Experience the Best in Prostate Cancer Care: Introducing the Comprehensive Treatment Program at East Valley Urology Center and Western Radiation Oncology in Arizona
We are excited to announce the launch of a new multi-disciplinary practice for prostate cancer treatment in Arizona. Located in Mesa, Arizona, this practice is a collaboration between Western Radiation Oncology, with physicians Dr. Ankit Agarwal and Dr. Steve Kurtzman, and the urologists at East Valley Urology (EVU) Center of Arizona, including Dr. Rahul Mehan, Dr. Harpreet Wadhwa, Dr. Greggory Peifer, and Dr. Casey Lythgoe.
This new practice brings together a team of experts in both urology and radiation oncology to provide comprehensive care for patients with prostate cancer. Our team is committed to offering the latest and most advanced treatment options, as well as a patient-centered approach that is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
As a multi-disciplinary practice, we are able to offer a range of treatment options for prostate cancer, including both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Some of the options available at our practice include LDR prostate brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, prostatectomy, active surveillance, and HIFU prostate ablation.
Introduction to Prostate Cancer and its Prevalence in Men Over the Age of 50
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer that affects men, typically those over the age of 50. In fact, it is estimated that about one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. While this may sound frightening, it is important to know that prostate cancer is often a slow-growing cancer that can be treated successfully if caught early.
So, what is the prostate and what is prostate cancer? The prostate is a small gland located in the pelvis, just below the bladder. Its main function is to produce fluid that is part of semen. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control and form a tumor.
Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, which is why it is important for men to discuss screening options with their healthcare providers. One way to screen for prostate cancer is through a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. Elevated levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Other risk factors for prostate cancer include advanced age, family history of the disease, and certain genetic mutations. African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk for the disease.
If you are over the age of 50 and have not yet discussed prostate cancer screening with your healthcare provider, it is important to do so. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your chances of successful treatment and a positive outcome.
Overview of Treatment Options Available for Prostate Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may be wondering what treatment options are available to you.
At the EVU/WRO multi-disciplinary prostate cancer treatment center in Arizona, we personalize our treatment recommendations. We understand that no two patients with prostate cancer are exactly alike, and we take the time to understand your unique situation in order to develop a plan that is tailored to your specific needs. This multi-disciplinary practice brings together experts in both urology and radiation oncology to provide comprehensive care for patients with prostate cancer.
Here is an overview of the treatment options available at this practice:
- LDR prostate brachytherapy: This is a type of radiation therapy that involves the placement of small radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland. WRO physicians Dr. Steve Kurtzman and Dr. Ankit Agarwal are among the highest volume LDR prostate brachytherapists in the world. They have grown their practice from California to Arizona in order to bring high-quality expert intraoperatively planned prostate brachytherapy to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
- External beam radiation therapy: This is a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy beams to target cancer cells. It is often given in combination with brachytherapy for patients with higher risk disease.
- Prostatectomy: This is a surgical procedure in which the entire prostate gland is removed.
- Active surveillance: This is a treatment approach in which patients are closely monitored for any changes in their prostate cancer. It is typically recommended for men with early stage prostate cancer that is not causing any symptoms.
- HIFU prostate ablation: This is a non-surgical procedure that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to destroy prostate cancer cells. It is a newer treatment option and is typically reserved for men with early stage prostate cancer.
No matter which treatment option you and your healthcare team decide is best for you, it is important to know that you have a team of experienced and skilled physicians at your disposal at the collaboration between WRO and EVU in Arizona. With a range of treatment options available, you can be confident that you will receive the care and support you need to manage your prostate cancer.
EVU physicians also specialize in the use of SpaceOAR prior to radiation therapy for prostate cancer. You can read more about the use of SpaceOAR here: https://evucenter.com/spaceoar-arizona/
You can read more about comparing treatment options for prostate cancer here: https://westernradiationoncology.com/comparing-prostate-cancer-treatment/
Introduction to the Physicians at the WRO/EVU Prostate Cancer Clinic
Dr. Rahul Mehan is a nationally-recognized expert in minimally-invasive treatments in urology and the founder of East Valley Urology (EVU) Center in Mesa, Arizona. He offers the latest treatments for prostate and kidney cancer, including robotic surgery and HIFU, and is an expert in surgical therapies for BPH such as GreenLight laser vaporization, Rezum, Urolift, iTInd, Aquablation, and others. He also focuses on evaluation and management of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor reconstruction for women and has received a Center of Excellence Certification for GreenLight, Rezum, and Urolift. In addition to his medical career, Dr. Mehan has been featured on TV segments for men’s health and won People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards in Dancing with the Stars Arizona for charity in 2022.
Dr. Harpreet Wadhwa is a Board Certified urologist at East Valley Urology Center in Mesa, Arizona, where he specializes in minimally invasive surgery using techniques such as robotics and lasers. He has experience treating all general urologic conditions, including kidney stone extraction, erectile dysfunction, cancer, and low testosterone levels. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Wadhwa is an author and presenter at regional, national, and international conferences on various urologic topics, such as robotic reconstruction of the urinary tract, novel surgical and radiation treatment methods for prostate cancer, and benign prostate hyperplasia. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed a residency in urology at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Dr. Gregory Peifer is a urologist at East Valley Urology Center in Mesa, Arizona with a focus on minimally invasive surgery including endoscopic and robotic techniques. He has received training in all aspects of urological surgery, with a particular emphasis on robotics, and has been involved in numerous research projects leading to national recognition. Dr. Peifer obtained his medical degree from Midwestern University in Arizona and completed his urological surgery residency at Metro Health University of Michigan Health. He is a native of Mesa and enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and dirt bike riding when not providing patient care.
Dr. Casey Lythgoe is a urologist at East Valley Urology Center in Mesa, Arizona with over eight years of experience in surgical treatment for urologic cancers and endoscopic treatment of kidney stones. He is fluent in Spanish and consistently receives high patient ratings for his care. Dr. Lythgoe received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his training at Southern Illinois University in the full range of general urology. He is experienced in the medical and surgical treatment of BPH, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence, and has training in both conventional open techniques and laparoscopic and robot-assisted techniques. In his free time, Dr. Lythgoe enjoys fly-fishing, water-skiing, golfing, ice hockey, and spending time with his wife and four children.
Dr. Ankit Agarwal is a radiation oncologist at Western Radiation Oncology with a focus on the treatment of prostate cancer with brachytherapy. He received his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, completed his residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top oncology journals. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Agarwal has held national leadership positions in organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Society for Radiation Oncology. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, cooking, hiking, and spending time with his wife in his native San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. Steve Kurtzman is a radiation oncologist at Western Radiation Oncology with a focus on real-time intraoperatively planned prostate brachytherapy. He is nationally renowned for this technique and has taught physicians from around the globe on its use. He has treated over 6000 patients with this technique over the past 20 years and serves on the medical advisory board of several medical device companies to inform the development of new treatment techniques. Dr. Kurtzman received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania. He has been with Western Radiation Oncology since 1998 and is the Director of Prostate Brachytherapy.
Conclusion
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the team at East Valley Urology (EVU) Center and Western Radiation Oncology (WRO) is here to help. Our comprehensive treatment program is designed to provide personalized care and a range of options to help you manage your condition and achieve the best possible outcomes. Our team of experts includes urologists and radiation oncologists who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and support.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or concerns about prostate cancer. We are here to help you navigate this journey and provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your health.