Research

WORD’s vision is to gather, ignite, and empower effective and inventive research through partnerships of Midwest assets in the area of gynecologic cancer. WORD is involved in three distinct categories of research in the area of gynecologic oncology (cancer of the female reproductive system):

First, researchers are participating in clinical trials sponsored by the Gynecologic Oncology Group which receives its funding from the National Cancer Institute. These trials are ongoing, they typically have clinical application, and they require additional research nursing resources in areas such as Institutional Review Board approval, obtaining patient informed consent, clinical coordination, and data collection and management.

Second, researchers are conducting investigator initiated clinical trials. These trials are currently focused on innovative treatment modalities for women with advanced gynecologic malignancies. In addition to trial design and implementation, the additional resources as listed above are required, as well as the necessary time to prepare and present the findings at national and international meetings and in peer reviewed journals. These trials are usually Phase II in nature and typically require enrollment of less than 100 patients. Thus, they can reach full enrollment in approximately two years.

Third, researchers are procuring biological materials which are obtained during diagnostic or surgical procedures. These materials will be analyzed using sophisticated biomedical technology to investigate how cancer cells develop and behave in order to adapt and improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. This molecular medicine will proceed over an open-ended time period based on the rate of tissue acquisition and the ability to form strategic partnerships. Pertinent findings will be “translated” to clinical application as appropriate.