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Urologic Cancer Program

Overview

Our program is for male and female patients seeking treatment for genitourinary cancers including cancers of the prostate, kidney, bladder, testes, adrenal glands, urethra, and penis.

Patients may be newly diagnosed, seeking second opinions, facing recurrences of cancer or requiring the level of expertise provided by University Hospital's cancer specialists and our state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment at the Upstate Cancer Center.

Our Team

Our multidisciplinary team of physicians consists of urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists with support from oncology nurses and social services staff.

Gennady Bratslavsky, MD
Gennady Bratslavsky, MD
315 464-1500

Education & Fellowships

  • Fellowship: National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 2007, Urologic Oncology
  • Residency: Albany Medical Center Hospital, 2005, Urologic Surgery
  • MD: Albany Medical College, NY, 2000

Joseph M Jacob, MD MCR
Joseph M Jacob, MD MCR
315 464-1500

Education & Fellowships

  • Fellowship: Indiana University Medical Center, 2017, Urologic Oncology
  • MS: Indiana University, 2017, Masters in Clinical Research
  • Residency: Indiana University Medical Center, 2015
  • MD: Ohio State University College of Medicine, 2010

Oleg Shapiro, MD
Oleg Shapiro, MD
315 464-1500

Education & Fellowships

  • MD: SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • Residency: University Hospital, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
  • Certificate of Advanced Study: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 2008, Urologic Oncology

Our physicians have both academic and clinical appointments at Upstate Medical University and its teaching hospital, University Hospital. Many of them are also involved in research projects. Consequently, their level of knowledge and skill in their particular specialty is unlikely to be found in most other health care settings.

Program Benefits

The multidisciplinary approach to the management of genitourinary cancer has significant benefits for our patients. These include a clear presentation of treatment options for the patient to consider, without the need to meet individually with several different specialists; expedited medical imaging and laboratory results; and generally a shorter time between diagnosis and the initiation of treatment.

The program provides patients with evaluations by a urologist, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist in a single visit. All medical records, x-rays and laboratory test results are reviewed and discussed by the physicians and treatment plans customized for each patient. Every treatment plan takes into consideration quality of life issues and how normal body functions may be maintained whenever possible. Referring physicians are welcome to attend the consultation.

Treatment Options

Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, or a combination of these therapies. Beyond its physical effects, genitourinary cancer often has a significant emotional and psychological impact on patients and their families. Part of the treatment plan may include referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker or a recommendation that patients and family members participate in a cancer support group.

Following the evaluation by our team of specialists, treatment recommendations are sent to the referring physician. Patients may be treated at University Hospital or may be referred to their primary care physician for management.

Access to New Therapies

Upstate Medical University is one of only 125 medical universities in the nation. Our physicians and researchers are involved in numerous cancer research projects in association with other major institutions and cancer organizations. When appropriate, patients are invited to participate in clinical trials designed to evaluate the newest and most promising treatments.

Prevention and Education

An important component of our cancer program involves prevention and education to reduce the incidence of cancer. As recognized experts in the area of genitourinary cancers, our physicians are frequently invited to present to both professional organizations and to the public.

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