Rachel E. Carlson

About

Dr. Rachel E. Carlson is a leading urologic oncologist whose research has fundamentally shaped the understanding of surgical outcomes in prostate cancer treatment. Her work centers on two critical areas: the impact of patient-specific factors on surgical success and the comparative effectiveness of different surgical approaches. Her landmark 2008 study, cited 47 times, was among the first to rigorously demonstrate that obesity significantly influences pathologic and functional outcomes following robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), providing crucial preoperative counseling data for patients and surgeons alike. In her highly influential 2015 work (32 citations), Dr. Carlson shifted focus to comparative effectiveness, analyzing patient-reported functional outcomes across open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. By studying high-volume surgeons at high-volume hospitals, she isolated the impact of surgical technique from surgeon experience, offering evidence-based guidance for treatment decisions. Her research is distinguished by its use of robust, patient-centered endpoints and its commitment to real-world clinical relevance, making her a trusted voice in the ongoing evolution of prostate cancer surgery.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Impact of Obesity on Clinicopathologic Outcomes after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

   47 citations · 2008
2. 2
   Patient-reported Functional Outcomes Following Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Performed by High-volume Surgeons at High-volume Hospitals

   32 citations · 2015

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links