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.
Marc Smaldone, MD, MSHP, FACS
Clinical Locations
- Fox Chase Cancer Center
- Fox Chase Cancer Center Huntingdon Pike
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
NCCN, Prostate Cancer Early Detection Panel Member
Specialties
Treatment Focus
- Robotic and laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery
- Continent urinary diversion
- Salvage and reconstructive Surgery
Research Program
Treatment Philosophy
I am a urologic oncologist specializing in the surgical management of tumors of the kidney, bladder, prostate, adrenal, testis and other genitourinary organs. As part of the multi-disciplinary Genitourinary 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 for cure for each patient.
The mission at the Fox Chase Cancer Center is to deliver world class oncologic care in the most compassionate and respectful way possible. A cancer diagnosis brings fear and uncertainty for patients and their families, and my personal philosophy is to treat patients how I would wish for my family members to be treated. Patient education is essential, and I consider it of utmost importance to take the time necessary for patients to understand and feel comfortable with all possible treatment options to inspire confident decision making.
I have expertise in open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical techniques, which allows me to tailor a specific treatment plan based on individual patient need and preferences. I have particular expertise in minimally invasive organ preserving and reconstructive techniques to preserve function and quality of life, including nerve-sparing prostatectomy for patients with prostate cancer and partial nephrectomy for patients with kidney cancer. I have experience performing both robotic and open cystectomy for patients with bladder cancer, and prefer to construct continent urinary diversions whenever possible. I have a clinical interest in the surgical management of patients with high risk and advanced disease, and have experience performing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection following chemotherapy in patients with testicular cancer, cytoreductive nephrectomy and thrombectomy for patients with metastatic kidney cancer or tumors extending into the vena cava, and salvage surgery following radiation for patients with bladder or prostate cancer.
Follow on Twitter: @FCUroOnc
Educational Background
- Fellowship: Urologic Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Residency: Urologic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- MS, Health Policy Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- MD, State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
Certifications
- American Board of Urology
Memberships
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Prostate Cancer Early Detection Panel
- American Urological Association
- Society of Urologic Oncology
Honors & Awards
- Main Line Today Top Doctors, 2018-2019
Chuck Leonard
- Kidney Cancer
In August 2012, at the age of 61, Chuck Leonard was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. After seeing one doctor, Chuck decided to seek a second opinion from a specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where he planned to take part in a clinical trial. However, additional testing revealed he was a candidate for surgery. Chuck also underwent radiation using Cyberknife technology at Fox Chase Buckingham after an MRI revealed the kidney cancer had spread to his brain. “In 2016, I can mark three years since I have had detectable cancer,” he said. “I’m so thankful for all the outstanding care, both medical and other, provided by Fox Chase and the caring doctors and nurses. Hopefully, my tests will continue to have good outcomes, and, if not, I know I’m getting the best care possible from Fox Chase Cancer Center.”
Michael Laurenzi
- Kidney Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
'I am very lucky the tick bit me, because I had no symptoms and no idea that I had cancer. I have nothing but the highest regard for those doctors and their teams. They are so caring and compassionate, and they literally gave me my life back.'
Charles Still
- Prostate Cancer
Saying that Charles Still is a busy man is an understatement. A father to eight children ages 16 to 36, a business owner, and a devoted husband to his wife Debra of 37 years, Charles is a family man and was vigilant about seeing his doctor for his yearly physical exam. In July 2013, at age 57, following blood testing from his yearly physical, elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were detected, raising suspicion for prostate cancer.
James Tetzlaff
- Kidney Cancer
When he thinks back on October 28, 2013, Jim Tetzlaff realizes it would have been easy to ignore what happened and not give it another thought. “I’m a man – we have a tendency to ignore things that have to do with our health,” says Jim, who was 75 at the time. On that day, after one of his grandson’s football games, Jim went to the bathroom and saw blood in his urine. “It was upsetting, but I didn’t have any other symptoms so I thought it had to be a fluke,” recalls the former medical equipment salesman.
Research Interests
- Quality of care
- Comparative effectiveness
- Risk assessment
- Access disparities
- Surgical outcomes
- Health services research
Selected Publications
Masic S.,Smaldone M.C., Robotic renal surgery for renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava thrombus. Transl Androl Urol. 10(5): 2195-2198, 2021. PMC8185684. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34159102.
Smaldone M.C., Tomaszewski J.J., Current controversies in minimally invasive urologic oncology. Transl Androl Urol. 10(5): 2149-2150, 2021.PMC8185655 (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-21-258). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34159096.
Correa AF, Handorf E, Joshi SS, Geynisman DM, Kutikov A, Chen DY, Uzzo RG, Viterbo R, Greenberg RE, Smaldone MC. Differences in Survival Associated with Performance of Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Invasive Penile Cancer: Results from the National Cancer Database. J Urol, 199(5):1238-44, 2018. PubMed
Goel N, Manstein SM, Ward WH, DeMora L, Smaldone MC, Farma JM, Uzzo RG, Esnaola NF. Does the Surgical Apgar Score predict serious complications after elective major cancer surgery? Journal of Surgical Research, 231:242-7, 2018.
Smaldone, M.C., Corcoran, A.T., Hayn M.H., Konety, B.R., Hrebinko Jr., R.L., Davies, B.J. (2009). Estimation of mortality and morbidity risk in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with continent diversion using the POSSUM and Portsmouth POSSUM predictor equations. J Urol,182(6): 2619-24. PubMed
Smaldone, M.C., Cowan, J., Carroll, P.R., Davies, B.J. (2010). Comparison of eligibility for active surveillance and pathologic outcomes in men undergoing radical prostatectomy in a large community-based cohort. J Urol,183(1):138-43. PubMed
Kutikov, A., Smaldone, M.C., Egleston, B.L., Manley, B.J., Simhan, J., Boorjian, S.A., Viterbo, R., Chen, D.Y., Greenberg, R.E., Uzzo, R.G. (2011). Anatomic features of enhancing renal masses predict malignant and high-grade pathology: a preoperative nomogram using the RENAL Nephromety Score. Eur Urol, 60(2): 241-8. PubMed
Smaldone, M.C., Kutikov, A., Egleston, B., Simhan, J., Canter, D.J., Teper, E., Viterbo, R., Chen, D.Y., Greenberg, R.E., Uzzo, R.G. (2012). Assessing performance trends in laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephron sparing surgery for localized renal tumors. Urology, 80(2): 286-92. PubMed
Smaldone, M.C., Kutikov, A., Egleston, B.L., Canter, D.J., Viterbo, R., Chen, D.Y., Jewett, M.A., Greenberg, R.E., Uzzo, R.G. (2012). Small renal masses progressing to metastases under active surveillance: a systematic review and pooled analysis. Cancer, 118(4):997-1006. PubMed
Smaldone, M.C., Egleston, B.L., Uzzo, R.G., Kutikov, A. (2012). Does partial nephrectomy result in a durable overall survival benefit in the Medicare population? J Urol 188(6): 2089-94. PubMed
Kutikov, A., Egleston, B.L., Canter, D., Smaldone, M.C., Wong, Y.N., Uzzo, R.G. (2012). Competing risks of death in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma: a comorbidity based model. J Urol, 188(6): 2077-83. PubMed
Smaldone, M.C., Simhan, J., Kutikov, A., Canter, D.J., Starkey, R., Zhu, F., Nielsen, M.E., Stitzenberg, K.B., Greenberg, R.E., Uzzo, R.G. (2013) Trends in regionalization of radical cystectomy in three large northeastern states from 1996 to 2009. Urol Oncol, 31(8): 1663-9. PubMed
Tomaszewski, J.J., Uzzo, R.G., Handorf, E.A., Bekelman, J.E., Corcoran, A.T., Kutikov, A., Mehrazin, R., Smaldone, M.C. (2014) Care transitions between hospitals are associated with treatment delays for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. J Urol, 192(5): 1349-54. PubMed
Kim, S.P, Gross, C.P., Nguyen, P.L., Smaldone, M.C., Shah, N.D., Karnes, R.J., Thompson, R.H., Hand, L.C., Yu, J.B., Trinh, Q.D., Ziegenfuss, J.Y., Sun, M., Tilburt, J.C. (2014) Perceptions of active surveillance and treatment recommendations for low-risk prostate cancer: Results from a national survey of radiation oncologists and urologists. Med Care, 52(7):579-85. PubMed
Martin, J.M., Handorf, E.A., Kutikov, A., Uzzo, R.G., Bekelman, J.E., Horwitz, E.M., Smaldone, M.C. (2014) The rise and fall of prostate brachytherapy: Use of brachytherapy in the treatment of localized prostate cancer in the National Cancer Database. Cancer, 120(14):2114-21. PubMed
Corcoran, A.T., Handorf, E, Canter, D, Tomaszewski, J.J., Bekelman, J.E., Kim, S.P., Uzzo, R.G., Kutikov. A, Smaldone, M.C. (2015) Variation in performance of candidate surgical quality measures for muscle invasive bladder cancer by hospital type. BJU Int, 115(2):230-7. PubMed
Wang, E.H., Gross, C.P., Tilburt, J.C., Yu, J.B., Nguyen, P.L., Smaldone, M.C., Shah, N.D., Abouassally, R., Sun, M., Kim, S.P. Shared decision making and use of decision AIDS for localized prostate cancer: perceptions from radiation oncologists and urologists. (2015) JAMA Intern Med, 175(5):792-9. PubMed
I felt well cared for and important to my doctor.
I am quite pleased by any and all of the care I received in my recent appointments and procedure with Dr. Smaldone, his staff and others at [...].
Dr. Smaldone- the best
Very good.
I was very pleased with the care I received from your doctors.
I spoke with Dr. Smaldone. HE IS VERY PATIENT AND PROFESSIONAL WITH ME. I ENJOY WORKING WITH HIM. ALTHOUGH I WISH I DID NOT HAVE TO.
My wife and I felt very comfortable with Dr Smaldone's expertise and bedside manner.
Dr Smaldone is an outstanding physician. Thanks to his tremendous abilities, I just reached the 5 year milestone after my stage 4 cancer!
Everyone exceptionally kind, considerate, and caring.
It was a great first impression and looking forward to meeting in person.
Doc Smaldone and his staff are the absolute BEST! They always take the time to show care & concern. They are always very friendly, pleasant and smart/efficient. I have all of my trust In Doctor Smaldone and his staff :)
Everyone was wonderful, patient with our questions, concerned we had everything needed, overall an excellent experience with Dr. Smaldone and all the staff.
I am extremely thankful for Dr. Smaldone and the care he has provided me over the past 5 years. He is a wonderful, wonderful doctor!
Awesome in all areas
Marc is the best, and his staff is right there with him. [...]
Dr. Smaldone is the best!! I'm very happy to have in my corner!! Thank you Dr. Smaldone!
I would recommend Dr. Mark Smaldone to everyone. He is a marvelous and caring doctor. I would also recommend [...] as a great hospital.
Dr. Smaldone explained everything that was going to happen and that exactly how it did.
I can't say enough about the excellent care I received from Fox Chase!
Excellent and very informative
Excellent care
I have always received excellent care by Dr. Smaldone and his staff.
Great Service!
Dr. Smaldone is one of my very favorite "doctors" - he's friendly, caring & knowledgeable!
Dr Smaldone is the best and his staff is wonderful
The best and comforting Doctor who has compassion and caring for family and myself.i could not ask for better care.
Great experience.
Dr. Smaldone was straight-forward while still being extremely compassionate.
Dr. Smaldone is the best doctor I have had in my 62 years. I have complete confidence in him.
Dr. Smaldone is an outstanding provide and I am very happy to be his patient.
Mark is great physician and an even greater person. I am a physician myself and am very happy to have him as my attending and my friend.
Made us feel like we were part of the team
Good
This provider and his staff have always been very helpful, friendly and professional.
Dr. Smaldone is the most caring and accessible doctor I've ever dealt with.
Dr Smaldone is the BEST
Dr. Smaldone is an excellent Doc
Excellent caring provider and staff!
Other than a longer than expected wait time. Dr. Smaldone and team was excellent. Dr. Smaldone was completely prepared for our meeting and communicated exceptionally well.
Dr. Smaldone's nursing staff are top notch! They always act professional, friendly and caring. I have tons of anxiety during my appointments and they always go out of their way to make me the most comfortable and that's appreciated so much more than they realize.
Excellent care and attentiveness from nurse technicians.
Excellent experience.
Excellent
Dr Smaldone was very caring in his exchange with me.
Excellent
Completely met my expectations
Dr. Smaldone is an excellent surgeon. All of the care I have received at Fox Chase has been superb.
Excellent care.
Dr. Smaldone was excellent in providing a very clear perspective and analysis of my situation.He was very knowledgeable , helpful ,caring, and factual. It was extremely appreciated that Dr.Smaldone asked me to follow up with him as more data becomes available.
Good
Dr is very knowledgeable and thorough. He is very passionate about what he does and we totally appreciate it!
Extremely caring doctor.
Dr Smaldone has been my urologist for 7 years now abs has always been very kind caring and informative
Dr. Smaldone and his staff are the best!!!!
Dr SMALDONE, rocks he 1s the best of the best !!
Dr. Smaldone and his team provided excellent care
Dr Smaldone was very knowledgeable about my surgery before and after. He showed great interest in my recovery and it's been almost 2 years after my surgery. He is very dedicated for my full recovery.
Dr Smaldone is exceptional. He really takes time with us and makes sure we understand what is going on!!!
Marc Smalldon is responsible for keeping me alive these last 6 years. His genuine and caring manner have led to a professional friendship that I have had with few other providers. Marc taught me how to live with cancer. I trust him implicitly.
Great
Excellent. Very happy with experience.
Excellent care!!
Dr. Smaldone is #1
Excellent experience
very good experience.
Don't let Smaldone go anywhere. Best DR I've ever dealt with.
Would DEFINITELY recommend to others
Everyone I came in contact with were awesome! Dr. Smalldone is a great doctor. I trust him completely.
very caring and courteous staff
dr smaldone and his team have given me excellent care
I truly believe Dr Smalldone has helped save my life once again.
Truly excellent! I wish all of my care providers wee this good.
I love this group
Very grateful to Marc Smaldone and his Team.
Very professional in every way.
they all were friendly and nice and willing to help
Dr.Smaldone is a very good Doctor I'm glad he's my doctor and I came to Fix Chase
Dr. Smaldone and his nurse/assistant, and office workers have to be the best, dr. & office that I go to and they are the same to all of the people, they are happy & cheery.
Dr Smaldone and supporting surgical staff and their assistant are excellent in their respectful services, could not have gotten a better team of professionals. Thank you FoxChase.
Good communication. The care provider/team keeps you informed and answers your questions.
very good
Dr. Smaldone is a competent physician for sure. I liked him from the first time i met him in the summer of 2019. I trusted his analysis and the surgery he performed, and trust in his care now.
Everyone was wonderful. My mind is always at ease when I leave Dr. Smaldone's office,
Outstanding doctor I would highly recommend to others.
Dr. Smaldone and [...] are fantastic!
Marc is terrific. Listens well, VERY responsive and easy to talk with. I have recommended him to everyone who is looking for someone in Marc's field.
Excellent experience with Dr Smaldone and his staff. No issues whatsoever.
I am very grateful to have Dr Smaldone as my physician. His compassion and expertise have sustained me during the management of my disease.
Very doctor. I would highly recommend him to any other individuals.
Dr. smaldone's receptionists are truly outstanding and they treat you with so much care and concern. Dr. Smaldone is the finest and most caring doctor that I have ever met.
We had a great visit
I feel Mark Smaldone, to be an excellent surgeon but more than that he's a wonderful person I feel very at ease with him I feel I could call or text him anytime day or night and I have and he gets right back to you in a very short time . he has a great personality and I would recommend him very highly to anyone .
excellent care
[...] Dr Smalldone has answered all our questions and himself and his staff availability is excellent. we have and will continue to highly recommend Fox Chase and Dr Smalldone
Marc Smaldone team is the best! He is super knowledgeable, answers all my questions and explains everything in a manner that I can understand.
Dr. Smaldone is fantastic and it is obvious that he cares for his patients.
i have no complaints
Dr. Smaldone is an amazing doctor!! Thank you, Doc, for always being there and for doing everything you do!!
Fox Chase staff and Dr. Smaldone are the best their is - so thankful to have such a caring kind and truly gifted doctor.
I love Fox Chase Hospital, and all what everyone has done for me much thanks to Marc Smaldone, MD, and staff.