Gynecologic Oncology

At Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center, we pride ourselves on providing innovative and empathetic gynecologic cancer care. We believe that the best cancer care is whole-person care, and we work closely with all of our patients to develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans to support you and your loved ones on your healing journey. Whether you require surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, fertility preservation and/or other ancillary support, our team is here for you.

Conditions We Treat

Our distinguished Gynecologic Oncology team is led by nationally recognized, board certified specialists who work with a multidisciplinary team to provide coordinated care using state-of-the art technologies. Our team is well equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of cancers including:

They are also well-versed in complex benign gynecologic surgery, and are adept at working with women who are high risk for developing cancer and patients seeking second opinions. Most of all, our team is dedicated to supporting you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Our Approach

We believe that the best care is both cutting edge and evidence-based. To best serve our patients, we integrate the most up-to-date research available through Eisenhower Health’s affiliation with UC San Diego Health Cancer Network. Additionally, our teams work hand-in-hand with the Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center’s support services to make sure that all of your needs are addressed.

Your Expert Gynecologic Oncology Team

Why Choose Us?

Our program provides top notch care locally. At Eisenhower Health’s Curci Cancer Center, we provide patients the same cutting edge care as other Southern California’s leading cancer centers, without requiring patients and their families to travel 2-3 hours for that care. Our collaboration with UCSD Moores Cancer Center has enhanced our ability to provide access to the best new approaches to cancer treatment. Our collaborative approach allows our patients access to resources that extend well beyond the capability of any one program or institution. That means that your care benefits from long-established connections and the most pertinent recent scientific findings to inform your treatment plan. You will also benefit from:

• Expert providers: Our gynecologic oncologists are highly experienced, board-certified physicians who lead national efforts to improve gynecologic oncology care. They have dedicated their careers to exclusively serving women with gynecologic cancers, and they proudly and humbly represent a multi-generational legacy of continued dedication to improving understanding and treatment of gynecologic cancer.
• Leading treatments: We use the most advanced treatments available. Our approaches include: minimally invasive robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery and radical cancer surgery; state of the art molecular diagnostic technology to tailor your treatment with the most appropriate chemotherapy; targeted biologic therapy; immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
• Team-based approach: Our specialists work together closely with a highly skilled nurse practitioner and interdisciplinary support team to determine the most aggressive and appropriate treatment for you.
• Support services: Our program provides access to a wide array of support including: social workers, patient navigators, pharmacists, nutritionists, perioperative staff, physical therapy, support groups, exercise and yoga classes, and spiritual support.
• Clinical trials: When indicated, we provide access to innovative ongoing clinical trials through UCSD’s Moores Cancer Center that provide eligible patients with access to the latest therapies before they are widely available.

New Patient Resources

Please complete and print the following documents to bring with you to your first appointment:

Please bring to your first appointment the following items:

1. Insurance cards
   • Medical benefits card
   • Pharmacy benefits card
   • Supplemental insurance card
2. Photo Identification (bring 1 (one) from the list below)
   • Driver’s license
   • California ID

About Gynecologic Cancers

Below are listed common gynecologic cancers. Please select the link to learn more about your cancer (Ovarian/Fallopian Tube/Primary Peritoneal Cancer, Endometrial/Uterine Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Vulvar Cancer, Vaginal Cancer). Please take this opportunity to prepare your questions to discuss at your next appointment.

• Endometrial/Uterine
• Ovarian
• Vulvar
• Cervical
• Vaginal Cancer

After you have received your diagnosis of a gynecologic cancer, your gynecologic oncologist may have recommended a treatment that may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biologic and / or radiation therapy.

To prepare for your treatment, we have provided you with information on what to expect and how to prepare for your treatment and quick links to the most common treatment agents used to treat gynecologic cancers. Please review the information and take this opportunity to prepare questions to discuss at your next appointment.

About Gynecologic Treatment

Before Treatment

Food and Medications - Tell your providers about any prescription and non-prescription medicines you take. This includes vitamins and other supplements, such as herbs.

Preparing for side effects - Depending on the most common side effects of your treatment, your provider may prescribe various medication(s) to prevent common side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Please obtain these medications from your pharmacy.

Financial, Disability, FMLA and letters for your employer - Before your treatment starts, you may want to speak to our gynecologic social worker or oncology financial counselor to discuss what your insurance does not cover, such as out of pocket expenses.

You may find that continuing to work is difficult and your employer may request paperwork submitted (FMLA) including disability submission. Please bring all paperwork to your visit to expedite processing.

During treatment

Treatment can be given through a needle into a vein, commonly called intravenous or IV. It can also be available through pills that you take by mouth. If you do not have adequate veins for your treatment, infusion nurses may request a central line be placed for your safety. Common central line options include port-a-cath or PICC line. Your healthcare provider will discuss this with you if needed

You may want to bring a friend or family member on your first day of treatment, dependent of space availability in the infusion center. You should bring items, such as your phone, tablet or books to make your treatment time more comfortable. The infusion center will provide food, drinks, blankets, pillows, TV and headphones to keep you comfortable during your treatment.

Before your treatment starts, you will:

• Have your height and weight checked
• Have your vital signs taken (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation)
• Have an IV inserted into your arm or your port-a-cath or PICC line accessed
• Have blood taken
• Depending on your treatment, a urine sample may be required
• Have a short physical exam by the infusion nurse
• Your gynecologic oncologist or nurse practitioner may see you during your treatment

Your treatment can take minutes to hours depending on your treatment plan. Your infusion nurse will give you medication to prevent common side effects such as nausea or possible allergic reaction. Your infusion nurse will review each of the medications you are to receive prior to administration. Please take this opportunity to ask questions.

After Treatment

After your treatment is finished, the nurse or another team member will take out your IV or de-access your port-a-cath or PICC line.

It is important that you continue a healthy lifestyle while you are at home. This would include:

• Avoid being around people with colds or other infections.
• Vaccination against COVID-19 and the flu
• Stay well hydrated, remembering that coffee, soda and tea do not count as fluids
• Wash your hands frequently
• Do not share utensils

Before you leave please schedule your next treatment visit.

Gynecologic Treatment Agents