Delivering expert gynecologic cancer care, closer to home

When patients are seeking gynecological cancer care, choosing Penn Medicine is often a clear choice. The Abramson Cancer Center is one of just seven National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States, and the division of Gynecologic Oncology is recognized for its surgical excellence and broad research portfolio that includes access to many clinical trials. 

However, patients don’t need to travel to Philadelphia to access those benefits. With locations across the region, Penn Medicine is making it easier for patients to get the cancer care they need closer to home. 

“Instead of having patients travel to us, our providers go into the communities where patients live,” says Sarah Kim, MD, MSCE, Chief of the Gynecologic Oncology Division, and Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine. “No matter who you are or where you live, everyone treated at Penn Medicine gets the same quality care.” 

Advanced gynecologic cancer care across a regional network

Penn Medicine’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology dates back to the earliest days of the subspecialty. The late Penn Medicine physician John J. Mikuta, MD, helped propose the new field in 1968 and co-founded the Society of Gynecologic Oncology the following year. Over the decades since, Penn Gynecologic Oncology has developed into a national leader in research, medical education, and multidisciplinary care.

With a broad range of active clinical trials, the program offers opportunities to patients with limited treatment options. While the Abramson Cancer Center serves as the Division’s home base, its gynecologic oncologists care for patients across a network of cancer centers in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Penn Medicine Valley Forge, Penn Medicine Radnor, Penn Medicine Chester County, and Penn Medicine Cherry Hill.

Throughout this system, a patient’s cancer journey begins the same way. A large, multidisciplinary tumor board reviews each new case to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. “It doesn’t matter where you’re seen,” Dr. Kim observes. “Penn’s team of experts works together to come up with a personalized recommendation for each patient.”

For many patients, cancer treatment begins with surgery, often at the Abramson Cancer Center, conducted by board-certified gynecologic oncologists with deep experience in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. The team also performs a high volume of complex procedures such as pelvic exenteration, collaborating across disciplines to care for patients with complex care needs.

While most surgeries and clinical trials are performed at Abramson Cancer Center, much of the clinical care can be arranged close to patients’ homes. “Patients can get most of their initial workup, postoperative follow-up, and long-term surveillance in their community hospitals close to where they live and where they feel most comfortable,” Dr. Kim explains. 

Reducing health disparities in gynecologic cancer: clinical trials and equitable care

Providing equitable care across the region means facing health disparities head-on. “Often, the most vulnerable populations are also the populations at higher risk of developing or dying from gynecologic cancers,” says Dr. Kim. Lack of access to preventive care and screening, for example, increases the risk of cervical cancer.

To close those gaps, Penn Medicine established the Research Equity Center for Gynecologic Cancers and Health (REACH). To reduce barriers and improve access for routine care and clinical trials, REACH offers free or discounted transportation assistance to all patients within a 50-mile radius, including bed-bound patients and those with medical equipment who have complex transportation needs.

Consultations and referrals

Coordinating care between multiple locations doesn’t have to be complicated. At Penn Medicine’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology, cancer nurse navigators help streamline the process for patients and providers. “Our team coordinates all of a patient’s tests, scans, and consults with other specialists, making sure everything is scheduled for them before they even leave their initial consultation,” Dr. Kim explains. 

With physicians, the nurse navigators collaborate closely with referring providers, both within and outside the Penn Medicine network, to co-manage care. “We encourage early referrals so that we can connect patients to the latest treatments and possible clinical trials,” says Dr. Kim. “But at any stage of the cancer journey, we are happy to collaborate to ensure patients get the best possible care.”

To refer a patient for gynecologic cancer care at Penn Medicine, please call 877-937-7366 or refer a patient online.