Related Articles
00 / 00
Due to a system-wide technology update, we are experiencing extremely high call volume. We appreciate your patience with our operators during this time. Thank you for choosing Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy and robotic surgery); endometrial cancer and hyperplasia; cervical cancer and dysplasia; vulvar cancer and dysplasia; vaginal cancer and dysplasia; gestational trophoblastic disease; surgical management of pelvic masses
![]() |
Gynecologic Oncology |
I am excited to be a part of the gynecologic cancer patient care team at Fox Chase Cancer Center. I chose to work at Fox Chase to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge oncologic care by translating advances in research directly into my clinical practice.
As a gynecologic oncologist, I specialize in the surgical and medical management of tumors of the uterus, cervix, ovary, fallopian tube, vulva and vagina. I have extensive experience with complex open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which allows me to tailor a surgical plan based upon a patient’s needs and preferences. I also have expertise in administering intravenous and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies. As a member of the multidisciplinary gynecologic cancer patient care team, I work closely with my colleagues in medical and radiation oncology to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that offers the best chance of cure for each patient.
I appreciate the challenges and commitment necessary to care for cancer patients. I understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families, and I always treat patients how I would want my family members to be treated: with honesty and compassion. I devote the time necessary to educate my patients on their options so they are best able to make an informed decision about their treatment.
Professionally, my research interests focus on endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer and hereditary ovarian cancer, including those resulting from BRCA1 or 2 mutations. The abundant resources available at Fox Chase, as well as my research experiences during my postdoctoral fellowship at the Magee-Womens Research Institute and as a clinical fellow at the University of Pennsylvania allow for me to participate in translational research and investigate innovative therapies to improve the quality of life for women with gynecologic malignancies.
As a single mom, I raised my son and daughter on my own. While they were growing up, I worked in a high-stress position in advertising sales, but I decided to switch careers and start nannying once I became an empty nester.
I was a first grade teacher for six years before becoming a reading specialist for kids with learning disabilities. After having four children of my own, I decided to be a stay-at-home mom and teach my children, along with my nieces and nephews.
Diane Smith was 55 years old when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. After a local gastroenterologist initially diagnosed her with hemorrhoids, she sought a second opinion from a specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Diane underwent a laparoscopic procedure that resulted in no scarring and allowed her to heal faster. After a week in the hospital, she returned home to finish her recovery. "I am now enjoying my time with friends, reading, walking in Pennypack Park, living a healthy lifestyle, and attending church regularly," she said. "I came back from cancer, and I thank God every day for directing me to Fox Chase."
At 36, Patti Rose, a wife and mother to seven children, was shocked to learn she had a rare form of breast cancer. Because her husband works in construction and had done several projects for Fox Chase Cancer Center, they knew right away Fox Chase was the right place for Patti's treatment. At Fox Chase, Patti underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, followed by a lumpectomy and additional surgery. The experience was extremely difficult, but Patti credits the staff at Fox Chase for giving her a positive outlook and helping her get through it. Today, she is cancer free and could not be more pleased with the treatment she received. "Fox Chase helped me to be positive. If I didn’t have that connection with doctors and nurses and even the security guard that I would talk to every time I was there, I think I would have felt more afraid," she said. "Knowing all those people were praying for me, thinking of me, and trying to get me through it made me feel like I could overcome it."
Higuchi T, Flies DB, Marjon NA, Mantia-Smaldone G, Ronner L, Gimotty PA, Adams SF. CTLA-4 Blockade Synergizes with PARP inhibition in BRCA1-deficient Ovarian cancer. Cancer Immunol Res. 2015 Jul 2. [Epub ahead of print]
Suryawanshi S, Budiu R, Elishaev E, Zhang L, Kim S, Tseng G, Mantia-Smaldone G, Ma T, Donnellan N, Lee T, Mansuria S, Edwards RP, Huang X and Vlad AM. Complement pathway is frequently altered in endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2014 Dec 1;20(23):6163-74. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-14-1338. Epub 2014 Oct 7.
Mantia-Smaldone G, Ronner L, Blair A, Gamerman V, Morse C, Orsulic S, Rubin S, Gimotty P and Adams SF. The immunomodulatory effects of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin are amplified in BRCA1-deficienct ovarian tumors and can be exploited to improve treatment response in a mouse model. Gynecol Oncol. 2014 Jun;133(3):584-90. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.03.565. Epub 2014 Mar 27.
Mantia-Smaldone G, Bagley LJ, Kasner SE and Chu CS. Vertebral artery dissection and cerebral infarction in a patient with recurrent ovarian cancer receiving bevacizumab. Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports. Volume 5, August 2013, 37-39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gynor.2013.04.002.
Chiang CL, Kandalaft L, Tanyi J, Hagemann A, Motz G, Svoronos N, Smith L, Montone K, Mantia-Smaldone G, Nisenbaum H, Torigian D, Levine B, Mick R, Kalos M, Czerniecki B, Powell D, and Coukos G. A Dendritic Cell Vaccine Pulsed with Autologous Hypochlorous Acid-Oxidized Ovarian Cancer Lysate Primes Effective Broad Antitumor Immunity: From Bench to Bedside. Clin Cancer Res. 2013 Jul 15 [Epub ahead of print]
Mantia-Smaldone GM and Chu CS. A Review of Dendritic Cell Therapy for Cancer: Progress and Challenges. BioDrugs. 2013 Oct;27(5):453-68. doi: 10.1007/s40259-013-0030-9. Collapse
Our Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to care provider related questions from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more.
Good experience
Every visit I have with Dr. Smaldone and her team is timely, professional, and informative - Always treated with respect.
Good experience especially when I was upset about needing surgery
Dr. Gina Mantia-Smaldone, MD has always been kind, compassionate and knowledgeable in regards to my care at [...].
I felt safe and listened to well. Doctor and staff were Friendly and caring
Always an excellent experience with Dr. Mantia-Smalldone & her staff.
Wonderful experience. I love Dr. Smaldone and her staff
Dr. & staff are caring and professional.
It was a first meeting. Dr. Is quite pleasant and open; definitely glad to be with her.
Great staff. Love my Doctor and Nurses!
Pleasure to see this doctor
The Dr & nurse were amazing.
Everyone was very nice, informative and respectful.
Everyone that works at Fox Chase has been very helpful, caring and kind.
Gina Mantia-Smaldone & staff are friendly professional.
I was very impressed with first of the security staff was excellent. I felt very comfortable with this being my first visit
God bless Dr. Smaldone. She is like family to me, she is the very best.
Can't say enough great things about Dr. Gina I could go on and on! She is wonderful as well as her staff!
Feel very confident with my care
My visits at FCCC have always been great. Everyone is caring, respectful, and courteous. Dr. Gina Mantia Smalldone us a Top notch, A1 Doctor. She's the BEST and I'll tell the world. FCCC should be proud to have her on staff.
Love Dr Mania Smalldone and her staff
Dr Smaldone is a most caring and compassionate and knowledgeable doctor
I love Dr. Gina Smaldone. She is a very kind, compassionate dr. Always has time for you answering questions. The surgery she did on me was the easiest surgery I've had of the cancer surgeries.
I was just surprised that I did not get any information about complications about the surgery, pre-op prep, and post-op care. I did get a print out from my gyn about lap hysterectomy after that visit.
wonderful experience!!!
Dr. Gina Smaldone is exceptional, she looked into my extensive medical history & offered me the PIC out of all doctors I have seen. I'm grateful that she didn't dismiss me & dedication to follow my health.
Dr. Mantia-Smaldone is very attentive and thorough.
Dr. Gina Smaldone is the best doctor I've ever had in my 60 years on this earth. I can not say enough good things about Fox Chase
Dr. Martina-Smaldone was very patient, knowledgeable and sympathetic. Made excellent recommendations for my care.
Very satisfied with treatment so far.
Provided excelent professional care