Published: December 8, 2025
Norton Cancer Institute’s gynecologic oncology research program continues to expand rapidly, helping address a critical regional gap in specialty treatment and clinical research access. Nationally, gynecologic oncology is heavily driven by early phase trials, underscoring the need for programs that advance novel therapies and accelerate progress in treatment options.
Our current gynecologic oncology studies include investigational therapies for endometrial and ovarian cancer, with additional research protocols for cervical cancer and solid tumors progressing through the startup phase. This continued growth strengthens an already diverse and active trial portfolio, expanding opportunities for patients to access innovative therapies close to home.
Norton Cancer Institute opened its first gynecologic oncology trial Feb. 27, 2001. Since then, the program has completed 53 studies and currently maintains 10 active trials, establishing a robust research infrastructure in a highly specialized field.
The program’s continuity has been strengthened by key personnel who have dedicated their careers to advancing gynecologic cancer research. Mary E. Gordinier, M.D., gynecologic oncologist and longtime researcher with Norton Cancer Institute, remains with the team, alongside biorepository research tech Leslye Adams, who has served Norton Healthcare for 35 years. Additional principal investigators, Justin W. Gorski, M.D., Ph.D., and Monica H. Vetter, M.D., have contributed to the rapid growth in research-focused activities.
Gynecologic cancer research leads to better treatment options, improved health outcomes, and advances in prevention and early detection. It gives patients access to leading-edge therapies such as immunotherapy, develops less-invasive surgical techniques and can lead to personalized treatment strategies. Research also helps reduce health disparities and improve quality of life through survivorship programs that address issues like fear of recurrence and long-term side effects.
Research investigates the origins of certain gynecologic cancers, such as exploring whether many ovarian cancers start in the fallopian tubes, which could lead to prevention measures like tube removal. Investigation on screening for issues like cervical cancer helps detect cancer earlier when it is easier to treat, reducing deaths and health care costs.
A robust gynecologic oncology research program can help identify and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes and lead to global improvements in gynecologic care.
Research in gynecologic oncology holds particular importance for several reasons. Most cancers within this specialty are considered rare, making patient access to clinical trials essential for advancing treatment knowledge and outcomes.
The specialty faces severe workforce constraints nationally. At the time of this article, there are only 14 practicing gynecologic oncologists to serve patients across Kentucky, creating significant access barriers for women requiring specialized care. Six of those gynecologic oncologists of are part of the Norton Cancer Institute team.
The expanding research portfolio at Norton Cancer Institute directly addresses these limitations. By maintaining an active slate of clinical trials, the program provides Kentucky women and patients from surrounding areas access to leading-edge treatments and early intervention opportunities without requiring long-distance travel.
The growth represents a significant step forward in bringing advanced gynecologic cancer care closer to home for patients in an underserved region.