Massachusetts General Hospital: Advances in Fighting Ovarian Cancer

Massachusetts General Hospital gynecologic cancer research program director Michael Birrer, MD, PhD, explains how ovarian tumor discoveries in the lab are already impacting patient care. Instead of classifying tumors by where they are found inside the body -- as breast, lung or ovarian cancer -- researchers and clinicians are increasingly identifying cancers by their genetic signatures. With new insight into the biology of tumors, physicians can target cancer at the molecular level using smart drugs designed to attack tumor weaknesses. This strategy has proven effective for treating patients with various cancers, including those with advanced lung cancer and melanoma. Now, Mass General Cancer Center physician-scientists are applying those same principles to gynecologic oncology, redefining the way they view ovarian cancer. To learn more about innovative ovarian cancer treatments at MGH visit: http://www.massgeneral.org/cancer/services/treatmentprograms.aspx?id=1442 To see a list of open clinical trials http://www.massgeneral.org/cancer/SearchTrials.aspx