Gynecological Cancers

Gynecologic cancers refer to all cancers that develop in a woman’s reproductive organs. They include:

• Endometrial cancers (cancers of the uterine lining).
• Cancers of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. 
• Cervical cancers.
• HPV-related cancers
• Cancers of the vulva and vagina.
• Rare gynecologic or ovarian malignancies.
• Gynecologic sarcomas (uterine or other).
• Trophoblastic diseases.

All of these conditions are treated at Gustave Roussy by the gynecological committee.

These symptoms may include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods, after menopause, or after intercourse).
• Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain.
• A feeling of bloating or an increase in abdominal size.
• Recent and persistent digestive problems (constipation, nausea, feeling full quickly).
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate.
• Unusual vaginal discharge (heavy, foul-smelling, or abnormal).
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Persistent fatigue.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Gustave Roussy treats patients with the following gynecologic cancers:

• Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine body).
• Cancer of the ovary, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum.
• Cervical cancer.
• Rare gynecologic or ovarian malignant tumors.
• Gynecologic sarcoma (uterine and others).
• Trophoblastic disease.
• Cancer of the vagina or vulva. 

The Gynecology Committee at Gustave Roussy has also developed expertise in fertility preservation as well as in the management of gynecologic cancers during pregnancy.

The diagnosis is based on a medical history, physical examination, and histology. Additional tests are always necessary: blood tests, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, CT scan, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), colposcopy (examination of the cervix), diagnostic hysteroscopy, or exploratory laparoscopy. The need for these tests depends on the results of clinical and laboratory examinations and the type of tumor suspected. A definitive diagnosis of a malignant lesion must be based on histology.

Once a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer has been made, treatment may involve:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Brachytherapy and/or external beam radiation therapy

The indication, modalities, and sequence of treatment are determined based on the type of cancer being treated, the extent of the disease, and the results of laboratory, clinical, and/or radiological tests.

In cases of a suspicious ovarian lesion, Gustave Roussy offers a one-day gynecologic surgery program, allowing patients to schedule all necessary appointments prior to surgery.

After Treatment

After treatment for gynecologic cancer, follow-up care is necessary. Follow-up visits with the referring physician (radiation oncologist, surgeon, medical oncologist) are scheduled at regular intervals (usually every 4 months, then every 6 months, and then annually). Depending on her personal and/or family history, the patient may be referred for an oncogenetics consultation.

The research team dedicated to gynecologic cancers, led by Prof. Alexandra Leary at Gustave Roussy, is at the forefront of current challenges in oncology, focusing on three major types of cancer: ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. These diseases represent a major public health challenge, particularly due to their sometimes late diagnosis and the lack of effective treatment options in the event of a relapse. The team is therefore developing an integrated and translational approach, in close collaboration with clinicians, to better understand the disease and propose solutions tailored to patients’ needs.

Its work is based on several complementary research areas, ranging from the identification of biomarkers that can predict treatment efficacy to the study of mechanisms of resistance to existing therapies. The team is also focused on developing new therapeutic strategies, particularly in immunotherapy, to expand treatment options. This research, directly informed by questions arising from clinical practice, aims to accelerate the transition of laboratory discoveries into concrete applications for patients.

The goal is clear: to improve the survival and quality of life of women with gynecological cancers by providing them with access to increasingly personalized and innovative treatments. Driven by a strong collective spirit and supported by the commitment of patients and donors, this team is helping to advance care standards for cancers that are still under-recognized, by placing patients at the center of research and innovation.