By: centraljersey.com
MONROE – "Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible" are words of inspiration for a Bordentown Township native battling cancer.
Chris Kalargheros, 35, of Monroe Township, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine pancreatic neoplasm in June 2008.
Mr. Kalargheros’ doctor, Igor Astsaturov, said Mr. Kalargheros’ type of cancer is very rare and usually slow-growing.
"The clinical and basic science investigators know very little about the biology of neuroendocrine tumors, and they are very keenly interested to detect the genetic alterations that cause this type of cancer," he said.
Mr. Kalargheros has decided to take part in a Fox Chase Cancer Center, of Philadelphia, Science Pilot Fund that will benefit not only people with his type of cancer but, hopefully, every type of cancer.
"There is a possibility that one or several genes are superactivated via mutations," Dr. Astsaturov said. "If these are identified, specific inhibitors can be used to block their activity. Several fundamental advances have made investigations of cancer genome a practical reality."
Mr. Kalargheros said Fox Chase is working to take an individualistic approach with the way it treats cancer.
"Every person that gets cancer isn’t going to react to treatment the same way," he said. "Everyone is different."
Mr. Kalargheros said Fox Chase is testing his type of cancer because it isn’t as aggressive as some others, and doctors will be able to get an accurate representation of what it is.
"Right now, I’m doing well with my treatment, but, ultimately, there could be a benefit to me because they could find a better way of treating my cancer," he said.
Mr. Kalargheros, who is unable to work, gets chemotherapy treatments every five weeks for five days straight as well as other appointments throughout each month. He said his treatments aren’t very intrusive, and the side effects are very minimal.
Mr. Kalargheros grew up on Vine Way in Bordentown Township, and graduated from Bordentown Regional High School. He lives with his wife, son and daughter in Monroe.
Mr. Kalargheros’ parents, two older brothers and their families all live in separate houses on Vine Way.
Mr. Kalargheros’ sister-in-law, Jacki Kalargheros, of Vine Way, said the whole family is very proud of him and everything he is doing.
"He wants to help others as well as himself," she said. "I just think that’s so important. We are so proud of him for all of his courage, strength and the faith he has in himself. He truly is our hero. He’s a very strong, positive person and has a huge heart."
Ms. Kalargheros said everyone in their family and close friends are helping with the fundraising efforts. All money raised will go to the Science Pilot Fund.
Two years ago, the Kalargheros family and their friends sponsored a team in a walk for the Lustgarten Foundation, raising more than $9,000 on behalf of Mr. Kalargheros. According to the Lustgarten website, it is a foundation "dedicated to advancing the scientific and medical research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer."
The family is hoping to raise even more money for the Science Pilot Fund.
Fox Chase is one of the first cancer centers starting to use the genome and chromosome testing technology, according to Mr. Kalargheros.
"Fox Chase Cancer Center’s next generation Sequencing Facility provides a rapid reading of the entire cancer genome and identification of mutations when the genetic code of the tumor is compared to the genetic code in the normal cells of the same patient," Dr. Astsaturov said. "In addition, genes that are mutated will be analyzed for their manifestation in the tumor tissue. Using global chromosomal scanning, scientists will also be able to identify areas of the chromosomes that are gained or lost in an individual’s cancer."
Mr. Kalargheros is participating because it’s not going to benefit only one type of cancer, but all different types.
"I believe there’s a reason why things happen. This may be the reason why I got cancer," he said. "Maybe this research is going to lead to some type of cure or new treatment for some kind of cancer. I say to myself that every day that passes by is one day closer to a cure or a better treatment."
Those interested in donating to the pilot fund on behalf of Mr. Kalargheros can do so by going to www.fccc.edu/giving/kalargheros or by contacting Ms. Kalargheros at [email protected] for a mail-in form.

