Clinical Research
The division has been active in the area of clinical research over the past decade. All fellows have participated in clinical reviews of our experience with a particular clinical problem and have authored many pertinent papers. (See complete list of
Presentations and Bibliography
.)
More importantly, prospective trials have been emphasized and performed as a collaborative effort in the division. Fellows are encouraged to develop one or more prospective clinical trials to be conducted during the two clinical years of the fellowship. Projects initiated by fellows have included:
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prospective evaluation of prophylactic methods for the prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis
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evaluation of bladder function following radical hysterectomy
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surgical-pathologic correlation of CT scan and MR imaging for staging of gynecologic cancer
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microcolposcopy of the cervix
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several chemotherapy trials
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a study of different wound closure methods, supported by four nurse oncologists and one research nurse.
The Cancer Center Database provides expertise and guidance in data collection, management, and statistical analysis.
Recent in-house trials have included:
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Phase II (topo/vino, weekly carbo/taxol) and randomized Phase III trials of Topotecan in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer;
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Phase I-II trial of bovine hemoglobin as a blood substitute following gynecologic oncology surgery; treatment of refractory ovarian carcinoma with high-dose alkylating chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplant;
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treatment of refractory ovarian cancer with IP Cis Platin and whole abdomen hyperthermia;
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Phase III evaluation of a Neuroprotector (ORG 2766) in the prevention of Cis Platin-induced peripheral neuropathy;
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Phase I-II trial of IP pseudomonas exotoxin in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer;
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the use of Decapeptyl (a GNRH agonist) in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer;
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an evaluation of the efficacy of Indium-111-labeled B72.3 antibody to detect occult metastases at the time of second-look surgery for ovarian cancer;
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Phase II evaluation of Taxol in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.
Fellows are also actively involved in national cooperative group protocols (through the Gynecologic Oncology Group) and fully participate in the execution of these protocols.
Overall, the clinical research experience at Duke is a rich one for fellows, due to the wealth of patient material, strong ancillary support, and an emphasis of its importance by the director and faculty.
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