Multidisciplinary management of prostate malignancy.
Most urologic malignancies are diagnosed initially and managed by urologists. However, better outcomes may be attained by integrating the surgical, medical, and radiologic disciplines. The primary care physician remains an important cornerstone whose talents should not be underestimated in the overall patient management scheme. Additional services such as endocrinology, physical therapy, pain control, hospice, nutrition, biofeedback, and hyperbarics, among others, should be considered in the overall health care team. The organization of the team, including definition of the duties of key personnel and even the physical framework of the clinic, contribute to its success in treating patients with prostate cancer. Pitfalls of the process also are discussed in this article.
Basler
Joseph W
JW
Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, MC7845, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. basler@uthscsa.edu
Jenkins
Carol
C
Swanson
Gregory
G
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000379:methods; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008499:Medical Records; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000458:organization & administration; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration; D013781:Texas; D014572:Urology / Q000458:organization & administration*