*Please consult with your gynecologists before altering any clinical care.
Q: How often should I undergo screening for gynecologic cancer?
A: The most important factor in determining the need for screening is family history and genetic predisposition. In women with BRCA1/2 mutation, every 6 months to yearly CA125 and pelvic US is suggested, although the benefit of this screening is unclear. Women at genetic risk should undergo risk-reducing salpingectomy or salpino-oophorectomy +/- hysterectomy after a discussion of specific risks and their preferences with their providers.
Q: What is the difference between an ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer?
A: Some, but not all ovarian cysts may be manifestations of ovarian cancer. The risk of malignancy in an ovarian cyst is related to age, menopausal status, genetic predisposition, and cyst size and structure. A review of the characteristics of the cyst and obtaining any tumor markers, such as CA125, are indicated with your provider. Some ovarian cysts have a low risk of malignancy and can be observed.
Q: How does an ovarian cancer diagnosis affect my fertility or menopause?
A: Removal of the ovaries due to cancer in a pre-menopausal patient may be required and will lead to menopause. Some ovarian cancer types can be managed conservatively, however, maintaining portions of one or both ovaries. A preoperative discussion with your provider and a fertility expert is highly recommended.
3rd Annual Ovarian Cancer Think Tank
The University of Colorado (CU) Division of Gynecologic Oncology & Ovarian Cancer Innovation Group (OCIG) hosted its 3rd Annual Ovarian Cancer Think Tank Meeting in October 2024. Esteemed experts delved into pressing issues in ovarian cancer research and gynecologic oncology, including Pathology, Biomarkers, Computational Biology, and Carcinosarcoma. An interview with Kian Behbakht, MD, MBA, summarizing the meeting was published by the CU Cancer Center and can be viewed here.
Additional insights and findings from this gathering will be featured in a white paper, which will be published in 2025.
Thriving Together: Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship and Beyond
We are excited to announce the upcoming conference, “Thriving Together: Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship and Beyond,” hosted by the CU Division of Gynecology Oncology in collaboration with the Colorado Gynecologic Cancer Alliance (CGCA).
Event Date: Friday, January 10th, 2025
Location: University of Colorado Anschutz Health Sciences Building
Target Audience: Gynecologic Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers
Don't miss this opportunity to learn and engage with top professionals in the field! To register for the conference, please visit the event website or contact OCIG@cuanschutz.edu.
Meet Our Expanding Research Team
Natalie Davidson, PhD, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, earned her doctorate from the Tri-Institutional Program for Computational Biology and Medicine in New York, while conducting research at ETH Zürich. Her research experience includes single cancer and pan-cancer analyses using RNA-Seq and Ribosome Profiling data, and she has a strong focus on integrating diverse data sources to advance understanding of rare diseases such as ovarian cancer.
Eseohi Ehimiaghe, MD, a new fellow in Gynecologic Oncology, completed her medical education at Northwestern University. She completed her OB-GYN residency at Northwestern McGaw Medical Center. Her research interests include epigenetic alterations in endometrial cancer and disparities in access to care for gynecologic malignancies.
Stephanie Wang, MD, a new fellow in Gynecologic Oncology, obtained her medical degree at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She finished her OB-GYN residency at George Washington University. Her research focuses on disparities in cancer screening, diagnosis, and patient education.
Grant Spotlight
Groundbreaking and innovative research thrives on funding, and we're thrilled to share that our dedicated faculty in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, in collaboration with the Division of Reproductive Sciences at the University of Colorado, has recently secured multiple significant research grants! These awards pave the way for new discoveries.
Bradley Corr, MD, an Associate Professor in Gynecologic Oncology, has received an NIH/NCI R01 grant, totaling $2.2 million, to investigate combining CLK/DYRK (cirtuvivint) and Olaparib (PARP inhibition) against platinum-resistant BRCA/HRD ovarian cancer, translating lab findings into clinical treatments.
Christine Walsh MD, MS, a Professor, received a grant from the Cancer League of Colorado, Inc. for the CU-GENES study. The study aims to establish a gynecologic cancer registry, analyze testing patterns, and implement prevention strategies to increase access to genetic testing, educate the community, and reduce cancer incidence and mortality.
Nicole Marjon, MD, PhD, an Assistant Professor, received the 2024 Early Career Investigator Grant from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA). She aims to use a CXCR2 inhibitor to reduce myeloid-derived suppressor cells, boosting T cell activity and improving patient outcomes.
Lindsay Brubaker, MD, an Assistant Professor, received the Department of Defense (DoD) Ovarian Cancer Academy Early Career Investigator Award. Her research team will use the grant to develop new drugs and test existing drugs that may function as a new, targeted, anti-cancer therapy. She aims to develop less toxic treatments for high-grade serous carcinoma, improving patient quality of life.
CU Medicine Gynecologic Oncology – Broomfield Celebrates Opening
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Gynecologic Oncology practice to Broomfield, Colorado. Carolyn Lefkowits, MD, MPH, MS will practice at this location, while continuing her role at the University of Colorado Cancer Center – Anschutz Medical Campus. For more information about the clinic or to refer patients, please visit the clinic webpage.
Research & Publications
The Gynecologic Oncology Research Group has made significant contributions to the field by publishing more than 30 articles in renowned clinical and pre-clinical journals in 2024. To view all our latest publications, click here.
