Gynecologic Oncology Research and Clinical Trials
Dr. Daniela Matei
The clinician scientists of the Northwestern Medicine Division of Gynecologic Oncology believe that patients benefit from early access to innovative therapies, such as those that are only available in clinical trials. We have a comprehensive clinical trials team working to ensure that each patient has access to the latest therapies. This team works in collaboration with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University to open clinical trials and enroll patients.
The Division of Gynecologic Oncology has opened several clinical trials developed by our own clinician scientists. In some cases, these exciting trials offer treatment approaches that are only available in our Center. Dr. Daniela Matei’s lab focuses on understanding the role of stem cells in the development of ovarian cancer so that novel treatment strategies can be developed. More information on her research can be found here.
We also enroll patients in clinical trials sponsored through the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), NRG Oncology, the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium, and the Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group (ECOG). For more information about our extensive clinical trial research portfolio, please visit the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center clinical trial index. To search for active clinical trials for patients with gynecologic cancers within our division, please click the link associated with the disease site:
Ovarian Cancer Endometrial Cancer Cervical Cancer Vulvar Cancer
The Division of Gynecologic Oncology has opened several clinical trials developed by our own clinician scientists. In some cases, these exciting trials offer treatment approaches that are only available in our Center. Dr. Daniela Matei’s lab focuses on understanding the role of stem cells in the development of ovarian cancer so that novel treatment strategies can be developed. More information on her research can be found here.
We also enroll patients in clinical trials sponsored through the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), NRG Oncology, the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium, and the Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group (ECOG). For more information about our extensive clinical trial research portfolio, please visit the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center clinical trial index. To search for active clinical trials for patients with gynecologic cancers within our division, please click the link associated with the disease site:
Ovarian Cancer Endometrial Cancer Cervical Cancer Vulvar Cancer
Dr. Emma Barber
A History of Innovation and a Promising Future
Research exploring the clinical and molecular aspects of gynecologic cancers has always been pivotal to our mission. The Brewer Trophoblastic Disease Center continues to support research and care for individuals with gestational trophoblastic disease – as it has done for over 50 years. Physicians from around the world reach out to our experts to help manage patients with these rare pregnancy-associated malignancies.
The Northwestern Ovarian Cancer Early Detection & Prevention Program has
been established for patients and relatives with a family history of ovarian cancer
and has been a leader in efforts to develop methods of early detection for almost
two decades.
Dr. Emma Barber is currently developing novel approaches to identify patients at
risk for a complication following surgery using wearable technology. In some cases, before the patient or physician is ever aware that there is a problem. With these approaches, we hope to better care for our current and future patients.
Bridging the Gap between Research and Compassionate Patient Care
Patients who elect to enroll in clinical trials receive the best of both worlds: access to innovate therapies and the same compassionate team of providers that all patients deserve. This includes a team of physicians, advanced practice providers, clinic and infusion center nurses, social workers, and nutritionists. Our team of clinical trial coordinators help patients navigate the clinical trials enrollment process and communicate effectively with the clinical team. Nurses in the clinic and chemotherapy infusion center are also an important resource for patients receiving both standard and experimental treatments.
Patients who elect to enroll in clinical trials receive the best of both worlds: access to innovate therapies and the same compassionate team of providers that all patients deserve. This includes a team of physicians, advanced practice providers, clinic and infusion center nurses, social workers, and nutritionists. Our team of clinical trial coordinators help patients navigate the clinical trials enrollment process and communicate effectively with the clinical team. Nurses in the clinic and chemotherapy infusion center are also an important resource for patients receiving both standard and experimental treatments.
Enrolling in Clinical Trials
Many patients have concerns about enrolling in clinical trials. While clinical trials test new treatments to see how they will work, they also provide an opportunity for patients to access new therapies before they are available elsewhere. Some information that may help you decide whether you should consider enrolling in a clinical trial:
- Almost all standard treatments for gynecologic cancers offered today were initially tested in clinical trials.
- Most gynecologic cancers have trials available – even for rare cancers. The criteria to enroll may or may not fit your specific circumstances, but you won’t know whether a trial is available without asking.
- The goals of clinical trials can vary. Some trials add new drugs to existing regimens to hopefully improve cancer-fighting activity. Others trials look for ways to reduce side effects or improve quality of life. Most trials don’t include the use of placebos. If there is a placebo, your doctor will tell you before you decide to participate.
- There are no additional out-of-pocket costs to patients for treatments being studied on clinical trials.
- If you come for a consultation and no trial is available, it is possible that a trial will open for your condition in the future. Our team will discuss whether this is likely so that you can keep your options open. In some cases, we may be able to suggest a trial available for you at another nearby institution. Alternatively, we may be able to offer a standard treatment in the meantime, with easy access to a trial when one becomes available.
For more information about our ongoing clinical trials at the
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center,please click here.
Type "gynonc" in the search bar.
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center,please click here.
Type "gynonc" in the search bar.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer or been referred for care, please call 312.695.0990.
Our new patient coordinators will work to find the right cancer specialist for you.
Our new patient coordinators will work to find the right cancer specialist for you.
