A multidisciplinary approach to urologic cancer is employed by the urologic oncology group. Three surgical oncologists, a medical oncologist, the Department of Radiation Oncology and a urologic pathologist combine their efforts to custom-tailor therapy for the 350 new urologic oncology patients seen annually.
Surgical Oncology
Surgical training is guided by the principles of progressive responsibility and autonomy, combined with constructive feedback on patient management decisions. During the course of training, urology residents may anticipate exposure to the full gamut of urologic malignancies. Formal didactics in urologic oncology occur through a monthly Urologic Oncology conference and a monthly Multidisciplinary Tumor Board.
Medical Oncology
Residents will be exposed to medical aspects of urologic oncology in both the inpatient and clinical setting. It is anticipated that residents will participate in managing patients receiving systemic therapies (chemotherapy and biological response modifiers) on the inpatient units in conjunction with medical oncology faculty and fellows. The intent is to allow the Urology trainee to understand concepts in the management of patients with advanced urologic malignancies in preparation for joint decision-making with other oncology professionals. Both acute and chronic cancer pain management skills are an integral part of the training program.
Pathology
Surgical pathology is an important part of the urologic oncology educational experience. Residents have ample opportunity to interact with the Pathology Department, including a rotation in surgical pathology. A urologic pathology conference which is geared specifically for the residents is held monthly.
Research
In addition to routine clinical patient care, the urologic oncology group is actively engaged in research at both the clinical and basic science levels. As a member of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, numerous protocols are active at any one time for treatment of urologic cancer patients. Active basic science research areas include transitional cell bladder neoplasms and prostate carcinoma. Translational efforts to move basic science studies into the clinical area are routinely performed. A phase I gene therapy trial is currently in progress and more will begin in the near future. Excellent support for these endeavors is provided by additional professional staff, including protocol administrators, research nurses and a biostatistics core group. Finally, the John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center at The University of Iowa provides a superb physical plant and additional support for the performance of these efforts. Opportunities to participate in urologic oncology research, both basic and clinical, are readily available.
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