Genitourinary (GU) Cancer Program

Our Approach

Our cancer experts collaborate with you to develop a tailored treatment plan to meet your medical and emotional needs. We focus on you as a whole person, providing a patient-centered experience.

The best cancer care involves you – working closely with your treatment team to decide on the best plan forward. Together, you’ll have access to the latest diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art technology to treat your specific condition in the best way possible.

Our specialists have extensive knowledge and experience of these genitourinary and urological cancers. Each expert contributes their unique insight to ensure you get the whole picture of your condition and the most effective treatment strategies.

Our support services include a dedicated nurse navigator to guide you through every step of the process. This combination of expertise and a focus on supporting your unique needs means you’ll get a personalized treatment plan that can improve outcomes and enhance your experience.

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

What is genitourinary and urological cancer?

Genitourinary (GU) and urological cancer includes cancers in the reproductive organs in men and the urinary system of both men and women. These include bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, penile cancer and prostate cancer.

GU and Urological Cancers We Treat

We treat the many kinds of genitourinary and urologic cancers, including:

This type of GU cancer typically begins in the inner lining cells of the bladder, known as urothelial carcinoma or transitional cell carcinoma, and can spread deeper into the bladder wall.

Learn More About Bladder Cancer

Kidney cancer, or renal cancer, is a type of GU cancer that begins in kidney cells and can affect any of the organ's layers. It can disrupt normal kidney function and spread to other parts of the body.

Learn More About Kidney Cancer

Testicular cancer is a type of GU cancer that starts in the cells that make up your testicle. Testicular cancer is not common and is one of the most curable forms of cancer.

Learn More About Testicular Cancer

Penile cancer is a type of GU cancer that begins in or on the penis. Most begin on the foreskin, or tip, of the penis. Penile cancer typically grows slowly and can often be cured if it is found early.

Learn More About Penile Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of GU cancer that begins in the cells of the prostate, a gland about the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra. It is the most common cancer in men in the U.S.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer

Your Care Team

Our genitourinary and urologic oncology program uses a team-based approach. We meet weekly to review individual patient cases and discuss treatment options. This team could include radiologists and pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and specially trained urologists.

These experts work with your primary care provider, as well as a full team of supportive services, including counselors, financial navigators and oncology dietitians.

After treatment, you’ll work with specialized providers such as pelvic floor therapists and ostomy nurses.

You’ll also receive a dedicated nurse navigator who specializes in genitourinary cancers. They will help you make appointments efficiently, answer your questions and connect you with services that support you in your diagnosis.

Meet Our Providers

Specialty Clinics

The OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria also offers specialized clinics, including:

High-Risk Genetic Clinic: Addresses hereditary cancer risks.
Palliative Care Clinic: Supports symptom management.
Intimacy Clinic: Helps manage intimacy concerns post-treatment.

Treatments We Offer

Your cancer care team will discuss all the options to treat your GU cancer, guiding you through every decision through the entire process. They’ll consider your specific type and stage of cancer and ensure your treatment plan is personalized to you.

Some of the options discussed may include:

Immunotherapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Radiation treatment

Surgery: We offer a variety of surgeries focused on the urinary and genital organs.

Radical cystectomy: A surgery to remove the bladder.

Intravesical medication: Chemotherapy or immunotherapy delivered directly into the bladder via a catheter. Common types include Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and gemcitabine intravesical.
Urinary Diversion: Reroutes urine when normal urinary structures are bypassed, using a catheter, nephrostomy, ureteral stent or urostomy with ileal conduit.
Hormone therapy

Make an Appointment

Our cancer care team is waiting to connect you to care. Ask your provider for a referral or contact us by completing this appointment request form or calling 1-844-OSF 4-HOPE, 1-844-673-4467. We'll get started on the referral process right away.

If you're seeking care in Peoria, our team can connect your with an intake nurse for a telephone visit within one business day.

Learn More

Getting a second opinion is not only okay but also empowers you to make the best decisions for your health.

Request a Second Opinion