Special Report: “Pathways to Progress in Women’s Cancer: A Research Agenda Proposed by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology”
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and its multidisciplinary membership, have committed ourselves to eradicate women’s cancers. This vision of a cancer-free environment is dependent on the development of new preventative and early screening techniques, improved treatments and survivorship support. To make our vision a reality, SGO has in this research report entitled “Pathway to Progress in Women’s Cancers”, identified and outlined the areas of research, by diseases, upon which the women’s cancer community should focus for the next decade. From bench and translational research needs and clinical trials to training needs for experts in women’s cancer care and patient education, this report is a road map for the future of women’s cancer care research, and the ultimate means to improving prevention and treatment outcomes.
In 1997 the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Office of Women’s Health at the Department of Health and Human Services prepared what was recognized as a definitive research plan entitled “The Ovarian Cancer Research Report.” The results of that report were instrumental in a variety of major ovarian cancer research initiatives including the NCI Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) program, the Department of Defense ovarian cancer research program and increased dedicated funding for clinical trials, research training grants and public education and awareness programming. The information in the report had an enormous impact on the ovarian cancer research community, and the results of this work are reflected in new treatment modalities, biomarker detections tests and current, ongoing clinical trials.
A decade later, members of the women’s cancer community recognize the need to not only revisit the realm of ovarian cancer research needs, but also to address the broader overarching requirements needed to truly impact all gynecologic malignancies. It is our belief that the information contained in this comprehensive report will serve and direct the research into gynecologic cancers for the next decade and beyond. We believe this report will be a useful tool not only for SGO but for other organizations and advocacy groups as they set their future research and funding priorities.
We thank the countless medical and scientific professionals whose research and tireless efforts are reflected and cited in this report. In addition, we acknowledge our research partners in the public and private sector as well, whose support both past and present has been immeasurable, and to whom we look to in the future as we strive toward our vision and an ultimate cure.
Download the full PDF of the Pathways to Progress in Women’s Cancer document.