Caring for Prostate Cancer Patients
and their Families with Humanity and Scientific Research
 Since
its initiation, the VPC has compiled an extensive record of cancer patients.
A database of nearly 3,000 cases of prostate carcinoma is currently stored
on computer. This long-term epidemiological information is used by scientific
researchers and clinicians to help characterize prostate cancer in populations
of varying age and race, and to improve the diagnosis and treatment of
the disease.
In
addition to the database, the VPC strives, whenever possible, to collect
serum, seminal fluid, urine and tissue specimens that can be frozen, cataloged
and stored for testing of future candidate disease and progression related
markers.
 The clinical arm of the VPC offers
virtually all modalities available for the treatment of localized prostate
cancer. Recognizing that there is no single best therapy for all patients
with the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the options that are best suited
for the individual patient based on his personal decision making with physician
guidance are offered.
Radical prostatectomy may be approached
by retropubic route (incision in the lower abdomen), or the perineal route
(incision behind the scrotum). The center is committed to exploration of
the suitability of the recently developed laporoscopic route.
Radiation Therapy is delivered by
external beam or interstitial brachytherapy ("Seed" implant). The center
has had experience with brachytherapy since 1974 and has a current experience
of greater than 220 cases with ultrasound guided transperineal implant
since 1994. |
