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.
Featured Clinical Trials
Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials
- Trial 18-227: A Phase 1/2 Study of REGN4018 (A MUC16xCD3 Bispecific Antibody) Administered Alone or in Combination with Cemiplimab in Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Principal investigator: Joyce F. Liu, MD, MPH - Trial 18-318: Open-label, Phase I study of NeoVax with Nivolumab in Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Principal investigator: Panagiotis (Panos) A. Konstantinopoulos, MD, PhD - Trial 21-368: EPIK-O: Phase 3, multi-center, randomized, open-label, active-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of alpelisib in combination with olaparib as compared to single-agent cytotoxic chemotherapy in participants with no germline BRCA mutation detected, platinum-resistant or refractory, high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Principal investigator: Panagiotis (Panos) A. Konstantinopoulos, MD, PhD - Trial 21-237: AXLerate-OC: Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, adaptive, placebo/paclitaxel-controlled study of AVB-S6-500 in combination with paclitaxel in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer
Principal investigator: Joyce F. Liu, MD, MPH - Trial 21-580: Phase 1b study of ZN-c3 in combination with chemotherapy (including carboplatin, liposomal doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine) in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer
Principal investigator: Joyce F. Liu, MD, MPH - Trial 21-739: Phase 2 trial of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib in patients with recurrent or persistent clear cell carcinoma of the ovary
Principal investigator: Elizabeth K. Lee, MD - Trial 19-541: Phase 1 study of FF-10850, topotecan liposome injection, in advanced solid tumors including ovarian and cervical carcinomas, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumors including small cell lung cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma
Principal investigator: Ursula A. Matulonis, MD - Trial 22-277: Phase 2 trial of nirogacestat in patients with recurrent ovarian granulosa cell tumors
Principal investigator: Panagiotis (Panos) A. Konstantinopoulos, MD, PhD - Trial 18-316: A Phase 2 Study of the Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 in women with recurrent or persistent uterine serous carcinoma
Principal investigator: Joyce F. Liu, MD, MPH - Trial 18-602: A Phase 2, two-stage study of mirvetuximab soravtansine (IMGN853) in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer (EC)
Principal investigator: Rebecca L. Porter, MD, PhD - Trial 16-322: A Phase 2, Two-Group, Two-Stage, Open-Label Study of Avelumab (MSB0010718C) in Patients with MSS, MSI-H and POLE-mutated Recurrent or Persistent Endometrial Cancer and of Avelumab (MSB0010718C) / Talazoparib (MDV3800, BMN 673) in Patients with MSS Recurrent or Persistent Endometrial Cancer, and Avelumab / Axitinib in patients with MSS Recurrent or Persistent Endometrial Cancer
Principal investigator: Panagiotis (Panos) A. Konstantinopoulos, MD, PhD - Trial 18-301: A Phase 2 Study of Abemaciclib with Letrozole in Recurrent or Persistent Endometrial Cancer
Principal Investigator: Panagiotis (Panos) A. Konstantinopoulos, MD, PhD - Trial 21-702: EndoMAP: Phase 1b/2 multi-cohort study of targeted agents with atezolizumab for patients with recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer
Principal investigator: Joyce F. Liu, MD, MPH