Matthew T. Gettman, M.D.

Location

SUMMARY

Matthew T. Gettman, M.D., researches improved methods of screening and early detection in urologic cancers. He also researches prognostic molecular markers in prostate, bladder and kidney cancers, and quality improvement in outcomes for minimally invasive and novel robotic surgery platforms in urologic surgery. Dr. Gettman focuses on patient perceptions and the clinical impact of telemedicine in urology.

Focus areas

• Screening and early detection modalities in urologic cancers. Dr. Gettman collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of clinical, translational and basic science researchers from Mayo Clinic. The team uses urine, blood and tissue specimens in the discovery and development of screening, early detection and prognostic tests for these cancers.
• Quality improvement in outcomes after minimally invasive and robotic urologic surgery. Dr. Gettman and colleagues have designed several outcome and quality initiatives to improve the value of urologic surgery. To date, these initiatives have examined the impact of single- and multiport robotic vs. standard open surgery on oncologic control, quality of life, and perioperative outcomes. They are currently working on studies that compare the long-term outcomes of robotic vs. standard open surgery for prostate cancer treatments. Dr. Gettman also investigates the impact of wearable devices in perioperative monitoring after urologic surgery.
• Perioperative analgesia. Dr. Gettman pursues additional research on the topic of perioperative analgesia after urologic surgery with special emphasis on mitigating the use of opioid analgesics.

Significance to patient care

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, yet screening with prostatic-specific antigens is less than optimal. New and improved testing is needed. Currently, there are no screening tests for kidney cancer, and tests for bladder cancer are not highly reliable. Dr. Gettman's goal is to develop improved prostate and bladder cancer tests and the first screening and early detection test for kidney cancer. Collectively, the impact of an effective screening test in urologic cancer can spur better definitive management of those cancers with improvement in survival and quality-of-life outcomes.