shift the landscape for men previously told they could not father children.

The episode also highlights Lipshultz’s groundbreaking work in managing testosterone therapy in 

. Rather than stopping testosterone altogether, his team has demonstrated that it’s possible to maintain exogenous testosterone while using LH (HCG) and FSH to preserve or stimulate sperm production—offering patients a path to fatherhood without compromising their quality of life.

Pearlman and Lipshultz also reflect on how practices have evolved, the importance of pre-treatment semen analyses, and the need for more nuanced, personalized care in reproductive urology.

Discover groundbreaking insights in urology as Larry Lipshultz, MD, shares innovative research and strategies for male fertility challenges.

Pearls & Perspectives: Innovation in male fertility care with Larry Lipshultz, MD, at AUA 2025

Pearls & Perspectives: Martin Kathrins, MD, on MED3000 and learning from failed trials

, host Amy Pearlman, MD, reconnects with Martin Kathrins, MD of Mass General Brigham, to discuss his first clinical trial and new developments in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

In the episode, Kathrins shares his experience leading a pilot study on MED3000 (Eroxon), a topical, over-the-counter treatment for ED. According to Katherins, MED3000, unlike traditional therapies, works through local neural stimulation without biologically active drug ingredients. Originally developed as a placebo, the compound showed unexpected promise and was fast-tracked for wider availability. Kathrins discusses the opportunities—and hurdles—of designing a prospective clinical trial, highlighting the critical support of clinical research coordinators and the logistical challenges of recruiting both patients and partners for participation.

The study led by Kathrins was a 12-week open-label, non-randomized, single-arm trial evaluated the use of MED3000 in patients with ED following bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (bnsRP). Eligible participants had normal erectile function prior to surgery, normal baseline testosterone levels, and no history of androgen deprivation therapy, radiation therapy, or biochemical recurrence. After a 4-week washout from other erectogenic aids, patients initiated MED3000 monotherapy and were assessed at 4-week intervals. Patients were encouraged to attempt sexual intercourse at least four times per month.

Outcome measures included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC), and frequency of climacturia.

Twenty patients were initially enrolled; 19 (mean age 64.6±4.6 years) completed at least one on-treatment assessment, and 17 completed the full 12-week treatment phase. The cohort was predominantly white/non-Hispanic (n=17) with two Black/non-Hispanic participants. Following the washout, ED severity classification was 84% severe, 11% moderate, and 5% mild to moderate.

Across the study, paired t-tests comparing baseline to 4-, 8-, and 12-week scores for the IIEF total score, IIEF-EF domain, SEAR, EPIC total score, EPIC sexual domain, and climacturia frequency revealed no statistically significant changes at any time point. No adverse events were reported.

During the episode, Kathrins emphasized the importance of reporting these "negative" results, as they help refine clinical guidance, manage patient expectations, and identify the right patient populations for future research.

As the episode progresses, Pearlman and Kathrins also explore broader implications for urologists: with MED300 now available OTC, patients are likely to ask about it, and providers must be ready to counsel them appropriately. Kathrins advises caution, noting that while MED3000 may have a role in the broader ED market—particularly among men without surgical histories—its efficacy for post-prostatectomy patients appears limited based on current data.

Kathrins discusses the intricacies of leading a clinical trial and why "negative" trials are important to informing care strategies. 

Pearls & Perspectives: Urology's Role in GLP-1 RA Treatments, with Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD, and Nathalie Eid, BA 

 in Las Vegas, NV, host Amy Pearlman, MD, speaks with Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD, director of Men’s Health at NYU Langone, followed by an inspiring conversation with rising medical student researcher Nathalie Eid, BA, to explore the emerging impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on testosterone levels and 

Sadeghi-Nejad shares clinical and research insights into how the widespread use of GLP-1 medications is reshaping the management of male patients, especially those struggling with obesity, infertility, and low testosterone. He explains the potential mechanisms behind GLP-1-induced hormonal changes, noting that some testosterone improvements appear independent of weight loss—a discovery that could redefine approaches to metabolic and reproductive health. Sadeghi-Nejad emphasizes the importance of cross-specialty collaboration and ongoing patient education around nutrition, strength training, and sarcopenia risk while using these therapies.

In the second half of the episode, Pearlman sits down with Nathalie Eid, a third-year medical student at NYU who recently presented her research at AUA 2025. Eid’s study, conducted in collaboration with Sadeghi-Nejad’s team, examines the relationship between GLP-1 therapy, testosterone levels, and sexual function. Their findings suggest that GLP-1 medications may directly influence hormonal pathways beyond simple weight loss effects, offering a potential new layer of complexity for clinicians managing hypogonadism in patients already undergoing metabolic treatment.

Together, Pearlman, Sadeghi-Nejad, and Eid highlight how urologists must adapt to a new clinical reality where GLP-1 therapies are common—and where their effects extend beyond glucose control and weight management. The episode reinforces the need for closer monitoring of testosterone levels, rethinking lab protocols, and considering how adjunctive therapies like testosterone replacement may need to be tailored when GLP-1 use is in play.

This episodes explores the evolving role of GLP-1 medications in testosterone management and their impact on male sexual health and fertility.

Pearls & Perspectives: Urology's role in GLP-1 RA treatments, with Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD, and Nathalie Eid, BA 

Pearls & Perspectives, with Amy Pearlman, MD

Pearls & Perspectives: Updates in Testosterone Therapy, with Andrew Sun, MD at AUA 2025

, host Amy Pearlman, MD sits down with Andrew Y. Sun, MD, during the 

 in Las Vegas, NV to explore contemporary, practical approaches to testosterone therapy.

Sun, a urologist specializing in male sexual health at a large urology group in Dallas-Fort Worth, shares how his clinical practice has evolved with the growing use of oral testosterone therapies. Together, they discuss the "art" behind managing testosterone deficiency, moving beyond standard injections and pellets to creative strategies that prioritize both symptom relief and long-term patient goals like fertility preservation.

Sun explains how oral testosterone formulations—thanks to their short-acting pharmacokinetics—can preserve some endogenous testosterone production, unlike traditional injections that often completely suppress it. He details how he customizes treatment plans by blending oral testosterone with agents like Clomiphene to boost hormonal levels without fully shutting down the body's own system, offering a more physiologically balanced solution for men who may want children in the future.

Later, they delve into combination therapy strategies, including using oral testosterone alongside injectable TRT to better manage SHBG levels and mitigate side effects like polycythemia and acne—an approach that is gaining traction but rarely discussed in traditional guidelines or research.

Throughout the conversation, Sun challenges outdated perceptions about oral testosterone, emphasizing that modern formulations avoid the liver toxicity concerns associated with older agents like methyl testosterone. He encourages providers to consider oral testosterone as a first-line option for many patients, citing its convenience, patient preference, and physiological advantages.

Andrew Sun, MD, joins Pearls & Perspectives to discuss innovative approaches to testosterone therapy for enhanced health outcomes.

Pearls & Perspectives: Updates in testosterone therapy, with Andrew Sun, MD at AUA 2025

Pearls & Perspectives: Helen Bernie, DO, MPH, at AUA 2025

, host Amy Pearlman, MD, sits down with Helen Bernie, DO, MPH, at the 

 in Las Vegas for an in-depth discussion on some of the biggest questions facing men’s health and urology today.

Bernie, Director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine at Indiana University, discusses her team’s impressive research output, including 10 abstracts presented at AUA. She offers an inside look at the year-long, collaborative process behind their studies, emphasizing the critical role of dedicated research fellows, medical students, and multi-institutional collaborations.

The conversation shifts to  research on the safety of testosterone therapy in men with prostate cancer. Bernie and Pearlman explore how traditional thinking is evolving, highlighting new data that supports continuing testosterone therapy even during prostate cancer diagnosis, surgery, and recovery—challenging long-held fears and offering patients better quality of life. Both stress the importance of early conversations with urologic and radiation oncologists to ensure shared decision-making that centers patient wellbeing.

The episode also delves into clomiphene use in men and its impact on lipid profiles. Bernie shares insights from her practice, explaining how routine lipid and hormone panels can uncover hidden cardiovascular risks in young men presenting for issues like erectile dysfunction or infertility. She underscores the need for a broader, more preventive approach to men's health, rather than simply treating isolated symptoms.

Finally, they discuss the real-world challenges of oral testosterone therapy. Bernie explains findings from a phase 3 study suggesting that starting at higher doses could minimize lab monitoring burdens, reduce treatment delays, and improve patient satisfaction — a critical point for busy clinicians managing testosterone therapy in large practices.

Relevant disclosures for Pearlman include Boston Scientific Corporation. Relevant disclosures for Bernie include Boston Scientific and Coloplast.

Helen Bernie, DO, MPH, joins the show to discuss data from her Indiana University team from the floor at AUA 2025. 

A recap of the FDA submissions and regulatory decisions in urology from May 2025.

FDA updates in urology: May 2025

The single-use test can deliver diagnostic results for chlamydia and gonorrhea in approximately 30 minutes. 

Application submitted to FDA for 510(k) clearance of Men’s Sexual Health Test

The freedom from re-intervention rate was 71%. 

Long-term data point to durable efficacy of Optilume for urethral strictures 

New research reveals GLP-1 receptor agonists may enhance sperm counts in overweight men.

AUA 2025: GLP-1 RAs could improve sperm count in overweight men

A phase 3 trial reveals a combination therapy for premature ejaculation significantly enhances treatment outcomes.

Sildenafil/Clomipramine Combo Boosts Outcomes in Premature Ejaculation

Implantable penile prosthesis treatment for erectile dysfunction was associated with improvements in depression and psychological distress, according to recent data presented at the 

® to discuss these findings and their implication for clinical practice.

He explained, “What [we] found was that those men who received a penile implant had a significant reduction in depression and psychological distress. In fact, it was a 50% reduction in depression, [and] it was a 50% reduction in psychological distress. We did not see a significant reduction in anxiety, which we thought we would have. But again, depression and psychological distress were significantly improved in men who received a penile implant.”

Khera is a professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Mohit Khera, MD, discusses findings showing that Implantable penile prosthesis treatment for erectile dysfunction was associated with improvements in depression and psychological distress.

Mohit Khera, MD, on the impact of penile prosthesis implant on mental health

“What [we] found was that those men who received a penile implant had a significant reduction in depression and psychological distress," says Mohit Khera, MD, MBA, MPH. 

Men's Health

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