Prostate cancer often requires the involvement of physicians from multiple disciplines in its treatment, including:
- Urology. Urologists can treat diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, and there are specialized urologic oncologists who can treat cancers of the urinary and reproductive system, such as prostate cancer and bladder cancer.
- Radiology. Radiology oncologists specialize in the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer. They can develop radiation treatment plans, monitor patients while they receive radiation therapy, and treat side effects caused by radiation.
- Medical oncology. Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with drug therapies, such as chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. Some common complications of cancer can also be managed.
- Nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine physicians specialize in using nuclear medicine tests to evaluate oncology patients, treatment outcomes, and more. Common nuclear medicine tests for prostate cancer patients include bone scans, PET-CT, and prostate-specific membrane antigen PET imaging (PSMA-PET).
- Imaging. Imaging physicians specialize in using imaging to detect tumors early and evaluate changes in a patient’s condition. Common imaging tests for prostate cancer patients include pelvic MRI.
Other treatment providers also include:
- Oncology nurses. A nurse who specializes in caring for cancer patients.
- Nutritionist. Assists in the management of nutritional issues related to cancer and its treatment.
- Physical therapist. Uses rehabilitation therapy to restore body function and can prevent disabilities caused by illness, surgery, or trauma.
- Counselor. Help patients and their families to reduce psychological problems such as depression and anxiety caused by cancer.