Pelvic fascia-sparing prostate surgery
Official title: Pelvic fascia spARing radical prostatectomy TrIAL (PARTIAL)
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11191706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research compares a pelvic fascia-sparing prostate removal to standard prostate surgery to try to lower long-term urinary and sexual side effects for men with localized prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 4, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,257 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA259173-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11191706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with localized prostate cancer who are planning radical prostatectomy and are medically eligible and willing to be randomized between surgical approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, those who are not surgical candidates, or those with prior pelvic radiation or surgery are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
What this research studies
If you have localized prostate cancer and are considering prostate removal, this study randomly assigns men to a new pelvic fascia-sparing surgical approach or to the usual surgery. Doctors at multiple hospitals will follow patients for years to measure urinary control, erectile function, penile changes, hernia risk, and cancer outcomes. The team uses methods designed to enroll more patients across centers and maintain longer follow-up than prior small studies. Results will show whether the fascia-sparing approach improves quality of life without compromising cancer control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the fascia-sparing approach could reduce long-term urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and penile changes while keeping cancer control similar to standard surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Several small retrospective series have reported notably better urinary and sexual outcomes with pelvic fascia-sparing surgery, but large randomized trials with long-term oncologic follow-up have not yet been done.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Jim — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Hu, Jim
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New Diaphragm-like implant to prevent urinary leakage after prostate cancer surgery
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Pelvic fascia-sparing radical prostatectomy: a better-path to fewer side effects
A large research project tests a new surgical approach for prostate cancer that may reduce urinary leakage and erectile problems after surgery.
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Preserving Erectile Function during Robotic Prostate Surgery by Measuring Nerve-Sparing Technique
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This project develops cameras and safe fluorescent dyes to show prostate cancer margins and nearby nerves in real time during prostate removal surgery for men with prostate cancer.
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PSMA-PET imaging to guide prostate removal and protect nerves
This will see if a PSMA-PET scan using the 68Ga-P16-093 tracer can help surgeons choose nerve- and muscle-sparing surgery versus wider removal for men having prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
-
Using yoga to help veterans with prostate cancer manage side effects after surgery
This study is looking at how a special yoga program can help veterans who have had prostate cancer surgery feel better by easing issues like erectile dysfunction and urinary problems, and it’s designed to support their mental health too, with sessions available both in-person and online.
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.