On your Prostate Cancer Journey...
SoCal Centers of Excellence
Southern California is home to several nationally recognized prostate cancer centers. These institutions offer expert diagnosis and treatment, multidisciplinary care teams, advanced imaging, clinical trials, and support services.
Disclaimer: The Strengths listed here are simply an attempt to help you sort through the wide range of options you can find in Southern California. The topics are based on the the contents of the websites for each center as of July 2025 and are not intended to be comprehensive. Most of the centers offer other treatment options. For details, check the websites and contact the centers.
Los Angeles
Strengths
Robotic prostatectomy: High volume with outstanding functional outcomes.
Brachytherapy and IMRT: Strong radiation team with expertise in combined modality treatment.
Complex case management: Especially for high-risk or locally advanced cancers.
Clinical trials: Focused on imaging, hormone blockade intensification, and genetic markers.
Los Angeles
Strengths
High-volume robotic prostatectomy: USC urologists are leaders in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including nerve-sparing approaches.
Expert management of advanced and high-risk disease: Multimodal strategies combining surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies.
National reputation: Known for excellence in academic medicine and cancer research.
Advanced radiation therapy: Offers SBRT, IMRT, and brachytherapy.
Robust clinical trial portfolio: Access to trials in hormone therapy intensification, imaging agents, and molecular stratification.
Westwood, Los Angeles
Strengths
Robotic and open radical prostatectomy: World-class surgical team with focus on preserving function.
Advanced radiation therapy: Pioneers in SBRT (e.g., 5-fraction regimens) and image-guided IMRT.
Focal therapy: Offers HIFU, cryotherapy, and partial gland ablation in selected patients.
Multidisciplinary care: Urology, oncology, radiology, and pathology integrated.
Extensive clinical trials: Access to novel hormone agents, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies.
Molecular diagnostics and active surveillance leadership.
San Diego
Strengths
Academic research and trials: Wide access to novel hormonal agents and precision therapies.
High-quality IMRT/SBRT delivery: Advanced image-guided radiation oncology.
Prostate-focused medical oncology: Strength in treating metastatic and castration-resistant disease.
Integrated care with access to specialists in molecular profiling and immunotherapy.
Newport Beach and City of Orange
Strengths
Robotic surgery excellence: Strong focus on preserving urinary and sexual function, with experienced surgical teams.
MRI fusion biopsy: Allows precise diagnosis and aids in focal therapy or active surveillance decisions.
Radiation oncology program: Offers full range of external beam treatments, including IMRT and SBRT.
Academic center: Patients receive evidence-based care with access to clinical trials and emerging technologies.
Personalized treatment planning: Tailored care for localized, high-risk, and metastatic prostate cancer.
San Diego
Strengths
SBRT and IMRT: Precision radiation options, with access to MD Anderson protocols.
Systemic therapy and immunotherapy: Access to advanced agents through MD Anderson affiliation.
Multidisciplinary team-based care: Emphasis on collaborative treatment planning.
Santa Monica
Strengths
Robotic/laparoscopic prostatectomy: Focus on minimally invasive, nerve-sparing techniques.
Advanced radiation options: SBRT and IMRT with a focus on functional outcomes.
Precision medicine focus: Genomic testing to personalize treatment.
Small, high-touch environment: Combines academic-level care with a boutique setting.
Loma Linda
Strengths
Proton beam therapy: World pioneer in hospital-based proton therapy; ideal for patients wanting highly targeted radiation.
Experience with combination therapy: Proton + hormonal therapy in intermediate- and high-risk disease.
Holistic approach: Offers spiritual and psychological support as part of cancer care.
Anaheim and Irvine
Strengths
High-volume robotic prostatectomy: Standardized techniques across their system.
Integrated care model: Seamless access to urology, radiation, and oncology within one system.
Strong active surveillance program: Data-driven decision-making, avoids overtreatment.
Patient education and navigation: Emphasis on informed consent and continuity.
Newport Beach
Strengths
Focal cryotherapy: Among the earliest adopters and leaders in focal therapy.
MRI fusion biopsy: Precision diagnosis for targeted treatment.
Personalized care: Emphasis on quality of life and functional preservation.
Multidisciplinary team: Includes urologists, radiation oncologists, and nurse navigators.
Irvine
Strengths
Extension of City of Hope expertise: Offers the same high standard of care as the Duarte campus, with access to surgical, radiation, and systemic therapies.
Robotic prostate surgery: Performed by expert urologic surgeons with access to specialized imaging and minimally invasive techniques.
Advanced radiation therapy: Includes IMRT and image-guided techniques for precise delivery.
Integrated care: Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary clinic where urologists, oncologists, radiation specialists, and support staff collaborate.
Access to Duarte-based clinical trials: Genomic profiling, immunotherapy, and novel agents are available through seamless referral.
Duarte
Strengths
Comprehensive prostate cancer program: Integrates surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, and research.
Robotic radical prostatectomy: High surgical volume and nerve-sparing techniques.
Brachytherapy and IMRT/VMAT: Extensive experience with both high- and low-dose brachytherapy and advanced radiation delivery.
Proton therapy: Now available through partnerships.
Focal therapies under investigation: Cryotherapy and laser ablation explored via clinical trials.
Hormone, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy: Full medical oncology services, including sipuleucel-T (Provenge).
Leading-edge research: NCI-designated center with active clinical trials and molecular profiling.
Los Angeles
Strengths
Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: Performed by surgeons with extensive experience and a focus on outcomes.
National leadership: Cedars-Sinai is consistently ranked among the top urology and cancer programs.
Personalized molecular testing: Incorporates genetic and genomic data to guide treatment decisions.
Comprehensive options: Radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy available in one center.
Survivorship and support services: Integrates physical therapy, psycho-oncology, and long-term side-effect management.
San Diego
Strengths
Exclusive focus on proton therapy: One of the few centers in California specializing in proton beam treatment.
Pencil beam scanning: Highly precise form of proton therapy that spares healthy tissue better than traditional radiation.
Minimal side effects: Particularly beneficial for preserving bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
Ideal for early and intermediate-risk prostate cancer: Proton therapy is frequently used as a standalone treatment in these cases.
Collaborative care model: Works with outside urologists and oncologists to offer proton therapy as part of coordinated treatment.