Gynecologic oncology at Penn Medicine

Gynecologic cancers can be challenging both emotionally and clinically, often requiring highly coordinated care across multiple specialties. With roots that trace back to the early days of the specialty, Penn Medicine’s gynecologic oncology program brings together advanced clinical care, surgical expertise, physician training, and a broad research portfolio.

“This is a field where there’s a lot of robust research happening, which means management of these diseases is constantly changing,” says Sarah Kim, MD, MSCE, Chief of the Gynecologic Oncology Division, and a Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine. “Our program is at the forefront of those changes. We treat based on the most up-to-date information available, and often, we’re running the studies that lead to those changes in the standard of care.”

Multidisciplinary care for gynecologic cancers

Penn Medicine’s gynecologic oncology program has a long history. “We’ve been around since the field was budding, and our fellowship program has been training gynecologic oncologists since 1973—one of the original training programs recognized by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology,” Dr. Kim says. 

Those many years of experience have helped develop a program that serves as a model for multidisciplinary care. Every new case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board that draws specialists across cancer care, including gynecologic, medical, and radiation oncologists, pathologists, and more. Everyone’s input is integrated to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. 

When patients have complex care needs, providers collaborate easily with subspecialties such as cardiology, pulmonology, urology, and more. “Every subspeciality exists here, and coordinating care is seamless, so it’s much easier to manage patients with complex care needs,” Dr. Kim says. 

The teamwork continues through treatment. Physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers form “pods” that work together to co-manage a patient’s care along the treatment journey, an approach that allows for comprehensive care and seamless communication with patients, Dr. Kim observes.

Surgical expertise for complex cases

Penn Medicine’s board-certified gynecologic oncologists are skilled in surgical procedures from the routine to the complex. “Uterine cancer is the most common cancer we treat, and more than 80 percent of these patients can be treated with minimally invasive surgery,” Dr. Kim says. “With minimally invasive approaches, patients have quicker recovery, which means they can get to the next phase of treatment much faster.”

Among other complex surgeries, the division performs a high volume of pelvic exenteration procedures for advanced or recurrent gynecologic cancers. These extensive procedures involve a team of specialists in fields such as urology, colorectal surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery working side by side with gynecologic surgeons in the OR. “These are major surgeries with a high risk of complications,” Dr. Kim says. “But because of our experience, we’ve really been able to fine-tune our surgical techniques to improve outcomes and minimize the risk of complications.” 

The gynecologic oncology team shares this fine-tuned expertise with colleagues beyond Philadelphia, leading a renowned surgical anatomy course every year for physicians from around the country. 

Advancing the field through research

Physician-scientists in the gynecologic oncology program are national leaders in advancing research on gynecologic cancers, with a large and well-integrated program that includes basic science, translational science, and clinical trials.

The Ovarian Cancer Translational Center of Excellence, for example, serves as a bridge between patients and scientists, rapidly translating research findings into clinical practice and new therapeutic options. “We have a strong history of research on ovarian cancer, but we have also expanded our research efforts to uterine cancer, cervical cancer, and rare tumors,” notes Dr. Kim. 

The Abramson Cancer Center offers more clinical trials in gynecologic cancer than other systems in the Philadelphia region. Among the 25 clinical trials now actively enrolling are studies exploring the use of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for treating gynecologic cancers. Pioneered at Penn Medicine, CAR T therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Penn’s seasoned experts are now working to extend CAR T treatment to solid tumors, including gynecologic cancers. 

Referring patients to Penn Medicine

Whenever possible, Penn Medicine’s gynecologic oncology team collaborates with referring providers to help patients receive follow-up care and surveillance visits close to home. The program’s nurse navigator also works closely with referring providers to coordinate care and communication so that referring providers remain involved in their patient’s treatment. 

While Penn Medicine’s gynecologic oncology program is renowned for expertise and leading-edge treatment offerings, it is ultimately defined by its compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. The program provides transportation assistance to people within a 50-mile radius, for example, enhancing access to patients who seek treatment at Penn Medicine. 

Concerns about access to care at Penn Medicine Gynecologic Oncology extend beyond time and place, however. “We take patient equity seriously and do what we can to reduce barriers to care. Everyone who comes through our door gets the same care, regardless of insurance status,” Dr. Kim says.

Referrals and consultations

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