Discover treatment options for prostate cancer at our oncological centre in Austria
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer or have a family history of the disease, we are here for you.
Get in touch with our WPK team in Austria.
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I consent to the use and processing of my personal data by VIENNA PRIVATE HOSPITAL S.R.L., WIENER PRIVATKLINIK BETRIEBS-GES.M.B.H. & CO.KG through authorized personnel for the purpose:
- to collect my contact data in order to receive newsletters, offers, and messages of a medical nature from VIENNA PRIVATE HOSPITAL S.R.L., WIENER PRIVATKLINIK BETRIEBS-GES.M.B.H. & CO.KG;
I have been informed about the rights that the subjects of personal data have, the right to information, the right to access to data, the right to intervene on data, the right to object, the right not to be subject to an individual decision, the right to the erasure of data (right to be forgotten), the right to withdraw the consent given, understanding that this action leads to the impossibility of continuing the previously agreed relationships, without affecting the lawfulness of the processing carried out until the moment of withdrawal of consent and without affecting the obligation to pay for the services provided.
I have been informed that my personal data will be kept exclusively for the fulfillment of the agreed purposes as well as those based on legal grounds other than consent.
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How can we help you?
After a prostate cancer diagnosis, we understand the worries and fears that come with it. At the Central European Cancer Centre (CEACC) at the Wiener Privatklinik hospital (WPK) in Vienna, we specialize in the effective and patient-oriented treatment of prostate cancer. Our dedicated team will support you on your road to recovery.
At our WPK Prostate Cancer Center, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures and treatment options for prostate cancer. Our experienced specialists are experts at creating individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. We adhere to the latest scientific guidelines and utilize medical innovations to ensure the highest standard of care.
When you choose WPK, you begin a comprehensive recovery process.
See how we can help you!
- Precision diagnosis and second opinion
- Multidisciplinary team
- Robotic surgery
- Innovative therapies
- Screening & Prevention
Schedule an appointment with one of our case managers!
In order to quickly submit your case to our physicians, please fill in the form or send your request to info@wpk.at.
About us
WPK Prostate Cancer Centre
The Prostate Cancer Center is part of the WPK Cancer European Academy Cancer Center (CEACC), the most comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment facility in Central and Eastern Europe.
Known for its multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, WPK CEACC offers advanced diagnostic tests and innovative solutions in a supportive and patient-focused environment.
Our highly specialized physicians have a worldwide reputation for cancer diagnosis and treatment and are on the cutting edge of available treatments, including robotic or laparoscopic prostatectomy and targeted therapies.
Comprehensive oncological services
From risk assessment and early detection to interdisciplinary diagnosis, individualised treatment plan, and follow-up (including pain relief and side effects of therapy).
Modern medicine
Evidence-based and case-based review by the Multidisciplinary Oncology Commission (Tumour Board);
Physicians with international reputation
Each collaborating physician is a member of a medical society.
Sophie Hodges
Founder
Wiener Privatklinik
Treatments
We know that every case of prostate cancer is different and therefore requires an individualised approach. The Prostate Cancer Centre offers a wide range of treatments for all stages of prostate cancer, whether it is early, advanced, or recurrent. Our experts will help you choose the treatment option that offers the best chance of controlling or curing prostate cancer.
Future Aspects:
- Team meetings
- Reporting of AEs and SAEs
- M and M conferences
- Patient-reported outcomes records
- Surgical outcomes meetings
- Prospective data collection
- Participation in international multicentre trials
Surgery
Surgery can cause anxiety in anyone who undergoes it. As a patient at WPK, you can take comfort in knowing that our surgeons are experienced in performing prostate surgery. They use state-of-the-art methods such as robotic surgery to achieve the best possible surgical outcome.
We use advanced robotic surgical techniques to increase precision and minimize invasiveness. Robotic surgery enables quicker recovery and reduced postoperative complications.
Robotic or laparoscopic prostatectomy
Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland. At WPK, our experienced surgeons perform laparoscopic prostatectomies using the da Vinci robot. This advanced system provides exceptional surgical precision.
Not only does the robotic approach remove cancer as effectively as radical prostatectomy, but it also results in less blood loss, less discomfort, fewer complications, and a faster recovery. It also increases the likelihood that the neurovascular tissue responsible for erectile function will be spared.
Radical Salvage Prostatectomy
Sometimes patients develop local recurrence after initial therapy. At the Vienna Private Clinic for Prostate Cancer, a so-called radical salvage prostatectomy can be performed. The goal of this procedure is to remove the cancer as a second-line treatment with curative intent. This procedure is performed fully robot-assisted.
Primary or secondary (salvage) lymphadenectomy
For high-risk localized prostate cancer, extended lymph node dissection is performed during radical prostatectomy. If secondary positive lymph nodes have been detected by PSMA PET CT scan in the setting of PSA rise after curative local treatment, salvage lymphadenectomy can be performed. Thus, a delay in systemic treatment can be achieved.
Radical prostatectomy
A radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissues are removed. It is a treatment option for patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.
The main advantage of radical prostatectomy is that the cancer can be effectively cured before it spreads to other parts of the body, and the risk of recurrence is reduced. Our experienced surgeons perform radical prostatectomy with minimal risk of complications, preserving the patient’s urinary continence and sexual function.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to kill prostate cancer cells. It is a treatment option for almost all stages of cancer, from early-stage tumors to advanced and metastatic prostate cancer.
Our radiation therapy team is a member of Amethyst Radiotherapy, the largest pan-European network of high-tech radiation therapy centres. Our physicians are committed to providing state-of-the-art radiation therapy treatments that effectively fight cancer while minimising the risk of side effects. One of these innovative methods is hydrogel spacers.
This technique uses an absorbable gel to temporarily create a gap between the prostate and rectum, significantly reducing the risk of bowel radiation during treatment. Hydrogel spacers also improve tumor targeting, reducing the total number of treatment sessions from 39 to 7. This means you can complete your treatment in 2.5 weeks instead of 8 weeks.
Radiation techniques available at WPK include:
Image guided VMAT radiation therapy
Volumetrically modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is one of the most advanced external beam radiotherapy techniques. It uses a linear accelerator that rotates around the patient while he or she is lying down. The device delivers a precise dose of radiation to the tumor while limiting the amount of radiation received by surrounding healthy tissue.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
WPK is one of the few centres in Europe offering SBRT radiotherapy, and the only one in Austria. SBRT is a state-of-the-art radiation therapy technique that allows radiation therapy to be delivered in a few sessions by safely and efficiently administering higher doses of radiation. SBRT is an efficient treatment option for both metastases/lymph nodes and small PET-positive recurrences in patients who have previously received radiation therapy.
Systemic Treatments
Systemic therapies target cancer cells in the prostate and those that have spread to other parts of the body. These treatments are usually used for metastatic prostate cancer, but can also be used for aggressive, localized tumors. They can be administered in a variety of forms, including tablets, injections, or via an IV.
New systemic therapies are being developed at a rapid pace. Our experts at WPK use the latest approved drugs and therapies to fight prostate cancer.
Hormonal therapy
The main systemic therapy for prostate cancer is hormone therapy. This treatment involves blocking the male hormone testosterone, which promotes the growth of prostate cancer cells. Our experts use hormone therapy to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other organs. This therapy may be given to you before radiation therapy to increase its effectiveness or to slow the development of the disease if it is already advanced.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses a specific type of drug that selectively attacks cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. This type of treatment is tailored to the genetic characteristics of your cancer and provides a personalized approach to therapy. This therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the administration of anticancer drugs via IV or by mouth. These drugs travel through the bloodstream and reach cancer cells in different parts of the body. Although chemotherapy is not usually used as a standard treatment for early-stage prostate cancer, we may recommend it when cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland and hormone therapy has proven ineffective.
Radio Ligand Therapy: Lutetium 177-PSMA
This therapy uses a drug containing a radioactive isotope that is administered intravenously. The drug then migrates to the cancer cells, where it binds to these cells and the emitted radiation destroys them. Lu-177-PSMA therapy is usually used in cases where cancer has spread throughout the body. This therapy has been shown to be very effective in slowing the progression of metastatic prostate cancer and may be a good option for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options.
Active surveillance
Many prostate cancers are considered low risk and have a slow growth rate, meaning they are unlikely to cause symptoms or affect your quality of life. In these cases, active surveillance is often the best approach, which includes regular exams such as digital rectal exams, PSA blood tests, ultrasounds, MRIs, and prostate biopsies.
The goal of this surveillance is to keep the patient safe and comfortable without having to experience the potential side effects of cancer therapies. If the cancer shows signs of spreading or causes symptoms in the future, our experts can suggest treatment.
Diagnosis
We know that the symptoms of prostate cancer can be distressing and overwhelming. An accurate diagnosis is critical to initiating the right treatment. At Wiener Privatklinik, we offer a wide range of diagnostic tests to get the answers we need and determine the right plan of action for you.
Our screening methods include PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and DRE (digital rectal exam). These tests are helpful in detecting early-stage problems before they become serious. These tests are non-invasive and can provide valuable information about your prostate health.
In cases where further testing is needed, we’ll move on to more advanced testing. We may use MRI or/and PET /CT (e.g., PSMA-PET /CT) to get a close look at what is going on inside your body. The exact diagnosis is then made by a biopsy, where a sample is taken from the prostate.
The Stockholm3 blood test is an advanced screening method for prostate cancer, offering an alternative to the PSA test. It analyzes five protein markers, over 100 genetic markers, and clinical data for a precise diagnosis. Studies show that the Stockholm3 test increases the detection rate by 22% and reduces the need for biopsies by up to 76%.
The test is recommended for high-risk patients and is conducted by Professor Dr. Georg Schatzl, a renowned specialist in urology and andrology. Wiener Privatklinik is the only hospital in Austria and one of the few in Europe to offer this innovative diagnostic solution to patients.
Our Center for Radiology & Nuclear Medicine offers all the radiology exams you need under one roof and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
Wiener Privatklinik
Medical team
Our collaborative team of experts from multiple disciplines works together to provide comprehensive and holistic care. This approach ensures that all aspects of your treatment are considered to achieve optimal results.
We are with you every step of the way! As a patient at the WPK Prostate Cancer Centre, you will be cared for by a multidisciplinary team of urologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, prostate surgeons, and radiologists. By combining their expertise and experience, our specialists can offer you the best solution for your case.
Prim. Dr. Wolfgang Loidl
Urology and Robotic Surgery Specialist
Dr. Wolfgang Loidl is a specialist with decades of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases such as prostate cancer. With over 2,000 prostatectomy procedures, including 1,600 robot-assisted procedures since 2008, he is a leading expert in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Dr. Loidl’s commitment to excellent patient care combined with his extensive expertise has earned him a reputation as one of Austria’s most renowned urologists. He has conducted more than 50 clinical trials in uro-oncology, including systemic and surgical treatment protocols, and holds a seat on the board of the European UroOncolgy Group in Leiden, NL. He is a member of the Ethics Committee of the University of Linz.
Univ. Prof. Dr. Georg SCHATZL, F.E.B.U.
Urology and Andrology Specialist
Dr. Georg Schatzl offers competent solutions for complaints of the prostate, bladder, kidneys, and urethra, as well as for sexual dysfunction in men, using the latest scientific methods and techniques.
Dr. Schatzl is valued for his patient-centred approach, taking the time to evaluate each case and listen to his patient’s concerns. He treats all of his patients with kindness and empathy, creating a supportive and reassuring environment for their treatment and recovery.
Univ. Prof. Priv. Doz. Dr. Mesut REMZI
Urology and Andrology Specialist
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mesut Remzi is a highly qualified specialist in the field of uro-oncology. His main focus is on minimally invasive surgery of kidney, prostate, adrenal and bladder tumours. He also specialises in systemic therapies and offers a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment.
Dr. Remzi is committed to advancing his field through research and education and is a professor of urology at the Medical University of Vienna. He is a leading authority in the field of uro-oncology, and his patients benefit from his wealth of experience and knowledge.
OA Dr. Bernd BURSA
Urology and Andrology Specialist
Dr. Bernd Bursa offers his patients a comprehensive health plan that includes screenings, diagnostic evaluations and a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments. For cancer patients, Dr. Bursa provides continuity of care from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, ensuring that his patients have a trusted partner throughout their oncology journey.
Dr. Bursa’s guiding principle is to treat the person, not just the clinical condition. This is reflected in his commitment to personalized care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Univ. Prof. Dr. Christian KRATZIK
Urology Specialist
Dr. Christian Kratzik is a highly experienced urology specialist and surgeon. He is proficient in both traditional and new methods of treatment for urological diseases and offers state-of-the-art solutions according to the highest standards of modern urology.
One of his main focuses for many years has been the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of urological cancers, including prostate cancer. He provides holistic medical care to his cancer patients and is committed to addressing any concerns that may arise along the way.
OA Dr. David KUCZER
Oncology, Radio-oncology and Pain therapy Specialist
Dr. David Kuczer is an experienced radiation oncology specialist with over 20 years of experience in cancer diagnosis and treatment. His specialties include high-precision stereotactic radiation therapy for prostate, brain, and lung metastases. In addition to his clinical practise, he also serves on several cancer treatment advisory committees and is a dedicated mentor, teaching other physicians.
He is a prolific researcher who has pioneered new radiation therapy techniques. His contributions have been instrumental in developing new radiation treatment protocols and improving patient care.
Univ. Prof. Dr. Christoph ZIELINSKI
Medical Director of Wiener Privatklinik, Professor of Medical Oncology and Clinical Immunology
Prof. Zielinski is a renowned oncologist and researcher whose clinical research activities cover a broad spectrum of cancer therapies. He has made significant contributions in the areas of immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and cancer-related thromboembolism. He has published over 600 original papers and reviews in peer-reviewed journals, as well as numerous books.
Under Prof. Zielinski’s leadership, the WPK Central European Academy Cancer Center is recognized as the region’s leading facility for interdisciplinary cancer care. He is also President of the Central European Cooperative Oncology Group, which conducts clinical trials and important educational activities through its Academy in 23 countries in Central and Southeastern Europe.
Wolfgang J. KÖESTLER, MD PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Consultant Hematologist and Oncologist
Prof. Koestler is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the internal organs, breast, and reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, prostate, etc.). He specializes in tailored oncologic therapies that address the individual needs of his patients by targeting specific molecular and genetic characteristics of the tumors.
Prof. Koestler is actively involved in research to identify factors that determine the success of targeted cancer therapies and the treatment of rare tumors. He participates in numerous clinical trials and international research projects and has received several national and international research awards for his contributions to cancer research.
Univ. Doz. Dr. Martha HOFFMANN
Nuclear medicine Specialist
Dr. Martha Hoffmann works at the WPK Center for Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, prior to which she was head of the nuclear medicine therapy ward at the Medical College of Vienna from 2007 to 2014. Under her expert leadership, she guarantees high-quality examinations for accurate diagnosis and individualized care throughout the process.
Her commitment to rapid, safe, and convenient examinations ensures that patients receive the best medical care. Dr. Martha Hoffmann performs Lutetium 177 PSMA therapy on an outpatient basis in collaboration with our oncologists.
Priv. Doz. Dr. Philip PELOSCHEK
Radiology Specialist
Dr. Peloschek studied medicine at the University of Vienna (Austria) from 1994 to 2000 and completed his studies with a dissertation on the validation of a radiological rheumatology expert system. He completed his residency in 2006.
Since 2006, he has been a radiology specialist at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at the Medical University of Vienna. Since 2007, he has been the medical director of the Centre for Computerised Image Analysis in Radiology. He works at the Wiener Privatklinik as an attending physician.
Dr. Peloschek is a member of the Austrian Society of Radiology and the European Society of Radiology. His research interests include establishing computer vision methods in diagnostic radiology to improve patient well-being.
PROSTATE CANCER
Most patients faced with this diagnosis are not only afraid of cancer, but also of losing control of their bowels and having to live with a colostomy (abdominal pouch). That’s why our team of colorectal surgeons with extensive experience in cancer surgery places special emphasis on preserving tissue and continence function, and manages to reduce the need for a colostomy to less than 10% of patients.
According to statistics, the number of patients who could die from prostate cancer is expected to double in the next 20 years:
- The estimated number of new cases of prostate cancer worldwide will increase from 1.41 million to 2.24 million from 2020 to 2040 in men of all ages;
- The estimated number of global deaths from prostate cancer will increase from 375,000 to 721,000 from 2020 to 2040 among men of all ages.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of prostate cancer isn’t known, but there are several factors that increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:
- Older age: prostate cancer is typically more common in men over the age of 50.
- Family history: If you have a blood relative who has prostate cancer, or if there are breast cancer genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2) in your family, this can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
- Race: African-American people have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and experiencing an advanced stage of the disease.
- Obesity: Obese people have a higher risk of developing a more aggressive stage of prostate cancer and experiencing a recurrence.
- Other factors: A poor diet, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Symptoms
In the early stages, prostate cancer may not show any noticeable signs or symptoms. However, as cancer progresses, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, a weakened urine stream, blood in the urine or semen, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, and erectile dysfunction.
To reduce the risk of prostate cancer, it’s recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from tobacco. Regular screening and early detection are also important for successful treatment.
”All men over the age of 45 should undergo regular screening at least once a year, and high-risk patients, and prostate cancer patients even more frequently. ” Georg Schatzl, M.D., Urology Specialist.
Useful information
About Wiener Privatklinik
The Wiener Privatklinik (WPK) is one of the largest private hospitals in Austria and offers world-class medical expertise to thousands of patients from more than 20 countries.
The Wiener Privatklinik at a glance:
Medical tradition
Founded in 1871 in Vienna, WPK has more than 150 years of tradition in providing exceptional medical care and expertise
Renowned experts
Patients have access to more than 400 internationally renowned experts. 14 of our collaborating doctors from various specialties are ranked in the top 6% of the world's scientists by Stanford University.
Multidisciplinary approach
Our experts from various specialities work together to develop completely personalized medical solutions for each patient.
Awarded hospital (Vienna)
WPK received the World's Best Hospitals certification for 4 consecutive years (2021 – 2024).
Modern facilities
In addition to exceptional medical care, we provide 5-star facilities to ensure the well-being and comfort of our patients (spacious rooms, park, terrace, high-end cuisine etc.)
Schedule an appointment with one of our case managers!
Useful information
Information for patients
The Marketing & International Business (MIB) dedicated department is ready to provide the necessary support for all international patients to receive personalised care according to their medical condition and the language they speak.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
• Information about costs, payment methods, insurance accepted
• Appointment scheduling
• Visa and transport assistance (transfers and flights in ambulance -MedEvac)
DURING YOUR STAY
• In-house, multi-lingual translation services available
• Executive deluxe rooms with luxurious amenities
• Assistance during inpatient stay
• Follow-up appointments scheduling
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
• Assistance with medical records and prescriptions
• Assistance in customs clearance for medication
• Follow-up with clinical and administrative staff
• Future appointment scheduling
Private medical insurance
Wiener Privatklinik (WPK) has direct settlement agreements with most Austrian private insurance companies, as well as many of the large international insurance companies. As for international insurance companies who do not have direct settlement agreements with WPK, we accept a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) covering the cost estimate for each case. To check which agreement your private insurance company has with WPK, please send your inquiry to info@wpk.at.
Online Healthcare Center
You don’t necessarily need to travel to our hospital in Vienna to get a second opinion from our leading doctors. With our online healthcare services, you can easily and quickly access the best expert who will answer all your questions regarding your health concerns.
Book your video consultation on WPK Online Healthcare Center from the comfort of your own home! We offer more than 20 medical specialties, so no matter what kind of care you need, we’ve got you covered.
