Prostate Cancer

Expertise & Collaborative Care

Our Shaw Cancer Center physicians are highly skilled across all specialties involved in care for our patients. Strong collaboration between urologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists drive a multidisciplinary discussion to provide comprehensive care to each person seen with prostate cancer.

You're not alone, Robbin Miller, RN, one of our nurse navigators, will assist you by helping navigate your journey from diagnosis to treatment. Robbin will assist you with scheduling doctor appointments, coordinating imaging with radiology, and communicating to your care team all your needs.

Radiation Oncology
Under the leadership of Dr. Patricia Hardenbergh, The Shaw Cancer Center utilizes state of the art technology to administer radiation therapy that targets and kills cancer cells. Each treatment plan is customized specifically for each patient. Types of radiation therapy we use to treat prostate cancer include Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

Medical Oncology
Dr. Erin Schwab directs care for prostate patients who require or would benefit from systemic therapies like Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). Androgens, (such as testosterone), are produced mainly in the testicles and stimulate prostate cancer cells to grow.  ADT utilizes oral or injected medications that lower the levels of male hormones in the body. While not curing prostate cancer, lowering androgen levels often stops or significantly slows the growth of prostate cancer cells. At times chemotherapy is used to treat prostate cancer as well.

Urology
The Shaw Cancer Center prostate program also encompasses a network of urologists who provide specialized knowledge regarding the male urinary tract and offer both medical and surgical treatments. Our urology partners include:

• Colorado Mountain Medical
  • Dr. Joseph Dall'Era
  • Dr. Scott Swanson
• The Urology Clinic
  • Dr. Clay Pendleton
  • Dr. Jamie VanOveren

A Full Range of Treatments to Consider.

Shaw Cancer Center providers will work with you to review all of your treatment options and choose the treatment that best suits your needs and goals. The range of treatments offered for prostate cancer includes active surveillance, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, cryosurgery, chemotherapy and surgery, including robotic prostatectomy.

Detecting cancer.
Our team uses the PSMA, PET-CT scanner to image the entire body and detect prostate cancer at diagnosis and if it returns after treatment before other imaging tests, making it possible to target and treat prostate cancer wherever it may be.

Using imaging to improve diagnosis.
Shaw & Vail Health providers use MRI-TRUS fusion technology, which blends (fuses) images from an MRI scan and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to create a more-precise 360-degree prostate map, which in turn can improve prostate biopsy accuracy.

Personalizing treatment based on individual risk.
Our team uses predictive biomarkers and genetic and biologic characteristics of an individual patient to better personalize and optimize treatment for people with cancer.

Making surgery less invasive and more effective.
Vail Health & Shaw Cancer Center surgeons have been performing and perfecting the radical prostatectomy procedure for decades. They use robotic prostatectomy technology and techniques, including performing the procedure with just one small incision near the bellybutton.

Precisely planning radiation to reduce side effects.
Shaw Cancer Center radiation oncologists are experts in planning radiation treatment that targets prostate cancer cells and spares as much nearby healthy tissue as possible. We offer the latest in prostate cancer radiation options.

Support & Services During Your Journey

We offer a network of support to help you with your physical, mental and spiritual needs in an effort to enhance your well-being throughout every step of your treatment and recovery.  

• Fit for Survival Program
  • Led by a team of exercise physiologists, this program facilitates strength training and aerobic exercise to, not only increase overall well-being, but to help mitigate adverse effects associated with cancer treatment.
• Physical Therapy
  • Our relationship with Howard Head Sports Medicine allows us to provide various muscle strengthening to aid in your recovery. 
• Jack’s Place
  • A12 bedroom caring house for on site lodging accommodations for patients and their caregiver/significant other during their cancer treatment.
• Diet and Nutrition
  • Our nutritionist will help with a plan tailored to your recovery goals. 
• Psychosocial Support Services
  • We offer a number of psychosocial services including support groups led by skilled cancer counselors and social workers Erin Perjeda, Kristi Grems and Sarah Roberts.
• Integrative Health Services
  • Our integrative services are designed to help patients cope with the cancer experience and improve their overall sense of well-being. We offer massage, reiki and acupuncture.
• Genetic Counseling
  • Our genetic counselor can help guide patients through the process of better understanding their cancer's impact on their family.