| I have a firm belief in patient education and choice in their
medical matters. We have multiple choices of therapies for prostate
cancer and it is quite important to tailor the therapy to the individual
patient based upon their age, health, stage and grade of the tumor
and possible risks of the treatments.
At the Swedish Urology Group we have the opportunity to use
the four most common types of therapy, Radical Prostatectomy,
Cryotherapy, Brachytherapy and External Beam Irradiation. Over
the years I have actively trained residents in Urology in the
procedure of Radical Prostatectomy. Through the Seattle Prostate
Institute I have trained Urologists and Radiation Oncologists
in Brachytherapy, and I run the Northwest regional training center
for training in cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy has been an exciting and valuable new adjunct in
the minimally invasive treatment for prostate and kidney cancers.
Specifically in the treatment of prostate cancer, I have found
an excellent response to the therapy with few side effects and
a rapid return to normal activities without the irritative bladder
side effects of radiation or the incontinence of surgery. My
patients tend to very enthusiastic after their treatments.
I have treated primary prostate cancers, radiation failures,
post TURP and in selected cases, nerve sparing cryotherapy. Cryotherapy
is not for everyone, however in most of the patients that I see
with the diagnosis of Prostate Cancer, it is one of the options
that they are given. |
