NorCal Prostate Cancer Centers of Excellence

[BullGator]

Newly diagnosed with unfavorable intermediate risk prostate cancer. I split my time between Southwest Florida and Northern California. So far, I've been working with a urologist in Fort Myers, have seen a Fort Myers radiation oncologist, and will see a robotic surgeon in Naples soon.

I'm about to the point of seeking second opinions; not due to dissatisfaction with my team so far, just looking for additional input before starting treatment. Still trying to be open to all treatment options.

I'm looking for centers of excellence in Northern California (Sacramento to Bay Area). I've read a lot of posts referencing UCSF, and I see that UC Davis is a comprehensive cancer center, but I don't know if they have a strong reputation in prostate cancer treatment. I've heard of and watched videos of Western Radiation Oncology (Dr. Steven Kurtzman and Dr. Ankit Agarwal) as LDR brachytherapy specialists.

What are the primary centers of excellence for prostate cancer treatment in Northern California? Who are the leading doctors in Northern California?

(My background: Diagnosed with prostate cancer Jan 2025 (the month I turned 65). PSA 4.16. Biopsy with 13 cores shows (4) 3+3, (3) 3+4, (1) 4+3, 5 benign. Second biopsy reading in progress. MRI shows prostate 46cc with malignancy lesion in right posterolateral peripheral zone at mid gland. MRI shows cancer confined to prostate, confirmed by PSMA PET. )

[Jancapper]

I used Dr. Logston at Sutter General for high dose brachytherapy for G9 cancer. It’s been 2.5 years and PSA remains undetectable. I tried getting into UCD but couldn’t.

[BullGator in reply to Jancapper]

Thanks, you must be very encouraged with good results 2.5 years out.

[Tall_Allen]

If you're near Tampa, I'd recommend Debra Freeman or Sean Collins.

[BullGator in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks.

[ron_bucher]

UCSF has a free all day speaker event May 2 for patients. My bay area support groups view UCSF as the best in Northern CA.

[BullGator in reply to ron_bucher]

Thanks for the heads up and the opinion of the support group. I'll look into the patient seminar.

[mijona]

As a patient of Dr Debra Freeman in Tampa, I definitely recomend her.

[BullGator in reply to mijona]

Thanks mijona. Would you mind sharing which treatments Dr. Freeman performed for you?

[mijona in reply to BullGator]

Cyberknife- Which is non invasive robotic precise HDR radiation treatment- I had 5 treatments in 2 weeks. Dr Freeman is very professional, knowledgeable and patiently explains and answers any questions you might have.