Prostate Cancer Medical Oncologists in Melbourne
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australian men. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and can be managed initially with active surveillance or local treatment, while others behave more aggressively or present after spreading beyond the prostate. A medical oncologist becomes particularly important when drug treatment is being considered, including hormone therapy, androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or radiopharmaceutical approaches.
Northern Blood & Cancer Care provides specialist medical oncology consultations in Melbourne for men with high-risk, recurrent or advanced prostate cancer, as well as patients seeking an oncology opinion as part of multidisciplinary treatment planning. Our oncologists work with urologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians and other specialists to coordinate care according to stage, imaging, PSA behaviour, pathology and the patient’s general health.
Prostate cancer is Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that around 29,000 men would be diagnosed in 2025, representing approximately 30% of cancers diagnosed in Australian males. Many prostate cancers are slow-growing, while others behave more aggressively, so the diagnosis alone does not determine whether or how quickly treatment is required.
After surgery or radiotherapy, a rising PSA can indicate recurrent prostate cancer before disease is visible or symptomatic. The significance depends on the original pathology, PSA doubling time and previous treatment. Modern imaging such as PSMA PET can help localise recurrence in many patients and may identify opportunities for salvage radiotherapy or targeted treatment. For some men, observation remains appropriate; for others, hormone therapy or other systemic treatment is considered based on the risk of progression.
Oncology assessment integrates PSA trends, prostate biopsy or prostatectomy pathology and imaging. In advanced disease, genomic testing of tumour tissue or blood may be considered because alterations in genes involved in DNA repair can influence treatment choices. Inherited genetic testing may also be appropriate for some men, particularly with metastatic disease or a strong family history of prostate, breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancers.
Bone health and cardiovascular/metabolic health are important parts of care because long-term androgen deprivation can reduce bone density and contribute to changes in weight, glucose and cardiovascular risk. Baseline assessment, exercise, adequate calcium/vitamin D where appropriate and bone-protective treatment may be discussed.
Treatment is monitored using PSA, symptoms, imaging when needed and routine blood tests. Side-effect management may include strategies for hot flushes, fatigue, sexual health, bone health and loss of muscle mass. Referral to an accredited exercise physiologist can be particularly useful during androgen deprivation therapy to support strength, function and metabolic health.
Northern Blood & Cancer Care’s prostate cancer service brings together medical oncologists with dedicated genitourinary expertise and links to multidisciplinary urology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and tertiary cancer services across Melbourne. This allows patients to receive specialist oncology care while remaining connected to the broader services that may be required as treatment changes.
Northern Blood & Cancer Care brings together Melbourne specialists with complementary clinical, hospital and research appointments. The clinicians most closely associated with this service include:
For men with high-risk, recurrent or advanced prostate cancer, treatment choices can become increasingly specialised. Northern Blood & Cancer Care brings together medical oncologists with dedicated genitourinary expertise, including links with the Australian Prostate Centre, prostate cancer research and multidisciplinary services across Melbourne, helping patients navigate systemic treatment and treatment sequencing with an experienced oncology team.
Northern Blood & Cancer Care brings together a highly experienced team of haematologists, medical oncologists and specialist physicians, with consultations available at Northern Private Hospital in Epping.
Contact our team to arrange an appointment or discuss a referral.
