Gynecologic Oncology
Interim Director: Christopher Awtrey M.D.
Mission
The division of gynecologic oncology is dedicated to superior clinical care, teaching, and research for women with cancer of the reproductive tract.
Clinical Services
The division of gynecologic oncology conducts an active clinical program for the management of gynecologic cancer. The division works in a multidisciplinary fashion with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists in order to optimally treat women with cancer of the reproductive tract. The spectrum of therapeutic options includes surgery (encompassing radical and ultra-radical procedures), radiation, chemotherapy and biological therapies. Clinical outreach programs are currently in operation at Mount Auburn Hospital. Dr. Baback Litkouhi has joined the team and will lead the Robotics Program for the Department.
Colposcopy and Laser Surgery Unit
Director: Elizabeth Buechler, M.D.
The Colposcopy, Laser and Electrosurgery Clinic is a referral clinic for patients with benign and pre-invasive disease involving the vulva, vagina, and cervix. Most patients are referred for the evaluation of abnormal Pap smears. The Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) or carbon dioxide laser is used in most cases as treatment modality, both as an outpatient procedure and in the operating room. Patients who have human papilloma virus and have not responded to the usual modes of therapy are also referred for evaluation and treatment. Patients with abnormal smears during pregnancy are followed for evidence of developing invasive disease. Laser ablation, cervical conization, and evaporation of condyloma are performed using the carbon dioxide laser.
Education
Two residents - one PGY2 and one PGY4 - rotate on the oncology service, along with third-year HMS students and fourth-year sub-interns in gynecologic oncology. The division sponsors a weekly Gynecologic Oncology Tumor Board, a multidisciplinary conference attended by members of this service, as well as pathologists, radiologists, medical oncologists and radiation therapists, to discuss every patient's clinical course and treatment option. The division also sponsors a gynecoloic oncology journal club and a research meeting. Residents are responsible for daily rounds, assistance at surgical procedures and presentations of patients at Tumor Board. Weekly didactic sessions supplement the resident educational experience.
