The Prostate Centre
Encyclopedia
The Prostate Centre is a private men’s health clinic based in London’s Harley Street
medical community. It is among the UK’s top centres for prostate care and treatment due to its team of specialist prostate surgeons, oncologists, physicians, radiologists and lifestyle therapists. The Prostate Centre has treated numerous celebrities including Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tony Elliot, owner of Time Out magazine, and Dr Thomas Stuttaford, the Times’ medical columnist.
and prostate specialist, together with anaesthetist and men’s health physician, Dr Peter Amoroso. The Prostate Centre is a patient-focused centre of excellence outside the NHS, where experts in prostate disease and men’s health work together. The Prostate Centre was officially opened in March 2006 by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, patron of Prostate UK (now Prostate Action), a charity based in London
.
, benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH), prostatitis
(inflammation of the prostate), and related men’s health issues such as post-operative incontinence
and sexual difficulties, including erectile dysfunction
.
Operations are performed at a selection of private hospitals in London
, primarily The London Clinic
and the King Edward VII Hospital Sister Agnes. Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy
treatment is carried out at either University College London
or The Harley Street Clinic.
, radiotherapy, low-dose brachytherapy, high-dose brachytherapy, Cyberknife
, hormone therapy
and chemotherapy
.
(BPH), an obstruction to urine flow caused by an enlarged prostate. Drug therapy, using dutasteride
or finasteride
, can help patients avoid or postpone surgery.
Alternatively, if the patient needs surgery, a TransUrethral Resection of the Prostate
(TURP) is offered by The Prostate Centre. This relieves pressure on the urethra
by cutting away some of the excess prostate tissue.
GreenLight laser surgery is another option for The Prostate Centre patients suffering from BPH. The process is used for the treatment and reduction of enlarged prostates. The Prostate Centre’s consultant urological surgeons operate at the King Edward VII Hospital for both these treatments.
is a common condition that causes perineal discomfort, which can include inflammation of the prostate gland. The Prostate Centre uses a combination of urine tests, a digital rectal examination and a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to diagnose the condition.
Once diagnosed, Prostate Centre patients are offered a wide range of treatment options:
. There are a number of sexual health specialists at The Prostate Centre:
In addition, The Prostate Centre offers a uniquely designed penile rehabilitation programme for patients who undergo the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy, alongside medical treatments and devices to combat erectile dysfunction
.
in his career and has written over 60 books and published more than 300 scientific papers. He is the founder and previous editor of the Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases Journal and has been heavily involved in the development of national guidelines for prostate healthcare.
In 2005 he was awarded the St Peter's Medal by the British Association of Urological Surgeons which is the highest accolade the association bestows for work in the field of Urology
. In 2010, he was named one of the UK’s Top 100 Doctors by The Sunday Times
.
Dr Peter Amoroso – Founder and Director of The Prostate Centre, Peter worked as a consultant for 12 years at St Bartholomew's Hospital
and The London NHS Trust, as well as Training Programme Director and Deputy Regional Advisor at the Barts/London School of Anaesthesia for seven years. Dr Amoroso is considered the most experienced anaesthetist in London
for prostate surgery.
Professor Prokar Dasgupta – Professor of Robotic Surgery and Urological Innovation at Kings College London and Hon. Consultant Urological Surgeon at Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
, and The Prostate Centre, Professor Dasgupta was one of the first urologists in the UK to use laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques
. He pioneered the use of the da Vinci robot
in the UK and acts as a mentor throughout the UK to surgeons learning the technique. In 2006, Professor Dasgupta won the prestigious BAUS award for significant and lasting contribution to urology. He is also recognised internationally for robotic cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer
.
Mr Julian Shah – The Prostate Centre’s prostatitis
and incontinence
expert, Mr Shah is widely published and is an accomplished lecturer; he has worked for 25 years as Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Urology and for the St Peter’s Hospitals group, now a part of UCLH. He is currently Regional Representative to the Council of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS).
Dr Heather Payne – Consultant Clinical Oncologist at UCLH and The Prostate Centre, Dr Payne specialises in the management of urological malignancies and is actively involved in clinical research
, having pioneered a programme of high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
, a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer. Dr Payne is currently chairman of the British Uro-oncology Group (BUG); serves on the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action and the Department of Health Prostate Cancer Advisory Group.
Dr Stephen Harland – Consultant Medical Oncologist at UCLH
and The Prostate Centre, Dr Harland also heads up a team treating prostate
, testicular
and bladder
tumours at one of the UK’s most prestigious teaching hospitals. Dr Harland is Chairman of the castration-resistant subgroup of the National Cancer Research Network Prostate Cancer Clinical Studies Group, and is Trustee of the British Uro-oncology Group (BUG).
Dr Uday Patel – Consultant Radiologist at St George’s Hospital NHS Trust
, and Head of Radiology at The Prostate Centre, Dr Patel is an international leader in uro-radiology. He has written widely on the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer
, prostate biopsy
and its complications, producing a best-selling book on transrectal ultrasound and biopsy of the prostate. Among other positions, he is Assistant Editor of Clinical Radiology Imaging; Founding Member of the British Society of Urogenital Radiology and Specialist Advisor to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence
(NICE).
Professor Mike Kirby – Visiting Professor to the Faculty of Health & Human Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire
and The Prostate Centre, specialising in men’s health, particularly erectile dysfunction linked to cardiovascular disease
and diabetes. Professor Kirby has written and lectured to a wide international audience on men’s health, urology
, erectile dysfunction
, cardiovascular disease
and diabetes. He is Editor of the Primary Care Cardiovascular Journal and on the Editorial Board of the British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease and the British Journal of Cardiology, amongst others.
Lorraine Grover – Therapist in Sexual Wellbeing at The Prostate Centre, Lorraine Grover has 17 years of experience helping men with sexual difficulties to restore function, pre and post treatment for prostate cancer. Lorraine has published a number of articles and books, including the recent Intimacy and Sexuality for Cancer Patients and their Partners publication which was awarded “Highly Commended” in the category for “Best Patient Support Initiative 2010” by the Excellence in Oncology Board. Lorraine is a member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists; Trustee of the Sexual Advice Association, and Specialist Advisor to Macmillan Cancer Support
. Lorraine achieved a Developing Practice Award from The Queen’s Nursing Institute to develop the information package The Erection Connection, for patients and partners, about sexual dysfunction.
on Channel 4 News
. The interview focused on Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, the Lockerbie bomber, who was released by Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill
under the belief that prostate cancer would leave him with only a month to live. Professor Kirby stated:
"There are new therapies coming in all the time – these are improving survival rates for patients quite dramatically, so it was a big mistake to let him out on the premise that he’d be dead within three months. That was always likely to end up to be embarrassingly wrong, and one year afterwards, here we are, it was embarrassingly wrong”.
On 16th May 2010, Professor Roger Kirby and Prostate Centre patient, Scott Cormack, Partner at KPMG
, was interviewed on the BBC World Service
. Professor Kirby discussed the location and function of the prostate and early detection of prostate cancer. Discussing the level of PSA testing for prostate cancer
Professor Kirby stated: “70% of American men know what their PSA test is and they get treated if it goes up, whilst only 3% of men in the UK do the same.”
On 27th July 2011, Professor Roger Kirby was quoted in The Daily Telegraph
and The Independent
newspapers following UK Foreign Secretary William Hague's
criticism of the medical advice that led to the release of Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph
Professor Roger Kirby said: “I am not surprised that Mr al-Megrahi is still alive as the decision to release him was based on flawed medical advice. It was always foolhardy to put a three-month prognosis on his survival, because advances in treatment, such as new chemotherapy and immunotherapy techniques that he is likely to be receiving, could keep him alive for a while yet, maybe even several more years. What used to be a hopeless situation for patients at advanced stages of prostate cancer is now more favourable. The silver lining to this story is that other patients with similarly advanced disease should not give up hope and should ask their doctor about the possibility of having these new treatments.”
On 19th August 2011, Professor Roger Kirby was quoted by the BBC
regarding the possibility that Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is being kept alive by drugs not available in the UK. Professor Roger Kirby suggested that al-Megrahi is being treated with abiraterone
, a drug discovered in the Cancer Research UK
Centre for Cancer Therapeutics. Professor Kirby stated: "Unfortunately I don't think they were aware of these new treatments such as abiraterone, which is transforming the prospects for patients with advanced prostate cancer. They just are living longer and longer. It's unknown how long this man will live and with extra additional new treatments it could have been predicted that he might be alive... 24 months after his release and I could be on this programme next year, 36 months, and he's still alive."
On 21st September 2011, Dr. Heather Payne, a consultant at The Prostate Centre, was quoted by Sky News
on the UK release of abiraterone
, a drug used to treat advanced prostate cancer
. The drug has been launched in the UK following approval by European medical authorities. Clinical trials of abiraterone
showed that the drug
can extend survival by around five months, at an estimated cost of £3,000 per month. Dr Heather Payne stated: "This is a big breakthrough. It became quite obvious during the trial which men were being treated with the drug rather than the placebo dummy pill. Their pain improved, their quality of life improved, and tests showed the cancer getting better."
Harley Street
Harley Street is a street in the City of Westminster in London, England which has been noted since the 19th century for its large number of private specialists in medicine and surgery.- Overview :...
medical community. It is among the UK’s top centres for prostate care and treatment due to its team of specialist prostate surgeons, oncologists, physicians, radiologists and lifestyle therapists. The Prostate Centre has treated numerous celebrities including Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tony Elliot, owner of Time Out magazine, and Dr Thomas Stuttaford, the Times’ medical columnist.
History
The Prostate Centre was founded by Professor Roger Kirby, a urological surgeonUrology
Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological...
and prostate specialist, together with anaesthetist and men’s health physician, Dr Peter Amoroso. The Prostate Centre is a patient-focused centre of excellence outside the NHS, where experts in prostate disease and men’s health work together. The Prostate Centre was officially opened in March 2006 by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, patron of Prostate UK (now Prostate Action), a charity based in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
Services
The Prostate Centre provides diagnosis, treatment and management for men with prostate cancerProstate cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may metastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly...
, benign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy , benign enlargement of the prostate , and adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia, refers to the increase in size of the prostate....
(BPH), prostatitis
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, in men. A prostatitis diagnosis is assigned at 8% of all urologist and 1% of all primary care physician visits in the United States.-Classification:...
(inflammation of the prostate), and related men’s health issues such as post-operative incontinence
Incontinence
Incontinence or Incontinent may refer to:*Fecal incontinence, the inability to control one's bowels*Incontinence *Incontinent , a 1981 album by Fad Gadget*Urinary incontinence, the involuntary excretion of urine...
and sexual difficulties, including erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual performance....
.
Operations are performed at a selection of private hospitals in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, primarily The London Clinic
The London Clinic
The London Clinic is a private healthcare organisation based in central London. Although it maintains several consulting rooms in the traditional doctors' street of Harley Street, the main hospital site is on the corner of Devonshire Place and the Marylebone Road...
and the King Edward VII Hospital Sister Agnes. Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy , also known as internal radiotherapy, sealed source radiotherapy, curietherapy or endocurietherapy, is a form of radiotherapy where a radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment...
treatment is carried out at either University College London
University College London
University College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and the oldest and largest constituent college of the federal University of London...
or The Harley Street Clinic.
Prostate Cancer Treatments
The Prostate Centre offers a number of treatments for prostate cancer including active surveillance for low-grade prostate cancer, da Vinci robotic prostatectomy for localised prostate cancerProstate cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may metastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly...
, radiotherapy, low-dose brachytherapy, high-dose brachytherapy, Cyberknife
Cyberknife
The CyberKnife is a frameless robotic radiosurgery system used for treating benign tumors, malignant tumors and other medical conditions. The system was invented by John R. Adler, a Stanford University Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology, and Peter and Russell Schonberg of Schonberg...
, hormone therapy
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy, or hormonal therapy is the use of hormones in medical treatment. Treatment with hormone antagonists may also referred to as hormonal therapy...
and chemotherapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with an antineoplastic drug or with a combination of such drugs into a standardized treatment regimen....
.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatments
The Prostate Centre provides a range of treatments for Benign Prostatic HyperplasiaBenign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy , benign enlargement of the prostate , and adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia, refers to the increase in size of the prostate....
(BPH), an obstruction to urine flow caused by an enlarged prostate. Drug therapy, using dutasteride
Dutasteride
Dutasteride is a dual 5-a reductase inhibitor that inhibits conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone ....
or finasteride
Finasteride
Finasteride is a synthetic antiandrogen that inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone...
, can help patients avoid or postpone surgery.
Alternatively, if the patient needs surgery, a TransUrethral Resection of the Prostate
Transurethral resection of the prostate
Transurethral resection of the prostate is a urological operation. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia . As the name indicates, it is performed by visualising the prostate through the urethra and removing tissue by electrocautery or sharp dissection...
(TURP) is offered by The Prostate Centre. This relieves pressure on the urethra
Urethra
In anatomy, the urethra is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the genitals for the removal of fluids out of the body. In males, the urethra travels through the penis, and carries semen as well as urine...
by cutting away some of the excess prostate tissue.
GreenLight laser surgery is another option for The Prostate Centre patients suffering from BPH. The process is used for the treatment and reduction of enlarged prostates. The Prostate Centre’s consultant urological surgeons operate at the King Edward VII Hospital for both these treatments.
Prostatitis Treatments
ProstatitisProstatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, in men. A prostatitis diagnosis is assigned at 8% of all urologist and 1% of all primary care physician visits in the United States.-Classification:...
is a common condition that causes perineal discomfort, which can include inflammation of the prostate gland. The Prostate Centre uses a combination of urine tests, a digital rectal examination and a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to diagnose the condition.
Once diagnosed, Prostate Centre patients are offered a wide range of treatment options:
- If an infection is found within the prostate, a prolonged course of antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin) is given
- If no infection is found, anti-inflammatory agents (e.g. Volterol) are given
- Prostatitis expert, Mr Julian Shah, offers patients prostatic massage
- The Prostate Centre’s Massage Therapist, Karl Monahan, offers the holistic Arvigo Massage treatment accompanied by lifestyle advice
Sexual Therapy
The Prostate Centre offers a proactive approach to erectile dysfunctionErectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual performance....
. There are a number of sexual health specialists at The Prostate Centre:
- Professor Mike Kirby – sexual difficulties due to cardiovascular problems and diabetes
- Mrs Lorraine Grover – sexual difficulties pre- and post- prostate surgery and treatment and the Centre’s expert in psycho-sexual counselling
- Mr Julian Shah – specialist urological surgeon offering surgical implants for long-term sufferers of erectile dysfunctionErectile dysfunctionErectile dysfunction is sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual performance....
In addition, The Prostate Centre offers a uniquely designed penile rehabilitation programme for patients who undergo the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy, alongside medical treatments and devices to combat erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual performance....
.
Key People
Professor Roger Kirby – Founder and Director of The Prostate Centre, Professor Roger Kirby is internationally recognised as one of the UK's most experienced prostate surgeons. He has performed over 2000 radical prostatectomy operationsProstatectomy
A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland. Abnormalities of the prostate, such as a tumour, or if the gland itself becomes enlarged for any reason, can restrict the normal flow of urine along the urethra....
in his career and has written over 60 books and published more than 300 scientific papers. He is the founder and previous editor of the Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases Journal and has been heavily involved in the development of national guidelines for prostate healthcare.
In 2005 he was awarded the St Peter's Medal by the British Association of Urological Surgeons which is the highest accolade the association bestows for work in the field of Urology
Urology
Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological...
. In 2010, he was named one of the UK’s Top 100 Doctors by The Sunday Times
The Sunday Times
The Sunday Times is a British Sunday newspaper.The Sunday Times may also refer to:*The Sunday Times *The Sunday Times *The Sunday Times *The Sunday Times...
.
Dr Peter Amoroso – Founder and Director of The Prostate Centre, Peter worked as a consultant for 12 years at St Bartholomew's Hospital
St Bartholomew's Hospital
St Bartholomew's Hospital, also known as Barts, is a hospital in Smithfield in the City of London, England.-Early history:It was founded in 1123 by Raherus or Rahere , a favourite courtier of King Henry I...
and The London NHS Trust, as well as Training Programme Director and Deputy Regional Advisor at the Barts/London School of Anaesthesia for seven years. Dr Amoroso is considered the most experienced anaesthetist in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
for prostate surgery.
Professor Prokar Dasgupta – Professor of Robotic Surgery and Urological Innovation at Kings College London and Hon. Consultant Urological Surgeon at Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital is a large NHS hospital in London, England. It is administratively a part of Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. It has provided health care freely or under charitable auspices since the 12th century and was originally located in Southwark.St Thomas' Hospital is accessible...
, and The Prostate Centre, Professor Dasgupta was one of the first urologists in the UK to use laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques
Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery, also called minimally invasive surgery , bandaid surgery, or keyhole surgery, is a modern surgical technique in which operations in the abdomen are performed through small incisions as opposed to the larger incisions needed in laparotomy.Keyhole surgery makes use of images...
. He pioneered the use of the da Vinci robot
Intuitive Surgical
Intuitive Surgical Inc. is a corporation that manufactures robotic surgical systems, most notably the da Vinci Surgical System. The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgery to be performed remotely using robotic manipulators. The company is part of the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500...
in the UK and acts as a mentor throughout the UK to surgeons learning the technique. In 2006, Professor Dasgupta won the prestigious BAUS award for significant and lasting contribution to urology. He is also recognised internationally for robotic cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer
Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is any of several types of malignant growths of the urinary bladder. It is a disease in which abnormal cells multiply without control in the bladder. The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine; it is located in the pelvis...
.
Mr Julian Shah – The Prostate Centre’s prostatitis
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, in men. A prostatitis diagnosis is assigned at 8% of all urologist and 1% of all primary care physician visits in the United States.-Classification:...
and incontinence
Incontinence
Incontinence or Incontinent may refer to:*Fecal incontinence, the inability to control one's bowels*Incontinence *Incontinent , a 1981 album by Fad Gadget*Urinary incontinence, the involuntary excretion of urine...
expert, Mr Shah is widely published and is an accomplished lecturer; he has worked for 25 years as Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Urology and for the St Peter’s Hospitals group, now a part of UCLH. He is currently Regional Representative to the Council of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS).
Dr Heather Payne – Consultant Clinical Oncologist at UCLH and The Prostate Centre, Dr Payne specialises in the management of urological malignancies and is actively involved in clinical research
Clinical research
Clinical research is a branch of medical science that determines the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatment regimens intended for human use...
, having pioneered a programme of high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy , also known as internal radiotherapy, sealed source radiotherapy, curietherapy or endocurietherapy, is a form of radiotherapy where a radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment...
, a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer. Dr Payne is currently chairman of the British Uro-oncology Group (BUG); serves on the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action and the Department of Health Prostate Cancer Advisory Group.
Dr Stephen Harland – Consultant Medical Oncologist at UCLH
UCLH/UCL Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre
The UCLH/UCL Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre is a biomedical research centre based in London, United Kingdom. It is a partnership between University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , University College London and the National Institute for Health Research and is one of five...
and The Prostate Centre, Dr Harland also heads up a team treating prostate
Prostate
The prostate is a compound tubuloalveolar exocrine gland of the male reproductive system in most mammals....
, testicular
Testicle
The testicle is the male gonad in animals. Like the ovaries to which they are homologous, testes are components of both the reproductive system and the endocrine system...
and bladder
Bladder
Bladder usually refers to an anatomical hollow organBladder may also refer to:-Biology:* Urinary bladder in humans** Urinary bladder ** Bladder control; see Urinary incontinence** Artificial urinary bladder, in humans...
tumours at one of the UK’s most prestigious teaching hospitals. Dr Harland is Chairman of the castration-resistant subgroup of the National Cancer Research Network Prostate Cancer Clinical Studies Group, and is Trustee of the British Uro-oncology Group (BUG).
Dr Uday Patel – Consultant Radiologist at St George’s Hospital NHS Trust
St George's Hospital
Founded in 1733, St George’s Hospital is one of the UK's largest teaching hospitals. It shares its main hospital site in Tooting, England with the St George's, University of London which trains NHS staff and carries out advanced medical research....
, and Head of Radiology at The Prostate Centre, Dr Patel is an international leader in uro-radiology. He has written widely on the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may metastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly...
, prostate biopsy
Prostate biopsy
Prostate biopsy is a procedure in which small samples are removed from a man's prostate gland to be tested for the presence of cancer. It is typically performed when the scores from a PSA blood test rise to a level that is associated with the possible presence of prostate cancer.The procedure,...
and its complications, producing a best-selling book on transrectal ultrasound and biopsy of the prostate. Among other positions, he is Assistant Editor of Clinical Radiology Imaging; Founding Member of the British Society of Urogenital Radiology and Specialist Advisor to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is a special health authority of the English National Health Service , serving both English NHS and the Welsh NHS...
(NICE).
Professor Mike Kirby – Visiting Professor to the Faculty of Health & Human Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire
University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire is a new university based largely in Hatfield, in the county of Hertfordshire, England, from which the university takes its name. It has more than 27,500 students, over 2500 staff, with a turnover of over £181m...
and The Prostate Centre, specialising in men’s health, particularly erectile dysfunction linked to cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease are the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels . While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system , it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis...
and diabetes. Professor Kirby has written and lectured to a wide international audience on men’s health, urology
Urology
Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological...
, erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual performance....
, cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease are the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels . While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system , it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis...
and diabetes. He is Editor of the Primary Care Cardiovascular Journal and on the Editorial Board of the British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease and the British Journal of Cardiology, amongst others.
Lorraine Grover – Therapist in Sexual Wellbeing at The Prostate Centre, Lorraine Grover has 17 years of experience helping men with sexual difficulties to restore function, pre and post treatment for prostate cancer. Lorraine has published a number of articles and books, including the recent Intimacy and Sexuality for Cancer Patients and their Partners publication which was awarded “Highly Commended” in the category for “Best Patient Support Initiative 2010” by the Excellence in Oncology Board. Lorraine is a member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists; Trustee of the Sexual Advice Association, and Specialist Advisor to Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer....
. Lorraine achieved a Developing Practice Award from The Queen’s Nursing Institute to develop the information package The Erection Connection, for patients and partners, about sexual dysfunction.
In The Media
On 16 August 2010, Professor Roger Kirby, Director of The Prostate Centre, was interviewed by Krishnan Guru-MurthyKrishnan Guru-Murthy
Krishnan Guru-Murthy , is a British television presenter and journalist employed by Channel 4. He presents the Channel 4 Evening News and the foreign affairs programme Unreported World.-Education:...
on Channel 4 News
Channel 4 News
Channel 4 News is the news division of British television broadcaster Channel 4. It is produced by ITN, and has been in operation since the broadcaster's launch in 1982.-Channel 4 News:...
. The interview focused on Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, the Lockerbie bomber, who was released by Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill
Kenny MacAskill
Kenneth "Kenny" Wright MacAskill is the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Scottish National Party Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Eastern, formerly Edinburgh East and Musselburgh since 2007...
under the belief that prostate cancer would leave him with only a month to live. Professor Kirby stated:
"There are new therapies coming in all the time – these are improving survival rates for patients quite dramatically, so it was a big mistake to let him out on the premise that he’d be dead within three months. That was always likely to end up to be embarrassingly wrong, and one year afterwards, here we are, it was embarrassingly wrong”.
On 16th May 2010, Professor Roger Kirby and Prostate Centre patient, Scott Cormack, Partner at KPMG
KPMG
KPMG is one of the largest professional services networks in the world and one of the Big Four auditors, along with Deloitte, Ernst & Young and PwC. Its global headquarters is located in Amstelveen, Netherlands....
, was interviewed on the BBC World Service
BBC World Service
The BBC World Service is the world's largest international broadcaster, broadcasting in 27 languages to many parts of the world via analogue and digital shortwave, internet streaming and podcasting, satellite, FM and MW relays...
. Professor Kirby discussed the location and function of the prostate and early detection of prostate cancer. Discussing the level of PSA testing for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may metastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly...
Professor Kirby stated: “70% of American men know what their PSA test is and they get treated if it goes up, whilst only 3% of men in the UK do the same.”
On 27th July 2011, Professor Roger Kirby was quoted in The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
and The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
newspapers following UK Foreign Secretary William Hague's
William Hague
William Jefferson Hague is the British Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State. He served as Leader of the Conservative Party from June 1997 to September 2001...
criticism of the medical advice that led to the release of Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
Professor Roger Kirby said: “I am not surprised that Mr al-Megrahi is still alive as the decision to release him was based on flawed medical advice. It was always foolhardy to put a three-month prognosis on his survival, because advances in treatment, such as new chemotherapy and immunotherapy techniques that he is likely to be receiving, could keep him alive for a while yet, maybe even several more years. What used to be a hopeless situation for patients at advanced stages of prostate cancer is now more favourable. The silver lining to this story is that other patients with similarly advanced disease should not give up hope and should ask their doctor about the possibility of having these new treatments.”
On 19th August 2011, Professor Roger Kirby was quoted by the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
regarding the possibility that Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is being kept alive by drugs not available in the UK. Professor Roger Kirby suggested that al-Megrahi is being treated with abiraterone
Abiraterone
Abiraterone is a drug used in castration-resistant prostate cancer . It is formulated as the prodrug abiraterone acetate and sold under the trade name Zytiga...
, a drug discovered in the Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is a cancer research and awareness charity in the United Kingdom, formed on 4 February 2002 by the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Its aim is to reduce the number of deaths from cancer. As the world's largest independent cancer...
Centre for Cancer Therapeutics. Professor Kirby stated: "Unfortunately I don't think they were aware of these new treatments such as abiraterone, which is transforming the prospects for patients with advanced prostate cancer. They just are living longer and longer. It's unknown how long this man will live and with extra additional new treatments it could have been predicted that he might be alive... 24 months after his release and I could be on this programme next year, 36 months, and he's still alive."
On 21st September 2011, Dr. Heather Payne, a consultant at The Prostate Centre, was quoted by Sky News
Sky News
Sky News is a 24-hour British and international satellite television news broadcaster with an emphasis on UK and international news stories.The service places emphasis on rolling news, including the latest breaking news. Sky News also hosts localised versions of the channel in Australia and in New...
on the UK release of abiraterone
Abiraterone
Abiraterone is a drug used in castration-resistant prostate cancer . It is formulated as the prodrug abiraterone acetate and sold under the trade name Zytiga...
, a drug used to treat advanced prostate cancer
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may metastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly...
. The drug has been launched in the UK following approval by European medical authorities. Clinical trials of abiraterone
Abiraterone
Abiraterone is a drug used in castration-resistant prostate cancer . It is formulated as the prodrug abiraterone acetate and sold under the trade name Zytiga...
showed that the drug
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
can extend survival by around five months, at an estimated cost of £3,000 per month. Dr Heather Payne stated: "This is a big breakthrough. It became quite obvious during the trial which men were being treated with the drug rather than the placebo dummy pill. Their pain improved, their quality of life improved, and tests showed the cancer getting better."