Gynecologic cancers can be challenging to treat because they’re located in delicate areas that can be hard to reach. At the Abramson Cancer Center, our specialists have years of experience and advanced training. We treat all types of gynecologic cancers, even the most complex cases. Our comprehensive care treats cancer and helps prevent it from coming back.
Gynecologic Cancer Treatment: The Penn Medicine Advantage
The Jordan Center for Gynecologic Cancer offers:
- Specialists in gynecologic cancers: Many of our nationally recognized specialists are double board certified in obstetrics/gynecology and gynecologic oncology. With careers dedicated to gynecologic cancer, our team has broad expertise from treating thousands of patients.
- Team approach: Our specialists meet to discuss diagnosis, staging and treatment recommendations for every patient. Our doctors from several fields combine their expertise to confirm a diagnosis and recommend personalized treatment options.
- The most advanced treatment options: We offer all available treatments for gynecologic cancers, including minimally invasive procedures and the latest biologic approaches, such as immunotherapy. Genetic testing and counseling can help with treatment decisions. We offer these services (when appropriate) to assess your and your family’s risk for gynecologic cancers.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation: The Abramson Cancer Center is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. It is one of only three in Pennsylvania and 51 across the country. This designation means that we meet strict national standards for leading-edge research and high-quality patient care.
- Treatments driven by research: Doctors on your care team also conduct groundbreaking research in gynecologic cancers. At the Ovarian Cancer Translational Center of Excellence, our specialists bring their latest discoveries directly to you. Through clinical trials, you have access, if eligible, to promising new treatments before they’re available to the public.
Gynecologic Cancer Treatment Options
We provide personalized care for gynecologic cancers based on genetic details, family history and other factors unique to you. Our team considers these factors, along with the cancer type and stage, as we tailor a treatment plan.
Gynecologic cancer treatments
We provide every available option to treat gynecologic cancers. Depending on the type of cancer you have, you may need one or more treatments, which include:
- Surgery: We use minimally invasive approaches whenever possible to preserve your organs, organ function and fertility. Our gynecologic oncologists are skilled in laparoscopic techniques, robotic equipment and vaginal approaches to remove tumors. These techniques use smaller or no incisions, which can reduce your recovery time.
- Chemotherapy: Medications, such as pills, injections or infusions, travel through the bloodstream to destroy cancer. Chemo can help shrink tumors before surgery to remove them. It can also help prevent cancer from returning after other treatments.
- Radiation therapy: Using high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells, radiation is the main treatment for certain gynecologic cancers. Radiation therapy can help shrink tumors to make them easier to remove with surgery. We also use radiation therapy to treat advanced cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other organs.
- Immunotherapy: These medications teach your own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted therapies: These medications can target specific substances on cancer cells to destroy the cancer and slow its growth.
- Hormone therapy: These medications block hormones or stop their production. Hormone therapy treats cancers stimulated by estrogen or other hormones.
Support services for gynecologic cancer
As part of our comprehensive care, we provide a complete array of services to support you during and after cancer treatment:
- Fertility preservation: Our fertility specialists support your long-term reproductive health with fertility care. We provide services for those who want to have a family in the future.
- Genetic testing: Our experienced genetic counselors provide testing and counseling for people who may be at risk for gynecologic cancers. Learn more about services available at the Mariann and Robert MacDonald Cancer Risk Evaluation Center.
- Patient and family support services: Our comprehensive patient and family support services include patient navigators to coordinate your care.
- Specialized cancer rehabilitation: Our physical, occupational and speech-language therapists are dedicated to caring for people with gynecologic cancers. Read about our cancer rehabilitation services.
- Complementary and alternative medicine: Our integrative oncology services include nutrition services, acupuncture, mindfulness, yoga and other therapies.
Treatments by Type of Gynecologic Cancer
Because each gynecologic cancer has different causes and symptoms, they require different treatments. Read about our treatments for each type of gynecologic cancer:
Request an Appointment
Call 800-789-7366 to schedule an appointment with one of our gynecologic cancer experts. You can also request an appointment using our online form.