COMBINING NEWEST ADVANCES WITH COMPASSION
A pioneer in robotic-assisted surgeries for prostate cancer at The University of Kansas Hospital, Brantley Thrasher, MD, is an expert in the very latest medical advances in his field. Yet he firmly believes there is no substitution for the healing power of compassionate care.
Behind every diagnosis is a unique case, Dr. Thrasher explained, as no two cancers take the same predictable path. "We believe in treating one person at a time, as if each patient is our family member."
This blending of state-of-the-art medical technology with the highest quality patient care possible has helped The University of Kansas Cancer Center's prostate cancer program earn the distinction of Prostate Center of Excellence – one of only 13 nationwide. A professor and chair of Urology Surgery, Thrasher leads the program, which is a nationally recognized leader in research, treatment and recovery.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S.; 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. Prostate cancer can sometimes lead to impotence and incontinence, so the diagnosis can trigger very emotional issues for patients.
Thrasher stresses the importance of "taking time to really listen, to let our patient express their concerns so we can make them feel comfortable with the care we provide."
Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men older than 65, but signs of the disease can be observed and treated much earlier, with the promise of better outcomes, he said. Like so many other cancers and conditions, it is easiest to treat if detected before symptoms actually appear.
"Once you see the signs of cancer, it very well may have spread or grown more complex to treat," he noted. "But no matter when you receive a diagnosis, it's crucial to find the best treatment for your particular case."
That's why finding the right treatment "fit" for patients is a driving force of the prostate cancer program at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Here, physicians fellowship-trained in urologic oncology and robotics offer more treatment options for prostate cancer than any hospital in the region.
Thrasher and fellow urologists consult with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, patient advocates and other care providers to decide if surgery is the answer, or if other treatment therapies, including radiation, medication and cryotherapy, may provide a better solution.
"Today's treatment options give even the most difficult cases a better chance for survival and a healthy recovery than traditional treatment 5 or 10 years ago," he concluded.