Piedmont Oncology Provides Personalized Care for Prostate Cancer
Planning for postoperative treatment begins as soon as prostate cancer has been diagnosed. We take a team approach to caring for patients with prostate cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and navigators work together to provide personalized treatment for each patient. Treatment planning conferences are used to provide patients with a treatment recommendation.
Surgical Treatment Expertise for Prostate Cancer
Surgery is usually the first step in the treatment of prostate cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire prostate gland in an attempt to eradicate the tumor. A second benefit derived from removing the cancer-containing prostate gland is that the pathologist gets a much more accurate analysis of the extent and aggressiveness of the cancer. The procedure is performed using the latest minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery, by a Piedmont urologist who specializes in prostate care.
Radiation Therapy Using External Beam Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage the DNA inside prostate tumor cells. The radiation beam is centered on the site of the tumor or cavity left after surgery. Piedmont radiation oncologists prescribe and administer the treatment using the latest technology, such as intensity modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery. Studies have not shown improved results using proton therapy, but our cancer specialists at Piedmont Oncology believe that at this time, our treatments offer an equivalent result compared to proton therapy.
Hormonal Therapy Treatments
Prostate cancer cells grow faster in the presence of hormones such as testosterone that are produced normally in men’s bodies. There are several ways to block this effect, ranging from removal of the testicles as a source of testosterone, to the administration of drugs that decrease the production of testosterone or block its effect.
In patients with progressive prostate cancer that does not respond to hormonal therapy, there are chemotherapy drugs and a vaccine that can be helpful.
Contact a Piedmont Urologist
To make an appointment with a prostate cancer specialist near you or for questions about treatment options, use our convenient Find a Doctor search.