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 advanced patient care for prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular and other urologic cancers. As one of only six cancer centers in the nation designated as a Center of Excellence by Fertile Hope, Jefferson provides reproductive support to cancer patients and survivors whose cancer treatment may pose risks to fertility.

The Center's team of urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists collaborate to provide thorough evaluations of patients, utilizing the latest diagnostic procedures and technologies, including pathology and imaging consultations. Our team works with patients and referring physicians to devise treatment plans that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. We also determine if a patient is eligible to receive experimental treatments for all types and stages of urologic cancers through clinical trials conducted at Jefferson on an ongoing basis.

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