Prostate Cancer

Physicians with University of Minnesota Health Cancer Care have led the way in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. They validated the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test as a marker for prostate cancer and developed the Gleason grading system to rank the aggressiveness of the disease.

University of Minnesota Health Cancer Care is home to the Institute for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, created in 2005 to focus on the most common genitourinary cancers, such as prostate cancer. Our care team is nationally and internationally recognized for their leadership in the treatment of genitourinary cancers. We offer nerve-sparing radical robotic prostatectomy.

Our providers were among the first in Minnesota to offer an MRI-guided, fusion prostate biopsy. Physicians here also pioneered vaccine therapy, and ours was one of the first medical centers to use radiation after prostate cancer surgery to prevent a recurrence.

Most of our providers are also members of the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the Twin Cities: the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota. This enables our doctors to participate in extensive research that keeps them at the leading-edge of new therapies and treatment options for patients with prostate cancer.

University of Minnesota Health Cancer Care utilizes the latest technology in screening and detection for prostate cancer. In addition to traditional screening like digital rectal exam, PSA test and biopsy, below are the advanced screening methods we use.

• Transrectal ultrasound: A healthcare provider inserts an ultrasound probe into the rectum. This probe uses sound waves to create an image (sonogram) of the prostate.
• MRI-guided biopsy with transrectal ultrasound fusion: This type of biopsy uses state-of-the-art technology to produce a three-dimensional view of the prostate to better target the biopsy site, which is significantly more effective at detecting prostate cancer.
• Use of advanced/genetic information to help determine whether a prostate biopsy is necessary and if cancer is diagnosed, whether it needs to be treated.

University of Minnesota Health Cancer Care recognizes that not all men need to be treated for their prostate cancer. Many men will die with their prostate cancer, not from it. We have a large population of men we have safely watched and avoided radical treatment, and the associated side effects, for their prostate cancer. Through a combination of tests, we can help determine if watching your prostate cancer is appropriate.

Support Group
We host a monthly support group for prostate cancer patients and their families.They often include a guest speaker and are facilitated by a member of our care team.

Peer-to-Peer Program
Patients recently diagnosed with cancer may find it helpful to speak with someone who has been through treatment and learned how to manage the same disease. Through our Peer-to-Peer Program, patients and family members share experiences and support each other.

Patient Library
The library houses printed and online resources that provide patients with treatment and recovery information for their specific diseases and conditions.

Pre-Surgical Class
A mandatory class prepares patients for surgery by giving them a realistic overview of the hospital experience, decreasing anxiety and preparing them and their families for post-discharge care.

Supportive Cancer Care Program by Palliative Care
We improve patients’ quality of life by treating symptoms related to their cancer. We provide palliative care in conjunction with a patient's regular medical treatment.

Dietary Services
Our registered dietitians help patients eat right as they receive cancer treatment, educating them about nutritional guidelines, appetite problems and eating difficulties, food safety and supplements.

We offer you a full range of treatment options for prostate cancer. Surgical removal of the prostate gland is one of the most common treatment options for prostate cancer, and is an effective way to treat prostate cancer if the cancer is confined to the prostate gland. As part of our surgical solutions, we offer nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, which allows most men to continue to be sexually active after prostate removal.

Our patients also have access to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), a method of treatment uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and minimize damage to healthy tissue; brachytherapy radiation, which involves the placement of small radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland; cryotherapy (also known as cryoablation or cryosurgery), which freezes the prostate gland to kill cancer cells; and hormone therapy.

For some patients, watchful waiting or active surveillance may be more appropriate. This approach uses medical supervision to monitor cancer growth. Because prostate cancer often grows slowly, some men may decide to delay treatment until there is evidence of cancer growth. In watchful waiting, no further testing or intervention is performed until the patient develops symptoms from the cancer. In active surveillance, the doctor closely monitors the patient and begins treatment if the cancer shows signs of progression.

Other services may include:

Other specialties that may be involved in your care include: