The General Clinical Research Center (GCRC), located in Parkland Hospital, comprises a research floor where subjects with complex stone disease can be evaluated in an inpatient setting to determine the metabolic causes of their stone disease and to conduct trials evaluating the effect of specific drug therapies or dietary measures or supplements on stone formation. In an inpatient setting, these subjects can be maintained on a controlled metabolic diet, and blood specimens and urine collections are reliably obtained. With these resources, the effect of substances such as orange juice, vitamin C and cranberry juice on the risk of stone formation have been previously or are currently being studied.
The Mineral Metabolism Center has long been involved in the genetic and molecular aspects of stone disease. With the availability of large patient numbers and access to family members of stone formers, the gene for at least one hereditary disorder leading to stone formation, an elevated urinary calcium and associated bone mineral loss, has been identified. In addition, several other disorders associated with stone formation are currently being studied on a molecular level.
In addition, a variety of trials evaluating and comparing the efficacy of different surgical options for the treatment for stones in particular anatomic and patient settings are currently ongoing. A multi-center trial comparing shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy for stones in the lower ureter was recently completed, and a multi-center trial comparing shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrostolithotomy for stones in the lower portion of the kidney is ongoing. With large numbers of patients undergoing surgical procedures for stones annually, we are well-positioned to help answer questions regarding optimal surgical treatment and to design ways to improve the overall care of patients with stones.
For more information about the Department of Urology, contact:
Phone: 214-648-4765, FAX: 214-648-4789
Mailing Address: 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., J8.148, Dallas, TX 75390-9110
