Urologic Oncology · University Urology, PC

Prostate Cancer Care in Knoxville, TN

From first PSA to complex surgery and advanced systemic therapy — fellowship-trained urologic oncologists covering every stage of prostate cancer, close to home.

Request a Consultation Call (865) 305-9254 View Treatment Options
Newsweek’s Best Prostate Cancer Surgeons 2024
Fellowship-Trained Urologic Oncologists
Only HIFU & NanoKnife Center in East TN
1
Screening & PSA
Risk-stratified approach
2
MRI & Biopsy
Transperineal / fusion
3
Staging & Planning
PSMA PET, molecular testing
4
Treatment
Surveillance to surgery
5
Survivorship
Recurrence & advanced disease

East Tennessee’s Prostate Cancer Leaders

The Region’s Only Practice With Fellowship-Trained Urologic Oncologists

University Urology is a physician-owned, independent practice with fellowship-trained urologic oncologists — the only such group in East Tennessee. Fellowship-trained oncologists manage a higher volume of complex cases, stay current with evolving treatment guidelines, and have the subspecialty experience to offer options that general urologists often cannot.

We treat prostate cancer across every stage and risk category — from men on active surveillance watching low-risk disease to patients with metastatic disease requiring advanced systemic therapy. Our team coordinates seamlessly with medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other specialists so your care plan is complete, not fragmented.

Same-week consultations are often available. Most major insurance plans accepted.

Newsweek · 2024

“Two of America’s Best Prostate Cancer Surgeons”

Newsweek and Statista’s inaugural ranking of America’s Best Prostate Cancer Surgeons recognized the top 150 specialists nationwide. University Urology placed two surgeons on the list — the only practice in East Tennessee to do so.

JB
Dr. James M. Bienvenu, MD
Focal Therapy · Advanced Oncology · RPLND
WW
Dr. Wesley M. White, MD
Prostate Cancer · Renal Masses · Dept. Chair

Treatment Options

Comprehensive Treatment Across Every Stage

The right treatment depends on your cancer’s stage and grade, your overall health, and your personal priorities. We present every appropriate option — and give you our honest recommendation.

Active Surveillance

For low-risk, localized prostate cancer, active surveillance avoids the side effects of immediate treatment while maintaining close monitoring. Serial PSA, MRI, and confirmatory biopsy allow us to intervene early if the cancer progresses.

First-line for low-risk disease →

Focal Therapy: HIFU & NanoKnife

Target the tumor. Spare the tissue. East Tennessee’s only HIFU and NanoKnife (IRE) program — two technologies, one specialist, all performed at UTMC. Ideal for low- to intermediate-risk disease and salvage after radiation failure.

Learn about focal therapy →

Robotic Prostatectomy

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy with nerve-sparing technique when oncologically appropriate. Performed by Dr. Bienvenu, Dr. Angelle, and Dr. White — high-volume robotic surgeons at UTMC — with detailed counseling on urinary and sexual function outcomes.

Gold standard for many intermediate & high-risk cases →

Radiation Therapy

For patients who choose radiation, we coordinate directly with trusted radiation oncology partners for EBRT and brachytherapy. We also place hydrogel rectal spacers (Barrigel / SpaceOAR) to protect rectal tissue and reduce side effects.

Coordinated with radiation oncology →

Transperineal Biopsy & Diagnostics

MRI/ultrasound fusion-guided transperineal biopsy — safer and more accurate than traditional transrectal approaches — plus molecular testing (Oncotype DX, Decipher, Prolaris) and PSMA PET staging.

About transperineal biopsy →

Advanced & Metastatic Disease

Hormone therapy (ADT), novel androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, and access to radiopharmaceuticals including Pluvicto, Xofigo, and Provenge — combined with genetic testing and direct nurse navigation.

Systemic therapy & radiopharmaceuticals →

Regional Exclusive

Focal Therapy: East Tennessee’s Only HIFU & NanoKnife Program

All focal therapy procedures are performed by Dr. James M. Bienvenu at the University of Tennessee Medical Center — the only physician in the region offering both technologies. For the right patient, focal therapy offers effective cancer control with significantly lower rates of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to whole-gland treatment.

Thermal Ablation

HIFU — High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

Focused ultrasound waves heat and destroy targeted prostate tissue with real-time feedback. FDA-cleared via the Sonablate® device since 2015.

  • Outpatient — same-day procedure at UTMC
  • No radiation — future options preserved
  • Best for low- to intermediate-risk localized disease
  • Also used as salvage after radiation failure
Non-Thermal Ablation

NanoKnife — Irreversible Electroporation (IRE)

Electrical pulses permanently disrupt cancer cell membranes without heat — preserving adjacent vessels, nerves, and ducts.

  • Performed under general anesthesia at UTMC
  • Non-thermal — no heat spread risk
  • Preferred for tumors near urethra or neurovascular bundles
  • Also used as salvage after radiation failure
Full Focal Therapy Page → Request Focal Therapy Consult

Advanced & Metastatic Disease

Systemic Therapy, Radiopharmaceuticals & Genetic Testing

For men with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, we offer access to the full range of systemic options — including novel agents not available at every center — combined with direct nurse navigation.

Radiopharmaceutical

Pluvicto (177Lu-PSMA-617)

PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Requires prior PSMA PET imaging for eligibility.

Radiopharmaceutical

Xofigo (Radium-223)

Alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical for bone-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Targeted radiation delivered directly to bone lesions.

Immunotherapy

Provenge (Sipuleucel-T)

Autologous cellular immunotherapy for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Hormone Therapy

ADT & Novel Androgen Inhibitors

Androgen deprivation therapy combined with next-generation agents (enzalutamide, apalutamide, darolutamide) for high-risk localized, locally advanced, and metastatic disease.

Molecular Testing

Genetic & Genomic Testing

Germline and somatic mutation testing (BRCA1/2, CDK12, MMR), combined with tissue-based genomic classifiers (Oncotype DX, Decipher, Prolaris) to guide treatment and prognosis.

Imaging

PSMA PET Staging

The most sensitive staging tool for prostate cancer. We coordinate PSMA PET across the region and use results to guide treatment planning for high-risk, recurrent, and advanced disease.

About PSMA PET at University Urology →

Nurse Navigation: Patients with advanced prostate cancer have access to direct nurse navigation — a dedicated resource to help coordinate appointments, interpret results, explain treatment options, and connect you with support resources throughout your care journey.

PSMA PET Imaging — How We Coordinate It

We order, authorize, and interpret PSMA PET for staging, biochemical recurrence, and Pluvicto eligibility. Learn how University Urology coordinates this critical scan.

PSMA PET at UU →

Expert Perspectives

Advanced Prostate Cancer: A GU Oncology Now Roundtable

Dr. James Bienvenu and Dr. Wesley White joined GU Oncology Now for a roundtable discussion on the evolving treatment landscape for advanced prostate cancer — covering systemic therapy sequencing, PSMA PET imaging, and multidisciplinary decision-making for complex cases.

Featured on GU Oncology Now — a peer education platform for genitourinary oncology clinicians.

Your Physicians

Meet the Prostate Cancer Team

Fellowship-trained urologic oncologists and robotic surgeons — each with distinct areas of subspecialty focus within prostate cancer care.

JB

Dr. James M. Bienvenu, MD

Urologic Oncology Fellowship

Focal therapy specialist (HIFU & NanoKnife) — the only physician in East Tennessee offering both. Also performs robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, RPLND, caval thrombectomy, and complex robotic oncology. Recognized in Newsweek’s Best Prostate Cancer Surgeons 2024.

Full Profile →
WW

Dr. Wesley M. White, MD

Urologic Oncology · Department Chair

Professor and Chair, Department of Urology at UTMC. Prostate cancer, small renal masses, and NMIBC are primary clinical focuses. High-volume robotic surgery experience. Recognized in Newsweek’s Best Prostate Cancer Surgeons 2024.

Full Profile →
JA

Dr. Jonathan Angelle, MD

Urologic Oncology · Robotic Surgery

Broad oncologic scope including prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer. Performs robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy with nerve-sparing technique, radical and simple cystectomy, and advanced robotic procedures. Covers our Morristown satellite clinic and serves as first-line for many general oncology referrals across the region.

Full Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Prostate Cancer Care

My PSA is elevated. What happens next?
An elevated PSA does not necessarily mean cancer — it can be caused by BPH, prostatitis, or other benign conditions. The next step is a detailed risk assessment, possibly including a prostate MRI. If the MRI identifies a suspicious lesion, we’ll discuss a biopsy. We perform transperineal prostate biopsy — safer and more accurate than the traditional transrectal approach.
What is focal therapy and am I a candidate?
Focal therapy targets and destroys the cancer while leaving surrounding healthy prostate tissue intact. It’s best suited for men with low- to intermediate-risk, localized disease and a well-defined tumor on MRI. It can also be used as salvage therapy after radiation failure. Not everyone qualifies — we review your pathology, MRI, and PSA trend at consultation and give you a straight answer. See our dedicated focal therapy page for full candidacy criteria.
How do you decide between surgery, radiation, and focal therapy?
There is no single right answer for most patients with localized prostate cancer. We look at cancer grade and stage, prostate anatomy, your age and health, and what matters most to you — whether that’s minimizing side effect risk, avoiding radiation, preserving sexual function, or achieving the most definitive treatment possible. We present all appropriate options, give our recommendation, then support whatever decision you make.
Do you treat advanced or metastatic prostate cancer?
Yes. We manage the full spectrum including high-risk localized disease, biochemical recurrence, locally advanced disease, and metastatic castration-sensitive and castration-resistant disease. This includes access to radiopharmaceuticals (Pluvicto, Xofigo, Provenge), novel androgen pathway inhibitors, genetic testing, and clinical trials. We work closely with medical oncology for patients who need combination approaches.
My PSA is rising after prior treatment. Can you help?
Yes — biochemical recurrence after surgery, radiation, or focal therapy is one of the most common referral scenarios we see. We evaluate the pattern and pace of PSA rise, restage with PSMA PET when indicated, and discuss salvage options including focal therapy, radiation, or systemic therapy depending on where the recurrence appears to originate.
Do you offer clinical trials?
Yes. University Urology participates in clinical trials as principal investigators, giving our patients access to investigational treatments not yet widely available. Our physicians assess each trial for relevance to your situation and ensure you understand the potential benefits and risks before any enrollment decision.
How do I get started?
Message us through Klara, call (865) 305-9254, or ask your referring provider to send a referral. Same-week consultations are often available. If you’re coming for a possible biopsy or focal therapy evaluation, please bring or arrange transfer of any prior MRI images and PSA history before your visit.

Ready to Talk With a Prostate Cancer Specialist?

Same-week consultations often available. Message us, call, or ask your provider to send a referral.

Message Us on Klara Call (865) 305-9254 Text Us Find a Location

Preparation Instructions

Preparing for Your Procedure

If you have a prostate biopsy or hydrogel spacer placement scheduled, review the appropriate preparation instructions below.

In-Office Procedure

Transperineal Biopsy Preparation

Preferred approach. No bowel prep required. Antibiotic required. Driver required.

View preparation instructions → In-Office Procedure

Transrectal Biopsy Preparation

Fleet enema 1–2 hours before. Antibiotic required. Driver required.

View preparation instructions → In-Office Procedure

Hydrogel Spacer Preparation

SpaceOAR or Barrigel placement before radiation. Fleet enema night before. Coordinate with radiation oncology. Driver required.

View preparation instructions →