Freehold Physicist Advocates For Proton-Based Prostate Treatment

By Patty Tobin

For Victor Gilberti, a man of science, finding a treatment for prostate cancer that he felt comfortable with was of paramount concern.

Victor, a 55-year-old Freehold resident and nuclear physicist who trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012. Married with two boys, now 11 and 14, he sought the best course of treatment not only for himself but also to stay strong and healthy for his family.

For Victor, that meant opting for a course of proton therapy treatment at a center in central New Jersey after his internist told him his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level had risen one year after prostate surgery. PSA levels are measured by a commonly used blood test to help predict the presence of prostate cancer.

“I had heard about proton therapy for decades (as a nuclear physicist) but I still had to determine if I was comfortable with the treatment,“ he said.

Victor ultimately chose proton therapy because of its ability to preserve vital organs and minimize side effects in prostate cancer patients.

“For me, this was crucial, along with my confidence in the center where I would be treated,” he said.

“I was fascinated by the technology that was used by ProCure to treat my prostate cancer,” Victor said. “My physician at ProCure, Dr. (Edward) Soffen, and I discussed at length the technology’s ability to deliver radiation with pinpoint accuracy.”

Victor now works as a financial consultant -- which he kept up with throughout his nearly two months of proton therapy treatment at ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset. And he’s thrilled to be spending time with his kids, the local Boy Scouts and partaking in regular exercise like running and cycling.

His advice?

“It’s really important to do your own research and to feel comfortable with any treatment your doctor may recommend,” he said. “Along the way, you may unearth treatments that your doctor didn’t mention that may be the best option for you.”

And it’s important to be surrounded by a caring community.

“I didn’t feel that I was going to a clinical setting for treatment,” Victor said. “Every step of the way the doctors and staff at ProCure were incredibly supportive and personable.”