Research Updates in Kidney and Urologic Health

Recent Meetings

Preparing for a Research Career in Clinical Nephrology

Highly trained clinical researchers are needed to capitalize on the many profound developments and discoveries in fundamental science and to translate them to clinical settings. Unfortunately, clinical research training is often fragmentary. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is starting a yearly series on clinical investigation in nephrology that focuses on the skills needed for a successful career in clinical research. The 2-day workshop, held on September 9–10, 2000, included lectures, mentored training sessions in trial design, and mock study sections. The first workshop focused on designing interventional trials, using acute renal failure (ARF) as an example. The workshop was oversubscribed and extremely successful. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has set up a Listserv to facilitate communication among clinical researchers; details are available at http://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=kid-clin-res&A=1 on the Internet.

Design Issues for Clinical Trials in ARF

ARF is a costly, life-threatening illness; mortality has remained high despite hemodialysis and other advances in supportive care. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of ARF has increased because of information gained from animal models. However, translating advances to patient care has been difficult; treatment remains frustrating because of limited therapeutic options. This workshop focused on issues related to designing clinical trials to prevent ARF, to use drugs and dialysis to treat ARF, and to prevent it after transplantation. Advice from participants will help NIH design initiatives to promote research in ARF and set up a multicenter Acute Renal Failure Trial Network to improve patient management.

Workshop on Prostate Growth and Aging

A workshop on "Prostate Growth and Aging," cosponsored by NIDDK, the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), was held last September in Leesburg, Virginia. Approximately 75 scientists attended. Speakers presented an overview of current research, followed by extensive and lively discussion. Topics included animal and cell culture models, cell biology, stem cells, hormonal effects, phytoestrogens, and pathology. A summary is being prepared for journal publication. The information shared at this meeting will be used to help plan initiatives and contributed to a request for applications (RFA) entitled "Role of Hormones and Growth Factors in Prostate Cancer," cosponsored by NIDDK, NIA, NCI, and NIEHS. The RFA can be viewed at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-01-008.html on the Internet.

International Symposium on Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Research

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that results in urinary frequency, which can be severe, and chronic pelvic pain. NIDDK and the Interstitial Cystitis Association cosponsored a 2-day international symposium on "Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Research" last October in Minneapolis. Approximately 150 scientists, clinicians, and patients from around the world attended. Participants gave lectures and presented posters on epidemiology, genetics, bladder neurophysiology, urinary markers, and other treatment and diagnosis issues related to IC and urinary biology.

Third International Prostatitis Collaborative Network

NIDDK and the American Prostatitis Foundation sponsored the third annual meeting of the International Prostatitis Collaborative Network last October. Scientists, clinicians, industry representatives, and concerned patients from around the world gathered in Bethesda, Maryland, to participate in panel discussions, hear presentations, and view posters on the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and basic science of chronic prostatitis. Participants also discussed international clinical trials and database development.

Oxalosis and Calcium Oxalate Stone Disease Workshop

NIDDK and the Oxalosis and Hyperoxaluria Foundation sponsored a November workshop on Oxalosis and Calcium Oxalate Stone Disease in Columbia, Maryland. Participants included experts, who shared knowledge of clinical and basic science related to oxalosis and oxalate stone diseases, and new investigators, who were encouraged to pursue research to fill in the gaps in current knowledge. One focus of the workshop was the development of an international network of investigators who will share data to advance research.

The Science of the Placebo Workshop

Last November, researchers from a wide range of disciplines met to develop a comprehensive, interdisciplinary research agenda to study multiple aspects of the placebo effect, based on a scholarly assessment of the field. Participants reviewed previous work; discussed biological, behavioral, social, cultural, and ethical aspects; and considered statistical and regulatory issues related to the use of placebos in clinical trials. NIDDK and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine organized the workshop with additional support from 19 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies.

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