The Gynecologic Cancer Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin provides highly coordinated care for women who have cancers of the reproductive organs: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vulva and vagina as well as malignant conditions that can arise related to abnormal pregnancies, such as gestational trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma.

Our physicians focus exclusively on treating gynecologic cancer and offer a full range of treatment options, including advanced therapies, clinical trials and research

Oral Medication Yields Strong and Sustained Benefit in Ovarian Cancer

In the five-year follow-up of the pivotal SOLO-1 trial in women with advanced ovarian cancer and a BRCA1/2 mutation, maintenance treatment with olaparib led to a doubling in progression-free survival. William H. Bradley, MD, presented these findings at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer.
Read the article.

Care Team Focused on Gynecologic Cancer

Dr. Erickson and Patient imageWomen with malignancies of the reproductive system do best when they work with physicians who focus on gynecologic cancer.  The National Institutes of Health reports women with ovarian cancer have significantly improved survival rates when treated by a gynecologic oncologist. Seeing the right specialist is important: gynecologic oncologists have extensive training and expertise in providing the complex treatment necessary to managing this specific group of diseases.

The Gynecologic Cancer Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin includes four board certified gynecologic oncologists, cancer specialists who have specialty training in the care and treatment of reproductive cancers, along with radiation oncologists who also focus on specifically on reproductive cancers.

Diagnosing Vulvar, Vaginal and Cervical Cancers

Gynecologic cancers can strike women of any age. The symptoms of gynecologic cancers may include abnormal bleeding, abdominal bloating, pain during intercourse and changes in bowel and bladder habits. Vaginal and vulvar cancer may also produce a lump, growth or skin change in the affected area.

In most cases, an annual gynecological exam combined with a PAP test can identify signs of vulvar, vaginal and cervical cancers at an early stage. Other cancers are harder to detect. Occasionally, a pelvic exam may reveal signs of ovarian cancer, though many women present with vague symptoms such as abdominal or back pain, constipation, fatigue, an upset stomach and bloating. Imaging studies, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound, and blood work may be used to identify suspected ovarian cancer. Most gynecologic cancers are diagnosed through a surgical biopsy.

Advanced Treatment Options

Treatment for gynecologic cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, used individually or in combination. Medical College of Wisconsin gynecologic oncologists and radiation oncologists offer advanced treatment options tailored to each individual. Some of the therapies offered through the Gynecologic Cancer Program are not offered anywhere else in southeastern Wisconsin.

Second Opinion for Gynecologic Cancer

Second opinions provide patients with the reassurance that a diagnosis is accurate and that they know all of the treatment options available to them. The Gynecologic Cancer Program team offers second opinion appointments within 24 business hours. Learn more about our Cancer Second Opinion Program.

Clinical Trials and Research

Our experts collaborate with researchers and academic medical centers around the country to advance the understanding and treatment of ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Their patients, and the entire region, are the direct beneficiaries of on-going research. 

We are an active member of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), an organization that coordinates multi-center clinical trials to advance the treatment of gynecologic cancers. The program is also involved with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Both are cooperative research groups funded by the National Cancer Institute.

Our physicians are also working to establish a Women’s Health Research Initiative and a tissue bank to advance the understanding of female cancers.

Ongoing studies provide access to the best research has to offer in advanced treatments and improved quality of life. 

View All Gynecologic Cancer Clinical Trials

Journey to Wellness Support Group

People affected by a cancer diagnosis, as well as their spouses, family members, significant others and caregivers are welcome to attend our monthly support group to share information and experiences, as well as receive encouragement and support. This monthly support group offers periodic speakers and is also intended as an open forum. Visit our calendar or call for more information: 414-777-7700.

Virtual Visits Are Available

Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We’ll gather your medical records for you and get our experts’ input so we can offer treatment options without an in-person visit. To schedule a virtual visit, call 1-866-680-0505.