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St. Luke's Cancer Institute – Urologic Oncology

The urologic oncology clinic at St. Luke's Cancer Institute is the only one of its kind in Idaho, bringing you the most advanced expertise in the region. We’re dedicated to bringing you the highest level of care for urologic malignancies, including prostate, kidney, bladder, testis, and penile cancer. Our highly skilled, fellowship trained surgeon, Dr. Stephen Brassell, performs a wide range of robotic (da Vinci®) and open surgeries, including:

  • Prostatectomy
  • Nephrectomy
  • Cystectomy
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
Throughout your cancer journey, we’ll work closely with your broader team of providers to ensure you’re supported every step of the way.

Providers

  • Urology

    Biography

    Stephen A. Brassell, MD, FACS is a urologic oncologist with expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery and the management of complex urologic cancers. He is the medical director for urologic oncology, as well as medical director for St. Luke’s Cancer Institute in Boise.

    During his Army career, Dr. Brassell completed an internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, followed by two years as battalion surgeon with the 10th Special Forces Group. While at Walter Reed he also served as a urologic oncologist, and was appointed the associate director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research, a multi-institutional national prostate cancer program, and assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

    His military courses include airborne, flight surgery, dive medical, and cold weather/mountain warfare training. He has received a Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal among other awards. Dr. Brassell chaired over 30 research studies and has published and presented over 70 articles in the urologic literature with a focus on urologic cancer.

    • Robotic and open prostatectomy
    • Robotic and open nephrectomy
    • Robotic and open partial nephrectomy
    • Robotic and open radical cystectomy
    • Robotic and open partial cystectomy
    • Robotic and open excision of retroperitoneal tumors
    • Robotic and open adrenalectomy
    • Robotic and open ureteral surgery
    • Radical orchiectomy
    • Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
    • Penectomy and organ sparing approaches to penile cancer
    • Inguinal lymph node dissection
    • Excision of any genitourinary malignancy

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urologic Oncology

    Biography

    Derek Derkacs, PA-C has experience in family practice; multiple surgery specialties, including urology; and orthopedics. 

    Derek earned his bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado, and his master's of degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and has served in numerous roles with the Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants. 

    Derek also has over 10 years of service with the Idaho Army National Guard. His military training includes Basic Officer Leadership Course, Captain Career Course, Flight Surgeon Course, and Tactical Combat Medical Care. He currently serves in the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. Additionally, Derek was part of the National Guard Marathon Team for two years. 

    In his free time, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife and children, running, listening to music, and learning about automobiles.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Urologic Oncology

    Biography

    Christina Ricci, PA-C specializes in the care of hospitalized adults. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

    Christina earned her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and her master's degree in PA studies from Grand Valley State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

Procedures & Treatments

  • Minimally invasive and robotic surgery for prostate, bladder, kidney, testis, penile, and urinary tract cancers.

Clinical Trials at St. Luke's Cancer Institute

Clinical Trials at St. Lukes Cancer Institute

Access to Cancer Research

Through our participation in regional and national clinical research studies, St. Luke’s Cancer Institute is able to bring trial opportunities to our adult and pediatric patients that are on the leading edge of cancer care. You may participate in many of the same clinical trials as patients at the most-respected cancer centers in the world, including Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Find a Clinical Trial at St. Luke's Cancer Institute

Supportive Oncology

Supportive Oncology

Caring for the Whole Person

Supportive oncology is an integral part of the St. Luke’s Cancer Institute philosophy that healing comes from caring for the whole person, not just the disease.


You can count on a team of experts who will work alongside your physicians to help you and your family be as strong and stable as possible during your cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.


Access Your Mobile Medical Record Anytime, Anywhere

Access Your Mobile Medical Record Anytime, Anywhere

Sign up for a MyChart account today!

With MyChart, you’re able to view test results, contact your provider, request medication refills, schedule appointments and more. We encourage you to sign up for easy access to the tools and information you need to proactively manage your health. You can also set up online proxy access requests for medical records of children, spouses, or dependents.


There's also an easy-to-use MyChart app available for your mobile devices!

Protect Your Health