Nebraska Medicine is one of the area leaders for the treatment of cancers of the genitourinary (GU) tract. These cancers, which involve the urinary tract and the male reproductive system, primarily involve the kidneys, bladder, prostate and testes. Less common are penile, urethral and ureter cancers. Our multidisciplinary approach to genitourinary cancers ensures you will receive care and treatment through a collaborative approach by GU specialists in medical oncology, surgical urology, radiation oncology, pathology and geneticists who have expertise in treating these types of cancer.
Why Choose Nebraska Medicine
Expertise
We have doctors who specialize in the treatment of genitourinary cancers including medical oncologists, surgical urologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists. Several of our doctors serve on the board of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and help write the national treatment guidelines for cancers of the kidneys, testes and prostate. Our depth of experience and expertise translates into better outcomes. We are also a common referral center for more rare cancers such as urethral and penile cancers.
Multidisciplinary Approach
A multidisciplinary team of doctors will review and discuss your case before you come in and develop a coordinated and personalized treatment plan. This ensures that all of our experts have an opportunity to weigh in and contribute their expertise. With our coordinated approach to care, you will only need to make one appointment and all of our specialists will come to you to finalize the treatment plan based on your personal preferences.
Leading-edge Treatments
Our doctors are leaders in diagnostic precision and minimally invasive procedures. Minimally invasive surgeries are performed using small incisions that can be closed with a few stitches and can reduce recovery times. Nebraska Medicine also has two of the most technically advanced robotic da Vinci™ Surgical Systems in the area. This sophisticated technology allows our doctors to perform minimally invasive surgery using robotics that provides greater range of motion and incredible precision and accuracy, while minimizing the impact on the body. When possible, tumor removal through surgery is the primary treatment for kidney cancers. However, in cases in which surgery is not possible, our doctors can use less-invasive techniques such as cryotherapy. This approach involves inserting a needle into the tumor and using cold energy to destroy the tumor.
Genetic Counseling
Some cancers such as prostate and kidney cancers have a genetic component. Genetic testing looks for specific changes or mutations in a person’s genes that can confirm whether a cancer is the result of an inherited cancer syndrome or whether an unaffected person carries a mutated gene, increasing the risk that he or she will develop specific types of cancer. Our genetic counselors can walk you through the process and help you determine if you are a candidate for genetic testing.
Clinical Trials
Many of our specialists are very involved in research to find new treatments and cures for genitourinary cancers. This affords our doctors the opportunity to take part in some of the most current clinical trials, giving you early access to some of the most promising and breakthrough therapies, and providing you the best possible outcomes. See what clinical trials are available for genitourinary cancers.
Addressing Your Personal Care Needs
Addressing a patient’s physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs are important aspects of providing a more complete and holistic approach to care. A host of amenities and supportive services are available to help meet these needs. This includes personal care services and cancer support specifically geared for people with or recovering from cancer all provided in a private setting.
We're Here For You Long After Your Treatment
Our Survivorship Clinic is designed to help you deal with the emotional and physical challenges cancer can leave behind such as fear of recurrence, physical and medical long-term side effects and helping you return to a normal life again. It will also help you transition back into the care of your primary care physician.