Urology Unit
The Urology Unit is a multidisciplinary team which focuses on the diagnosis and management of, and research involving, patients with bladder, prostate, renal or testicular cancer.
Referrals
Symptoms of possible urological malignancy of any type are seen in the Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre (RDAC) at our Chelsea hospital, which opened in 2008 and is equipped with same-day radiology, endoscopy and cytology services.
Tertiary referrals or those requesting a second opinion are welcome from not only London and the South East, but nationally and internationally.
Diagnosis
All new referrals for investigation of urological symptoms are seen in the RDAC.
Patients are encouraged to allow enough time so that plain radiographs, ultrasound and endoscopy can be carried out at the first visit, as well as urinary tumour markers and cytology, so reducing delays to diagnosis and the associated anxiety.
Diagnostic and surveillance trans-rectal ultrasound and biopsies of the prostate are also carried out in the RDAC, or at the Chelsea and Sutton hospitals.
The Royal Marsden has a comprehensive range of staging modalities including high resolution CT (including PET CT), MRI (including diffusion sequencing), ultrasound, endoscopy and nuclear medicine imaging. We have a close working relationship with the adjacent Royal Brompton Hospital which enables full specialist assessment of any cardio-thoracic issues related to diagnosis and treatment.
Individuals found to have any non-malignant condition can have their care continued at our partner hospital, The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, also on the Fulham Road in London.
Treatments and follow-up appointments take place at The Royal Marsden’s Chelsea and Sutton hospitals as well as the William Rous Unit at Kingston Hospital.
Treatment
All major urological surgery is carried out at the The Royal Marsden in Chelsea which has comprehensive facilities for laparoscopic, robot-assisted, endoscopic and open surgery, as well as HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) for prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy is carried out at both the Sutton and Chelsea hospitals, with chemotherapy predominately at Sutton and the William Rous Unit at Kingston Hospital. Radiotherapy techniques include conformal (CFRT) intensity modulated (IMRT) and image guided radiotherapy (IGRT).
The Royal Marsden has a long history of treating complex and rare tumours. We can offer reconstructive surgery such as the formation of neo-bladders and continent urinary diversions to those suitable for the procedure. The Urology Unit works collaboratively with other surgical specialities such as Plastic Surgery, General Surgery and Gynaecology. The department is also an approved training centre.
Multidisciplinary meetings are held weekly both at a local level and as part of the South West Thames cancer network.
We aim to deliver the highest quality care with sensitivity, compassion and discretion, using a holistic approach and giving continuity of care.
Research
The Royal Marsden has a major commitment to research, and works with The Institute of Cancer Research at the Chelsea and Sutton sites. The Urology Unit is carrying out research into screening and genetic profiling of men with a significant family history of prostate cancer. Together we are working on developing molecular targeted therapy and translational research to develop tissue, serum and other tumour markers.
Staff
Head of Unit
Consultants
- Dr Steven Allen, Consultant Radiologist
- Professor Johann de Bono, Professor in Experimental Cancer Medicine
- Professor David Dearnaley, Professor of Uro-Oncology
- Professor Ros Eeles, Professor of Oncogenetics
- Professor Cyril Fisher, Consultant Histopathologist
- Professor Martin Gore, Medical Director
- Professor Alan Horwich, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
- Dr Robert Huddart, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
- Dr Vincent Khoo, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
- Dr James Larkin, Consultant Medical Oncologist
- Mr Chris Ogden, Consultant Surgeon
- Dr Chris Parker, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
- Dr Lisa Pickering, Consultant Medical Oncologist
- Dr Aslam Sohaib, Consultant Radiologist
- Dr Nicholas Van As, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
- Professor C Woodhouse
Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Amanda Baxter, Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Gill Parker, Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Neelam Sarpal, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Service Manager
- Rachel Turner, Service Manager