The Birrer laboratory has had a long-term interest in characterizing the molecular origins of gynecologic cancers. This interest includes the identification and characterization of mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes within cancers of the ovary, endometrial and cervix. In addition, they have extensively characterized the differential gene expression in these tumors. The role of these genes in the development of these cancers has been tested using in vitro and in vivo model systems. The laboratory is focused on using the genomic events characterized in these cancers to produce translational science endeavors, which will result in clinically important discoveries. These genomic abnormalities form the basis for early detection assays, prevention strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches. Dr. Birrer's laboratory focuses on bench-to-bedside-and-back-again approaches to produce clinically relevant strategies to better manage women with these cancers.

Part I: Ovarian Cancer1. Origins of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer2. Ovarian Cancer Genomics3. Epigenetics4. Timing of Cytoreductive Surgery in the Treatment of Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma5. Angiogenesis6. Homologous Recombination and BRCA Genes in Ovarian Cancer: Clinical Perspective of Novel Therapeutics7. Molecular Basis of PARP Inhibition and Future Opportunities in Ovarian Cancer Therapy8. Ovarian Cancer: New Targets and Future Directions9. Novel Chemotherapy Tools: Intraperitoneal Therapy, Dose-Dense Therapy10. Updates on Rare Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Part II: Endometrial Cancer11. Endometrial Cancer Genomics12. Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping Procedures in Endometrial Cancer13. The Role of Radiation in Uterine Cancer

Part III: Cervical Cancer14. Novel Therapies for Advanced Cervical Cancer

Part IV: Vulvar Cancer15. New Therapies in Vulvar Cancer

Part V: Fertility and Cancer16. Fertility and Cancer: Fertility Preservation and Fertility Sparing Surgery

Translational Advances in Gynecologic Cancers straddles the bench and bed divide by highlighting important and interesting research that is translatable to the clinic. The contents of this book cover the entire spectrum, from promising laboratory based research, to clinical trial efforts. Further, new therapeutic indications based upon randomized phase III trials are also included.

Clinicians will learn about lab-based science that is about to enter the clinic, along with the rationale behind translational endpoints in trials. Researchers will be able to identify and understand the clinical needs of patients with these types of tumors to improve their research focus.