For treatment of prostate cancer that has metastasized to bone, is it ok to find a local cancer center for treatment or should we target finding a specific physician. My father was recently diagnosed by his urologist and we're having a hard time figuring out how to get a second opinion and potential treatment plan from an oncologist.
He lives in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Hello, I’m sorry to hear about your father’s diagnosis. I would definitely do your research in obtaining an oncologist who will provide a second option and medical options. The more information you know about prostrate cancer & how much it’s progressed, the better I informed both you & your father will be to make decisions. You’ve got a lot of welcoming supporters here & that’s a good start.
I prefer a NCI designated cancer center and if possible a center of excellency, Here it is a list of the NCI centers
I am so sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis. At my diagnosis (Prostate Cancer with metastases to bone) I was referred to Mayo Clinics for a second opinion. Mayo recommended I find a medical oncologist in my community since Rochester, Minnesota is a long way from my house.
For you I searched "West Palm Beach Florida Cancer Center" and West Palm Beach Florida Mayo Clinic" on Google and got a number of hits.
Your father can also ask his urologist for a recommendation for a medical oncologist who works with a lot of prostate cancer patients. The urologist should have no problem with giving the referral.
In addition, you might want to check out the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for Prostate Cancer found here: nccn.org/patients/guideline...
Best wishes to you and your father. You are in a good place on this message board to get info.
I'm in Ft. Lauderdale, and medical oncologists specializing in prostate cancer down here have been impossible for me to find, and I've tried....hard.
When we talk about real centers of excellence, Mayo Clinic, MSKCC, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Johns Hopkins....they all have remote second opinion packages available specifically for prostate cancer patients.. You gather all your pertinent records and forward them. A group of first class specialists review them and get back to you, both by phone and in writing. No travel or lengthy waiting required.
Worth researching, and may be just what you and your father need. Best of luck to both of you.
As my PC journey started to progress almost 3 years ago, it was my Urologist who recommended that I seek out an Oncologist. This was even before I was diagnosed with PC. I pursued multiple second opinions before I chose Rutgers Cancer Institute for my care, as they all offered comparable treatment plans and I chose the closest one to where I live. No regrets.
I was referred to a oncologist by my urologist the week after my dx was confirmed by enlarged lymphnodes on a CT scan.
Ask his urologist for a referral and then check him/her out. Also look for a Cancer Center (post here for referrals)..... Post here for vital info..... it's free and it's excellent.....
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
j-o-h-n Friday 10/16/2020 5:54 PM DST
Dr at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa
Dr. Van Allen @ Dana Farber Cancer Center
Just saw this from MSK Cancer Center
Recurring prostate cancer individual seeking Letetium 177 before it spreads more
Recommendations for treatment center 
