The research interests of R. H. Thompson, M.D., include treatment of malignant tumors of the urinary tract, including kidney, prostate, bladder and testicular cancers.
Dr. Thompson's work involves evaluating immune system regulators predictive of outcome as well as evaluating optimal ways to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease for patients with kidney cancer. He is prospectively studying the optimal surgical approach for treating patients with prostate cancer; working to understand optimal treatment for patients with bladder cancer and how management of treatment impacts quality of life; and evaluating the ideal boundaries of lymph node dissection, including lymph node counts for patients with testicular cancer. He is also interested in studying robotic versus open approaches for surgical management of urologic cancers.
Dr. Thompson is a member of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute Renal Cancer Task Force.
- Evaluation of optimal treatment for patients with a small renal mass
- Studying the impact of bladder cancer surgery and its impact on kidney function
- Understanding patterns of recurrence after surgery for kidney and bladder cancer
Significance to patient care
Multiple management options, including active surveillance, are available for patients with early-stage prostate, kidney, bladder and testis cancer. Dr. Thompson is studying optimal ways for patients to be treated, including potential impacts on quality of life.
- Member, Guideline panel for management of small renal mass, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2014-present
- Consulting editor, European Urology journal, 2012-present; British Journal of Urology International, 2012-present
- Member, Renal Cancer Task Force, National Cancer Institute, 2011