Urology Clinics - UW Medical Center

Prostate Oncology Clinic

The UW Department of Urology’s Prostate Oncology Clinic is one of the major multi-disciplinary prostate cancer clinics in the nation. Of course this is because of the people involved in it, but also because it is part of two other cancer organizations: the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) and the Institute for Prostate Cancer Research (IPCR).

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

The SCCA is an organization which merges the cancer expertise of UW Medical Center (UWMC), Seattle Children’s, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC). In fact, the prostate cancer clinic is called the SCCA Prostate Cancer Clinic and is housed in the Surgery Pavilion at UWMC. A second prostate cancer clinic, mainly for patients with very advanced prostate cancer is located at the SCCA clinic building on the FHCRC campus and is Headed by Dr. Tia Higano.

Institute for Prostate Cancer Research

The IPCR is an amalgamation of the research and clinical expertise in prostate cancer at UW and FHCRC. It functions to coordinate resources development and scientific progress within these world-class institutions. The Institute involves over forty advanced degree scientists who are working on a cure for prostate cancer. The efforts, funding, and expertise of this group ranks it among the top ten prostate cancer research centers in the country.

Multi-disciplinary Clinic

The SCCA Prostate Oncology Clinic in the Surgery Pavilion is truly a multi-disciplinary clinic with physicians in attendance from all the appropriate specialties (urologic oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology). Many of the physicians have national and international reputations in prostate cancer treatment and research. The urologic oncologists in this clinic are Dr. William Ellis, MD, Dr. Paul Lange, MD, Dr. Dan Lin, MD, and Dr. Thomas Takayama, MD. The radiation oncologist is Dr. Ken Russell and three medical oncologists whose primary expertise is prostate cancer attending in this clinic include: Dr. Bruce Montgomery, MD, Dr. Pete Nelson, MD, and Dr. Evan Yu, MD. Usually patients who have or might have prostate cancer are seen by one of these physicians though all physicians are accessible for additional consultations. Occasionally patients see physicians from more than one and sometimes all three specialties at one time.

The clinic involves over 600 sq. ft. of beautifully designed patient examination and/or orientation rooms, and offices. It is located adjacent to the Department’s Urology’s Clinic in the out-patient pavilion of UWMC. The UW SCCA Prostate Oncology Clinic houses nationally recognized expertise in all major areas of prostate cancer concerns, including education and counseling, diagnosis, surgery, radiation, medical oncology, and clinical research. The clinic contains a prostate education room which contains all the major educational elements for prostate cancer. Indeed Dr. Lange has authored a book (Prostate Cancer for Dummies), which is available on loan to all patients entering this clinic. In addition, a clinical psychologist experienced in counseling and treating patients and families with prostate cancer is in attendance.

Clinic Services

Surgery

The urologists within the Urology Prostate Center are experienced and in many cases, world renown in prostate cancer treatment. Treatment options include open and laparoscopic robotic surgery, including nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. Cryosurgery is also available in certain circumstances. The UW results from these surgeries rank with some of the best in the nation. Potency results average in the 70-80% and continence in the 98% range. Physicians within this clinic are actively involved in a variety of Quality of Life research projects to better document and enhance the quality of life parameters related to the surgeries.

Radiation Oncology

All the latest radiation oncology treatment options are available within this clinic including brachytherapy (seeds), and specially focused external beam x-ray modalities (MIRT).

Medical Oncology

All of the medical oncologists are very experienced and primarily focused on prostate cancer treatment involving both manipulation of hormones and the administration of chemotherapy including newer experimental agents.

Research

All of the physicians in the clinic are actively involved in clinical research and in some cases also laboratory research in prostate cancer. A great many trials are under development or have been activated both for early and for advanced prostate cancer cases. These studies involve local studies emanating from the research at UW and FHCRC, national studies associated with cooperative cancer groups, and studies particular to major prostate cancer research centers (e.g. National Cancer Institutes Special Programs in Research Excellence or SPORES in prostate cancer, and the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program).

More information about prostate cancer can be found on the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance's Web site.

Request an Appointment:

Call (206) 598-6088

For more information, go to UWMC Prostate Cancer Care Web page.

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