Jamie N. Bakkum-Gamez, M.D.

The purpose of this study is to develop a pan-gynecologic cancer detection test using gynecologic (unique endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer) cancer-specific methylated DNA markers and high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) detected in vaginal fluid and/or plasma.

In addition to evaluating treatment outcomes, tissue samples and swabs will be collected as part of this study to allow physicians to better understand Extramammary Paget's Disease (EMPD). The researchers also want to learn more about the microorganisms (microbiome) that live on or near the areas of skin affected by EMPD, in order to better understand this condition.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate non-inferiority of the innovative treatment (RRS with delayed RRO) as compared to the standard treatment (RRSO) with respect to high grade serous (ovarian) cancer incidence in BRCA1/2 gene germline mutation carriers.

The purpose of this study is to collect vaginal and endometrial cell samples to study endometrial cancer.

Ovarian cancer is deadly and generally diagnosed at late stage when the chances of survival are low. There is a current belief that this cancer starts in the fallopian tubes and progresses towards the ovaries, spreading to the cells on the surface. Within the fallopian tubes and the uterus, there is a constant flow of mucus which has only one exit through the cervix and out the vagina. Proteins that are generated within the entire female reproductive system are trapped into this viscous fluid and eventually released as waste. When a routine PAP test is performed, a sample of this mucus is collected along with any cells, and preserved in the PAP fluid. The fluid is currently discarded but contains a protein profile showing of the status of the cells in the female reproductive system. We have examined this fluid and found that it contains unique peptides/proteins that provide a diagnosis of ovarian cancer when compared against healthy controls. These markers will be initially refined using the comparison of ovarian cancer patients against those with benign adnexal masses that entered the clinic during the same time period. In this Phase II biomarker validation study we will further refine and validate these biomarkers using a new collection of samples from at least 200 ovarian cancer cases with epithelial ovarian cancer (endometroid and papillary serous histology, most common) and comparing these against 600 patients with a diagnosis of a benign adnexal mass that enter the clinics during the same time period. Patient samples will be collected on their first visit to the gynecologic oncologist at a number of collaborating clinics. Final processing of all of the samples will be performed within the proteomics research facilities of the Mitchell Cancer Institute using Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM, with mass spectrometry) based on the refined set of makers statistically selected within the first aim. Biomarkers validated within this study will be compared with the well accepted CA-125 data for the patients. The research involves a three year validation and may allow detection of this cancer at a very early stage when the survival is as high as 90%. One aim examines a self-taken test that could allow its use in medically underrepresented and rural areas.

The focus of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of veliparib in women with previously untreated, Stage III or IV, high-grade serous, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

This study is designed to determine whether an oral perioperative medication (alvimopan--a selective mu antagonist) improves bowel recovery over placebo after surgery for ovarian cancer.

The purpose of this research study is to understand the views and experiences of Non-Hispanic Black women with a diagnosis or who support a family member with breast or ovarian cancer. We also want to know participant thoughts on genetic testing for cancer risk and research participation.

This is a qualitative interview study. Study participation involved talking on the phone or videoconference (e.g., Zoom) for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours with a researcher.

The purpose of this study is to examine the gene expression within endometriosis.

Background:

• Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers. If it is caught at an early stage, it can be treated more easily. Women who have this type of cancer often have a history of irregular menstrual bleeding. They may also have abnormal findings during gynecologic exams. Pap smears and cervical cell collection may be able to collect cell samples for cancer testing. However, samples from the vagina or endometrium may produce more accurate results. Researchers want to collect vaginal and endometrial cell samples to improve their tests for and understanding of endometrial cancer.

Objectives:

• To collect vaginal and endometrial cell samples to study endometrial cancer.

Eligibility:

• Women at least 18 years of age who have had symptoms of abnormal uterine or post-menopausal bleeding, or abnormal ultrasound findings.

Design:

• Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history.
• Participants will have a pelvic exam. Before the exam, they will insert a small tampon in the vagina. The tampon will stay in place for about 10 to 30 minutes. The tampon will then be removed and collected for the study.
• During the pelvic exam, tissue will be collected from the uterine lining with a special brush. An additional sample (biopsy) will be collected from the lining.
• A blood sample will also be collected as part of the study.

The purpose of this study is to collect vaginal and endometrial cell samples to study endometrial cancer.

The goal of this study is to identify methylation patterns in benign lower gynecologic tract tissues by performing global methylation analyses of benign cervico-vaginal squamous tissue. It will also determine methylation pattern for the cervico-vaginal environment through global methylation analyses of cervico-vaginal cytologic scrapings and brushings.

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of vesicular stomatitis virus-human interferon beta-sodium iodide symporter (VSV-hIFNbeta-NIS) in treating patients with stage IV endometrial cancer or endometrial cancer that has come back. The study virus, VSV-hIFNbeta-NIS, has been changed so that it has restricted ability to spread to tumor cells and not to healthy cells. It also contains a gene for a protein, NIS, which helps the body concentrate iodine making it possible to track where the virus goes. VSV-hIFNbeta-NIS may be able to kill tumor cells without damaging normal cells.

This research trial studies comprehensive patient questionnaires in predicting complications in older patients with gynecologic cancer undergoing surgery. Comprehensive patient questionnaires completed before surgery may help identify complications, such as the need for assistance in taking medications, decreased mobility, decreased social activity, and falls, and may improve outcomes for older patients with gynecologic cancer.

The goal of this project is to show that removal of the fallopian tubes at the time of vaginal hysterectomy is not only possible, but does not significantly increase the morbidity of the procedure.

The purpose of this study is to compare detection rates of endometrial cancer-specific methylated DNA markers in vaginal fluid collected via tampon v. vaginal swab.

The purpose of this study is to determine if an increase risk of malignancy occurs in these patients if they use hormonal replacement therapies after a risk reducing salpingo-oophorectomy