Advancing Prostate Cancer Treatment

One of the most innovative treatments for prostate cancer is robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System is a leader in performing this minimally invasive, high-tech treatment.

Robotic prostatectomy is the latest surgical advance in the treatment of prostate cancer. This technique offers similar and often better outcomes than traditional prostate cancer surgery. While its technological advantages are significant, a surgeon's skill and experience remain the most important elements for achieving good outcomes.

One of the Top Five Surgeons in the World
Based at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Penn's robotic-assisted prostate program is led by David I. Lee, MD, chief of the Penn Urology at Penn Presbyterian. Dr. Lee is one of the top five surgeons in the world performing this procedure. He has performed nearly 1500 cases and he was recently joined by C. William Schwab, II, MD, in performing robotic procedures at Penn Presbyterian. Dr. Lee also uses his expertise to train urologists around the country in the surgery.

Keith Van Arsdalen, MD and M. Louis Moy, MD, in urology are also using the technology to perform robotic pyeloplasties and robotic pelvic floor reconstruction.

Personalized Treatment Plans
Robotic-assisted prostatectomy may not be the best treatment for all prostate cancer. Penn physicians are able to develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the needs of each patient.

All of the latest advances in the treatment of prostate cancer are available at Penn, and patients may be treated with:

• External beam radiation, in which high-energy rays from a linear accelerator are directed at the prostate.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a form of more focused radiation therapy used to treat targeted areas from multiple directions.
• Brachytherapy, in which radioactive seeds are placed (implanted) into the prostate in the operating room.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), also known as photoradiation therapy, phototherapy or photochemotherapy uses photosensitizing agents to destroy cancer cells when they are exposed to fixed-frequency laser light.

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.