| Stony Brook’s Gynecologic Oncology Team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive cancers, including cancers of the ovaries, uterus (endometrium), cervix, vulva, vagina, peritoneum and fallopian tubes. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care is provided for women with known or suspected gynecologic cancers, as well as for those with complicated gynecologic surgical needs and selected pre-invasive conditions. Led by a board-certified gynecologic oncologist, this highly experienced team treats more than 400 new patients, performs 300 surgical procedures, administers 475 chemotherapy cycles, and totals nearly 2,500 office visits a year. Key components of the team’s work are research and education. In conjunction with the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), a national research organization funded by the National Institutes of Health, team members provide patients access to cutting-edge therapy through GOG clinical studies. Resident physicians and students in obstetrics and gynecology participate in caring for patients, as well as contributing to the team’s research activities under the supervision of the attending physicians. Surgery and Chemotherapy- Michael L. Pearl, MD, FACOG, FACS, Team Leader, Professor and Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
- Melissa Henretta, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
- Dayna McCauley, PharmD, BCOP
- Marlo Dombroff, RPA-C, Physician Assistant, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
- Sylvia Macco, RN, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
- Greta Korzekwinski, RN, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
- Michelle Burke, GOG Data Manager
PathologyRadiation OncologyMedical Hematology/ Oncology Stony Brook offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up services for patients with gynecologic cancer, including expedited diagnosis and technologically advanced radiation, surgical, and systemic therapies. See Diagnostics, Treatments & Technologies for more information. Highlights include: - Advanced surgical techniques. Surgical procedures performed by the gynecological oncology team include radical pelvic and exenterative, gastrointestinal, urological, and reconstructive plastic surgery. The team is highly skilled in laparoscopic and robotic procedures, enabling many patients to manage reproductive cancers using minimally invasive surgery. In preparation for surgery, patients and families receive a packet of educational materials. A library of books and videotapes is also available.
- Chemotherapy options. The gynecological oncology team includes a clinical pharmacist and chemotherapy-certified nurses experienced in managing intravenous, oral, and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
- Radiation. In conjunction with the Department of Radiation Oncology, the team develops treatment plans, places brachytherapy devices (radioactive catheters, seeds or capsules), and administers intraperitoneal radioisotypes.
Our exceptional clinical support services contribute to coordinated care. These include Nutrition Services, Pain Management, Palliative Care/Survivorship & Support, Pharmacy Services, Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Yoga, and our Tumor Board. For more information, see Clinical Support Services. Ongoing clinical trials, some in conjunction with the Division of Medical Oncology and the Department of Surgery, include: - Evaluating the role of chemotherapy following radiation in women with advanced cervical cancer
- Assessing patients’ end-of-life preferences
- Industry-sponsored phase II chemotherapy trials for patients with ovarian or cervical cancer
- A method to isolate viable ovarian cancer cells and identify early ovarian cancer antigens through DNA microassay
- The association between obesity, inflammation, and cancer
- Identification of genes that play a role in ovarian cancer
- Validation of a new screening blood test
For information, see Innovations & Research in Cancer. For specific clinical trial listings, see our Current Clinical Trials. Gynecologic Oncologist Specializing in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Joins Stony Brook
Melissa Henretta, MD, MPH, a board-certified OB/GYN who is fellowship-trained in gynecologic oncology, brings her expertise in minimally invasive surgery for gynecologic cancers to Stony Brook Medicine. During her fellowship at the University of Virginia Health System, Dr. Henretta trained on the da Vinci® Surgical System, and uses the system to perform minimally invasive procedures for cervical and endometrial cancer. Not only does this offer patients additional options in an already impressive array of procedures performed by the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, but it also provides the benefits of less pain, decreased blood loss and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery. Dr. Henretta's training includes a medical degree from the University of Connecticut, a residency in obstetrics/gynecology at The Ohio State University Medical Center and a master's degree in public health from the University of Virginia. Her research interests include the hereditary predisposition of gynecologic cancers and the prevention of hospital readmissions. Dr. Henretta is seeing patients at the Cancer Center. For consultations or appointments, call 444-4000. Additional Sources of Information PRINT "What Women Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer” by Dr. Michael Pearl "What You Need to Know About Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of Cervical Cancer" by Dr. Melissa Henretta "The Importance of a Gynecologic Oncologist" by Dr. Michael Pearl and Dr. Melissa Henretta VIDEOS Patient Testimonial–Patricia H. |
