Dr. Brian T. Helfand, MD, PhD

Expert Publications

• Fast transport of neurofilament protein along microtubules in squid axoplasm.
• New horizons in cytoskeletal dynamics: transport of intermediate filaments along microtubule tracks.
• A requirement for cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin in intermediate filament
• Rapid transport of neural intermediate filament protein.
• A specific mechanism of nonspecific inhibition.
• The dynamic and motile properties of intermediate filaments.
• A role for intermediate filaments in determining and maintaining the shape of nerve cells.
• Intermediate filaments are dynamic and motile elements of cellular architecture.
• Intermediate filament proteins participate in signal transduction.
• Comparison of prostate specific antigen velocity in screened versus referred patients with prostate cancer.
• Complications of open radical retropubic prostatectomy in potential candidates for active monitoring.
• Ureterovaginal fistula formation after oocyte retrieval.
• Tumor characteristics of carriers and noncarriers of the deCODE 8q24 prostate cancer susceptibility alleles.
• Retrieval of migrated ureteral stents by coaxial cannulation with a flexible ureteroscope and paired helical basket.
• Holmium laser prostatic resection for patients presenting with acute urinary retention.

Clinical Trials

• Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Phenotyping Study

Media Releases

Get to know Urologist Dr. Brian T. Helfand, who serves patients in Illinois.

Dr. Helfand is the Chief of the Division of Urology and the Ronald L. Chez Family and Richard Melman Family Endowed Chair at NorthShore University HealthSystem. He is Director of the Personalized Prostate Program and Director of Clinical Research in the Program for Personalized Cancer Care (PPCC). 

An active surgical scientist, he is involved in the care of patients with prostate cancer. His clinical care and research is focused on the implementation of genetic tests and biomarker studies for prostate cancer.

The experienced, collaborative team of specialists at NorthShore University HealthSystem combines the most advanced scientific knowledge and technology with a comprehensive and compassionate approach to care, creating a program of personalized medicine and patient-centered care for each individual diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

Academically, Dr. Helfand completed his undergraduate degree at Emory University. He earned his medical degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cell & Molecular Biology and Genetics from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his internship and residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, and his fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Subsequent to his education, the doctor attained board certification in urology through the American Board of Urology (ABU). The mission of the ABU is to act for the benefit of the public by establishing and maintaining standards of certification for urologists, and working with certified urologists to achieve lifelong learning to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe, and ethical urologic care.

As for his academic appointment, Dr. Helfand is a Clinical Professor within the Department of Urology at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Previously, he held a faculty position with the Department of Urology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

An internationally-known urologist and genomic translational researcher, he has received multiple grants from the NIH and has published over 140 peer-reviewed manuscripts in journals such as Nature Genetics, The Journal of Cell Biology, and Science Translational Medicine. 

Involved in national and international research collaborations, Dr. Helfand is an active member of the International Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (ICPCG), the Prostate Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE), the IMPACT) study, and the Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN). 

His current research goals are focused on germline genetic variations and mutations. He is determined to use this information to assist in personal and informed clinical decision-making about prostate cancer screening and treatment for patients and their family members.

Urology, also known as genitourinary surgery, is the branch of medicine that focuses on surgical and medical diseases of the male and female urinary-tract system and the male reproductive organs. Urologists specialize in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Patients may be referred to a urologist if their physician suspects they may need treatment for a condition relating to the bladder, prostate, urethra, ureters, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

Recognized as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly Magazine, Dr. Helfand has been the recipient of the Chicago Magazine Top Doctor Award (2021), Patients’ Choice Award (2020, 2018, 2017, 2016), On-Time Doctor Award (2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015), Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015), and Compassionate Doctor Award – 5 Year Honoree (2020).

On a more personal note, he is fluent in both English and Spanish.

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