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“We welcome you to our center of excellence. Our care teams are ready to support you and your family throughout the entire treatment process.”
– The Urology Team at Saint John’s Cancer Institute
Urology and Urologic Oncology Center of Excellence
As pioneers in the treatment of bladder, kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer, the team of experts at Saint John’s Cancer Institute's Urology and Urologic Oncology Center of Excellence in Santa Monica, CA, provide personalized care supported by decades of experience, collaborated research, and ongoing clinical trials. Through minimally-invasive treatment techniques and innovations, including robot-assisted surgery, patients recover with fewer long-term side effects, allowing them to return to normal activities more quickly.
Personalized Care and Improved Quality of Life
Our care team understands that each case is unique, while we treat every patient with dignity and compassion. We understand the challenges of coping with cancer and other life-changing decisions, and we are ready to guide you every step of the way. With an outcomes-based approach and our multi-disciplinary team, we work to develop the most optimal treatment plan for you based on your needs and the input of many of our oncologists, pathologists, and scientists. clinical excellence is our commitment to you.
Welcome to the Urology and Urologic Oncology Center of Excellence at Saint John’s Cancer Institute.
“I’m just amazed at how many wonderful doctors are all in one place.” -R.T.
“Dr. Linehan was able to quickly diagnose my symptoms. I’m so thankful. She is super compassionate, intelligent, and caring. Go see Dr. Linehan!” -M.W.
“When it comes to robotic surgery, Dr. Wilson is an expert. He is truly gifted and yet approachable. I am thankfully moving on with my life.” -R.E.
Your Urology Team at Saint John's Cancer Institute
We are making a difference and we prove it every day.
Under the direction of Dr. Timothy Wilson, Director of Urology and Urologic Oncology Research Program, our clinical team, including Dr. Kelly, Linehan, Movassaghi, and Twardowski, welcomes your questions and concerns. We have treated thousands of patients and look forward to providing you and your family additional information and support.
Cancer Treatment & Services
Urology involves parts of the body for both men and women, such as the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract. Oncology care may include one more types of treatment, which are prescribed as appropriate to maximize the curative effect. For example, surgery may be followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, whereas a small, solid tumor may be treated with just radiotherapy depending on its location and the presence of metastasis. We offer comprehensive treatment and support, including:
Surgery
Removal of the cancerous gland, organ, or affected tissues (See Surgery for Urologic Cancers)
- It may be performed with the aid of robotics
- Used to repair tissues affected by cancer and surgery
- Can be utilized with other types of treatment
Radiotherapy
Focused beams of energy that disrupt tumor growth (See Radiotherapy for Urologic Cancers)
- Used primarily for solid tumors and in difficult to reach areas
- Can be utilized with other types of treatment
Chemotherapy
Medical treatment that addresses cancers that have spread to other areas
- Reduces the speed of fast-growing cancers throughout the body
- Can be utilized with other types of treatment
Immunotherapy
Helps to fight cancers by helping the body defend itself
- Can help reduce the recurrence of cancer long after primary treatments
- Can be utilized with other types of treatment
Active Surveillance (Watchful Waiting)
Condition monitoring to either postpone or validate future treatment (See Active Surveillance)
- Common for men’s health (prostate cancer)
- It may be prescribed where cancerous conditions have not progressed
The Urology team at Saint John’s Cancer Institute is ready to support you and your family. We welcome your questions and recommend requesting a consultation as soon as possible. We will discuss treatment options and offer additional details for each of our services based on your condition, as well as other cancer support services.
Contact us today.
Ask Us.
Let’s start by answering your questions
Speak to someone today and get answers to your specific questions.
Call 310-582-7137.
Our care team is available to answer your questions and can relay your question to one of our specialists and get back to you. Know that you are always well-supported and treated with compassion at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute and our health center.
Request an Appointment
Please provide your contact information and your question below and we will respond to you as soon as possible. We can also provide appointment availability.
Providence St. John’s Health Center
High Performing in Urology
High Performing in Urology
Saint John’s Health Center is nationally ranked and in the top 10% for Urology
Learn more at Health.USNews.com.
Saint John’s Cancer Institute is leading with innovation
An Outcomes-based Approach
The da Vinci Surgical System allows our surgeons to take advantage of ultra-precise surgical maneuvers in a much smaller space. It is fully operated by the surgical oncologist who performs the procedure from a computer console near the patient, providing the doctor with high resolution imagery, lighting, and specialized robotic tools at the site of surgery.
Minimally-invasive Robotic Surgery for Prostate
The da Vinci Surgical System provides improved outcomes by enhancing the capability of the surgeon. See Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery.
- Requires smaller incisions than traditional surgery
- Faster recovery, reduced pain and the potential of infection
- Improved ability to spare sensitive nerves
- Reduced incidence of impotence and incontinence
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
Provides clinicians more treatment options for prostate cancer using concentrated ultrasound for treatment, which destroys tumor cells. See High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for Prostate Cancer.
- Uses ultrasound technology
- Improved localization of the affected tissues
- Helps to preserve the healthy surrounding tissues
Advancements in Prostate Radiotherapy
A supplemental innovation that helps radiation therapy delivery, including SpaceOAR Hydrogel. See SpaceOAR Hydrogel.
- Creates a temporary space between the prostate and the rectum
- Improves radiotherapy delivery to the prostate
- Reduces radiation exposure to healthy tissues
- Reduces urinary and rectal complications
3D Imaging
Advanced visualization for kidney cancer using mobile 3D imaging .
- A surgical application that converts imaging scans to 3D models (Ceevra)
- Offers ultra-precise, color-rich renderings with 100% clarity
- Provides the surgeon the benefit of mobility (pad, phone, VR headset, etc.)
- Allows the surgeon to further optimize the patient’s treatment plan
If you have questions regarding treatment or wellness for men or women, please call today.
Recent Publications & Research
- Przemyslaw W. Twardowski, M.D. co-authors prostate study in the New England Journal of Medicine on metastatic prostate cancer
KuDOS Pharmaceutical Drug for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (see article) - Jennifer Linehan, M.D. co-authors study in the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Library of Medicine on endoscopic safety for urothelial carcinoma
Complications Associated With Ureteroscopic Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (see article) - Timothy Wilson, M.D. co-authors study in the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Library of Medicine regarding best practices for robot-assisted prostate surgery
Best practices in robot-assisted radical cystectomy and urinary reconstruction: recommendations of the Pasadena Consensus Panel (see article) - Timothy Wilson, M.D, and Przemyslaw W. Twardowski, M.D. co-author study in the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Library of Medicine regarding urinary incontinence
Cryopreserved placental tissue allograft accelerates time to continence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (see article)
