Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Multidisciplinary Center
Established in January 1996, the Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Multidisciplinary Center at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson is still one of only a handful of such progressive programs available in the United States. During a single visit, patients
with urologic cancers such as prostate, bladder, kidney or testicular can see experts in urologic oncology, radiation oncology
and medical oncology. Pathology and diagnostic radiology consultation are also available at the time of the visit. Intergrative
medicine which includes nutritional, stress reduction and complementary medicine is a part of the GU Center.
All specialists of the GU Oncology Multidisciplinary Center review each patient’s case in detail during a conference immediately
after the patient's visit. Together these specialists determine the best treatment plan and recommend a course of action
for each patient. This information is instantly made available to the patient and the referring physician.
In addition, the patient’s eligibility for a clinical trial is determined. The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson has a wide
array of clinical trials available for all types and stages on urologic cancers.
The following state of the art treatments are available at Jefferson:
- Laparoscopic Prostatectomy – Minimally invasive procedure for removal of the prostate through several tiny incisions instead
of a large, open incision.
- Robotically assisted laprascopic da Vinci® Prostatectomy – New, state-of-the-art approach to minimally-invasive removal of the prostate with the aid of robotic technology.
- Laparoscopic Nephrectomy – Minimally invasive procedure for removal of inflamed, infected kidneys and kidney tumors.
- Partial Nephrectomy – Procedure sometimes used to treat smaller renal cell cancers, in which, the surgeon removes only the
part of the kidney containing the cancer
- Cyroablation – a procedure to freeze small, cancerous tumors in the prostate or kidney. May be preferable for patients with
cancer in both kidneys or in their only functioning kidney often done laprascopically.
- Brachytherapy – A type of radiation therapy for prostate cancer in which radioactive materials are placed in direct contact
with the tissue being treated.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) – Radiation therapy for prostate cancer that, through use of a computerized treatment plan for an individual patient, focuses
only on the tumor, sparing healthy tissue.
- Prostate Diagnostic Center– A collaborative effort among the Departments of Urology, Radiology and Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology to provide state-of-the-art
prostate imaging and biopsy services for diagnosis of prostate cancer.
- Clinical trials – For many clinical cancer stages and types.
- Integrative Medicine - Provides consultation with alternatives and complementary medicine, stress reduction, and nutritional
support.
- Award Winning Buddy Program - matches patients with similar patients who have had a diseases and treatments. Buddies are
specifically selected and trained to participate in this program.
- Support Groups - Man to man support groups for prostate cancer. Other support groups available through the Kimmel Cancer
Center.
Patients are seen every Wednesday in the Bodine Center for Cancer Treatment at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Urgent
consultation with individual physicians is available seven days a week.
To schedule a consultation at the GU Oncology Multidisciplinary Center, call 1-800-JEFF NOW.
