At Tampa General Hospital (TGH), our Genitourinary Cancer Center is designed to provide comprehensive care for patients who have been diagnosed with a wide range of cancers that develop in the male reproductive system and genitourinary (GU) tract, including kidney, bladder, prostate, testicular, and penile tumors.
At Tampa General, we’re here to support your entire cancer journey - from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.
We have extensive experience treating genitourinary cancers, including a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists and other specialists who review patient cases and collaborate on targeted treatments.
Through a partnership with USF Morsani, TGH Cancer Institute patients have access to an even broader range of surgeons with specialized expertise in robotic and other minimally invasive procedures. Our multidisciplinary team includes global experts in these difficult-to-treat cancers.
Genitourinary Cancers and Conditions We Treat
TGH’s Genitourinary Cancer Center offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for genitourinary cancers and precancerous conditions:
Testing & Diagnostics
The team at TGH’s Genitourinary Cancer Center utilizes diagnostic techniques and technologies to detect and monitor genitourinary cancers. Screening for early-stage disease and sensitive monitoring for recurrence can lead to better outcomes and less complex treatment. Some of these testing and diagnostics tools include:
- Physical examinations
- Laboratory tests
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
- Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)
- Next Generation Sequencing of tumor specimens
- Liquid biopsy (blood test for tumor mutations)
- Imaging studies
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Ultrasound scan
- X-ray
- FDG, PSMA, and other PET-CT scans
- Endoscopic procedures
- Biopsies and cytology evaluations
- Biopsy – percutaneous, transrectal, transperineal or radiology guided
- Pathology from resections
- Urine cytology
Genitourinary Cancer Treatment Options
From chemotherapy to immunotherapy to hormone therapy, patients at TGH have access to numerous options to treat their cancers. We understand that no two cancers are alike, and our team of experts can provide patient-centered care and a personalized approach to treatment.
TGH’s Genitourinary Cancer Center offers the latest treatment options for genitourinary cancer and related conditions, including:
- Medical oncology
- Localized non-surgical treatments
- Prostate artery embolization
- Prostate cryotherapy
- Kidney mass cryotherapy
- Embolization of liver or renal masses
- Radiation oncology
- Brachytherapy
- Cyberknife
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
- High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
- Prostatic artery embolization (PAE)
- Radiofrequency ablation for prostate cancer
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
- Surgical oncology
- Surgical resections
- Orchiectomy
- Open and robotic-assisted prostatectomy
- Open or laparoscopic cystectomy
- Open or laparoscopic nephrectomy
- Nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy
- Transurethral resection of bladder tumors
- Cystectomy, cystoprostatectomy, and urinary diversion
- Lymph node dissection
The TGH Cancer Institute offers innovative radiation treatments based on national guidelines related to genitourinary cancer management - including a variety of treatment options - depending on the cancer type and staging.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
Tampa General offers advanced options in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), including the the CyberKnife® S7 Radiosurgery System. This technology allows patients to undergo shorter treatment times ranging from 30-90 minutes, in as little as five sessions compared to the conventional 40 sessions. SBRT for prostate cancer is often coordinated with the placement of markers and gels to ensure targeted delivery of radiation and to minimize the radiation dose to other organs, such as the bladder and rectum.
High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
TGH is among few centers in the U.S. to provide highly specialized high-dose-rate brachytherapy. This treatment involves careful and temporary placement of radioactive material inside the body in direct contact with tumors. Specialists can deliver much higher doses of radiation safely compared to external radiation by lowering dosages to the surrounding normal tissues and organs.
Support Services
We know there’s a lot more to cancer than just the actual treatment. With this in mind, we offer comprehensive support services to ensure that patients receive world-class care far beyond diagnosis and treatment.
Starting with our nurse navigator who will be with you every step of the way, our support services include genetic counseling, hospice services, nutrition services, oncology psychology services, an outpatient rehabilitation program (including physical, occupational, speech, lymphedema, and biofeedback therapy), palliative care, patient advocacy and education, patient and caregiver support groups, social work, spiritual care, a survivorship program and financial assistance. Our goal at TGH is to provide you with unparalleled clinical care and more. To learn more, view our cancer support services.
You are More than Your Cancer. So is our Approach to Treating You
Research & Clinical Trials
We further demonstrate our continued commitment to world-class care through active participation in clinical trials, which can provide our patients with access to advanced therapies and technologies. For more information on how our research and clinical trials are positively impacting patients, check out our research and clinical trials page.
