Groundbreaking Developments in Gynecologic Cancer Care

Every woman is at risk of developing a gynecologic cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that 116,930 cases of gynecologic cancer will be diagnosed in 2024 - nearly enough mothers, daughters, wives and sisters to fill Kansas City's football and baseball stadiums combined. Of these women, approximately 34% will die from the disease.

Groundbreaking developments in the field of gynecologic cancers could dramatically change those grim statistics. As a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, The University of Kansas Cancer Center is dedicated to achieving some of those breakthroughs right here. With leading-edge technology, new drug therapies, renowned specialists and state-of-the-art facilities, we have the ability not only to diagnose and treat many forms of gynecologic cancers, but also to extend patients' lives and protect their family members.

Region's first cancer center dedicated to women's care

The only facility of its kind in the region, The Women's Cancer Center at The University of Kansas Cancer Center is dedicated to treating gynecologic and breast cancers and improving the delivery of cancer care for women. Located in Overland Park, Kansas, the center brings compassion and convenience to integrated cancer treatment. Nationally and internationally recognized disease-dedicated specialists will evaluate patients and come together to develop and provide a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.

Specialty-trained breast and gynecologic nurse navigators guide patients through their care. Each patient receives integrated, multidisciplinary care from our team of academic experts who are fellowship-trained in preventing, diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancers. They represent numerous specialties, including breast and gynecologic surgical oncology, breast medical oncology, breast reconstruction and plastic surgery and onco-psychology. Together, with social workers, case managers, symptom management resources, palliative care and comfort care experts, we develop personalized plans.

Our goal is to address the entire toll cancer takes on the mind, body and spirit, because research shows this approach to cancer treatment produces better patient outcomes.

The power of clinical trials

The University of Kansas Cancer Center provides patients with the latest treatment options, which often aren't available elsewhere within our region. These options frequently take the form of clinical trials.

There are many reasons to refer patients to a cancer center that also designs and initiates the trials. Our physicians understand the underlying science that leads to the design of the trial. We have more insight into which patients are eligible. Eligible patients have easier access to the trial, with many patients able to receive this advanced cancer care close to home. Additionally, the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA) collaborates with the cancer center's Clinical Trials Office to offer access to advanced clinical trials to MCA members throughout the state.

We belong to the national NRG/GOG clinical trials cooperative group and are home to investigator-initiated clinical trials run by the physicians who wrote them. These leading-edge trials focus on ovarian cancer:

• HIPEC

  One trial involves innovative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). HIPEC delivers heated chemotherapy drugs inside the patient's abdomen to help destroy microscopic cancer cells and tumors that traditional chemotherapy may miss.

  This trial assesses if there is benefit to the addition of HIPEC therapy with PARP maintenance therapy. We are currently recruiting patients in this national trial.

• Antibody drug conjugates

  An antibody drug conjugate or ADC is a substance made up of a monoclonal antibody chemically linked to a drug. The monoclonal antibody binds to specific proteins or receptors found on certain types of cells, including cancer cells. The linked drug enters these cells and kills them without harming other cells. This is a promising cancer treatment because ADCs can target tumor cells while avoiding harming other cells. We are currently recruiting patients for an early-phase and late-phase trial with ADC therapies.

Hope for women with gynecologic cancer

From our in-depth knowledge of gynecologic cancers, leading-edge clinical trials and unparalleled commitment to prevention of women's cancers through collaboration and individualized treatment planning, we are ready to serve your patients and support them in winning the battle against gynecologic cancers.

Dr. Jewell is a gynecologic oncologist, physician and surgeon who specializes in treating women diagnosed with ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. She is also a physician scientist who participates in research working on early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.