Urology Cancer Center

If we suspect you have kidney cancer, state-of-the-art #D imaging is used to determine the size and extent of the cancer. We can then print the kidney with the cancer as a 3D model to help plan the surgery. In selected cases, we also perform a biopsy to examine the tissue sample under the microscope prior to surgery. 

The treatment of kidney cancer requires the cooperation of different specialists. At our certified Cancer Center, every patient with a newly discovered, locally or systemically advanced kidney cancer is discussed on an interdisciplinary basis in order to offer you an individual and optimally adapted therapy.  

Minimally invasive surgical removal of a cancer confined to the kidney is currently the most widely used and best proven method. Our focus is on minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery using the Da Vinci® system. The surgeon performs the procedure using microsurgical instruments and a camera held by the robot via small abdominal incisions. Our experience shows that patients experience less pain after this operation, are able to move more quickly and return home earlier than patients who undergo open surgery via a large abdominal incision. 

We offer every patient with kidney cancer follow-up care tailored to the patient’s needs in order to detect the recurrence of kidney cancer and any possible surgical consequences at an early stage and treat them early as well.

If bladder cancer is suspected, we will perform a cystoscopy. Nowadays, using a flexible camera, this painless procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis during the consultation. A cystoscopy only takes a few minutes. In addition, we will perform a bladder irrigation to identify any malignant bladder mucosa cells. If abnormalities are detected during these examinations, a tissue sample is taken from the bladder through the urethra, using a minimally invasive technique without a skin incision.  

Superficial bladder cancer

The sooner bladder cancer is discovered, the greater the chances of recovery. In many cases, the entire bladder cancer can be removed during the biopsy via the urethra. Depending on the depth of cancer penetration into the urinary bladder wall and its malignancy, further deeper removal of the bladder mucosa may be required. 

Unfortunately, bladder cancer often returns even after complete removal. Our clinic has extensive experience in advanced bladder cancer therapy. BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) immunotherapy can significantly reduce the likelihood of bladder cancer recurrence. We conduct active research in the field of BCG immunotherapy and are funded by the Swiss Association for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK).  

Invasive bladder cancer

If the biopsy shows that the bladder cancer has grown into the bladder wall muscles, it is usually recommended to surgically remove the bladder. Once the bladder has been completely removed, urine can no longer be excreted naturally via the urethra. A replacement for urine drainage from the kidneys is created. Different urinary drainage options can be offered depending on the situation. At our certified Cancer Center, each patient with bladder cancer that has grown into the bladder wall muscles is discussed on an interdisciplinary basis. Interdisciplinary consultations with representatives from urology, radiotherapy and oncology take place in order to discuss the different treatment options in detail with you and to develop a treatment approach tailored to your needs. 

We offer every patient with bladder cancer care tailored to their individual needs in order to detect the recurrence of bladder cancer at an early stage and treat it early as well.

The sooner prostate cancer is discovered, the greater the chances of recovery. For this reason, the Swiss Urology Association recommends a prostate cancer screening from the age of 45 in the case of family history (father or brother with prostate cancer) and from the age of 50 without family history. This check-up consists of a tactile examination of the prostate via the rectum and a blood test (prostate-specific antigen, or PSA for short).

If any abnormalities are detected during the check-up, multi-plane imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI) of the pelvis is performed to assess the prostate in more detail. If prostate cancer is suspected, a biopsy is taken from the prostate through the rectum under local anesthetic on an outpatient basis and examined under the microscope. An image-guided fusion biopsy, using magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound (MRI-TRUS), has established itself as a particularly accurate method. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis makes suspect areas of the prostate visible. The MRI images are superimposed with the ultrasound images of the prostate during the biopsy. This allows the suspect areas to be targeted with accuracy for a biopsy. This method is used as the standard at our clinic. Prostate cancer is diagnosed earlier, more accurately, and with less tissue needed for the biopsy using the MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy. This allows patients to receive optimal therapy at an early stage and reduces the risk of side effects from repeated biopsies.

The treatment of prostate cancer requires the cooperation of different specialists. At our certified Cancer Center, every patient with a newly discovered prostate cancer cancer is discussed on an interdisciplinary basis in order to offer an individual and optimally adapted therapy. We will discuss your treatment options with you in detail.  

«Active surveillance»

In the case of low-risk prostate cancer that does not spread outside the prostate capsule, surgery or radiotherapy may be dispensed with in some cases. The «active surveillance» strategy is used. Prostate cancer is monitored by means of regular check-ups (patent examination of the prostate gland, blood tests and prostate biopsies). This makes it possible to detect changes in the cancer at an early stage and initiate active therapy as the disease progresses. Active monitoring can prevent the side effects of radiation or medication as well as the possible complications of surgery. 

Surgical prostate removal

Complete surgical removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy) is recommended for organ-limited cancer growth. This option is currently the most widely used and well-proven method. Our focus is on minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery using the Da Vinci® system. The surgeon performs the procedure using microsurgical instruments and a camera held by the robot via small abdominal incisions. Our experience shows that patients experience less pain after this operation, are able to move and go home more quickly than those who undergo open surgery via a large abdominal incision.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy can damage the cancer cells to such an extent that they die off. Targeted radiation protects the surrounding healthy organs such as the small intestine, bladder and genital organs as much as possible. 

Hormone and chemotherapy

The sex hormone testosterone influences the growth of prostate cells and, in some cases, the growth of prostate cancer. Antihormone therapy eliminates the influence of testosterone on the growth of hormone-dependent prostate cancer. This can be achieved with surgery (subcapsular orchiectomy) or medication. 

For prostate cancer, chemotherapy may be used if antihormone therapy is not (or is no longer) effective. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment to damage cells or inhibit growth. It prevents fast-growing cancer cells from dividing and prevents the cancer from further multiplying. However, chemotherapy also damages healthy, fast-growing cells (such as bone marrow cells, hair follicle cells or mucous membranes in the mouth, stomach or intestine).

After prostate cancer therapy, we offer all patients individual cancer follow-up care and, if applicable, urinary incontinence and erection counseling.

If testicular cancer is suspected, the testicles are scanned, an ultrasound of the testicle is performed and special blood markers are measured, which may be elevated in testicular cancer. If these examinations reveal any abnormalities, the testicle must be surgically exposed from the scrotum for further diagnosis. 

Therapy is planned at a special interdisciplinary conference with colleagues from oncology and radiology. It depends on the type and stage of testicular cancer, the concomitant diseases and the patient’s personal wishes. As a first step, the affected testicle is usually removed through an incision in the groin. This is followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A complete cure is often possible, even in the advanced stage of cancer. 

Following therapy completion, regular follow-up checks are necessary in order to prevent a possible early relapse. To this end, we will put together a personalized cancer follow-up care plan.

Changes to the testicles and penis are often accompanied by a major feeling of shame. It is not uncommon for patients to see a doctor for penile cancer only once the disease is at a very advanced stage. In the beginning there is usually a painless reddish or white spot, which is sometimes raised and can quickly increase in size. Sometimes the diagnosis can be complicated by a constriction of the foreskin that covers the cancer. 

If penile cancer is suspected, a small biopsy is usually taken under local anesthesia to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, a sectional image is performed to determine the exact extent of the cancer and to look for spread in the body. 

Therapy depends on the stage of cancer. Potential treatment options are reviewed on an interdisciplinary basis in our tumor board meetings and then discussed in detail with you. The cornerstone of penile cancer therapy is surgery. The penis is preserved, if possible. 

Following therapy completion, regular follow-up checks are necessary in order to prevent a possible early relapse. We will put together a personalized cancer follow-up care plan for you.