Gene therapy for prostate cancer

University of Iowa Health Care urologists are evaluating a novel therapeutic agent that may someday lead to new treatments for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The Ad5-TRAIL gene therapy for prostate cancer research trial is seeking to determine the best and safest dosage for patients. "This is the first use of this type of anti-cancer agent, which was developed at the University of Iowa," said Thomas Griffith, PhD. So far, three patients have participated in early testing of the vaccine with promising results. "Ideally, this novel agent will prove to be safe and kill prostate tumor cells with no harm to normal cells. However, being at the initial stages of the trial, it is premature to make any claims until the data are analyzed."

—Tom Moore

  Hybrid cochlear implant in works

Cochlear implants might not be just for the profoundly deaf anymore: University of Iowa neuroscientists are developing the next generation, a ‘‘hybrid implant’’ to combine the best of bionics with regular hearing aids for age-related hearing loss.

If it works—and early results are promising—it may one day help older Americans whose hearing is progressively fading. The device might also someday benefit people with hearing loss from noise exposure and drugs.

The key difference: Unlike regular cochlear implants, the hybrid model would let people keep their natural music appreciation even as it helps them hear speech more clearly again.

UI otolaryngologist Bruce Gantz, MD, invented the hybrid model now being evaluated at 26 medical centers around the U.S.

— Debra Venzke

From Bench to Bedside

Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck, and the Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory at the UI Carver College of Medicine have partnered to combat Leber congenital amaurosis, an important cause of genetic blindness in children. The Carver testing lab will be the lead research site in a planned genetic testing effort.

One of the most common medical problems for babies born prematurely is neonatal anemia—a deficiency of oxygen-carrying red blood cells that leads to shortness of breath, inactivity and failure to thrive. A team of University of Iowa researchers led by John Widness, MD, has received a five-year, $8.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to better understand, prevent, and treat neonatal anemia. Hypertension researcher Curt Sigmund, PhD, has received a five-year, $1.8 million National Institutes of Health award to continue investigating renin, an enzyme that contributes to high blood pressure. Long-term, the research may help lead to improved therapies for people with hypertension. A visiting Fulbright scholar will collaborate with UI researchers to advance the development of quality care indicators in South Korea. Jeong-Hae Hwang, PhD, will spend 10 months as a visiting scholar, with Linda Q. Everett, PhD, RN, FAAN, director of Nursing Services and Patient Care, serving as Hwang's faculty mentor.

TRIALS OPEN TO PATIENTS

Heart failure
Men and women age 45 and older are invited to participate in research studies about heart failure and mood. The goal of this research is to develop and evaluate counseling treatments for people who feel down or are having a difficult time adjusting to their illness. Compensation is available.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Carolyn Turvey, PhD

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 800-628-8939 or 319-353-5690.

Type 2 diabetes
People ages 18 to 77 who have type 2 diabetes and are taking Avandia or Actos (also called thiazolidinediones or TZDs) are invited to participate in a worldwide research study on controlling blood sugar. The study will compare two different doses of an investigational medicine and TZD compared to placebo  and TZD. Qualified participants will receive, at cost, physical exams and electrocardiograms, laboratory evaluation, nutrition and exercise counseling, a glucose meter, and all study pills. Compensation for travel and participation will be provided.

LEAD UI INVESTIGATOR: Jennifer Robinson, MD

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call toll-free 800-887-6917 or 319-384-5046.