Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Oncology Center

About the Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Oncology Center – Kimmel Cancer Center

Established in January 1996, Jefferson's Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Oncology Center is one of only a handful of centers in the U.S. dedicated to providing the most advanced multidisciplinary care for patients with prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular and other urologic cancers.

Each year, more than 600 new patients are diagnosed with urologic cancers at Jefferson. Of that number, about 60 percent are men with prostate cancer. We were the first to demonstrate that our multidisciplinary clinical approach improves outcomes of men with aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Our urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists are internationally recognized experts in their fields. These specialists, working together during the same Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Oncology Center visit, provide a careful evaluation and diagnosis for each patient, and then develop the most appropriate individualized treatment plan using the latest tools and technologies.

State-of-the-Art Treatments

State-of-the-art treatments available through the Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Oncology  Center include:

• Laparoscopic prostatectomy – a minimally invasive procedure for removal of the prostate through tiny incisions rather than open surgery
• Robotically assisted prostatectomy – our physicians were the first in the Delaware Valley to surgically remove the prostate with the aid of robotic technology
• Laparoscopic nephrectomy – a minimally invasive procedure for removal of inflamed, infected kidneys and kidney tumors
• Partial nephrectomy – a procedure sometimes used to treat smaller renal cell cancers in which surgeons remove only the part of the kidney containing cancer
• Cryoablation – destroys small cancerous tumors in the prostate or kidney through a freezing procedure
• Brachytherapy – involves implanting tiny radioactive seeds at the site of the tumor, which, compared with external radiation therapy, allows for a higher dose of radiation to be safely administered
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) – delivers radiation doses that precisely fit the 3-D shape of a tumor. It also tightly regulates the intensity of the radiation to more closely target the tumors and spare surrounding tissue.

Extensive Patient Support Services

The Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Oncology Center provides a number of support services for patients, including:

• Integrative Medicine – access to alternative and complementary therapies focused on nutrition and stress management
• Buddy Program – matches cancer patients with trained volunteer cancer survivors who have been through treatment themselves. These volunteers provide one-on-one support either over the telephone or on-site.
• Support Groups – available for all types of cancer, including a male support group for prostate cancer
• Oncology Social Workers – offer a variety of support services including individual, couple and family counseling; referrals for symptoms of anxiety and depression; guidance in talking with their loved ones; and help with practical and financial needs such as home health care, medical equipment, SSD/SSI, prescription assistance, hospice care and health insurance questions.