Going for Prostate Biopsy Tomorrow ….Looking for Opinions and Thoughts

@indyguy
I am not sure who was originator of the term Center of Excellence. It seems subjective to me because no one knows all the great medical institutions that are out there.

There are very big medical centers in every state that have excellent medical diagnosis and treatments. I think the bottom line is that you are being treated by experienced and knowledgeable medical doctors and the institution has the latest diagnosis and treatment equipment and program.

I ended up at UFHPTI and never appears on posters center of excellence list. However it has been treating PC since 2006 with proton radiation. It is one of the most experienced medical institution treating cancers with proton radiation.

Every single state has send or self referral patients to UFHPTI including Mayo Jacksonville as they don't have proton radiation at Mayo Jacksonville (yet new cancer center with proton coming). I believe the number of other countries with patients coming there is well over hundreds. They are very large and have 5 gantries that were recently updated to latest proton radiation equipment. The federal government just chose UFHPTI to receive a 25 million dollar grant to study long term proton and photon radiation treatments.

You will see names like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins but there are many many more that have excellent medical programs and treatments.

@jc76
Yes, I am going to a big Urologist group here in Indianapolis. I hear to go to a “ Center of Excellence “, but I’m not sure if where I am going is considered a center of excellence. How do you find a center of excellence ?
Thanks

@indyguy
FYI. The Simon Cancer Center in downtown Indianapolis has several providers who diagnose and monitor and treat prostate cancer, including urologists and genitourinary medical oncologists. Keep it in mind as a resource.

@jc76
Yes, I am going to a big Urologist group here in Indianapolis. I hear to go to a “ Center of Excellence “, but I’m not sure if where I am going is considered a center of excellence. How do you find a center of excellence ?
Thanks

@indyguy and @jc76, "Cancer Centers of Excellence" (COEs) are healthcare facilities recognized for their high standards in cancer treatment, research, and patient care, often through formal designations. Examples include NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the U.S., which are leading research institutions, and specific programs. There are 73 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. Here's how to find them

- NCI-Designated Cancer Centers https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers

There is also a designation called National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a category to which Mayo Clinic belongs.
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/mayo-clinic-cancer-center

Hi. I'm in a similar place and thought I'd share my experience if it helps. I'm 57. PSA has hovered around 5-7 for a couple of years. Had an MRI a couple of years ago that didn't show anything. Recently had an Iso PSA result of 22.8. Urologist ordered another MRI, which showed a lesion (pirads 4) on the prostate, but nothing outside of it. Had my first fusion biopsy yesterday so will get those results in a week or so. Still passing blood, etc. and a bit groggy -- probably from the anesthesia. Worked from home in the afternoon and back in the office today. (I know a lot of guys are able to go back to normal activities the same day, but I didn't.) I was nervous about the biopsy, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. Now just waiting on results. I also live in a similar city as Indy (St. Louis) with great healthcare, but not necessarily Mayo, etc. I'm happy with the urologist so far, but once I get my biopsy results, I do plan to send all results over to a "Center of Excellence" (Mayo, Cleveland, MD Anderson, etc.) for their opinion, even if my urologist says everything is AOK. This group has been super helpful in helping me educate myself.

@stldadof4 I actually sent all my results to Siteman in STL for a second opinion since I live in mid-MO. I believe they are considered a Center of Excellence and on the NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers list that Colleen posted above. I certainly don't blame you for using those other centers like Mayo, Cleveland, etc., but any reason you wouldn't consider using Siteman since they're in your area? I'm going to start radiation treatment there soon so hopefully you haven't heard anything negative!

@shmo Good to know. Yes, both of my MRIs were conducted at Siteman, but my urologist is part of a different group (STL Urology) that was recommended by my primary care. I would also likely go to Siteman if I end up needing treatment here in town. It's a great place and well respected. However, I didn't realize it was a COE in the same standing as Mayo, etc. Thanks for pointing that out. I am not there yet, but once I get the biopsy results, I would like the opinion of someone in addition to my current urologist. My understanding is that you can just send the MRI and biopsy info to one or more of these COEs to get another opinion. Will likely cross that bridge in a few weeks.

Hi. I'm in a similar place and thought I'd share my experience if it helps. I'm 57. PSA has hovered around 5-7 for a couple of years. Had an MRI a couple of years ago that didn't show anything. Recently had an Iso PSA result of 22.8. Urologist ordered another MRI, which showed a lesion (pirads 4) on the prostate, but nothing outside of it. Had my first fusion biopsy yesterday so will get those results in a week or so. Still passing blood, etc. and a bit groggy -- probably from the anesthesia. Worked from home in the afternoon and back in the office today. (I know a lot of guys are able to go back to normal activities the same day, but I didn't.) I was nervous about the biopsy, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. Now just waiting on results. I also live in a similar city as Indy (St. Louis) with great healthcare, but not necessarily Mayo, etc. I'm happy with the urologist so far, but once I get my biopsy results, I do plan to send all results over to a "Center of Excellence" (Mayo, Cleveland, MD Anderson, etc.) for their opinion, even if my urologist says everything is AOK. This group has been super helpful in helping me educate myself.