Our Clinical Trials Continually updated listing of our clinical trials for gynecologic cancers 
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Our gynecologic research team is working to develop the latest treatments for cancers of the ovaries, cervix, uterus, vulva, and vagina. We are also at the forefront of research on gestational trophoblastic disease and uterine leiomyosarcoma.
Our surgeons have pioneered many techniques for gynecologic cancers, including minimally invasive surgery and radical debulking techniques. We are also leaders in developing targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and techniques that combine chemotherapy and radiation therapy, including treatments for recurrent disease.
Among our recent research accomplishments:
Detection, Diagnosis, and Prognosis
- In early-stage ovarian cancer, we found that the serum marker YKL-40 may predict disease recurrence and survival, and may also prove useful for the detection of early-stage disease in high-risk patients; a prospective follow-up Gynecologic Oncology Group study is being planned. A second (in-house) study will examine the predictive value of YKL-40 for differentiating benign from malignant pelvic masses preoperatively. J Clin Oncol 2004;22(16):3330-3339. [PubMed Abstract]
- For endometrial cancer, we learned that the MSI+ genotype appears to be associated with advanced disease, endometrioid histology, and myometrial invasion; in multivariate analysis, MSI (+) is associated with better disease-free survival and disease-specific survival. Our clinicians now assess MSI status in patients under age 50 who undergo a primary resection for endometrial (or colorectal) cancer, and also in patients ages 50 to 60 with histopathologic features associated with MSI. Positive findings are relayed to the responsible surgeon; we also recommend these patients consult with our Clinical Genetics Service. J Clin Oncol 2006;24:1745-1753. [PubMed Abstract]
Systemic Therapies
- Our investigators are exploring immunological approaches to treating ovarian cancer. We are planning definitive tests of vaccines developed in this program in patients who are in second complete remission.
- In prior work, our researchers identified the MUC16 gene, which encodes the CA125 antigen. We will be developing vaccines and leading adoptive immunotherapy approaches that target MUC16. We expect to explore the molecular structure of the MUC16 gene product and to create MUC16-/- transgenic mice.
- Our clinical research program has also led the field in the application of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, especially in the consolidation setting. New grant-supported studies will explore the value of antiangiogenesis therapy for consolidation, with ongoing studies of both valatinib and sorafenib for women with ovarian cancer in second complete remission.
Novel Surgical Approaches
- We have demonstrated that a significant number of patients under age 40 with early-stage cervical cancer may be eligible for fertility-sparing surgery; the importance of this finding is underscored by the fact that feelings of depression, grief, stress, and sexual dysfunction are common among women with gynecologic cancer and fertility loss from cancer treatment. Gynecol Oncol 2004;95:534-538. [PubMed Abstract]; Gynecol Oncol 2005;97:90-95. [PubMed Abstract]
- We have also documented that primary anastomosis without protective ileostomy is generally safe after rectosigmoid resections during primary cytoreduction surgery for advanced-stage ovarian cancer, and that extensive upper-abdominal surgical procedures significantly increased the rate of optimal primary cytoreduction without increasing the rate of major complications or lengthening hospital stay. Gynecol Oncol 2005;99:608-614. [PubMed Abstract]; Gynecol Oncol 2006;103:1083-1090. [PubMed Abstract]
