SUMMARY
The research of Mark D. Tyson II, M.D., M.P.H., mainly focuses on learning more about and treating urologic cancers, with an emphasis on surgeries for bladder cancer. These procedures include cystectomy, which is a surgery to remove the bladder, and orthotopic bladder substitution, which is a surgery to create a new bladder. His work spans clinical and translational research.
Dr. Tyson aims to improve surgical outcomes, enhance recovery and reduce complications related to bladder cancer surgeries. He uses an approach that draws from many disciplines. Dr. Tyson uses new surgical techniques, patient-centered care strategies and innovative technologies to learn more about the pathology of urologic cancers. He works with cross-functional teams to create more-effective and less invasive treatments that can be personalized to each patient's needs and improve a patient's quality of life after surgery.
Focus areas
- Optimization of surgical techniques in bladder removal. Dr. Tyson refines and improves surgical methods for cystectomy, focusing on less invasive treatments and better patient recovery. In his research, he creates and evaluates single-incision robotic surgical approaches to reduce the length of hospital stays and improve patient outcomes after surgery.
- Clinical research in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, also known as NMIBC. Dr. Tyson leads clinical studies to transform how patients with NIMBC are treated and monitored. This includes studies on whether and how patients with NMIBC respond to a type of immunotherapy called bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).
- Urine-based molecular testing to monitor NMIBC. Dr. Tyson's research includes a critical comparison between urine-based molecular testing and cystoscopy to monitor NMIBC. The focus is on what patients prefer and how satisfied they are with noninvasive monitoring methods. This work evaluates the effectiveness, convenience and patient-reported outcomes related to urine-based molecular diagnostics as a less invasive alternative to traditional cystoscopy.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Tyson's research significantly advances patient care in the field of urology. This is particularly true for patients undergoing bladder removal surgery and being treated for NMIBC. By optimizing surgical techniques, including developing single-incision robotic cystectomy, Dr. Tyson is making treatments less invasive and improving recovery times.
Dr. Tyson's leadership in clinical trials introduces new treatments for BCG-naive and BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. This work addresses critical unmet needs in bladder cancer treatment. Also, his comparative studies on urine-based molecular testing versus cystoscopy aim to refine NMIBC monitoring to make sure patients are as comfortable and satisfied as possible while maintaining strict monitoring standards. These efforts underscore Dr. Tyson's commitment to creating patient-centered, innovative care approaches that not only advance how a treatment is done but also make quality of life much better for patients with bladder cancer.
Professional highlights
- Vice chair, Surgical and Procedural Committee, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 2023-present.
- Vice chair for research, Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 2020-present.
- Chair, Surgical Quality Subcommittee, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 2018-present.
- Educator of the Year Award — Research, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2019, 2022.
- Top-Performing Provider Patient Experience Award, Office of Patient Experience, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 2020-2022.
- Assistant editor, Journal of Urology, 2018-2022.
- Kern Health Care Delivery Scholar, Mayo Clinic, 2018-2021.
- Christian Haub Family Career Development Award in Cancer Research, Mayo Clinic, 2018.
- The Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Institutional Research Training Grant (T32), National Cancer Institute, 2016-2017.