Dr Phillip Stricker

As a doctor I need to have objective and validated data on my results. Without it I could not really qualify any success I have or improve my ability to choose the most effective treatment for a particular patient. By the careful collection and analyses of treatment outcomes I have been able to do this.

I am entirely transparent about my results because I see it as an obligation I have to my patients. It helps demystify both the relationship I have with my patients and treatment choice. Do take a moment to check the graphs below.

Surgery, potency and continence.

I have developed my own technique which is now internationally acclaimed for preserving continence and potency. The evidence comes from an ongoing study where all of my patients receive questionnaires to assess their health related quality of life (HRQOL) in addition to their cancer outcomes. This study is done in conjunction with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and is amongst the largest follow-up studies in the world today.

Recently one of our fellows, Dr Sam Chopra, presented the findings in a poster format at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Urological Association of America. The remakable thing about the results, other than the fact they were exceptionally good, was that they were strictly evidence-based and rigorously compared the short, medium and long term effects of all the therapies we offer ( by the way, Sam's presentation was awarded first prize. Read the news story).

Searching for the best possible outcomes, every patient I have treated since 1989 has been monitored. Tissue and more recent blood samples have been kept on everybody. We follow up each patient through my research team to see how he is travelling in his journey to recovery and beyond. My major research initiative currently is to look at optimising quality of life in patients after each one of their treatments, correctly selecting the right treatment to tailor treatment, bringing in new treatments which are less invasive with less side effects selectively, improving diagnostic tools using multiparametric MRI and improved targeting of cancers with precision biopsy. A summary of the projects that I am looking at carefully at the moment are given below.

Not only focusing on my patients, I believe that collaboration is needed in the global fight against prostate cancer. Working with a range of individuals and organisations, I drive a research fellowship program to ensure that we continue to learn about prostate cancer and improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Recently, I was appointed the Clinical Director of the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – New South Wales by the Federal Government of Australia and this allows me to coordinate prostate cancer research across the St Vincent's Campus, Garvan Institute,Kinghorn Cancer Centre , Royal Prince Alfred and Royal North Shore and in collaboration with our Melbourne, Queensland, Adelaide and South Australian colleagues. In addition, I work with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Centre in New York, Cornell University and the Robotic Institute in Florida as well as Beth Israel in New York and the University College Hospital in England.

Working with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, I have assisted in the establishment of a massive prostate tissue bank and database. This is the largest in the southern hemisphere. Funded through a $2 million NH&MRC enabling grant, the Australian Prostate Cancer Collaboration via resources is assisting in research into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of prostate cancer as it makes fresh tissue and more so the clinical data essential for research.

Currently, I work with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, Cornell University and the Robotic Institute in Florida.

Working with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, I have assisted in the establishment of a massive national prostate tissue bank. Funded through a $2 million National Health and Medical Research Enabling Grant, the Australian Prostate Cancer Collaboration Bio-Resource is assisting in research into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of prostate cancer, as it makes available fresh tissue, and more so the clinical data essential for research.

In 2010 alone, prostate cancer affected an estimated 20,000 Australian men. Through education and awareness we can save lives and ensure the early diagnosis of prostate cancer - a cancer that can be successfully treated if diagnosed early.

Key to the treatment of my patients is knowledge. It improves outcomes, helps to avoid regret and takes away fear. Education helps the individual and his family cope with the journey.

Not only do I work to educate my patients, I have developed numerous resources and mechanisms to support and educate men and general practitioners throughout Australia and am a strong advocate of prostate cancer awareness.

Today, as main author of educational documents for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia I continue to highlight the prevalence of prostate cancer, the importance of early detection and the available treatment options. From beginning Movember awareness through to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia's 'Be a Man' campaign I know that we can do a lot more in the fight against prostate cancer.