The University of Chicago is a world leader in prostate cancer treatment and research. Our urologists specialize in the latest open and laparoscopic surgical techniques to treat prostate tumors, including nerve-sparing, robotic and laparoscopic prostatectomy. In combination with colleagues in Medical Oncology and the Cancer Research Center, we offer a comprehensive and diverse option of therapies for men with prostate cancer.

Overview of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. It's estimated that there are nearly 220,000 new cases this year alone. Due to improved screening and early detection (by use of the PSA blood test and digital rectal exam), many men with prostate cancer are being diagnosed early, when the cancer is still contained (also known as localized prostate cancer).

The key to curing prostate cancer is to diagnose it when it is localized. Fortunately, many men can be cured with either surgery or radiation. Some men decide not to treat their cancer at all. Others delay treatment (known as watchful waiting) or choose to use anti-hormone shots, which slow, but do not cure prostate cancer. The decision as to which treatment method is best involves many factors. Any of the surgeons at the University of Chicago specializing in the treatment of prostate cancer will gladly spend the time necessary to answer all of your questions and concerns.

In brief, we recommend surgery for younger patients (i.e., younger than 60 years of age), patients with more aggressive cancers (Gleason score of 7 or greater) and patients with large palpable nodules (clinical stage T2b or greater). We perform both open and laparoscopic nerve-sparing prostatectomies (removal of the prostate for cancer).

In addition to radical prostatectomy, we perform brachytherapy (radiation seed implants) and cryotherapy (freezing the prostate). Moreover, we work closely with our colleagues in Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date selection of treatment options. Several clinical trials employing new agents and technologies are available at the University of Chicago. Interested patients should consult with their physician regarding the applicability of these therapies. For more in-depth information about prostate cancer, please click here.

Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Sometimes, prostate cancer recurs after attempts to cure it with either surgery or radiation. Urologists at the University of Chicago specialize in the latest techniques to treat recurrent prostate cancer.

Some men who have failed to reach a cure after radiation therapy, may be candidates for salvage treatments, which include surgery (salvage prostatectomy) or cryotherapy.

To learn more about salvage procedures after radiation therapy, please click here.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgeons at the University of Chicago are trained in the most up-to-date and technologically-advanced methods of treating prostate cancers. We offer the following surgical treatment options:

• Radical Prostatectomy
  
• Radiotherapy
• Cryotherapy
• Salvage Prostatectomy
• Salvage Cryotherapy

To view FAQs for radical prostatectomy, please click here.

For more information about these procedures, please click here.