Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Program

Our approach to prostate cancer care

At UCI Health, we've been at the forefront of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer for over two decades. If this slow-growing cancer is caught before it has spread beyond the prostate, the survival rate is nearly 100%, according to the American Cancer Society. 

We work with you to determine the best, most innovative prostate cancer treatment for your needs. 

A team focused on you

For some individuals, our multidisciplinary clinic allows you and your family to see all our prostate cancer specialists in one convenient appointment. 

Your care team will include:

• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Urologic surgical oncologists

They all work together — and with you — to plan your care. They'll review your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test results and diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan and answer your questions. 

The team also provides second opinions so you can rest assured knowing you've made an informed medical decision. 

Second opinions

A second opinion can help you face your diagnosis with the confidence and information you need to start treatment. We offer second opinions to allow you to explore all your options.

Why choose UCI Health for prostate cancer care?

Innovative treatments

As the first in Southern California to offer minimally invasive, robot-assisted prostatectomies, our team includes the nation's leading specialists. This means that you have access to innovative treatments that spare more tissue and destroy more cancer cells. We even offer many of our robot-assisted prostatectomies on an outpatient basis, meaning you could go home the same day.

These innovations include:

• We were the first in the nation to use the Focal One system, which uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves instead of scalpels or needles. This destroys cancer tissues while sparing the rest of the prostate gland. 
• We were among the first to adopt Artemis, a revolutionary biopsy technology. It combines 3D imaging, a robotic arm and a needle-guidance system to find prostate cancer cells that may otherwise be missed. This helps reduce the risk of recurrence. 
• We are national leaders in laparoscopic surgery with the Karl Storz OR1 operating room technology. This latest technology makes surgery easier on you — with smaller incisions, less pain and a quicker recovery. 

National leaders in the field

Program director Dr. David I. Lee is one of the most experienced surgeons performing robot-assisted prostatectomies in the world. His nerve-sparing technique preserves sexual function, and the overall procedure has lower infection rates than traditional surgery. 

Our specialists lead the way in performing robot-assisted prostatectomies with the da Vinci Surgical System. Our surgeons have achieved excellent results, including: 

• Reduced blood loss
• Nearly zero blood transfusions
• Low infection and complication rates
• Earlier recovery and return to daily activities

The Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is National Cancer Institute-designated. This gives you access to clinicians who are leaders in improving prostate cancer care, clinical trials and the most advanced treatments.

Research and clinical trials

As an academic medical center, we offer ongoing research and clinical trials. 

In our current research, we are mapping all the small arteries that feed the prostate. Then, we use a fluorescent dye to help us better identify these vessels during surgery. This helps further increase our precision while sparing delicate blood vessels. 

With clinical trials, you may get access to treatments and therapies not yet widely available. Your participation may also help future prostate cancer patients.