Leading the Quest to Diagnose and Treat Prostate Cancer
The Urology Center at Cedars-Sinai offers the full array of diagnostic tools and treatment options available today. From the digital rectal exam to the PSA test, and from radical surgery to cryosurgery to IMRT, the center's team of experts stands ready to address any need a current or prospective patient may have. Thanks to our multifaceted research activities, patients have access to the most advanced treatments in modern medicine.
A Multi-Faceted Team of Experts
Under the direction of Stuart Holden, MD, Medical Director, the center offers patients urologists, oncologists, laparoscopic and robotic surgeons, hematologists, pathologists, radiologists, oncology certified nurses and other specialists to provide tailored care.
A multidisciplinary review committee and prostate tumor board analyzes each case to form a consensus on the best course of care. The outcome of that review helps patients better understand their illness and choose the best treatment options to suit their needs.
A Choice of Treatment Options
When possible, minimally invasive surgical techniques are used. These options are offered through the Minimally Invasive Urology Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy can be used to remove lymph nodes to check for cancer cells when PSA (prostate specific antigen) values are high.
Laparoscopy can also be used to remove the prostate gland. This allows more precise viewing of the prostate and adjacent organs, magnified at 12 times their actual size. With the enlarged field of view, the surgeon is better able to preserve the nerves that control erection of the penis and to make stitches to reconnect the urethra with the bladder. The impact of these approaches to avoid impotency and incontinence is under study, but show promise.
The Urology Center also offersrobotic surgery.
Another treatment option is freezing of the prostate (cryoablation). This option is for patients unable or unwilling to undergo surgery or other treatments.
Almost all radiation and chemotherapy can be provided on an outpatient basis at the Outpatient Cancer Center.
Exploring the Frontiers of Prostate Cancer Research
The Warschaw Prostate Cancer Center has launched an aggressive campaign to find a cure for prostate cancer. Physicians and researchers at Cedars-Sinai are creating a hub of research information linking leading specialists throughout the nation investigating promising treatments for prostate cancer.
One research focus at the center is the use of gene chip analysis of prostate cancers. This area of research one of the most advanced developments in biotechnology and is greatly enhancing prostate cancer research. The technology allows doctors to screen cell samples to determine which genes are turned "on" or "off." This research may one day lead to more precise screening, diagnosis and treatment techniques for prostate cancer.
In addition, researchers at the Warschaw Center are conducting trials of new prostate drugs to test their effectiveness in treating cancer.
