Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
NCCN, Prostate Cancer Early Detection Panel Member
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
Working in retail takes a person with an outgoing personality and a commitment to customer service. “I really like the pace of working in the store,” says Andrew Steinmetz, 23, who is a manager at a business supply store in Philadelphia. “I like helping customers and meeting new people.” Andrew’s upbeat and positive attitude is evident as he shares the story of his battle of testicular cancer.
In 2015, Bill O’Brien and his wife, Jackie, celebrated 51 years of marriage. Spending time with friends is very important to them. During a weekly “breakfast club” outing in 2012 – where they meet a group of friends at a local restaurant for breakfast, Bill felt something wasn’t right with him. “I went to the rest room and I started experiencing urinary bleeding," recalls Bill, who realized he needed to see a urologist as soon as possible. Following an exam and testing, the urologist told him that something was detected on his bladder.
South Philadelphia resident Joseph DeQuinque tries to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He’s a non-smoker, watches his diet and takes frequent walks with his wife Laura, with whom he celebrated his 55th wedding anniversary in 2014.
In July, 2013, at the age of 79, he noticed blood in his urine and made an immediate appointment with his urologist. After various tests, including a CAT scan, Joseph learned he had cancer in both his bladder and kidney, which is unusual.
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