Gynecologic Oncology Program

Researchers in the Gynecologic Oncology Program are exploring gynecologic cancers from a wide variety of scientific angles – from discoveries about the genes that cause tumors to develop and grow, to investigations of immunotherapies, to studies of ways drugs can be combined to fight recurrent cancer.

Our basic scientists are looking at immune response through laboratory studies, creating laboratory models to study cancer resistance, and researching how to exploit DNA repair defects. They are also exploring the genetic underpinnings of gynecologic cancers to find the mutations responsible for the disease. Our physician-scientists are focused on the development of new treatments for specific subtypes of gynecologic cancers, including PARP inhibitors for BRCA-related high grade serous ovarian cancer, as well as methods for early detection of ovarian cancer.

Clinical Trials

We base our treatments on the latest scientific findings, and offer our patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of promising new treatments. Our clinical trial program is one of the largest and most active in the country, with more than 20 open studies.

Many patients with gynecologic cancer – particularly ovarian – are diagnosed at a later stage when there are fewer conventional therapies. Many of our clinical trials offer new options for these patients, as we test new drugs as single agents or in combinations.

We pioneered many new treatments for gynecologic cancer (particularly ovarian) such as DNA repair treatments (including PARP inhibitors), immunotherapy, antibody drug conjugates, and anti-angiogenesis agents. Our leaders were involved in the research leading to recent FDA approval of PARP inhibitors for recurrent ovarian cancer. We also have active trials studying strategies to overcome drug resistance, particularly to the platinum drugs often used in ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers.

Find a clinical trial