Jeffrey Tosoian, MD, MPH, joined the Department of Urology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center recently after completing his fellowship at the University of Michigan and will work with the oncology group at the Belle Meade multidisciplinary clinic one day per week, in addition to his regular service on the main campus.
His research, funded by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, is focused on early non-invasive detection of genitourinary cancers, particularly prostate cancer.
“We were lucky to recruit Dr. Tosoian to Vanderbilt. He is truly a rising star in the field and was highly sought after by numerous institutions. His cutting-edge research around biomarkers in genitourinary cancer will bring immediate benefits to patients and push the field forward,” said David Penson, MD, MPH, professor and chair of the Department of Urology.
Across VUMC and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Tosoian is developing the Contemporary Uro-oncologic Specimens and Protocols (CUSP) program, which will implement prospective collection of the 
biospecimens and correlative clinical data essential to basic, translational and clinical genitourinary cancer research.
The CUSP biospecimen initiative will adopt protocols developed through the National Cancer Institute Early Detection Research Network and used by cancer investigators throughout the country. In partnership with the Vanderbilt Center for Quantitative Sciences, the program is developing in-parallel a comprehensive, prospectively-maintained source of key clinical data. Combined, these resources will provide a foundation for innovative, multi-disciplinary cancer research at the institution and with expert collaborators worldwide.
“In the same way that Vanderbilt is a premier center for complex cancer surgery, comprehensive multi-disciplinary treatment and innovative clinical trials, the goal is to continue to be a leading center for genitourinary cancer research,” said Tosoian, also director of Translational Cancer Research.
“The expertise is already here. CUSP will provide our investigators with another invaluable resource to help drive the large, multi-disciplinary efforts needed to improve cancer care. Of course, the ultimate goal is to ensure better outcomes for patients and families impacted by cancer.” he said.
