Eugene Pietzak, MD

I am committed to achieving cures while preserving quality of life through careful surgical planning and meticulous surgical technique. Whenever possible, I use nerve-sparing and function-sparing techniques to help maintain urinary and sexual function. For men with prostate cancer that requires treatment, I primarily perform robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. For men and women with bladder cancer who require an operation to remove the bladder (radical cystectomy), I can provide expertise in advanced urinary reconstructive techniques, such as continent neobladder diversion that can re-create the natural urination pathway after bladder removal.

Because the treatment of cancers of the genitourinary system is complex, I work closely with colleagues in medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and pathology to individualize each patient’s treatment approach based on their unique circumstance. I understand that a cancer diagnosis requires people to make many important and oftentimes, difficult decisions. I work with each of my patients and their families to provide as much information as possible regarding all options available to them. By using a patient-centered approach that takes into account individual preferences, I can provide the best possible outcome and quality of life following treatment for all my patients.

In addition to my surgical expertise, I am a surgeon-scientist involved in clinical trials and translational research working towards the development of new treatments for people with bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and upper tract urothelial cancer. We have a large research program focused on identifying ways to personalize and improve treatment options for people with bladder cancer. Our research has led to the development of several clinical trials available at MSK of new treatment approaches for people with bladder cancer so those participating in these trials may receive cutting-edge therapies before they are accessible nationally. The ultimate goal of our research efforts is to provide a better chance of cure and improved quality of life for our patients compared to currently available standard therapies.