The Division of Gynecologic Oncology, in collaboration with the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, continues to provide patients with the highest level of gynecologic cancer care in an atmosphere which includes teaching and research found only at top academic institutions. Established in 1990, the James continues to foster excellent care of the cancer patient. Our Division is proud to be part of such a caring and productive institution. We are also proud to announce the many accomplishments of our Division outlined below:
In partnership with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the James Cancer Hospital was awarded $4.2 million beginning in June, 2004, through June, 2007. The purpose of this program is to study epidemiologic, psychosocial and biologic factors in women diagnosed with gynecologic malignancies, emphasizing health care disparities. This program will incorporate a sophisticated tissue/serum bank, psychological interventions, and novel biologic therapy modalities. Principal Investigator is Dr. Jeffrey Fowler, who will direct projects with multiple disciplines within the Comprehensive Cancer Center.
During 2005-2006, Dr. Larry Copeland served as President Elect I of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), and served as Vice Chair (Vice President) and Treasurer of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). In addition, Dr. Copeland serves as a Director of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Fowler was named Program Director for SGO, 2006. In addition, he completed a rotation on the Executive Committee of the Gynecologic Oncology Group and is on the Phase I in Developmental Therapeutics Committee. Dr. Fowler serves on the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons. He is Chief of Staff-Elect at the James. Dr. David Cohn serves on the Corpus Committee; Dr. Lynne Eaton is on the Gyn Management Committee; and Dr. David O’Malley is a member of the Developmental Therapeutics Committee of the GOG.
Our nurses are active in the GOG. Jodi Catanzarite serves on the Quality of Life Committee, and Roberta Cobb serves on the Nursing Committee. Linda Havenar, our Patient Care Coordinator, is active in the Data Management Committee of the GOG and is instrumental in constructing data management around the country. The Columbus Cancer Council, of which we are a part, is second in accrual in the GOG, emphasizing clinical trials.
Since 1998, the clinical program of the Division has grown by 40-50% (new patient visits and major surgeries). During 2005-2006, the Gynecologic Oncology office staff consisted of six RN’s, one LPN, one office manager, three patient care coordinators, one academic secretary, four account coordinators, and two PCRM’s.
We have instituted a research section for pharmaceutical studies, which includes Michelle Vaughan, program coordinator, and Lois Dial, R.N., research nurse.
Academically, our program has grown due to collaboration with basic scientists at the James. Dr. Cohn has committed a portion of his time to translational research developing a VEGF vaccine with Dr. Pravin Kaumaya. Dr. Fowler is a co-investigator on an NIH-funded grant with Tim Huang, Ph.D., the research initiative being investigation of epigenetic phenomena in ovarian cancer to assess prognosis, chemo resistance, and early diagnosis.
In May of 2009, the Division moved into a new 17,000 SF facility at 3651 Ridge Mill Drive in the Mill Run area, consolidating its clinical care and research functions.