Harvard Catalyst Profiles

Rare cancers are a significant clinical challenge in the treatment of women with gynecologic malignancies. Many subtypes of gynecologic cancers are considered rare cancers, such as the less common histologies of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers, and vaginal and vulvar cancers. Many rare gynecologic cancers have poor outcomes, especially cancers that have recurred after initial treatment. Research and treatment for rare gynecologic cancers have been adversely impacted by limited data and smaller numbers of patients for clinical research, as well as insufficient model systems for laboratory research such as cell lines and animal models. While exciting advances have been made in identifying unique genomic features of certain rare gynecologic tumors, these have not yet translated into new treatments. In the new Rare Gynecologic Cancers Project, we aim to leverage our experience in treating women with rare gynecologic cancers at DFCI to advance research into these malignancies. We aim to compile clinical, pathologic, and genomic data for rare gynecologic cancers, as well as perform tissue-based analyses and generate patient-derived models. A laboratory component will also investigate therapeutic candidates in cell lines and animal models. Student opportunities for research, depending on student interest and preferences, may include: reviewing and analyzing clinical data from women with rare gynecologic cancers treated at DFCI, reviewing and summarizing the literature on specific cancer types, participating in genomic analysis of targeted sequencing data, coordinating pathology analyses of tissue samples, background research and design of translational studies in cell lines and animal models, and participating in designing and building this new program in rare gynecologic cancers. The laboratory research component could be investigated as an option in the future depending upon student interest, though the current emphasis of the project is on patient-based translational research. Participation in clinical trial design and correlative studies in clinical trials may also be a future component as the project evolves.