Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, but many more men are diagnosed with the disease (about 1 in 6) than die from it (about 1 in 36).*
The challenge for urologists has been to find the appropriate treatment for each patient, which until recently involved two ends of a spectrum: either watchful waiting in patients with a limited life expectancy or complete removal of the prostate gland.
Washington University urologists are experts in the detection of prostate cancer using PSA, MRI and innovative targeted biopsy strategies. They also offer the full spectrum of therapies from active surveillance to focal ablation to complete removal of the prostate.
Washington University was a leading center in the development of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the standard radical prostatectomy procedure, in which all of the prostate gland and some of the tissue around it are removed. Today, our urologists offer the most advanced surgical treatments for prostate cancer, including laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy and focal ablation (destruction of the tumor by freezing the tumor or targeting it using laser technology). They also have been leaders in national efforts to develop the most appropriate screening guidelines and investigate the use of a drug to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
More information on prostate cancer treatment at Siteman Cancer Center.
More information about prostate cancer from National Cancer Institute
*Source: American Cancer Society