Urologic Oncology

Why choose UCLA Health for urologic oncology care?

The UCLA Institute of Urologic Oncology brings together a team of scientists and physicians who develop and implement leading-edge cancer treatments. Our specialists research new treatments and bring them to patients in real-time.

Highlights of our program include:

Research emphasis and clinical trials: Thanks to our research efforts, we can better visualize tumors, treat rare kidney cancers and bring new treatments to patients. Through clinical trials, we offer eligible patients promising new treatment options.

Personalized, patient-centered approach: Our specialists understand that no two patients are alike and always choose the approach that offers the highest chances of the best possible outcome. We also personalize treatment plans as much as possible. For example, we use genomic sequencing to study the genetic makeup of a specific cancer. This approach helps us understand which treatments are most likely to effectively cure the cancer.

Multispecialty care: Our team brings together urologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and clinical trial nurses and physicians. All these specialists work together to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment.

Our areas of care

We provide comprehensive care for cancers that affect the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Our areas of care include:

Bladder Cancer Program

Our urologic oncologists provide advanced care for bladder cancer. A multispecialty team of physicians and scientists works together to personalize each care plan using the most advanced approaches. We participate in multiple research projects and clinical trials, offering eligible patients access to the latest therapies. Learn more about bladder cancer.

Kidney Cancer Program

The specialists in our comprehensive program treat thousands of patients with kidney cancer each year. We use leading-edge therapies to deliver the highest standards of care. At UCLA Health, we believe that new advances and research will translate into cured cancer for more and more patients. Find out more about kidney cancer.

Prostate Cancer Program

We offer the latest, most advanced care for early- and late-stage prostate cancer. Our fellowship-trained urologic oncologists have consistently ranked among the top prostate cancer physicians in the country. UCLA Health specialists are pioneers in developing new technologies and techniques leading to safer, more effective treatments. Find out more about prostate cancer.

Testicular Cancer Program

The specialists in our Testicular Cancer Program offer comprehensive, holistic treatment. We personalize every care plan to meet each patient’s needs, using the latest treatments in surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Learn more about testicular cancer.

Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program

Our Genitourinary Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program helps patients identify potential genetic causes of urologic cancer. Often, knowing your genetic risks can help your care team personalize your treatment plan. It also helps determine if other family members are at risk. A genetic counselor provides detailed consultations to help you understand your test results. Learn more about cancer genetics.

Cancer second opinions

Our specialists offer second opinion consults for multiple types of cancer, regardless of where you live. We offer video consultations to allow patients across the country to access our state-of-the-art care. Find out more about cancer second opinions.

Integrated Cancer Program

We offer newly diagnosed patients the opportunity to meet with various specialists on the same day in the same clinic. Patients receive treatment plans from a coordinated team of urologists, radiation oncologists and urologic surgeons. This integrated approach avoids the need for multiple visits and allows patients to explore all their treatment options in one convenient setting.

Urologic cancers we treat

Urologic oncologists treat any cancer that develops in the urinary tract, prostate or testicles, including:

Bladder cancer: Irregular masses of cells that form in the bladder, the organ that holds urine before it exits the body

Kidney cancer: Tumors that start in the kidneys, the organs that remove excess fluid and waste from the blood

Prostate cancer: Cancer that starts in the prostate, the small gland that produces seminal fluid

Testicular cancer: Cancer that starts in the testicles, the male organs that create sperm and testosterone

Urologic cancer treatments we offer

Our urologic oncologists partner with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to provide therapeutic treatment. These treatments may include:

Chemotherapy: This cancer treatment involves powerful medicines that destroy fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. Patients may take chemotherapy as an oral medication or through an intravenous (IV) line.

Radiation therapy: Doctors use high doses of radiation to shrink or destroy tumors. Patients may have several sessions of radiation therapy throughout cancer treatment.

Brachytherapy: Oncologists place small radioactive seeds directly in the prostate gland. Radiation travels to the prostate with minimal effects on surrounding tissue.

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Radiation oncologists position a machine that directs external beams of radiation to cancer cells inside the body. This is the most common type of radiation therapy.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): Radiation oncologists use specialized technology to shape radiation beams to the shape of the tumor. Then, they deliver precise, intense radiation doses directly to the tumor.

Surgery: Surgeons aim to remove as much of a tumor as possible while leaving healthy tissue intact. They may also remove nearby lymph nodes or other structures. Our specialists use robot-assisted and minimally invasive techniques as often as possible. These approaches lead to smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery.

Targeted therapy: These medicines identify and target cancer cells. They may destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing.

Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts your immune system to fight cancer more effectively. Patients take specific drugs, proteins or blood components to increase immune function.

Genomic tumor profiling: Our oncologists take a small sample of cancer cells and analyze it to look for unique gene changes. They use this information to personalize cancer treatment, finding the options that are most likely to be effective.

Meet our team

Our urologic oncologists are researchers and expert physicians who provide comprehensive cancer care with a warm, personalized approach. They continually study new treatments and offer the most promising therapies to patients.