Gynecologic Oncology Research Programs

Laboratory Research in the Gynecologic Oncology Division

The Division of Gynecologic Oncology has an active basic and translational research program led by Manish S. Patankar, Ph.D. The gynecologic oncology laboratory space is conveniently located at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (UWHC). All of the major projects currently underway are related to ovarian and other gynecologic malignancies. The focus of the lab program is improving the serum CA125 (MUC16) diagnostic test for ovarian cancer by employing advances in glycoproteomics, understanding the importance of MUC16 in the pathogenesis of ovarian tumors, understanding natural killer cell function in women with ovarian cancer and endometriosis, developing lectin conjugated gold chips for glycoproteomics applications that employ Surface Plasmon Resonance and high resolution Mass Spectrometry, and developing microfluidic tissue culture techniques to study the peritoneal attachment of ovarian tumor cells and endometriosis lesions.

Departmental Research Administration and Structure

The Department of Ob/Gyn employs a Research Administrator to oversee all research endeavors in the department. This person acts as a resource for extramural funding opportunities, budgeting, and compliance issues. In addition, the department has a strong group of Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) to aid in conducting clinical trial research. Three of these CRAs are assigned to the Gynecologic Oncology Division. Their expertise, hard-work and enthusiasm have led to outstanding clinical trial management and data quality. They assist on IRB application and maintenance, grant submission and manuscript preparation. The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) trials are administered through this office as well as audits of our GOG affiliate institutions.

The Department is also fortunate in having a separate Research Division. This structure provides multiple levels of support for the non-clinician researchers in the department, regardless of which clinical division an individual researcher works most closely. It also helps provide strong, NIH funded research throughout the Department, and allows for the clinicians to maximize their interaction and work with laboratory personnel. The Department supports basic translational and clinical research projects via development funds.