Prostate Cancer Treatment

Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment

At the Saint John’s Health Center, we offer some of the most advanced treatments for prostate cancer throughout Los Angeles and Southern California.

Our team includes a world-renowned surgeon who pioneered robotic-assisted surgery for prostate cancer; Dr. Tomothy Wilson.

Treatment Approach

You may receive more than one type of treatment, depending on several factors, including the grade of the tumor, where it is located and whether it has spread to other parts of your body. Before we set up a specific treatment plan for your prostate cancer, we will take the following into account:

• Your age, overall health and medical history
• The extent of the disease
• Your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer

Your urologic oncologist may suggest active surveillance if your prostate cancer is in an early stage and growing slowly. Instead of immediate treatment, your doctor will check you regularly and perform tests to monitor your prostate cancer.

Our team will discuss the options available so that you can make the best treatment decision.

Prostate Cancer Surgery

In most cases, your urologic oncologist will remove the entire prostate and nearby lymph nodes.
We specialize in robot-assisted, minimally invasive prostate surgery (prostatectomy) using the da Vinci Surgical System. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a console and 3D screen to control a surgical robot which transfers the doctors movements precisely. This minimally invasive surgery offers faster recovery and less time away from home.

Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Radiation therapy is an option for men with early-stage prostate cancer. It also may be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

There are two types of radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer:

External Beam Radiation

Computer imaging is used to closely target the prostate cancer. This procedure allows for a higher dose of radiation with less damage to surrounding tissue.

Low Dose-rate Radiation (LDR) or brachytherapy

Radioactive seeds are inserted into the prostate, where they attack the cancer cells by giving off radiation.

Prostate cancer radiation therapy can sometimes result in the injury of nearby healthy tissue, causing unwanted side effects such as bowel dysfunction. That’s why we now offer SpaceOAR Hydrogel, an innovative device aimed at helping to maintain quality of life and minimize side effects of radiation treatment by protecting organs at risk during treatment.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound using the Focal One Treatment System

Introducing Focal One: Non-invasive Robotic-Assisted Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Focal One is the world’s most advanced high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology. This technology is available for men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.

With Focal One, our surgeons can locate the contours around the diseased tissue and destroy the tumor with high-intensity ultrasound waves. This procedure reduces the risk of damaging healthy tissue and minimizes side effects. HIFU is customized for each patient, preserving your quality of life.

See High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for Prostate Cancer

See Focal One Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Hormone therapy blocks male hormones, which can cause prostate cancer to grow. This treatment is used in advanced prostate cancer, or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy. In some cases it includes surgery to remove the testicles, the body’s main source of testosterone.

Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cancer cells and may be used to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is usually administered intravenously.