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Gynecologic Oncology

Why Choose NorthShore University HealthSystem for Gynecologic Oncology Care?

If you have been diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy, you are probably facing a multitude of questions about the care you need and the physicians who will provide it. The Chicago area has such a vast array of cancer-care options, that it’s often difficult to know what’s truly important.

What do patients appreciate most about gynecologic cancer care at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore)? Here are a few things that our physicians and nurses are asked about most often:

Our Physicians

Are you looking for reputation or innovation? Chances are you want both. NorthShore’s division of gynecologic oncology is led by nationally known researcher Gustavo Rodriguez, MD. Dr. Rodriguez has pioneered groundbreaking studies into the area of ovarian cancer prevention, where he seeks to develop an effective pharmacologic approach to preventing ovarian cancer.  Routine use of oral contraceptives reduces ovarian cancer risk by 30 to 50 percent, suggesting that a pharamacologic preventative approach is feasible. Dr. Rodriguez's recently published discovery that the protective effect of the birth-control pill appears to be a biologic process related to progestins signifies a major step in the battle against ovarian cancer. By understanding the biologic mechanism underlying this protective effect, researchers hope to develop ovarian cancer preventatives that are even more effective and more broadly applicable than the oral contraceptive. This would be especially good news for women beyond their childbearing years who have no option for ovarian cancer prevention beyond surgical removal of their ovaries. Dr. Carolyn Kirschner’s special areas of interest include benign breast disease, international health and the integration of faith and healing. In addition to offering a multidisciplinary screening and prevention program for women at risk for ovarian cancer, all three physicians provide the full spectrum of gynecologic oncology care including colposcopy, surgery and chemotherapy administration.

Evidence-Based Treatments

Our oncologists have taken part in many pivotal studies that have helped to determine which drug therapies are most appropriate for individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer. Our physicians are currently involved in a national research study to discover improved methods of detecting ovarian cancer at the earliest possible stage. Researchers will try to determine whether a series of blood tests for a known blood protein called CA125, studied in a novel way, will detect ovarian cancer earlier in women at high risk. The study will also use transvaginal ultrasound as another means of detection. To learn more information about the study or to see if you are eligible to participate, please call 847.570.1034.  Designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Community Clinical Oncology Program, our patients have access to treatments and therapies that are not available at other institutions.

A Whole Team Dedicated to Your Care

Every week, our multidisciplinary team convenes at the GYN Oncology Tumor Board to discuss each patient’s case in detail and to construct a customized treatment plan. This meeting of the minds is focused on each patient individually, to create the path for the most optimal outcome. At any point during treatment, any of the team members can use or electronic medical record system to check test results and confer with other specialists. The end of the “overstuffed manila folder” method of medical recordkeeping means that patients receive quick, reliable answers to their questions about tests or lab results.

A Community of Care 

Individuals with a diagnosis of cancer appreciate the warmth and consistent professionalism they experience during treatment at our system’s three Kellogg Cancer Care Centers. Every patient’s care plan includes psychosocial support and access to integrative therapies and healing resources.