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Family Health Magazine - Spring/Summer 2005

Profiles in Cancer:
From Prostate Cancer to Cancer Free

Andrew Zablow, M.D., Radiation Oncologist (right), with patient Joe Calabrese.

In September 2000, at a routine physicial examination, Joe Calabrese's urologist, Eugene Stulberger, M.D., took blood to test for prostate-specific antigens (PSA), which can indicate prostate cancer. When the test showed increased levels of PSA, Mr. Calabrese had a biopsy performed. The results came back and cancer cells had been found in the prostate, Dr. Stulberger reported.

I was in shock, recalls Mr. Calabrese. I thought, Oh my God, it's cancer. It was a very depressing day. I was still working at the time and there was a lot to think about in terms of how to treat it.

Successful Treatment with Seed Implantation
Mr. Calabrese was referred to Andrew Zablow, M.D., radiation oncologist at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. They discussed a variety of treatment options and Mr. Calabrese began to feel better about his future.

I liked Dr. Zablow as soon as I met him, he says. He was very compassionate and I felt much more at ease.

It was decided that the best course of treatment would be seed implantation, which involves placing radioactive pellets into the gland. Earlier that same year, in April, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani underwent seed implantation for his prostate cancer, and the treatment was very successful. Mr. Calabrese drew comfort from the fact that he was going through the same treatment that had helped the Mayor get his life back.

For the next three months Mr. Calabrese received hormone shots to inhibit testosterone growth. In November, he began a program of radiation treatments five times a week for five weeks. The treatments were about 20 minutes long and the patient, who continued to work every day, suffered no side effects.

In February, small radioactive seeds were surgically implanted into his prostate, where they would remain potent for about four months. Mr. Calabrese had a little discomfort for the first two weeks, which then lessened. He subsequently returned to work.

I felt very comfortable with the seeds and I'm glad I did not wait to have the cancer treatment, he says. I would encourage any man with prostate cancer to get treated.

Back to Normal
Now, almost five years later, Mr. Calabrese continues to have very good PSA test results. He credits his wife, Annette, for her strength during that difficult period, his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, for giving him something to look forward to, and Dr. Zablow, for medical care that gave him renewed health.

I remember Dr. Zablow said that you have to have a positive attitude because that is 80 percent of winning this thing, says Mr. Calabrese. I'm glad to be able to live every day with my family.

Prostate Cancer Survival
The survival rate for prostate cancer has increased to more than 90 percent. The best way to beat prostate cancer is by detecting it at its earliest - and most treatable - stage. Although screening guidelines may vary, most physicians agree that men over age 50, or men over age 40 who are African American or have a family history of the disease, should be screened for prostate cancer annually.

To reach The Cancer Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, please call (973) 322-5200.

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