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Research MattersExpansions in women’s health researchNational designation advances gynecologic oncology research
Understanding tumor cells’ pathways may limit treatmentsJudy Tjoe, M.D., is collaborating with the University of California-San Francisco on a project that continues to make significant progress in understanding the pathways of tumor stem cell development in the production of breast tumors. A recent publication on this research has defined the importance of certain cell markers in identifying women with breast cancer in their milk ducts who have a higher risk of relapse, recurrence or progression to invasive disease. This identification is important in preventing unnecessary or overly aggressive treatments in the non-high-risk group. If this can be substantiated in larger groups or by different technologies, numerous women can be spared unnecessary treatments.
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Three years ago, the Aurora Women's Pavilion joined the Gynecologic
Oncology Group, a part of the National Cancer Institute, as an affiliate
site to promote gynecological research. This February, the Pavilion advanced
to the level of parent site, the only one in the state besides the
University of Wisconsin-Madison. A parent site expands research
opportunities, encourages increased participation by physicians and provides
more opportunities for patients to be involved in clinical research. Parent
site status allows access to treatments at an earlier phase of development,
which would not be available to affiliates. Peter Johnson, M.D., is the
principal investigator with the parent site. Since February, 23 patients
have been enrolled in various research studies, in three main areas:
ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers.