Marc C. Smaldone

To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter with profound gratitude and the highest possible recommendation for Dr. Marc Smaldone and the team at Fox Chase Cancer Center. This is not simply a recommendation for an excellent surgeon. It is the story of a physician who was willing to take on an extraordinarily difficult case when the possibility of losing my only remaining kidney—and spending the rest of my life on dialysis—had become very real. I will turn 69 years old in one week. Looking back at everything my family and I have faced since 2018, I realize that reaching 69 with my remaining kidney functioning, my independence intact, and another opportunity at life is something I will never take for granted. My journey began in January 2018, when I underwent a right radical nephrectomy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma, staged pT3a. From that day forward, my left kidney became my only kidney. Cancer, unfortunately, was not finished with me. In April 2021, I underwent surgery… for a 2.5 cm small-bowel neuroendocrine tumor, with one of seven lymph nodes positive. Along the way, I also developed significant cardiovascular disease. My medical history came to include coronary artery disease requiring placement of a drug-eluting coronary stent, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. These conditions—and the medications necessary to manage them, including blood-thinning and antiplatelet therapy—added another layer of complexity and risk to any major operation. By late 2025, approaching my 69th birthday, I had already faced kidney cancer, the loss of my right kidney, another form of cancer, coronary artery disease, coronary intervention with a stent, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Then came another challenge. In December 2025, imaging revealed a new solid mass of approximately 6 cm in my only remaining left kidney. This was not a straightforward kidney tumor. Because of its size, location and relationship to critical structures—including finger-like projections extending into the fatty tissue near the renal vein—the physicians at MUSC in Charleston were understandably concerned about the ability to remove the tumor while preserving enough functioning kidney. I was confronted with a possibility that was frighteningly simple: If my remaining kidney could not be saved, I would have no kidneys. I could require dialysis for the rest of my life. The possibility was considered serious enough that preparations for dialysis were being discussed in the event that too much blood was lost, the kidney could not be preserved, or circumstances during surgery required removal of the remaining kidney. At nearly 69 years old, with significant heart disease and only one kidney, the stakes could hardly have been higher. But my wife refused to accept that we had reached the end of our options. She found Dr. Marc Smaldone at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. We lived approximately 700 miles away, but distance meant nothing to us. If there was a surgeon with the experience, skill and courage to attempt to save my remaining kidney, I was going to find him. My first appointment with Dr. Smaldone was in January 2026. The day before the appointment, his nurse called and asked whether I was actually coming. Dr. Smaldone apparently could not believe that I was really going to drive approximately 700 miles just to see him. I was. During that first appointment, Dr. Smaldone told me that one of the reasons he had agreed to take my case was its unusual nature and everything I had already overcome since 2018. That conversation changed something in me. I knew the risks. I understood my age. I understood my heart disease. I understood that I had only one kidney. And I understood what losing that kidney could mean. But I also knew something else: I had found the surgeon I wanted standing over that operating table. We initially attempted systemic cancer therapy for approximately

I came to Fox Chase for a consult on treatment options. Being a retired OB/GYN physician, I knew that where you start your care matters most. From the first time I met Dr. Marc Smaldone I knew I was in good hands. My first impression of Dr Smaldone was that of a caring intelligent physician who was confident of his surgical skills. He explained my options in a clear knowledgeable fashion and helped me make a decision. Dr. Smaldone was available for any questions that arose and answered within minutes. He outlined the plan for continued care. I felt confident that he will be following my case closely. I could not have asked for a better urologic surgeon.

I was referred over to Fox Chase hospital by a doctor friend. When I made the appointment Fox Chase put me in touch with Dr. Smaldone. Reviewing my MRI etc. Dr. Smaldone determine that I had a tumor on my left kidney. He explained to me that the tumor had to be removed as it could be cancerous even though the biopsy showed it was not. After the surgery was performed Dr. Smaldone visited me in the hospital to check how I was doing. I was in no pain from start to finish, and was discharged two days after surgery from the hospital and never had any discomfort. After a 2 week recovery I had a visit and Dr. Smaldone and he said all was good, and I could resume my normal activity. If anyone is in need of a urologist I highly recommend Dr. Smaldone. Thank you Dr. for all your help

I'm very grateful for Dr.Smaldone. His knowledge about my disease is outstanding. I know this because I've met quite a few of his patients who are doing really well. I've even met one who Dr. Smaldone made a new bladder. Besides feeling safe and sound, Dr. puts me at ease. His human touch makes fighting this horrible disease much easier, as you know your not fighting alone. It's important to mention his staff. One nurse in particular,Kelly,I,m very grateful for. Naturally before my BCG treatments my anxiety is very high, I've learned having Kelly as my nurse has alleviated my concerns and makes me feel safe and well cared for. In ending I'm very grateful Dr. Smaldone and Kelly are taking care of me. I believe I'm in the very best hands Sincerely, J.L.

I went to the Jeanes Hospital-Fox Chase Cancer Center complex in need of an emergency surgical procedure. Dr Marc Smaldone performed the procedure that morning. I knew from past experience they would help me

Dr. Marc Smaldone excised a growth from the dome of my bladder which was extremely close to perforating the wall of the muscle. His expertise along with leading edge medical equipment / technologies rewarded me with results I could only dream of. Needless to say I received excellent attention and my recovery was rapid. Dr. Smaldone (along with his staff) are always professional, caring, kind and efficient. He gave me his cell phone number and was very sincere when he told me not to hesitate to call him. He asked me to call him Marc. How rare. I felt like I was his only patient. Now I undergo diagnostic testing on a regular basis by both Dr. Smaldone and Dr. Elizabeth Plimack - my genitourinary oncologist. Both doctors listen to my chief concerns and take as much time as necessary during my office appointments. I never feel rushed. I couldn't be more fortunate to be at Foxchase Cancer Center under the care of both of these wonderful doctors.

It gives me great pleasure to comment about Dr. Smaldone, Mark as he prefers to be called, but out of respect I call him Doc. Doc is one of the most humble beings that I have ever met in my fifty years of life. Doc is a very compassionate person that projects professionalism, confidence, and proficiency. That being said, in 2014, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was referred to Fox Chase by my primary physician. It was a true blessing to have Doc assigned as my Oncologist. Relative to the aforementioned characteristics and mannerisms displayed by Doc was exactly what my wife and I prayed for during such a distressing time. I am fifty years of age and over the years I have had several different doctors (military veteran/government employee), but I have never met a doctor that provided me with his personal cell phone number and was adamant about calling him anytime with questions or concerns, and or has demanded to be called by his first name....HUMBLE. My wife and I… still have a ways to go relative to my treatment, but with GOD at the helm, and Dr. Smaldone under GOD's hands, I will triumph. Team HANDY

I was first diagnosed with having prostate cancer by my hometown urologist who wanted to do surgery right away. At that time I had wanted to get a second opinion, I was recommended to go to Fox Chase and given Dr. Smaldones , name. As I called and made my appointment I was still a bit apprehensive about my entire situation. The first minute that I got there and told the receptionist's who i was there to see, they had all mentioned "oh you're in good hands he is a good Dr." not until I shook his hand and he immediatley said to me "we don't have to rush to surgery....It's not like you have a piano Dangling over your head you are going to be just fine" I then became calm and soothing and thought to myself yesssss! At the appointments end he gave me a card with a number to reach him at any time any day if i had any questions. I'm greatful to have Dr. Smaldone and FCCC by my side. Thanks, AS

Dr. Smaldone was/is my gift from God. When I was diagnosed with a rare mucosal melanoma on my urethra (see my story in testimonials) Dr. Smaldone not only saved my life, but also restored it to "normalcy." He attended to my emotional as well as my physical needs, consulted me on every decision and helped to prepare me for "life after a urostomy" and he and my team( Dr. Curcillo and Dr. King) have been there for me and my smaller skirmishes for the past six years. I am presently cancer free and confident that, should something reoccur, I will be in the best of hands. Dr. Smaldone rates 6 STARS, not only in his medical acumen but in his consistent, compassionate humanity.

There are few things more terrifying than being told you have cancer and you will need immediate specialized attention. Next you are given choices for where to go to get this expert attention. You make your choices & hope for the best. When you get the very best of the best, your terror suddenly turns into confidence & a feeling that all will soon be o.k. That is exactly what happened when the choice my family & I made led us to Dr. Marc Smaldone. From the moment he entered the room his level of competence, patience, comforting, and reassuring attitude gave us the hope we were looking for. The surgical procedure, that I dreaded, surprisingly felt unexpectedly tolerable. Doctors constant attention to the details for my recovery & follow up procedures were impeccable. Throughout the five years of my medical care with Dr. Smaldone he remained readily available. I remember on one occasion, in particular, how relieved I was when he answered the many calls from my family and doctors… treating me for an emergency at a NJ hospital. This was all happening while Dr. Smaldone was vacationing with his family. None the less he stayed in constant contact with my NJ medical providers. He even discussed with them that the certain procedures they were offering or planning for me should not be done. He offered instead a plan to stabilize my condition and arranged for admission & follow up surgery at Fox Chase. This I might add was not just one conversation in one day; but many conversations over a period of several days. All while Doctor was on vacation. Not only has Dr. Marc Smaldone mastered his surgical skills; but he has never lost the desire to do the best job he can to calm the anxieties of those who have asked for his help. His enthusiasm and concern for his patient's well being go far beyond what is expected. He has been blessed with a truly unselfish dutiful personality that consistently gives hope and the finest help to all those he serves. Having worked along side surgeons and medical doctors in OR & ER settings for over fifty years, makes it very easy for me to identify the best of the best. Dr. Marc Smaldone is truly just that. My family and I cannot thank him enough for both his expertise and the compassion that he has shared with us throughout this challenging journey. P.S. we are equally grateful to Dr. Marc Smaldone's staff. They clearly reflect his kindness, competence and genuine caring manner. Most Sincerely, Angela Johanning and Family