Prostate Oncology Specialists
We are medical oncologists, internists specifically trained to diagnose and treat all types of cancer. Since 1995, we have restricted ourselves to treating prostate cancer. Strangely, even though millions are living with prostate cancer, less than a hundred medical oncologists actually specialize in treating it. Almost all these specialists are located at academic centers focusing on research. In the whole country, we are one of only a couple private centers devoted exclusively to treating prostate cancer.
As medical oncologists and internists, we do not have a preset agenda for one specific treatment such as surgery or radiation. All treatments, including active surveillance, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, radiation, brachytherapy, cryotherapy, nutritional and alternative therapies, HIFU and chemotherapy are given consideration.
Please be advised that with prostate cancer, surgeons dominate the picture. Of the more than 10,000 doctors in the U.S. who treat prostate cancer, 99.9% are urologists. Urologists are in control because they are first in line to talk to the patient after a biopsy shows cancer. Urology training strongly emphasizes developing certain technical surgical skills. With multiple repetitions, surgical skill is enhanced. Unfortunately, most urologists never get enough practice to stay proficient. In 2005 the Journal of Urology reported that 20% of the urologists in the state of New York performed a single prostate operation annually. Eighty percent of urologists did less than ten such operations.
The stakes are way too high to rely on doctors so focused on surgery. In our clinic, all but the simplest cases are discussed by our group. Our patients commonly see more than one of our doctors providing a helpful second or third opinion, giving a broader perspective of all the various options. This process is facilitated by technology that enables our doctors to quickly ascertain the essential aspects of each case. Our goal is to empower patients with useful information so they can choose the treatment that will be best for them.
