Creating a digital model to improve bladder treatment for men with prostate issues
Official title: A Digital Twin for Designing Bladder Treatment informed by Bladder Outlet Obstruction Mechanobiology (BOOM)
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10906179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common prostate issue affects the way older men urinate, and it aims to create a 3D model of the bladder to better understand these changes, which could lead to better treatment options for those struggling with urinary problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $614,430 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133434-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906179 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are aging men experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms due to bladder outlet obstruction from benign prostate hyperplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bladder issues not related to benign prostate hyperplasia or those who do not experience bladder outlet obstruction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) caused by benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) affects urinary function in aging men. By developing a detailed 3D biomechanical model of the bladder, the research aims to explore the relationship between bladder wall changes and urinary dysfunction. This model will help identify why some surgical treatments for BOO fail and will guide the development of more effective treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options that are tailored to their specific bladder mechanics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for bladder outlet obstruction, significantly improving the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on bladder mechanics, this approach of creating a comprehensive 3D model specifically for bladder outlet obstruction is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robertson, Anne Marie — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Robertson, Anne Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.