Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, the small, walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid.

Prostate cancer can be a scary diagnosis for those with male reproductive organs, but it is usually highly treatable when detected early.Many prostate cancers are also confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm.

Prostate cancer is typically a slow-growing cancer, which means it often doesn’t present symptoms; however, patients should seek medical attention if they experience trouble urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, blood in the urine or semen, bone pain, unintentional weight loss, or erectile dysfunction as these may be signs of prostate cancer.

Specialists in the GW Cancer Center’s Urologic Oncology Program use the newest technology to diagnose and treat prostate cancer based on each individual’s needs.

Specialty Care for Prostate Cancer

Our cancer specialists will help you understand your cancer diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. Sometimes the best approach is to monitor slow-growing prostate cancers. 

Our program offers a clinic where patients can meet with several specialists in a single visit. Using advanced screening options, our specialists work together to accurately diagnosis the type of prostate cancer. We then create a treatment plan most likely to offer the best outcome for each patient. Treatments may include participation in life-saving clinical trials.

Prostate Cancer Program Information

Collaborative Care

Patient navigators support patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Navigators steer patients through the process. They even help them with the financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis, such as working with insurers.

Patients can conveniently interact with several specialists in one visit through our multidisciplinary clinic. Our team works together to provide an accurate diagnosis and to create the best treatment plan.

Patients who have received a diagnosis of prostate cancer should promptly consult our male fertility specialists prior to undergoing treatment. . You can contact a specialist at saveyoursperm@mfa.gwu.edu and expect a prompt response. Our specialists will provide a quick evaluation and options for fertility preservation. You can then begin cancer treatment with little or no delay confident that children can be in your future.

Clinical Research

Patients in clinical trials benefit from the latest developments in the field.

GW Cancer Center partners with these organizations to offer clinical trials for patients with prostate cancer:

• The Genitourinary Multidisciplinary D.C. Regional Oncology Project (GUMDROP)
• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• GW Cancer Center partners with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) to study new treatments for prostate cancer.

Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment

There are several cancer detection tools and tests that are available. We offer:

• The Oncotype DX prostate cancer test to predict how aggressive the cancer will be. This helps us better determine the right treatment approach.
• Decipher gene testing following prostate surgery. It categorizes risk and identifies which additional treatments will be necessary to avoid a recurrence or spreading of cancer.
• Genetic testing for someone who has been diagnosed at a young age or who has a strong family history. Genetic testing can benefit the patient as well as their family – children and grandchildren – so they know if they are at risk for the disease and can take measures to avoid it.

Leading Edge Technology

GW Cancer Center invests in state-of-the-art technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment:

• The da Vinci® robotic surgical system offers surgeons more precision to minimize potential side effects. GW Cancer Center was the first in the region to use the da Vinci® robot for the management of prostate cancer. We have performed the highest number of robotic cases in the greater Washington, D.C., area.
• The UroNav Fusion biopsy platform combines pre-biopsy magnetic resonance images (MRI) with ultrasound images to accurately guide a biopsy needle in real time. The system provides excellent visuals of the prostate gland and the needle. It results in better tissue collection.