A Team Approach With A Singular Focus — You
“So many doctors and clinics offering so many different solutions. What should you do?”
Whether you are out for dinner at your favorite restaurant,at a movie, the mall or a local sporting event, look around. One in eight men in this country will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. In 2019, approximately 175,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 31,000 men will die of their disease.It is the most common cancer diagnosed in American men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States.
At the Lynn Cancer Institute, our team of physicians provides prostate patients with personalized, evidence-based treatment plans utilizing cutting-edge technology.
We offer numerous treatment options — all available in one place. Our program starts with a patient-centered approach to diagnosis and offers comprehensive care for all stages of disease, including clinical trials for more advanced cases. In addition to our medical expertise and state-of-the-art technology, the community values our unwavering commitment to caring for patients as neighbors, friends, and family.
Getting The Correct Diagnosis
In its early stages, prostate cancer typically does not cause any symptoms. A blood test that measures the prostate specific antigen protein, known as PSA, is used for men aged 50 and older who may be at higher risk for harboring prostate cancer. The PSA test’s perceived lack of accuracy has stirred some controversy around prostate cancer screening.
We often use additional biomarker testing, such as 4K score, as well as anatomic evaluation with MRI scanning to further personalize prostate cancer screening.
Dr. A.J. Lewis, who is Stanford University fellowship trained in prostate MRI, leads a team of radiologists who are able to detect small tumors in the prostate that can then be more accurately targeted in an MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy. These more technologically advanced biopsies have been performed at Boca Raton Regional Hospital by urological oncologist Dr. David Taub since January 2017.
What’s Next?
After receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis, patients traditionally must fill their calendars with multiple doctors’ appointments, a time-consuming process that can lead to confusion and angst. To address this challenge, the urology team at the Lynn Cancer Institute developed the patient-focused multimodality approach.
Men who have newly diagnosed prostate cancer or seek additional opinions regarding a urologic cancer diagnosis can be seen at our Multimodality Urologic Oncology Clinic for an expedited and coordinated evaluation by specialists in three different disciplines: urologic oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology.
Further Tumor Analysis
Before patients come in for their appointments, a team of three physicians reviews all imaging and pathology at the UrologicOncology Tumor Board with radiology and pathology colleagues who also specialize in prostate cancer. In some circumstances, the pathology slides undergo further genomic testing to analyze the prostate cancer gene activity, which better predicts disease aggressive-ness. Treatment strategies can be personalized with this more specific and individualized information about tumors.
Can This Approach Help Others In Your Family?
At the Multimodality Urologic Oncology Clinic, patients and family members appreciate meeting with psychosocial workers and nutritionists, who are integral to our coordinated approach to cancer care. The Lynn Cancer Institute research team is also present to evaluate whether the patient qualifies to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials. Moreover, our genetics team led by Dr. Louise Morrell offers advanced testing that can help to identify the risk of detecting prostate cancer inpatients’ relatives.
“As the medical community better understands the inherited nature of some prostate cancers, this knowledge will allow for more intensive screening in high-risk families,” says Dr. Louise Morrell, LCI Medical Director.
Choosing The Right Treatment
Before patients leave the Multi-modality Urologic Oncology Clinic, all of their future care is completely coordinated and scheduled. Some men choose active surveillance to manage their low-risk disease. We have developed protocols to safely monitor these patients with semiannual PSA testing, yearly MRI scanning, and an occasional repeat prostate biopsy.
Should patients choose radiation for treatment of localized prostate cancer, we offer all of the latest technology. The Cyberknife system optimizes Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), which shortens treatment time to five sessions ineligible patients.
In addition, Drs. Gregg Goldin and Michael Kasper are some of the first radiation oncologists in the area to employ SpaceOAR,a hydrogel that is injected behind the prostate and shields the rectum from potential radiation damage. It is completely absorbed by the body within six months.
For men who are best served with surgical removal of the prostate cancer, Dr. David Taub specializes in performing minimally invasive, nerve-sparing procedures utilizing the latest da Vinci robotic technology at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
Finally, patients with more advanced stages of disease benefit from the most innovative regimens including immunotherapy and oral agents, in addition to traditional chemotherapy, under the care of medical oncologists Drs. Lloyd Berkowitz and Alan Koletsky.
Preparing For Your Treatment Journey
Along with delivering coordinated, high-quality care, our team at the Lynn Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing a positive and personalized patient experience. Patients and family members appreciate the ability to meet with all specialists at onetime to get their questions answered.
“Being able to leave the Multimodality Urologic Oncology Clinic with a consensus treatment plan saves time, reduces anxiety, and provides a clear path forward,” says Dr. David Taub, Urologic Oncology Surgeon.
Other Tumors And Malignancies
The Multimodality Urologic Oncology Clinic also sees patients with kidney tumors, adrenal tumors, bladder cancer and other urologic malignancies.
Five other multispecialty clinics also operate in the Lynn Cancer Institute, employing a coordinated approach for patients with breast, lung, gastrointestinal,skin and neurological malignancies. Physicians and healthcare professionals with expertise in a specific cancer coordinate their knowledge and skills to personalize patient care.
For an appointment or more information, call 561-955-6627.
Locations:
LCI Sandler Pavilion, 701 N.W. 13th St., Boca Raton, FL 33486, 561-955-6627; brrh.com
Medical Oncology Delray, 6282 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, Fl 33484, 561-495-8307
Radiation Oncology Delray, 16313 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33483, 561-955-7200
Specialties: Lynn Cancer Institute: Louise E. Morrell, M.D., Director
Urologic/Prostate MMC Team Specialists
Medical Oncology: Lloyd Berkowitz, M.D.Alan Koletsky, M.D.
Radiation Oncology: Gregg Goldin, M.D.Michael Kasper, M.D.
Urologic Oncology Surgeon: David Taub, M.D.
Genetics: Louise E. Morrell, M.D.
Research: Sylvie Godbout, R.N.
Social Work: Julie Katz, M.S.W., A.P.H.S.W.
Nutrition: Brandi Thompson, R.D.
Radiology/Imaging
Pathology
Molecular Pathology
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