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Prostate Cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is the single most prevalent type of cancer among American men. Nearly one out of 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime and all men are at risk for developing the disease.

The clearest risk factor is age. About 70% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65.

Patient Care

Overview

The strategic battle plan being employed by Hoag Cancer Center in the “war against cancer” includes prevention, early detection, use of standard effective therapies, state-of-the art technologic advances in the areas of radiation therapy and participation in laboratory and clinical research. Hoag also offers programs to provide education and psychosocial support to patients and their family members.

Hoag Physicians

Hoag physicians rank among the most skilled and knowledgeable in the world. The team of physicians includes urologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and pathologists.

Prostate Cancer Coordinator

Sandra Finestone, Psy.D, has been the prostate cancer program coordinator since 1997. Sandy provides information and support to newly diagnosed prostate patients as well as organizing and facilitating regularly scheduled meetings for patients, their friends and family members to learn about prostate cancer, treatment options and coping skills.

Prostate Cancer Screening

The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the chance of cure. Hoag Cancer Center recommends a yearly prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test as well as an annual digital rectal examination (DRE). PSA testing is recommended at age 40 for men who have a family history of prostate cancer.

Prostate (Urologic) Case Conference

Monthly multi-disciplinary case conferences offer surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and support staff to come together to plan treatment options for prostate cancer patients. This forum provides the opportunity for members of all disciplines to share information about innovative new therapies and technologies such as Nerve Sparing Prostectomy and Robotics, which are offered at Hoag Cancer Center.

Education and Research

Education components include a patient library, 7-CANCER hotline, pre-surgical education, and physician/staff education programs.

Support Programs

On a monthly basis, there is a Prostate Cancer Education and Support Program. This provides an educational and supportive forum for men facing prostate cancer and their families, which promotes understanding of the diagnosis and treatment options through presentations, written materials and videos.

Treatment

Surgery

Our board certified urology surgeons operate utilizing state-of-the-art equipment that supports and facilitates surgical interventions, including nerve-sparing prostatectomy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is an integral part of treatment for many patients. Radioactive-seed implant therapy for prostate cancer was initiated in 1997 in a collaboration between urologists and radiation oncologists. Hoag also offers intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), an advanced mode of high-precision radiotherapy to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor or specific areas within the tumor.

Hormonal Therapy

Hoag physicians are excellent in providing hormonal therapy. It is most commonly used to treat cancer that has spread (metastasized) outside the prostate and pelvic area. It may be used in combination with radiation therapy or prostatectomy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be administered through an infusion into the bloodstream, by injection into the muscle or by pill. The goal of therapy is to destroy the tumor cells that are rapidly growing. Most of the time, chemotherapy is administered and care is provided through an oncologist.

Clinical Trials and Investigational Therapy

Trials may include novel new agents, comparisons of currently approved medications or immunotherapy approaches. Research components include access to clinical trials through the Clinical Trials department (949.764.5543).

Frequently Asked Questions

What options are available to me after a prostate cancer diagnosis?

Treatment of prostate cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy or hormone therapy.. Your physician will discuss your options with you. Recommendations will vary, dependent on your particular situation. Which Physicians treat Prostate cancer?

Urologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists are the physicians who treat prostate cancer. Will these treatments cause impotence and/or incontinence?

Some men do suffer impotence and/or incontinence after prostate cancer treatment. Sometimes this is a temporary situation. These issues should be discussed with your physician before you make your treatment decisions.

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