Prostate cancer treatment

Early detection of prostate cancer is essential to getting treatment right away. At Aurora BayCare Medical Center, you’ll find experts in recognizing prostate cancer symptoms and diagnosing prostate cancer. Our diagnostic capabilities are the foundation for the advanced treatment options we offer patients.

Prostate cancer care: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Our cancer specialists provide comprehensive care for prostate cancer. We offer:

• Advanced treatments: We use state-of-the-art technologies, including minimally invasive robotic surgery and Provenge® immunotherapy, to treat prostate cancer.
• Research-based advancements: We lead and participate in clinical trials and cancer research, so all of our prostate cancer treatments have been thoroughly studied.
• Diagnostic expertise: Our specialists are experts in making diagnoses. We use sophisticated screening tools to look for prostate cancer signs and identify disease.
• National recognition: The Commission on Cancer, an organization that works to improve care and survival for people with cancer, has accredited our cancer care program. This accreditation means that our program meets national standards and serves as a symbol of our excellence.

Prostate cancer treatments and services

Our experts develop a customized treatment program that meets your unique needs. Services include:

Prostate cancer screening and diagnosis

Our physicians are experts at screening for prostate cancer. Based on your age and personal risk factors, we offer:

• Prostate exam: During a physical examination, your doctor will insert a gloved finger into the anus to feel for abnormalities.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests: Our specialist will test your blood for elevated levels of PSA, a protein that the prostate gland produces. Elevated PSA levels don’t always mean cancer, so your doctor may order more testing to be sure.
• Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS): Using an ultrasound wand for image guidance, an ultrasound specialist inserts a needle through the rectal wall and into the prostate. The specialist then removes tissue samples to test for cancer.

Prostate cancer surgical treatment

We base our leading-edge prostate cancer treatments on the latest cancer research. Surgical treatments for prostate cancer include:

• Cryosurgery: Our specialists insert a probe that moves cold gas into the prostate to freeze and destroy cancer cells.
• Prostatectomy: A surgeon removes part of the prostate gland or the entire prostate (known as radical prostatectomy). Types of prostatectomies include:
  • Open surgery: The surgeon makes a larger incision in the skin to remove the prostate gland.
  • Robotic surgery: During robotic surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions and uses the precise movements of robotic arms to remove the prostate.

Prostate cancer medical treatment

We also offer advanced drug treatments for prostate cancer. These treatments include:

• Provenge: We use Provenge to treat advanced prostate cancers. Our cancer care specialists were among the first in the nation certified to offer this U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved immunotherapy for prostate cancer.
• Xofigo®: Doctors inject a radioactive material known as radium 223. We use Xofigo to treat advanced prostate cancer that has spread to the bones.
• SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel: Specialists inject this liquid to move the prostate gland away from the rectum to protect the rectum during radiation therapy. Our program was the first in Wisconsin to have an oncologist certified to use this treatment.

Prostate cancer radiation treatment

Our radiation oncologists use a radiation therapy known as prostate seed implantation, a type of brachytherapy, to treat prostate cancer. Radioactive glass seeds placed into the prostate gland slowly release a low or high dose of radiation over several months.

Coordinated cancer care and research

Our cancer experts meet weekly to review individualized treatment strategies during our tumor boards. This coordinated care approach means that you can access treatments based on the latest clinical cancer research and clinical trials.

Prostate cancer support services

Your nurse navigator connects you with any help and resources you need during treatment. We also offer complementary medicine, such as massage and music therapy, to help you manage stress and feel your best.

Request an appointment

Learn more about prostate cancer treatment options at Aurora BayCare. Request an appointment with a prostate cancer specialist.