Surgery is the main treatment for some gynecologic cancers. Surgical procedures range from the destruction of cancerous tissue using a laser (ablation) to the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). When possible, our surgical oncologists use minimally invasive procedures, such as robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery, to remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue.

Surgical oncologists deliver the latest drug therapies to treat gynecologic cancers. Our experienced physicians recommend treatment based on the type of cancer you have and the most recent research findings about effective treatment. Medical oncology options include:

• Chemotherapy: You may receive chemotherapy before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also a common treatment when cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
• Immunotherapy: These medications direct your immune system to destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be an option for people who cannot have surgery or radiation therapy, those who have advanced cancers, or for cancer that has spread. Immunotherapy in addition to chemotherapy can also help reduce tumor size before surgery.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs bind to certain molecules on the surface of cancer cells and attack the cells. Your care team will select the appropriate targeted therapy medications for you based on tumor genetic testing. These medications may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Some types of gynecologic cancer require hormones, such as estrogen, to grow. Hormone therapy lowers estrogen and is often used in combination with other treatments, like chemotherapy, to stop or slow cancer growth.

Radiation — with or without chemotherapy — may be an option for new or recurrent gynecologic cancers.

Radiation therapy for gynecologic cancers often uses both external beam radiation (to deliver concentrated beams of energy to the tumor from outside your body) and brachytherapy.

Brachytherapy involves the placement of a tiny radioactive metal seed next to the cancer to deliver radiation to the tumor. We are the only health system in Vermont and northern New York to offer brachytherapy.

Clinical trials are a routine part of care team discussions. Participation in a clinical trial is voluntary and can give you access to new care methods years before they are widely available. If you are eligible for a specific trial, your provider will explain the benefits and risks of participating and the next steps for enrollment.