Uro oncology advanced cancer care closer to home
Dr. Patrick Colarusso Medical Oncologist

When Looking for A Physician

Meeting your oncology physician is an important step in your journey toward treatment and recovery. Your uro-oncologist is not just a specialist in diagnosing and treating urological cancers but also a key partner in guiding you through every stage of care. With expertise in managing conditions such as prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancer, your physician will take the time to understand your unique medical history, discuss available treatment options, and address any concerns you may have. Beyond medical expertise, a good oncology physician provides compassionate care, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout your treatment. Building a strong, trusting relationship with your doctor can make a significant difference in your experience, empowering you to make confident decisions about your health.

Prostate Cancer - click here
Kidney Cancer - click here
Bladder Cancer - click here
Testicular Cancer - click here

Treatment Options

procedures

therapies

surgery

imaging

Managing Side Effects

Managing side effects for prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers involves addressing symptoms caused by treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and digestive issues. Each type of cancer presents unique challenges, but there are general strategies to help alleviate these symptoms.

For prostate cancer, hormone therapy and radiation can lead to hot flashes, weight gain, and bone density loss. Regular physical activity, including weight-bearing exercises, can help mitigate these effects. Dietary modifications, such as increasing calcium and vitamin D intake, can support bone health. Medications and lifestyle changes may help manage urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Kidney cancer treatments, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, may cause high blood pressure, fatigue, and digestive problems. Patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly and follow a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats. Staying hydrated and consuming small, frequent meals can help manage nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Light exercise, such as walking and stretching, can aid in reducing fatigue.

Bladder cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, can lead to urinary urgency, irritation, and an increased risk of infections. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol, and practicing pelvic floor exercises can help manage symptoms. Cranberry supplements or probiotics may support bladder health, but patients should consult their doctors before taking supplements.

Testicular cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery, can result in neuropathy, fatigue, and fertility concerns. Patients should discuss sperm banking options before treatment if fertility preservation is a concern. Managing neuropathy with physical therapy, acupuncture, or medications may be helpful. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and proteins can support recovery.

Diet & Nutrition

Diet, nutrition, and exercise play a crucial role in cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. When dealing with prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers, maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can enhance overall health, support immune function, and improve treatment outcomes. Each of these cancers has unique dietary and exercise considerations, but some common principles apply across all four.

For prostate cancer, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Reducing the intake of processed and red meats, high-fat dairy, and excessive calcium may be beneficial, as studies suggest these may contribute to prostate cancer growth. Regular physical activity, including aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling, along with resistance training, can help manage weight, reduce inflammation, and improve overall prostate health.

Kidney cancer patients benefit from a diet that supports kidney function and overall health. Since kidney function may already be compromised, it is essential to maintain a balanced intake of proteins, ensuring not to overburden the kidneys. Lean protein sources like fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins are preferred. Sodium, processed foods, and excess phosphorus (found in dairy and sodas) should be limited to reduce kidney stress. Hydration is critical, so patients should drink plenty of water unless restricted by their healthcare provider. Exercise can help maintain cardiovascular health and muscle strength. Low-impact activities like yoga, walking, and swimming are ideal for maintaining fitness without putting excessive strain on the body.

Bladder cancer patients should focus on hydration and a diet that supports urinary tract health. Drinking plenty of water and consuming fluids like herbal teas and diluted fruit juices can help flush toxins from the body. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits may support bladder health by reducing oxidative stress. Reducing the intake of processed meats, artificial sweeteners, and excessive caffeine can also be beneficial. Exercise, particularly aerobic activities like jogging, cycling, and swimming, can help maintain a healthy weight, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being during and after treatment.

Testicular cancer primarily affects younger men, and maintaining a nutritious diet during and after treatment is essential for energy levels and immune support. High-protein foods such as eggs, poultry, legumes, and dairy can help with muscle recovery, particularly for those undergoing chemotherapy or surgery. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables may help counteract the oxidative stress caused by treatment. Regular exercise, including strength training and cardiovascular workouts, is beneficial for rebuilding muscle mass, enhancing mood, and reducing fatigue post-treatment.

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for all cancer types, as obesity has been linked to an increased risk of cancer recurrence. Consuming fiber-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables can promote digestive health and reduce inflammation. Avoiding excessive sugar, alcohol, and processed foods can support overall well-being and recovery.

Exercise plays a significant role in cancer prevention and recovery by improving physical strength, reducing fatigue, and boosting mental health. Patients undergoing treatment may experience muscle loss and reduced energy levels, making light to moderate exercises like yoga, stretching, and resistance training helpful. After recovery, increasing exercise intensity can improve long-term health outcomes and lower the risk of recurrence.

Stress management is another important factor in cancer care. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and improve overall quality of life. Combining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress reduction techniques can enhance resilience during and after cancer treatment.

While diet and exercise cannot replace medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, they serve as complementary strategies to support healing and overall well-being. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes or starting a new exercise regimen to ensure it aligns with their specific medical needs and treatment plans.

Latest Advances for Uro Oncology

The latest advances in uro-oncology have significantly improved diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Precision medicine and genetic profiling now allow for targeted therapies that personalize treatment plans based on individual tumor characteristics. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of advanced uro-oncological cancers by enhancing the body’s immune response to cancer cells.

Prostate cancer research has led to the development of next-generation androgen receptor inhibitors, which improve survival rates in advanced cases. PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy is an emerging treatment that delivers radiation directly to prostate cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

For kidney cancer, the combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapies has shown promising results. Checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab, have improved overall survival rates for patients with advanced disease. Advances in robotic-assisted surgery have enhanced the precision of nephron-sparing procedures, preserving kidney function.

Bladder cancer treatments have evolved with the introduction of antibody-drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These therapies have shown remarkable success in treating metastatic bladder cancer, improving survival rates while reducing side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.

Testicular cancer research focuses on reducing long-term treatment side effects while maintaining high cure rates. Surveillance protocols have been refined to minimize overtreatment, and novel chemotherapy regimens are being tested to reduce toxicity while maintaining efficacy.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are playing a growing role in uro-oncology, assisting in early cancer detection and treatment planning. AI-driven imaging techniques are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, allowing for earlier and more precise interventions. As research progresses, these advancements will continue to improve patient care and outcomes in uro-oncology.

This was my first visit with Dr. Colarusso. He was professional and addressed my condition in a direct and understandable way which I appreciated.
Excellent communication about my current and future treatment.
Dr. Colarusso was kind and professional. He listened to his patient and explained everything very clearly.
Wonderful experience. Very knowledgeable about my diagnosis. I felt as though I was in good hands. 5 stars.
Great listener, very patient, extremely knowledgeable. Top-notch Oncology practitioner.
What a lovely visit, under not so great circumstances. Thank you Dr. Colarusso.
Request An Appointment