What Is Focal Laser Ablation
Patient Dr. Michael Bedecs tells his story
Laser ablation generates intense heat that completely encompasses the targeted area. Under real-time MRI guidance, a special optical fiber is guided precisely into place at the core of the tumor. When activated, the laser emitted at the tip of the fiber destroys the tumor within minutes while special tracking called thermometry confirms the proper temperature. Afterward, multi-parametric MRI scans reveal that the destruction is complete, and the laser fiber is removed.
Did you know Focal Laser Ablation can ease the symptoms of BPH?
What Causes Prostate Cancer
Yes, the statistics are frightening! According to the American Cancer Society, almost 250,000 prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed annually in the United States and will result in 29,000 deaths every year. But, with prevention strategies, early diagnosis and new treatment options, you dont have to become one of these statistics.
While the causes of prostate cancer are still unknown, some risk factors for the disease, such as advancing age and a family history of prostate cancer, have been identified. Medical professionals and cancer researchers believe prostate cancer is not related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia . Some of prostate cancers identified risk factors include:
Age The chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age.
Genetics African American men have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer than do men of Japanese or Hispanic origin. Men with a Scandinavian background also have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Learn more about African American mens risk of developing prostate cancer by reading Dr. Pugachs blog.
Heredity A person whose father, brother, paternal grandfather or uncle has been diagnosed with prostate cancer is at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer.
Hormonal influences While testosterone directly stimulates the growth of both normal prostate tissue and, perhaps, prostate cancer cells, the link between it and prostate cancer development is questionable.
Prostate Theranostics And Imaging Centre Of Excellence
The centre of excellence is funded by a grant from the Prostate Cancer Foundation and comprises a multi-disciplinary team including nuclear medicine, medical oncology, radiation oncology, urology and laboratory-based doctors and researches with a strong patient-centred philosophy.
ProsTIC performs state-of-the-art research to deliver new paradigms for treatment of prostate cancer driven by seamless integration of clinical trials, pre-clinical and discovery research.
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre building305 Grattan Street
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What Can Be Expected After Treatment Using Focal Therapy
Patients treated with focal therapy still need to be actively monitored afterwards. This includes watching for disease that may have gone undetected, has returned, is spreading, or is appearing for the first time. If follow-up tests show that some of the treated cancer still remains, additional ablation, surgery, or radiation may be needed.
What Treatments Are Used In Focal Therapy For Localized Prostate Cancer
Focal therapy uses ablation, which is the use of extreme temperatures to destroy tissue. In focal ablation, the area of the prostate that contains the index lesion is targeted, rather than treating the entire prostate gland. Focal ablation techniques include:
- Cryotherapy: The use of very cold gases passed through needles to freeze and destroy cancer tissue.
- HIFU : The use of high-frequency sound waves directed at the tumor through an ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum. The high intensity waves cause the diseased tissue to heat up and die.
- : A drug called a photosensitizer is injected into the bloodstream. This drug then absorbs light rays directed at the tumor, and produces an active form of oxygen that destroys cancer cells.
- Laser ablation: The use of laser radiation energy pinpointed to a very small area to burn away cancerous tissue. Some laser ablation has the advantage of being able to be performed at the same time as magnetic resonance imaging , allowing very specific targeting and also real-time views of results.
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Personalized Care And Improved Quality Of Life
Our care team understands that each case is unique, while we treat every patient with dignity and compassion. We understand the challenges of coping with cancer and other life-changing decisions, and we are ready to guide you every step of the way. With an outcomes-based approach and our multi-disciplinary team, we work to develop the most optimal treatment plan for you based on your needs and the input of many of our oncologists, pathologists, and scientists. clinical excellence is our commitment to you.
Welcome to the Urology and Urologic Oncology Center of Excellence at Saint Johns Cancer Institute.
Im just amazed at how many wonderful doctors are all in one place. -R.T.
Dr. Linehan was able to quickly diagnose my symptoms. Im so thankful. She is super compassionate, intelligent, and caring. Go see Dr. Linehan! -M.W.
When it comes to robotic surgery, Dr. Wilson is an expert. He is truly gifted and yet approachable. I am thankfully moving on with my life. -R.E.
Why Pacific Coast Urology Center Of Excellence For Treating Prostate Cancer
At Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, minimally invasive procedures are at the heart of our treatment programs for prostate cancer. The overriding philosophy of our diagnosis and treatment programs is to cure prostate cancer without causing significant side effects so your quality of life will not be negatively affected.
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Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
One of only 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States. Sylvester is one of only two cancer centers in Florida that have been recognized by the National Cancer Institute. The team earned this distinction through its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
Advanced radiation oncology tools. Sylvester is one of only five medical centers in the country with ViewRay MRI-guided radiation therapy. Our RapidArc® radiotherapy system delivers intensity modulated external radiation therapy . These tools lead to more efficient and effective treatments, shorter treatment times, pinpoint accuracy in tumor targeting, and less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
More cancer clinical trials than any other South Florida hospital. If appropriate for your cancer and stage, our clinical trials provide you with easy access to the very newest ways to treat and potentially cure your cancer.
The only designated Cancer Center of Excellence in South Florida. We treat cancer, and only cancer, giving you the best potential outcomes. The likelihood of surviving cancer after five years at a Dedicated Cancer Center is 17 percent higher than at other hospitals.
Breast And Gynecologic Oncology System Of Excellence
VA is building a Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence to provide cutting-edge cancer care for women Veterans, the fastest growing group within the Veteran population. Currently, VA is building the infrastructure necessary to screen for and aggressively treat breast and gynecological cancers affecting women Veterans.
VA is also partnering with national leaders in cancer research and care to transform cancer prevention, treatment, and outcomes, while continuing to provide coordinated, integrated patient-centered care. Through current partnerships with the National Cancer Institute, Duke University, and others, VAs Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence is uniquely situated to provide care via TeleOncology and decentralized clinical trials to women Veterans nationwide.
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Supportive Oncology And Urology Care
In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team address these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.
Additionally we recognize that urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction can be important factors in prostate cancer survivorship and our team of urology experts offer multiple options to help you manage these conditions. To request an appointment, contact our urology team at .
Center Of Excellence In Ex
Ex-vivo organ perfusion , pioneered at Cleveland Clinic, is rapidly emerging as a potentially superior preservation technology over cold storage in clinical transportation. To date, 10 patients have received successful transplants using EVOP. The goal of this Center of Excellence is to advance basic and clinical liver preservation research and establish the worlds first clinical organ ICU. Since liver transplantation remains the only chance of a cure for end-stage liver disease, improving transplant organ quality is critical for caring for these patients and will help close the gap between patient need and available organs.
Lerner Research Institute – Neurosciences
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How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed
It starts with a brief digital rectal exam and PSA blood test. If either of these is abnormal, the next step is a 10 minute biopsy procedure done in our office. We inject lidocaine before your biopsy so youll feel almost nothing during the procedure. While some men want to avoid procedures like a biopsy, there is currently no other way to diagnose prostate cancer. Other tests, like the state-of-the-art multiparametric MRI, may also be recommended.When prostate cancer is diagnosed from the biopsy tissue, the pathologist will grade the tissue sample using the Gleason scale. This looks at the most common patterns of prostate cancer cells and provides guidance about how aggressive a particular prostate cancer may be. We also use molecular testing to further understand the likelihood of cancer spreading in the future to help you make an informed decision about treatment.
Remember, the purpose of screening is to identify early, tiny, or even microscopic cancers that are confined to the prostate gland to give you the widest range of options so you can choose when and how your cancer will be treated.
Lung Precision Oncology Program
To build the Lung Precision Oncology Program into a System of Excellence for Lung Cancer, VA is prioritizing screening to identify early-stage lung cancer improving access for Veterans with advanced lung cancer to precision oncology clinical trials and enabling rapid translation of discoveries into clinical care. To achieve these goals, VA has identified sites across all 18 VISNs to serve as centralized sites that can leverage VA facilities for screening capabilities, radiation oncology, research pharmacists, and equipment.
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Clinical Centers Of Excellence
The purpose of the Clinical Centers of Excellence series is to recognize those institutions that bring something extra to the specialty, whether through research, patient care, community outreach, or all of these areas.
Quality medical care can be found in every specialty and in every corner of the country. Sometimes, though, through a combination of talent, hard work, resources, funding, and leadership, a clinical center rises above the pack in certain specialties.
With this issue of Urology Times, we launch a new series about Clinical Centers of Excellence. The first installment looks at centers that excel in the area of prostate cancer.
The purpose of the series is to recognize those institutions that bring something extra to the specialty, whether through research, patient care, community outreach, or all of these areas. It is designed to provide physicians with a valuable tool when considering where to refer challenging cases.
Geography is a factor as well: Patients, after all, are more likely to visit a center that is nearby than one across the country.
The institutions profiled in this issue-Cleveland Clinic, the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, the Mayo Clinic, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center-have prostate cancer programs that are among the finest in the country.
Clinical Centers of Excellence:
Tiffany Barrett Ms Rd Cso Ld
- Nutrition Advisor
- Ms. Barrett leads the nutritional services team at all Winship locations providing personalized nutrition advice to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
- Manager of Winship Dietitians, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- Dr. Bausum supports patients with cancer by incorporating a variety of integrative medicine tools alongside patients’ conventional oncology care regimens.
- Integrative Oncology Specialist, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
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Center Of Excellence In Brain Tumor Research And Therapeutic Development
Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Unfortunately, GBM uniformly becomes resistant to treatment. Research from this Center of Excellence seeks to overcome the therapeutic resistance commonly associated with GBM by targeting elements of the tumor microenvironment that enable cancer cells to grow and spread.
Pediatric Cardiology
The Initial Causes Sperling Prostate Center
One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.
Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.
If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
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Aus Prostate Cancer Center Of Excellence Ranked 14th In The Nation
Associated Urological Specialists Prostate Cancer Center was found to have one of the highest rankings in the entire country, based on Specialty Networks Advanced Prostate Cancer Centers of Excellence concept presented during their Fall 2020 national conference, and formally launched in March 2021. This is a meaningful distinction as the study, and the data available from it, is intended to help prostate cancer centers drive continuous improvements, with the ultimate purpose of getting every patient to appropriate care at the right time.
With additional pressures on administrators and physicians time, it has become increasingly difficult to ensure each patient gets the appropriate care at the right time that no patient falls outside the care protocol or is lost to follow-up. Dr. Aaron Berger, APC Champion of the AUS Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence, pointed out how valuable research from this study helps their own goals.
The management of advanced prostate cancer is rapidly changing, he states. Our goal is to make sure that all of our patients understand all of their prostate cancer treatment options including the latest advances in surgery, hormonal treatments, immunotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, genetic testing, and bone health. Dr. Berger also points out, Our Advanced Prostate Cancer team focuses on not only treating the cancer, but striving to maintain and often improve a patients quality of life.
About Associated Urological Specialists
Bradley C Carthon Md Phd
- Medical Oncologist
- As part of the genitourinary oncology team, Dr. Carthon treats patients with prostate, bladder, and renal cancers and other genitourinary malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- A board certified urologist, Dr. Cimmino addresses oncofertility and erectile dysfunction symptoms in male prostate cancer patients.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine
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Symptomatic treatment of an enlarged prostate usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be the best option if you suffer from chronic urination. It will help the body adjust to the increased size of the prostate. Also, taking regular urination intervals will help retrain the bladder to function properly. Inactivity also contributes to urine retention, and cold temperatures can increase the urge to urinate.
Invasive treatment of enlarged prostate includes medication that relieves the pressure on the urethra and bladder. However, if the condition is severe, it may require surgical intervention. If treatment is not successful, the enlarged prostate can become a potentially life-threatening disease. As the hormone levels in the body change, the enlarged prostate can lead to various complications, including urinary retention and even cancer. This is why it is critical to see a doctor for further evaluation.
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Morgan Bettini Ms Rd Ld E
- Nutrition Advisor
- Ms. Bettini has a passion for connecting with patients through evidence based nutrition.
- Registered Dietitian, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- Dr. Bilen is actively involved in clinical research and patient care in the area of genitourinary cancers.
- Director, Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- Ms. Bond offers personalized nutrition advice to optimize health throughout the stages of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- Dr. Brachman provides patients with cancer with relief from their symptoms and helps improve their quality of life throughout their journey.
- Assistant Medical Director, Outpatient Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory Healthcare
- Dr. Brown specializes in treating patients with genitourinary cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- Mr. Brown works with gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breast cancer, brain cancer, gynecological, aerodigestive, and sarcoma patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- Dr. Browne’s primary clinical focus is in general urology and endourology, including treatment of urologic cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine
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