Why Travel for Cancer Treatments?
This local artist and retired teacher found that the most advanced technology and expertise to treat his prostate cancer was right in his own hometown.

Talent appreciates talent. Artist Gerald Casper, surrounded here by some of his inspired works, was quite pleased to be treated in his own town, by the most skilled oncology team around.

Gerald Casper, 73, of Neptune is a retired teacher from the Monmouth County Vocational School, where he taught various courses on art and design. These days, he occupies his time with weekly tennis matches and creating new artwork — an active lifestyle that keeps him young at heart and in good physical condition.

"I try to take care of myself," Gerald remarks. "And I know that prostate cancer is one disease that has affected several members of my family, so I've always made sure I scheduled a routine PSA [prostate-specific antigen] test, which is used to monitor for prostate cancer."

Sticking Close to Home
It was following a PSA test last year that Gerald's urologist, Charles Bellingham, M.D., noticed an increase in his PSA levels — one that could suggest cancer. So Dr. Bellingham recommended a biopsy. The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

To help fight his cancer, Gerald knew he could go to New York, Philadelphia, or really anywhere for treatment. But after weighing all his options, he chose Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

A Leading-Edge Facility
Jersey Shore's Radiation Oncology Center recently underwent extensive renovations, which included acquiring a new linear accelerator, the device that delivers radiation beams; a state-of-the- art CT simulator, which physicians use to create 3-D images to determine the precise location of tumors; and a sophisticated digital system that monitors and verifies the location of the radiation beams while the treatment is being delivered.

"All of our advanced technology is about ensuring that our patients receive only the most leading-edge options and precise treatments available today," affirms Jonathan Briggs, M.D., director of Radiation Oncology at Jersey Shore.

Following an evaluation, Gerald's individual treatment plan included a combination of prostate seeding, a procedure where radioactive seeds are surgically implanted into the tumor site, and radiation beam therapy, to reduce the size and spread of the cancer.

For his second phase of treatment, Gerald underwent intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the most precise form of radiation cancer treatment available today. IMRT delivers high doses of radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Looking Forward
After completing his course of treatment, which lasted a little over five weeks, Gerald is on the road to recovery and is feeling great. "The technology and what the doctors are able to do today is simply amazing," says Gerald. "At first, the whole process sounded a little scary, but after meeting with Dr. Briggs and his team, I was very reassured and knew I was in the right place."

"When a patient is facing a cancer diagnosis, it is a very frightening and uncertain moment in that person's life, and some people feel their best option is a 'big-city' hospital," Dr. Briggs adds. "What is unfortunate about that is that patients often end up traveling far distances for the same or even less effective treatment than what they would receive here. At Jersey Shore, we provide the latest technology, are active in national clinical trials and research studies, and have a highly trained and very experienced team of radiation oncologists, physicists, nurses, and therapists. Our patients know these professionals are there for them, helping them win their battle with cancer."

– Michael Valentino