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Gynecologic Cancer Program
Part of Stanford Women's Cancer Center
Leaders in Gynecologic Cancer Treatment
Stanford’s Gynecologic Cancer Program combines compassion with innovation to treat all types of gynecologic cancers through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medication.
We also provide extensive supportive services, including genetic testing, financial assistance, and counseling.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR GYNECOLOGIC CANCER CARE
- Specialized expertise in treating every stage and subtype of gynecologic cancer. Go to Conditions Treated
- Advanced treatment options, including fertility-sparing procedures and intraoperative radiation therapy. Go to Treatments
- Clinical trials to provide early access to promising therapies available only at Stanford or select medical centers. Go to Clinical Trials
- Team-based approach to treatment so that care is tailored to your needs. Go to Your Care Team
- Comprehensive support services to help you and your family focus on health and healing. Go to Support Services
- Ease of access so that the services you need are conveniently available, anywhere and anytime. Go to Accessing Care
Stanford’s Gynecologic Cancer Program offers a team of internationally recognized experts from a range of specialties, including gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology and genetics.
We are committed to offering you the most effective care based on the latest scientific data. Our robust research program and clinical trials have informed many of the leading technologies and approaches used to diagnose and treat gynecologic cancers today.
Our cancer specialists have in-depth training in diagnosing and treating all types of gynecologic cancers, no matter how complicated or rare. These include:
Stanford doctors are leading academic researchers who apply the same innovative drive to the delivery of your care. They are at the forefront of new diagnostic and treatment advances.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
- The Gynecologic Cancer Program is home to the Cooperative Ovarian Cancer Group, a group of ovarian cancer researchers from leading medical centers around the world dedicated to discovering new therapies for ovarian cancer.
- Our clinical trials investigate treatments that are offered only at Stanford Health Care, such as a vaccine that allows your body’s T-cells to attack a tumor by suppressing a protein inside the tumor called CD47.
- We partner with experts across Stanford University, as well as leading companies in Silicon Valley, to develop new technologies that improve patient care, including robot-assisted surgeries that are minimally invasive.
Treatments by Condition
We offer personalized treatment options based on our expert understanding of your type of cancer and your specific medical, emotional, and daily living needs.
Understanding differences in genes and tumor molecules helps us customize treatment. That is why our doctors and researchers designed a test called the solid tumor actionable mutation panel. Using this test, we can identify the unique genetic fingerprint of your cancer to better understand which treatment might be best for you.
Learn more about the treatment and care paths for the following conditions:
All Treatments
We offer several treatments for any type of gynecologic cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and medical therapy. Because our program uses a multispecialty approach, we can easily combine input from various doctors and researchers in planning your care.
Surgery
Surgery is highly effective and involves removing a tumor and surrounding tissue. It is one of the most commonly used treatments for gynecologic cancer. Types of surgical therapy include:
- Hysterectomy
- Sentinel node mapping
- Salpingo-oophorectomy, or surgically removing the fallopian tubes and ovaries
- D&C (dilation and curettage)
- Laser surgery and laser therapy
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells and slow the growth of tumors. It is safe and often used in combination with surgery or medical therapy. Types of radiotherapy include:
Medical Therapy
Medical therapy targets cancer through medications taken orally, intravenously, or by injection. Stanford Health Care is leading the way in discovering some of the most advanced medications. Medical therapies include:
- Chemotherapy
- Intraperitoneal chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Immunotherapy/ Biologic therapies
- Investigational treatments, including PARP inhibitors, immunotherapies such as dendritic cell therapy, and ovarian cancer vaccines
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials use leading-edge therapies that are not widely available. They also offer hope when other treatment options have stopped working. Participating in these studies gives you the opportunity to benefit from breakthrough therapies while helping us increase our knowledge about gynecologic cancer so others can potentially benefit in the future.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Pei-Jen Chang at 650-725-0866 .
Your Care Team
Through teamwork, our doctors continually advance our approach to gynecologic cancer treatment and improve the care experience. At weekly Tumor Board meetings, experts from multiple disciplines review cases that require more complex recommendations.
Our extended care team embodies the same cooperative spirit to provide support for all your individual physical, emotional, and daily living needs. Our goal is to maximize treatment success while minimizing the impact that a cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have on your life.
Your Doctors
Gynecologic Oncologist
Gynecologic oncologists are gynecologists with advanced training in the treatment of women with cancer of the reproductive organs. They will be the first doctor you see, and they will oversee all aspects of your care, from diagnosis to treatment to follow-up care. They provide medical and surgical treatments, and administer chemotherapy
View All {0} Gynecologic Oncologists »- Radiation Oncologists: Radiation oncologists are involved in your care if you need radiation therapy. Although they are in a separate clinic, they work closely alongside gynecologic oncologists to ensure treatment and follow-up care are managed appropriately.
- Diagnostic Radiologists: Diagnostic radiologists are experts in interpreting medical images. Using X-rays, computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging, these specialists view internal organs, structures, and tumors. They can diagnose cancer and assess whether treatment is reducing tumors.
- Interventional Radiologists: Interventional radiologists use minimally invasive techniques, along with real-time imaging technology, to treat you. For example, they can deliver chemotherapy directly into a tumor using a catheter and a small incision.
- Pathologists: Pathologists specialize in assessing cells and tissue using microscopes, which aid in diagnosis and cancer staging.
- Urologists: Urologists assist gynecologic oncologists with surgeries on your urogenital tract or urologic organs, such as the bladder, if treatment leads to a condition like a pelvic floor disorder. View All Urologists »
- Reconstructive and Plastic Surgeons: Women with gynecologic cancer often face changes in body function or physical appearance. Reconstructive and plastic surgeons reconstruct pelvic organs after cancer treatment, when needed.
- Palliative Care Doctors: If you are facing advanced-stage cancer, our palliative care doctors can assist you with your physical and emotional needs. In our program, all women who are newly diagnosed meet with a palliative care doctor who is instrumental in managing pain, reducing suffering, and improving your quality of life.
- Reproductive Endocrinologists: Also called onco-fertility specialists, these doctors can help if your cancer treatments make it difficult for you to become pregnant. Reproductive endocrinologists provide expert assistance for ovarian preservation, egg preservation, or freezing ovarian tissue for future fertility.
Stanford is an Academic Medical Center, which is a type of hospital setting where doctors teach medical students as they progress through medical school and training. Stanford Medicine is a partnership between Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care. Since Stanford is a teaching hospital, you can expect to meet many providers and providers in training.
- Attending Physician: a doctor who supervises doctors in training or in medical school
- Fellow: a doctor doing postgraduate level work and specializing in care of patients with cancer
- Resident: a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is in training (also called “residency”) here at Stanford. A resident is also called an intern
Extended Care Team
Working with gynecologic oncologists, our extended care team includes nurse practitioners. They use their advanced skills in oncology to assist with diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS
Multidisciplinary Care Coordinator
These registered nurses provide one-on-one support to help you manage the logistics of accessing care, from your first contact with us to follow-up care. They help assess your needs, coordinate appointments, and answer your questions at each stage of the care journey so that you know what to expect and can focus on healing.
Registered Nurse or Clinical Nurse
Nursing professionals manage all of your care, including sharing your test results and providing treatment. They take care of you during your appointment or hospital visit and provide you with instructions so you and your family fully understand your care plan.
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance prior to and during your appointment.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants bring you to your exam room after you check in for your appointments. They take your vital signs before your doctor sees you.
New Patient Coordinator
Our coordinators contact you before your first appointment and help prepare you by providing the information you need to know and bring with you.
Patient Access Representative
Our patient access representatives greet you at the front desk and register you for your appointments.
Genetic Counselors
Counselors in our Cancer Genetics Program have special training to advise you and your family on identifying and managing any risk of inherited gynecologic cancer. They work with you and your doctors to coordinate genetic testing and help you understand the results.
Research Coordinators
If you qualify for a clinical trial for breast cancer care, our research coordinators guide you through the process. They educate you about what to expect during the study, answer your questions, and schedule your appointments.
Support Services
Pathwell Support Services
Through our PathWell support services, you will receive a personalized treatment plan that matches professional caregivers to your your physical and emotional needs, both in the hospital and in your home. With just one call to PathWell, you and your loved ones can speak with a specially trained nurse who can help assess your needs and connect you to the support services you need before, during and after treatment. Contact PathWell for a personal support plan »