Prostate Cancer

The Winship prostate cancer and genitourinary cancer teams include urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, advanced practice nurses and social workers. They work together to provide the most appropriate individualized approach to treating prostate cancer patients.

Our prostate cancer program is located at Winship Cancer Institute (Clifton campus), Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown and Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

These are some of the tests that may be used to confirm a diagnosis:

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Tests: a blood test is used to assess the level of PSA in the blood. A higher-than-normal level of PSA might indicate a problem with the prostate, including cancer.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): a physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities of the prostate.

An abnormal age-adjusted prostate specific antigen (PSA) test or abnormal digital rectal (DRE) exam is an indication of prostate cancer, but does not mean cancer is present. Abnormal findings should be followed by a biopsy of the prostate cells to determine whether they are in fact cancerous.

Biopsy: a biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken from the prostate and then viewed under a microscope to check for abnormalities.

Prostate Health Index (phi): still being studied, phi is a new, more precise blood test that better distinguishes an aggressive cancer from a low-risk cancer.

Surgical options:

• Radical Perineal Prostatectomy
• Robotic Prostatectomy
• Open Retropubic Prostatectomy

Radiation therapy options:

• Brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy)
• External beam radiation therapy
• Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy
• Intensity modulated radiation therapy
• Proton beam therapy available at Emory Proton Therapy Center.

Hormone therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy) may be used if surgery or radiation is not an option. Chemotherapy is sometimes considered if prostate cancer has spread outside the prostate gland and hormone therapy is no longer effective.

Clinical Trials

Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship. Through these trials, you may have access to treatments for prostate cancer that are not widely available.

Supportive Oncology and Urology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team address these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.

Additionally we recognize that urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction can be important factors in prostate cancer survivorship and our team of urology experts offer multiple options to help you manage these conditions. To request an appointment, contact our urology team at (404) 778-4898.

Sexual Recovery

Some men may experience sexual changes after treatment for prostate cancer. Winship experts worked with colleagues from other institutions to create an online, tailored interactive program to support men and their partners on their journey toward sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment. Visit the Movember Foundation's Sexual Recovery Program website to learn more.