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Gynecologic cancers, which affect the uterus, cervix, falian tubes, ovaries, vulva and vagina, often fly under the radar until a diagnosis makes the terminology personal. Many of these malignancies lack reliable screening tools, which forces patients to rely on recognizing symptoms and knowing exactly who to see when something feels wrong. During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Ami P. Vaidya, co-chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, spoke with CURE about how treatment has evolved.
How Molecular Testing Changes Care
Dr. Vaidya says a lot has improved recently, specifically in how doctors shape treatment plans. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, clinicians now utilize molecular testing to analyze tumor DNA, RNA and proteins. This creates a specific fingerprint for the tumor, helping providers choose the most effective options for that individual patient.
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New targeted drugs and immunotherapy have also expanded the menu of choices, particularly for patients dealing with recurrent disease. Surgical techniques have advanced too, with minimally invasive and robotic methods becoming more precise. These technologies allow doctors to stage cancers more selectively, which typically results in fewer side effects and better long-term quality of life. For those who do need radiation, image-guided therapies have focused treatment on the area of disease, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
When to Talk About Side Effects
Doctors and patients usually discuss potential side effects before treatment begins, but some issues still catch people off guard. Fatigue is a common complaint that is difficult to measure and manage. However, Vaidya urges patients to speak up immediately if they notice new neurological symptoms, such as tingling in the fingers or numbness in the toes. These signs can indicate nerve damage that is not reversible.
If a patient pushes through these symptoms without reporting them, it becomes much harder to treat the damage after the fact. Vaidya notes that while most providers ask about nausea and vomiting, patients often forget to mention these nerve-related changes until they become a significant problem. The key is to monitor one’s own condition between visits and report anything new to the medical team right away.
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Handling Fertility and Menopause
Conversations about fertility and menopause must happen early, but they follow different timelines. Fertility preservation requires immediate attention. For premenopausal women in their reproductive years, discussing egg freezing or ovarian protection before treatment starts is vital to ensure options remain available.
Conversely, concerns about menopause and sexual health are ongoing. While some patients raise these issues at the outset, many need to revisit them as treatment progresses. A patient may worry about entering menopause or experiencing sexual dysfunction later on. These topics require continuous dialogue to ensure patients receive the reassurance and management strategies they need throughout their care.
