Gynecologic Cancer Research
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is grateful to The Rix Family Foundation for enabling life-saving ovarian and endometrial cancer research led by the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative (GCI), a team of clinicians and researchers across BC.
GCI has set a goal to reduce death and suffering from gynecological cancer by 50% by 2034 through early detection and prevention, more targeted treatment, and improved survivorship care across all gynecological cancers.
Ovarian Cancer
The team hopes to expand opportunities for life-saving ovarian cancer prevention strategy. Previously the team identified opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy or tubal ligation as a way to reduce ovarian cancer risk in the general population. It has proven to be a safe and cost-effective method that saves lives. However, with decreasing hysterectomy and tubal ligation rates due to patients seeking alternative contraception approaches, the opportunities for this life saving method are correspondingly reduced.
Dr. Gillian Hanley is partnering with colorectal surgeons in Vancouver to study the safety and efficacy of performing opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of colorectal surgery, which is an already established procedure where fallopian tubes are easily accessible. If Dr. Hanley can prove the safety and efficacy of opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of colorectal surgery, more women at risk will have access to a life-saving procedure that will prevent them from getting ovarian cancer.
If shown to be successful, the five-year goal is to expand adoption of this practice to all colorectal surgeons in the province, as well as to start the discussion with other general surgeons about other surgeries where opportunistic salpingectomies could be performed. This study will increase the number of women who will have a reduced risk of getting ovarian cancer, thus saving more lives.
Endometrial Cancer
In recent years, the treatment for endometrial cancer has changed radically. Dr. Jessica McAlpine, a surgeon-scientist at VGH, is employing molecular testing to classify endometrial cancer into four subtypes. Due to this classification system, it is now possible to identify which women are at risk of developing the rarer and more aggressive form of endometrial cancer and which women do not. Women with less aggressive cancer forms can be spared unnecessary and potentially toxic procedures like radiation therapy.
Yet not all rural and remote communities have access to molecular testing for endometrial cancer subtyping. Dr. McAlpine is developing a one-step DNA test for endometrial cancer classification, as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assess the results from such tests. If this test proves successful, more women will have ready access to it, and it will offer more tailored and appropriate treatments closer to home.
The five-year goal is to refine the classification system for endometrial cancers to increase access to more effective precision oncology treatment for women everywhere, particularly for those living in remote and rural areas.