Genitourinary Oncology Program
Program Orientation/Overview
The Genitourinary Oncology Program employs an interdisciplinary approach to treating genitourinary malignancies, which include cancers of the male and female urinary systems (prostate, testicles and penis; kidneys, ureters and bladder). The focus of our practice is to provide state-of-the-art care and develop newer, more effective therapies for our patients. The program’s specialized interdisciplinary team consists of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, technicians, social workers, pharmacists, clinical trial coordinators, case managers and administrative assistants who support the patient-physician relationship. The Genitourinary Oncology Program holds weekly conferences to discuss cases where many different specialists' feedback can be obtained and the next steps for patient care are discussed. This type of interdisciplinary approach leads to highly coordinated, expert, quality patient care and superior patient satisfaction.
About Urologic Cancers
Prostate, bladder, kidney and penile cancers can occur at any age but are far more frequent in older patients. Because Florida has many senior citizens, the incidence of certain urologic cancers is higher here than in other areas of the United States. Until only a few years ago, a cure for many urologic cancers was a rarity. The trend today toward early detection of cancer is expected to lead to improved survival rates. Advances in surgical techniques and radiation therapy have helped to improve the quality of life of many patients with urologic cancers by reducing the incidence of impotence and side effects related to the bowel and bladder.
Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Clinic
Patients can now take advantage of a new clinic for men with prostate cancer. The goal of this clinic is to study and identify treatments that are beneficial for early or recurrent prostate cancer. A number of standard and new therapies are being studied for their ability to lower the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and inhibit the spread of disease to the bone and other distant sites.
Men in whom the PSA is rising after prostatectomy, radioactive seed therapy, external radiation or testosterone deprivation with Lupron, Zoladex or orchiectomy, are candidates for the new clinic. To determine the best course of therapy, patients see an interdisciplinary team that includes specialists in urologic oncology, radiation oncology and medical oncology. Local therapy may include salvage surgery, brachytherapy, external-beam irradiation or cryosurgery. In all cases, patients should be seen at the earliest date possible. This allows the physician to provide a wider variety of treatment options.
Clinical studies also are available for men who are attempting to block the development of bone lesions or the spread of tumors to other parts of the body. For example, two current studies focus on controlling prostate cancer after local therapy and androgen deprivation (Lupron, Zoladex or orchiectomy) has failed. One study evaluates the effectiveness of early adrenal androgen hormone reduction, and the second study evaluates the effectiveness of strengthening the bone to resist prostate metastasis.
Advanced Cancer of the Prostate
A focus of the Moffitt Genitourinary Oncology Program is to provide life-long cancer care to patients with advanced cancer of the prostate. This includes treatment of the tumor, pain, anemia, bone complications, infections, weight loss, prevention of paralysis, blood clots, family and emotional issues and referral to other experts.
An additional focus of the Program is to respond to the needs of patients of advanced age with advanced prostate cancer. The needs and desires of older patients may differ from younger patients. For example, younger patients often choose the most effective available therapies, and they place very little emphasis on potential side effects. The Moffitt Genitourinary Oncology Program works closely with the Moffitt Senior Adult Oncology Program to provide care and develop treatments for older patients.
Additional Information
Moffitt Cancer Center’s consumer site, www.InsideMoffitt.com, has additional prostate cancer information.