Prostate Cancer Treatment Near Phoenix, AZ

Urologic Oncology Specialists

Dr. Simoncini and Dr. Shaba are board-certified urologists with over 30 years of experience providing the highest quality of care to patients throughout Tempe, Scottsdale, and Mesa, AZ. Southeast Valley Urology offers a full range of urologic procedures using the latest tools and techniques, including High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and da Vinci Prostatectomy. If you are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer or have been recently been diagnosed, please call (480) 924-7333 to schedule an appointment at our urology clinic Gilbert, AZ today! 

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in the United States and affects approximately one in every six men. Early prostate cancer has no symptoms and is usually discovered with a routine PSA test. As prostate cancer progresses, lower urinary tract symptoms may occur such as a weak urinary stream, difficulty starting your stream, or getting up at night. Late symptoms may include weight loss, back or hip pain. However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.

In very select cases of prostate cancer, physicians may choose to simply watch and wait before taking any action. However, most patients with cancer of the prostate are treated with either surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of those treatments.

How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?

A full spectrum of prostate cancer care is provided through our partnership with Ironwood Cancer and Research Center, including HIFU, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

HIFU is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that utilizes sound waves to break apart and destroy cancerous tissue within the prostate. These sound waves are able to target very specific areas with great precision, which allows for surrounding tissues and organs to remain unharmed during treatment.

Prostate Cancer Surgery

The first line of attack against prostate cancer is usually surgery to remove the cancerous prostate gland. We offer the latest advancements in prostate cancer surgery, including the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

The minimally-invasive da Vinci system uses precise, miniaturized robotic tools to remove tumors from the prostate. Tiny, wristed instruments are introduced through several small incisions and are controlled (not pre-programmed) by the surgeon from a nearby console. These high-tech instruments are able to perfectly mimic in tiny movements the hand motions of the doctor. The robotic system also provides a 3D, high-definition visualization of the prostate and adjacent tissues, giving the surgeon a view of the surgical site that is far superior to that of the human eye.

Robotic surgery is a breakthrough in modern medicine and allows for more precision and control than surgeons have ever had when compared to “open” or traditional laparoscopic surgery. For prostate cancer patients, that means greater assurance of the best outcome possible. It also means a better chance of avoiding side effects of more traditional approaches to surgery, such as impotence or urinary incontinence.

We also offer Retropubic or open surgery for prostate cancer which also provides excellent cancer control.

Radiation for Prostate Cancer

Our Radiation Oncology Department, in my opinion, offers cutting-edge radiation therapy for all cancer patients which certainly includes our prostate cancer patients. This allows our Radiation oncologists to provide our patients the best chance at curing their cancer while Keeping side effects to a minimum.

We also offer radiation therapy, including brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy) for the treatment of prostate cancer. During brachytherapy, tiny radioactive “seeds” the size of a grain of rice are implanted into the prostate. The implants deliver a low dose of radiation over a period of several months.

I have worked with Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology departments at Ironwood Cancer and Research for many years prior to joining the group. I have always had full confidence in the superior care provided At Ironwood, and now am very proud and excited to be a member of this highly specialized and diverse cancer team.

Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Chemotherapy is not a standard treatment for most cases of prostate cancer, but can be useful in cases of advanced prostate cancer where the disease has metastasized to the bones or when Non –responsive to more conventional hormonal therapy.