Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine
Karen H. Lu, M.D.
Department Chair
The Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine department provides world-class comprehensive care of women with gynecologic cancers. As international leaders in the field, our physicians are driving innovations in cancer care through clinical trials, translational research, advanced surgical techniques and cancer prevention efforts.
Our faculty members treat patients with all types of gynecologic cancers, including:
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial (uterine) cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Vulvar cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Gestational trophoblastic disease
In addition, we have specialty clinics focusing on cervix pre-invasive disease, high-risk ovarian cancer screening, oncofertility and acute gynecology issues in cancer patients.
Our physicians see patients at MD Anderson in the Medical Center, the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, and at MD Anderson Houston-area locations in Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands and League City.
We are dedicated to cultivating outstanding academic gynecologic oncologists, both clinician investigators and physician-scientists. Our four-year fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology is the largest such program in the United States. Three physicians are chosen each year to complete the clinical and research training, with a total of 170 program graduates since its inception in the 1950s.
FDA announcement on robotic surgery - departmental statement
In a February 2019 announcement, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement cautioning patients and providers about the use of robotic-assisted surgical devices for cancer-related surgeries. In the Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine department at MD Anderson, minimally invasive radical hysterectomy (laparoscopy or robotic-assisted) is no longer performed in patients with early cervical cancer. In the setting of uterine cancer, there is evidence from prospective trials that the use of laparoscopy is safe and does not compromise oncologic outcomes, and thus we continue to offer a minimally invasive approach for appropriate patients. You may read about MD Anderson’s related research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. For additional information about minimally invasive radical hysterectomy vs. abdominal hysterectomy, read this story in Cancerwise.
Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine Biennial Report FY15-FY16
In this report, we highlight some of our faculty, research and patient stories from Fiscal Years 2015 and 2016.
Click here to view the report.
Learn more about our work on the Ovarian Cancer and HPV-Related Cancers Moon Shot Programs.
Learn more about our distinguished four-year fellowship program and one-month elective rotation.