David F. Penson, MD, MPH, MMHC, chair, Department of Urology, and Paul V. Hamilton, MD and Virginia E. Howd Chair, Urologic Oncology, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses ongoing research in prostate cancer.

Multiple clinical trials are ongoing in prostate cancer currently, says Penson.

For example, the multicenter TRoMbone study is a feasibility trial that is investigating the role of radical prostatectomy in men with oligometastatic disease that has spread to the bone. Additionally, the STAMPEDE trial is planning to open a surgical arm for patients with oligometastatic disease, pending additional funding.

Other clinical trials are exploring the role of checkpoint inhibitors in prostate cancer, explains Penson.

As novel agents and therapeutic modalities continue to be identified, the field of prostate cancer is moving toward becoming a chronic disease and the potential for cure, concludes Penson.

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David F. Penson, MD, MPH, MMHC, discusses ongoing research in prostate cancer.



Dr. Penson on Ongoing Research in Prostate Cancer

David F. Penson, MD, MPH, director, Center for Surgical Quality and Outcomes Research Professor of Urologic Surgery, Paul V. Hamilton, M.D. and Virginia E. Howd Chair in Urologic Oncology, professor of medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of a large urologic practice.

Penson says a large urology community practice has many advantages. The strength in numbers of a large practice allows physicians to negotiate with payers and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) caters to larger urologic practices. With the ACA now effective, Penson believes large groups have a competitive advantage over smaller groups.

However, Penson interoperates the ACA encourages providers to become employees of a large multispecialty practice or a medical center. This puts community urologists at a disadvantage because as the regulations take effect, a large group will not be completely safe from some of the downsides. That being said, participating in a large group is the safest place to be, compared to other options, Penson says.

David F. Penson, MD, MPH, director, Center for Surgical Quality and Outcomes Research Professor of Urologic Surgery, Paul V. Hamilton, M.D. and Virginia E. Howd Chair in Urologic Oncology, professor of medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of a large urologic practice. 

David F. Penson, MD, MPH

Articles

Dr. Penson on Ongoing Research in Prostate Cancer

Dr. Penson on Advantages/ Disadvantages of Large Urologic Practices