Leading the way in gynecologic oncology research

At Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, gynecologic cancer research is embedded in clinical care. Supported by basic science laboratories, a dedicated translational research center, and an active clinical trials unit, the program’s physician-scientists target gynecologic malignancies across the research continuum. 

“We have a true bench-to-bedside research program, with a complete research faculty and facility dedicated to the study of gynecologic cancers,” says Sarah Kim, MD, MSCE, Chief of the Gynecologic Oncology Division and a Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine.

This program includes one of the largest teams of gynecologic oncology specialists in the region, with physician-scientists who split their time between the laboratory and caring for the patients whose experiences directly inspire—and also benefit from—that research. 

“Many innovations to improve care for people with gynecologic cancers have originated in our laboratories,” Dr. Kim says. “Our program is recognized for its research because of the depth and breadth of its impact.” 

Ovarian cancer research

One area of emphasis is ovarian cancer, which accounts for more deaths than any other gynecologic malignancy. The Penn Medicine Ovarian Cancer Translational Center of Excellence was created to drive the development of new therapies and earlier detection methods. Key to those efforts is the Ovarian Cancer Research Center Tumor Biotrust, which, with patient consent, banks resected tumor tissue as well as blood, plasma, serum, mononuclear cells, and other biological samples from ovarian cancer patients.

“That biobank has been valuable in helping us better understand things like the tumor microenvironment,” Dr. Kim says. “And with the success of that effort, we have expanded our research focus beyond ovarian cancer to also bank samples from patients with other gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical tumors, and other rare tumors.”

The gynecologic oncology program also collaborates closely with the Basser Center for BRCA, a comprehensive center for the research, treatment, and prevention of BRCA-related cancers including ovarian cancer. 

Ultimately, the goal of Penn Medicine’s wide-ranging research is to increase the opportunities for patients to access effective treatments. The Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Research Unit maintains a broad range of clinical trials, offering the largest selection of studies in gynecologic cancer in the region. “When patients are out of options, particularly in the recurrent setting, we often can offer them choices beyond the standard of care,” Dr. Kim says. 

Research innovations in gynecologic cancers

Penn Medicine’s commitment to research has led to important innovations in gynecologic oncology, including several recent highlights:

Cytalux surgical imaging

Researchers at Penn Medicine pioneered the imaging drug Cytalux (pafolacianine), which uses TumorGlow®, a fluorescence-guided surgical imaging platform. Cytalux accumulates in ovarian tumors and fluoresces under near-infrared light during surgery, enabling surgeons to better visualize and resect malignant tissue. Following research and clinical trials at the Abramson Cancer Center, the FDA approved Cytalux in 2021 for ovarian cancer. 

CAR T cell therapy and cancer immunotherapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy was pioneered at Penn Medicine, whose researchers continue to lead the field of cancer immunotherapy. The Center for Gynecologic Cancer Immunotherapies supports research teams developing the next generation of immunotherapy for gynecologic cancers. Their studies span basic science to clinical investigation of such agents as cancer vaccination and adoptive lymphocyte immunotherapy, as well as new CAR T cell agents for solid tumors. 

Those efforts now include clinical trials to assess cell therapy in several recurrent gynecologic cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal tumors. “These are still investigational treatments, but early results are encouraging,” Dr. Kim says. “We’re hopeful that CAR T therapy will improve outcomes and provide a new option for patients with recurrent cancers.”

PARP inhibitors for drug-resistant ovarian cancer

Targeted treatments known as poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors work by preventing cancer cell repair following chemotherapy. “PARP inhibitors have been a game-changing therapy for some patients with ovarian cancer, but patients can develop resistance,” Dr. Kim says. Penn Medicine researchers are leading efforts to overcome PARP resistance, beginning with a novel preclinical drug development platform. That research has led to an active clinical trial testing agents that may reverse PARP resistance in ovarian cancer.

Referring patients to Penn Medicine

Patients with gynecologic cancer often come to Penn Medicine for access to its research portfolio — but they are always cared for as patients, not data points. The gynecologic oncology program also stands out for its clinical excellence and compassionate, patient-centered approach to care, Dr. Kim says. “We strive for the highest quality, data-driven care for every patient and every disease we treat,” she adds. 

The team collaborates with referring providers to streamline patient care, often arranging for patients to receive follow-up and surveillance close to home. 

To refer a patient for gynecologic cancer care and connect with a gynecologic cancer nurse navigator, please call 877-937-7366 or refer a patient online.