The Gynecologic Cancer Center

Outstanding Cancer Care for Women

There’s only one comprehensive program for gynecologic cancers in South Jersey: The Gynecologic Cancer Center at the Cooper Cancer Institute. For more than 27 years, the Gynecologic Cancer Center, based in Voorhees, has been providing expert, compassionate care for women with cancer and pre-cancerous diseases of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, and vagina.

“We care for women who have gynecologic cancers or who are at high risk for the development of these diseases. We’re very sensitive to their needs,” said David P. Warshal, M.D., Director of the Gynecologic Cancer Center and a Top Doc. Dr. Warshal and his colleagues, James K. Aikins, M.D., and Thomas F. Rocereto, M.D., are women’s cancer specialists who completed an additional 2 to 3 years of intensive training in gynecologic cancers and are board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Drs. Warshal, Aikins, and Rocereto have been affiliated with the Gynecologic Cancer Center for many years.

“Our patients have the peace of mind of knowing that we will be here for them for years to come,” said Dr. Warshal. They also serve on the faculty of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

The Gynecologic Cancer Center treats more patients with gynecologic cancer than any other center in South Jersey. Surgery is often the primary treatment for gynecologic cancer. Chemotherapy (cancer fighting drugs) and radiation therapy are also used. After the patient sees one of the center’s gynecologic oncologists for the first time, they develop a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic plan. A team of doctors, including the gynecologic oncologists, who specialize in cancer surgery and chemotherapy, radiation oncologists, and pathologists work together to provide the best possible care for women with gynecologic cancer.

The center offers advanced diagnostic techniques and treatments. For example, Cooper is one of a few centers in the country which offers surgical procedures to preserve fertility while treating early cervical cancer.

Patients also have access to novel chemotherapy combinations and innovative new treatments available only through clinical trials. As the only full member of the National Cancer Institute’s Gynecologic Oncology Group in New Jersey, the Gynecologic Cancer Center offers patients more clinical trials than any other center in the state. The center also offers studies sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry.

"Clinical trials allow our patients to receive novel treatments which may, in the future, replace existing therapies," said Dr. Warshal.

Women who have multiple family members with ovarian, breast, uterine, or other selected cancers are at high risk for carrying a genetic alteration that can increase their risk for developing these cancers. The Gynecologic Cancer Center works closely with Cooper’s Cancer Genetics Program to manage these women. The Cancer Genetics Program, run by Generosa Grana, M.D., provides genetic counseling and testing and provides recommendations for screening and preventive procedures.

The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG)

The Gynecologic Cancer Center is the only full member of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) in New Jersey. GOG is supported by the National Cancer Institute. It conducts numerous scientific studies and clinical trials in an effort to develop medications to improve the cure rates of women with various types of cancers of the reproductive system. At the present time, Cooper is participating in approximately 40 such studies.

The Gynecologic Cancer Center is also an active participant in research projects to determine the effect of genetics (heredity) on the development of cancer. Staff members provide important counseling to women considered at higher risk because of a history of gynecologic malignancies among family members.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Care

A significant reason for the success of the Gynecologic Cancer Center is the multidisciplinary approach Cooper takes to treatment. Every patient is under the care of a team of specialists that meets regularly to determine and implement the optimal regimen of care.

This team consists of experienced:

• Gynecological oncologists
• Surgeons
• Pathologists
• Radiologists
• Nurses
• A nurse coordinator
• A clinical research coordinator
• Medical technicians
• Other medical professionals and support personnel as required

This multidisciplinary approach to care - coupled with solid support and financial backing from the National Cancer Institute - assures patients that they will have access to the broadest range of treatment options and the most up-to-date therapies.

The physicians at Cooper are also experts in gynecological chemotherapy. The Gynecologic Cancer Center has its own chemotherapy unit devoted exclusively to those suffering from cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. As a result, Cooper Gynecologic Cancer Center physicians are experts at providing the proper treatments and for prescribing supportive medications to minimize any negative side effects.

Nurse Coordinator

Another important aspect of Cooper’s Gynecologic Cancer Center is the use of a nurse coordinator. This dedicated professional facilitates treatment and educates patients about their condition. The nurse coordinator also helps patients in getting the assistance of support personnel, such as therapists, nutritional counselors, and social workers. In addition, the doctors, nurses, and other professionals associated with the Gynecologic Cancer Center recognize the emotional toll that this disease can take on women and their families. So they endeavor to couple their state-of-the-art treatment with the utmost understanding and compassion.

For more information about the Gynecologic Cancer Center or to schedule an appointment with a Cooper University Physician, please call 1-800-8-COOPER (1-800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.