Priya N. Werahera, PhD

University of Colorado, Denver

Aurora, Colorado

Priya N. Werahera, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Bioengineering at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He received his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 1994. His main research interests are biomedical imaging, optical spectroscopy, bioinstrumentation, computer modeling, and nanotechnologies for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Dr. Werahera is a renowned leader in clinical translational research in prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy with over 20 years of experience. He developed a novel computer algorithm and methodology to create equivalent 3D computer models of human prostate specimens. One of his major accomplishments is the proof-of-concept work on template-guided transperineal mapping biopsy protocol to identify low-risk prostate cancer patients. He led the team of investigators that measured prostate tumor growth rates in humans to find out whether there is a difference in growth rates of latent versus aggressive prostate cancer. He proved that maximum tumor doubling times of latent and prostate tumors are not significantly different, as was previously thought. Dr. Werahera has prototyped a minimally invasive 16g optical biopsy needle capable of diagnosing prostate cancer with very high sensitivity and specificity by inserting an optical sensor at the tip of a biopsy needle (US patent). Dr. Werahera is a Co-Founder of Precision Biopsy Inc. Dr. Werahera has written 60+ peer-reviewed journal and conference publications. He is a Member of the University of Colorado Cancer Center and a Senior Member of the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

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