Research Programs

Research Programs

Gynecologic Oncology

Research in the section of gynecologic oncology has covered the gamut of gynecologic malignancies. We presently have phase 3 trials in ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers, involving both national cooperative groups from the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) as well as industry trials to assess the standard of care for these diseases. We are participating in phase 1 clinical trials nationally to evaluate cutting edge therapies for cervical and ovarian cancers, including antiangiogenic agents. Our clinical trials cover both primary therapy as well as recurrent disease, with the hope of expanding our knowledge as well as offering our patients unique treatments not offered elsewhere. Finally, our department is also investigating novel MUC1 vaccine agents in the attempt to prevent recurrence of ovarian cancer with some promising results.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Benign Gynecology

The Section of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Benign Gynecology encompasses several specialty areas, including the Center for Menstrual Disorders, Fibroids and Hysteroscopic Services, the Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health and the Chronic Pelvic Pain Program. Researchers in the Section of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery engage in a wide spectrum of clinical research to improve the care of patients with conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and chronic vaginal conditions. Our research also focuses on predictors of surgical and postoperative complications and the prevention of surgical morbidity and mortality. Researchers collaborate with experts in interventional radiology, pathology and other related specialties to advance our knowledge of these conditions.

The Center for Menstrual Disorders, Fibroids and Hysteroscopic Services has internationally recognized gynecologic surgeons whose patient care and research is helping to change the field through collaborative research efforts in abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis and endometrial polyps. 

The Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health is dedicated to research that has the goal of improving the quality of life our patients who experience recurrent or chronic discharge, discomfort or other related symptoms. The research focus of this group is on the vaginal microbiome and recurrent vaginitis and is aimed at finding ways to prevent and manage these conditions. 

The Chronic Pelvic Pain Program is dedicated to clinical and translational research focused on improving the lives of our patients. This research program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of pelvic pain. Our clinician investigators collaborate with medical and surgical specialists from across the country and within Cleveland Clinic to increase our understanding and to optimize treatments for female pelvic pain disorders.  Ongoing areas of study and interest include:

  • A clinical trial that investigates the efficacy of an experimental electrical device for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain.  
  • A prospective clinical study evaluating the impact of novel surgical instruments for patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain
  • A study evaluating the use of patient-reported outcome questionnaires in assessing chronic pelvic pain improvement
  • Pelvic sensory discrimination mapping
  • Mucosal sensitivity in Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome

Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery 

The Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic includes nationally and internationally recognized scientists and clinician-investigators performing basic, translational and clinical research dedicated to improving the understanding and treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and fecal incontinence, in addition to vulvovaginal disorders, such as genitourinary syndrome of menopause and perineal disorders. Highlights of current research activities include:

  • Clinical trials evaluating the surgical and non-surgical management of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.  The Center strives to study innovative devices and procedures that will advance the care for women who suffer from pelvic floor disorders.
  • Clinical studies evaluating minimally invasive treatments for pelvic floor disorders, including laparoscopic, robotic, and vaginal surgery with or without graft implantation.
  • Clinical studies to evaluate medium and long-term outcomes of surgery for pelvic floor disorders, including complex surgery for combined vaginal and rectal prolapse.
  • Studies to improve the classification and treatment of complications of transvaginal mesh procedures.
  • Cleveland Clinic has recruited patients and served as the data coordinating center for a national multi-center study evaluating two minimally invasive procedures that allow women undergoing surgery for uterovaginal prolapse to avoid hysterectomy.  Our center continues to study pelvic organ prolapse surgery for uterine preservation.
  • Cleveland Clinic has participated in and is currently participating in multiple 522 studies for surgical treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, the Pelvic Floor Disorders Registry, and the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network.
  • Clinical studies to evaluate postoperative opiate use after surgery for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
  • Clinical studies evaluating methods to decrease urinary tract infections and decrease catheter use after surgery for urinary incontinence.
  • Studies evaluating ways to measure and improve surgical competency and judgment among pelvic surgeons in training.
  • Studies evaluating use of CO2 fractional laser surgery for genitourinary syndrome of menopause and other vulvar and vaginal disorders.
  • Basic and translational research in pelvic floor disorders (www.lerner.ccf.org/bme/damaser).

Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

The Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility has an active and varied basic science and clinical research program. Residents at all levels of training are encouraged to participate in ongoing projects. The section also supports studies on other topics that residents may want to investigate. The following is a list of the areas of research our labs are currently pursuing:

  • Use of time-lapse imaging and morphokinetics in the IVF lab to improve clinical outcomes
  • Non-invasive techniques for assessing embryo vitality
  • Preimplantation genetic diagnosis to understand association between embryonic multinucleation and euploidy
  • Development of 3-D culture models for prolonged in vitro cultivation and maturation of mouse and  human preantral ovarian follicles
  • Study of extracellular matrix components and their role in folliculogenesis
  • Derivation and feeder-free culture of embryonic stem cell lines
  • Growth factor modulation of embryonic growth, blastocyst differentiation and apoptosis
  • Testicular/epididymal sperm and impact on embryo developmental dynamics
  • Development of methodology for single sperm cryopreservation
  • DNA fragmentation and embryo development
  • Characterization of endometrial secretions during the window of implantation
  • Optimizing ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation
  • Role of microRNAs in endometriosis
  • ADAMTS and myoma extracellular matrix
  • Development of an anti-adhesion product for laparoscopic surgery

For more information on IVF Research please visit the Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Fertility Center.

Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Researchers in the Section of Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine are committed to research that improves the health and wellbeing of women and children through a number of different areas, including: 

  • Genetic testing during pregnancy is a focus of our work. We are conducting a series of studies funded by the NIH to identify how to best integrate new prenatal genetic tests into patient care, including cell-free fetal DNA screening, one of the newest tests available to patients. Our goal is to find ways to help educate patients and doctors about these tests and then, ensure that patients can have effective discussions with their doctor about what test is right for them.
  • A focus of our research is cardiovascular complications of pregnancy, with an emphasis on preeclampsia and the identification of factors that cause this condition as a way to develop new approaches to early diagnosis and intervention. Current studies are looking at the effects of progesterone on activation of vascular endothelial cells by TNFα, sFlt-1 and sEng, and the role of heme oxygenases and carbon monoxide system. In addition, we are studying the potential impact of new insights into the natriuretic peptide system on hypertensive disease in pregnancy. We will also begin collaboration with Lerner Research Institute researchers investigating APO1 mutations responsible for the increased risk of preeclampsia in African American women. On the clinical side, we will soon be recruiting patients for a multi-center prospective randomized trial on treatment of chronic hypertension in pregnancy and we continue to participate in the PCOR study (Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Outcomes Registry), which looks at the relationship between certain complications during pregnancy and the development of cardiovascular disease later in life. 
  • Another focus is on how to optimize outcomes for women and children when an obstetric complication is identified. This includes studies looking at how to best plan for labor and delivery when a baby is diagnosed with meningomyelocele, one of the different types of neural tube defects that can be diagnosed early in pregnancy. We also have studies to help improve obstetric outcomes when a mother has diabetes or is diagnosed with this during her pregnancy. These studies will look at the effect of delayed cord clamping as a way to help babies thrive in the early days of life.  

Specialized Women's Health

The Center for Specialized Women’s Health encompasses holistic care of women, often with complex medical conditions, and provides cutting edge evidence based therapies. The research program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of women’s health concerns. Collaboration between the multidisciplinary staff at the Center with a diverse group of clinicians from across Cleveland Clinic and Case Western university allows for novel approaches and the dissemination of the latest breakthroughs in women’s health research. Our staff have worked along with the Case Western School of Dentistry to examine periodontal issues in women taking bisphosphonate therapy and with Cleveland Clinic's Department of Radiology to assess compliance with osteoporosis screening. Ongoing areas of study include treatment of osteoporosis, gynecologic concerns after bone marrow transplant, resident education, cervical cancer screening, sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence.

Global Women’s Health

The Section of Global Health is focused on how to best deliver high-quality, evidence-based healthcare to patients across the world, particularly in areas where women experience preventable diseases such as cervical cancer. Although preventable, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality for women in low and middle income countries. Researchers in the Section of Global Health focus on developing innovative and low-cost technologies adapted to detect, prevent, and treat precancerous lesions in resource-poor settings. Other projects conducted within the Section of Global Health include the development of an HPV self-sampling screening protocols to reach underserved women in Central American and China. 

Family Planning

The Section of Family Planning is deeply committed to research focused specifically on contraception and abortion that exerts a sustained and significant impact on women’s health,  reproductive advocacy and clinical practice. Our research team is dedicated to improving the overall quality of women’s health care by fostering innovative research and partnering with other Cleveland Clinic departments, institutes and organizations of excellence. This important multi-disciplinary collaboration allows for extraordinarily meaningful scientific input for the national and international reproductive health communities. Our projects currently center on investigating best practices in complex contraception, the use of LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception) in the immediate post-partum period and post-abortive period, improving adolescent contraception, methods of abortion training and education, effectiveness of physician advocacy in protecting the reproductive rights of women, health care providers views on abortion, innovative policies to decrease the unintended pregnancy and neonatal mortality rates and new protocols for early pregnancy failure and post-abortion follow up procedures.

Research News

Research News

OB/Gyn & Women’s Health Perspectives

Cleveland Clinic's OB/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute publishes Perspectives to provide an overview of our clinical, translational, health services and basic science research toward the improvement of patients’ lives. Cleveland Clinic is recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care.

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials (or research studies) help us create the medicine of tomorrow. They provide hope through offering testing of new drugs, new surgical techniques or other treatments before they are widely available.

We can help you access hundreds of clinical trials across all specialty areas. Our new searchable online trials tool makes identifying treatment opportunities easier than ever.

Publications and Presentations

Publications and Presentations

2018 Publications

  • Baird RC, Li S, Wang H, Naga Prasad SV, Majdalany D, Perni U, Wu Q. Pregnancy-Associated Cardiac Hypertrophy in Corin-Deficient Mice: Observations in a Transgenic Model of Preeclampsia. Can J Cardiol. 2019 Jan;35(1):68-76. doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2018.11.001. Epub 2018 Nov 14. PubMed PMID: 30595185; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6314216.
  • Chang OH, Paraiso MFR. Revitalizing Research in Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Dec 23. pii: S0002-9378(18)32279-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.12.032. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30586548.
  • Grimstad FW, Fowler KG, New EP, Ferrando CA, Pollard RR, Chapman G, Gomez Lobo V, Gray M. Uterine Pathology in Transmasculine Persons on Testosterone: a retrospective case series. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Dec 20. pii: S0002-9378(18)32231-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.12.021. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30579875.
  • Bradley LD, Singh SS, Simon J, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Petersdorf K, Groettrup-Wolfers E, Ren X, Zvolanek M, Seitz C. Vilaprisan in women with uterine fibroids: the randomized phase 2b ASTEROID 1 study. Fertil Steril. 2018 Dec 6. pii: S0015-0282(18)32100-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.10.012. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30527839.
  • Kho RM. Wading through the Quagmire of Data with Systematic Reviews. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Nov 29. pii: S1553-4650(18)31364-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.11.014. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30503758.
  • Sheyn D, Bretschneider CE, Mahajan ST, Ridgeway B, Davenport A, Pollard R. Incidence and risk factors of early postoperative small bowel obstruction in patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Nov 22. pii: S0002-9378(18)32121-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.11.1095. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30471258.
  • Costales A, Michener C, Escobar-Rodriguez PF. Radical Trachelectomy for Early Stage Cervical Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2018 Nov 19;19(12):75. doi: 10.1007/s11864-018-0591-4. Review. PubMed PMID: 30450531.
  • Whiteside JL, Kaeser CT, Ridgeway B. Achieving high value in the surgical approach to hysterectomy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Nov 9. pii: S0002-9378(18)31146-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.11.124. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30419200.
  • Moreno AC, Sikka SK, Thacker HL. Correction: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Cleve Clin J Med. 2018 Nov;85(11):860. PubMed PMID: 30395529.
  • Expert Panel on Women’s Imaging:, Maturen KE, Akin EA, Dassel M, Deshmukh SP, Dudiak KM, Henrichsen TL, Learman LA, Oliver ER, Poder L, Sadowski EA, Vargas HA, Weber TM, Winter T, Glanc P. ACR Appropriateness criteria(®) Postmenopausal Subacute or Chronic Pelvic Pain. J Am Coll Radiol. 2018 Nov;15(11S):S365-S372. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.09.023. PubMed PMID: 30392605.
  • Cremer ML, Conzuelo-Rodriguez G, Cherniak W, Randall T. Ablative Therapies for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Low-Resource Settings: Findings and Key Questions. J Glob Oncol. 2018 Oct;(4):1-10. doi: 10.1200/JGO.18.00093. PubMed PMID: 30372399.
  • Davidson ERW, Thomas TN, Lampert EJ, Paraiso MFR, Ferrando CA. Route of hysterectomy during minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy does not affect postoperative outcomes. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Oct 18. doi: 10.1007/s00192-018-3790-4. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30338370.
  • Farag S, Frazzini Padilla P, Smith KA, Flyckt R, Sprague ML, Zimberg SE. Fallopian tube perfusion in ex-vivo and in-vivo laparoscopic hysterectomy specimens: potential application for uterine transplantation. Hum Reprod. 2018 Dec 1;33(12):2232-2240. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey307. PubMed PMID: 30304437.
  • Carr BR, Stewart EA, Archer DF, Al-Hendy A, Bradley L, Watts NB, Diamond MP, Gao J, Owens CD, Chwalisz K, Duan WR, Soliman AM, Dufek MB, Simon JA. Elagolix Alone or With Add-Back Therapy in Women With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Uterine Leiomyomas: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Nov;132(5):1252-1264. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002933. PubMed PMID: 30303923.
  • Bretschneider CE, Sheyn D, Pollard R, Ferrando CA. Complication Rates and Outcomes After Hysterectomy in Transgender Men. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Nov;132(5):1265-1273. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002936. PubMed PMID: 30303922.
  • Batur P, Sikka S, McNamara M. Contraception Update: Extended Use of Long Acting Methods, Hormonal Contraception Risks, and Over the Counter Access. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2018 Oct 6. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2018.7391. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30300076.
  • Moreno AC, Sikka SK, Thacker HL. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors:Treatments are available. Cleve Clin J Med. 2018 Oct;85(10):760-766. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.85a.17108. Review. Erratum in: Cleve Clin J Med. 2018 Nov;85(11):860. PubMed PMID: 30289755.
  • Davidson ERW, Woodburn K, AlHilli M, Ferrando CA. Perioperative adverse events in women undergoing concurrent urogynecologic and gynecologic oncology surgeries for suspected malignancy. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Oct 2. doi: 10.1007/s00192-018-3772-6. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30280203.
  • Hickman LC, Kotlyar A, Shue S, Falcone T. WITHDRAWN: Author's Reply. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Sep 29. pii: S1553-4650(18)31254-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.09.783. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30278235.
  • Frazzini Padilla PM, Farag S, Smith KA, Zimberg SE, Davila GW, Sprague ML. Development and Validation of a Simulation Model for Laparoscopic Colpotomy. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Oct;132 Suppl 1:19S-26S. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002857. PubMed PMID: 30247303.
  • Kho RM. Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: The Evolving Field Behind the Name. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Nov - Dec;25(7):1115-1116. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.09.773. Epub 2018 Sep 20. PubMed PMID: 30244154.
  • Arcoverde FVL, Andres MP, Borrelli GM, Barbosa PA, Abrão MS, Kho RM. Surgery for Endometriosis Improves Major Domains of Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Sep 20. pii: S1553-4650(18)31244-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.09.774. [Epub ahead of print] Review. PubMed PMID: 30244153.
  • AlHilli MM, Al-Hilli Z. Perioperative Management of Women Undergoing Risk-reducing Surgery for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Sep 19. pii: S1553-4650(18)31215-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.09.767. [Epub ahead of print] Review. PubMed PMID: 30240898.
  • Munoz JL, Kalan A, Singh K. Second Trimester Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy and Hemorrhage: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Aug 26;2018:3860274. doi: 10.1155/2018/3860274. eCollection 2018. PubMed PMID: 30225155; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6129320.
  • Bretschneider CE, Frazzini Padilla P, Das D, Jelovsek JE, Unger CA. The impact of surgeon volume on perioperative adverse events in women undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for the large uterus. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Nov;219(5):490.e1-490.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.09.003. Epub 2018 Sep 14. PubMed PMID: 30222939.
  • Svensson LG, Donley B, Falcone T. Cleveland Clinic comes to London. Eur Heart J. 2018 Sep 7;39(34):3161-3163. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy450. PubMed PMID: 30202967.
  • Vargas R, Gopal P, Kuzmishin GB, DeBernardo R, Koyfman SA, Jha BK, Mian OY, Scott J, Adams DJ, Peacock CD, Abazeed ME. Case study: patient-derived clear cell adenocarcinoma xenograft model longitudinally predicts treatment response. NPJ Precis Oncol. 2018 Jul 11;2:14. doi: 10.1038/s41698-018-0060-3. eCollection 2018. PubMed PMID: 30202792; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6041303.
  • Farrell RM, Mercer M, Agatisa PK, Coleridge MB. Balancing Needs and Autonomy: The Involvement of Pregnant Women's Partners in Decisions About cfDNA. Qual Health Res. 2018 Sep 5:1049732318796833. doi: 10.1177/1049732318796833. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30182811.
  • Das D, Propst K, Wechter ME, Kho RM. Evaluation of Positioning Devices for Optimization of Outcomes in Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Gynecologic Surgery. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Sep 1. pii: S1553-4650(18)30446-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.08.027. [Epub ahead of print] Review. PubMed PMID: 30176363.
  • Fortin C, Hur C, Falcone T. Impact of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy on Quality of Life. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Sep 1. pii: S1553-4650(18)30438-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.08.019. [Epub ahead of print] Review. PubMed PMID: 30176360.
  • Zhang S, Batur P, Martin C 3rd, Rochon PJ. Contraceptive Implant Removals with the Use of IR. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2018 Sep;29(9):1317-1319. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2018.02.014. PubMed PMID: 30146212.
  • Connor EV, Newlin EM, Jelovsek JE, AlHilli MM. Predicting non-home discharge in epithelial ovarian cancer patients: External validation of a predictive model. Gynecol Oncol. 2018 Oct;151(1):129-133. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.08.011. Epub 2018 Aug 11. PubMed PMID: 30107886.
  • Farrell RM, Flyckt R, Falcone T. The Call for a Closer Examination of the Ethical Issues Associated with Uterine Transplantation. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Sep - Oct;25(6):933-935. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.07.016. Epub 2018 Jul 27. PubMed PMID: 30059772.
  • Burger RA, Deng W, Makker V, Collins Y, Gray H, Debernardo R, Martin LP, Aghajanian C. Phase II evaluation of dalantercept in the treatment of persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study. Gynecol Oncol. 2018 Sep;150(3):466-470. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.06.017. Epub 2018 Jul 3. PubMed PMID: 30041929.
  • Mabel H, Farrell RM, Tzakis AG. On Gender and Reproductive Decision-Making in Uterine Transplantation. Am J Bioeth. 2018 Jul;18(7):3-5. doi: 10.1080/15265161.2018.1489655. PubMed PMID: 30040551.
  • Bretschneider CE, Sheyn D, Mahajan ST, Ferrando CA. Adverse Events After Concurrent Procedures for Gynecologic Malignancies and Pelvic Floor Disorders. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Aug;132(2):274-280. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002731. PubMed PMID: 29995734.
  • Bursch B, Forgey M, Emerson ND, Siddarth P, Weisbrot DM, Shaw RJ, Doss J, Falcone T, Hinman K, LaFrance WC Jr, Laptook R, Willis MD, Deggelman EL, Caplan R, Plioplys S. Sibling-Controlled Study of Parental Bonding, Coping, and Urgent Health-Care Use in Families With Children With Nonepileptic Seizures. J Pediatr Psychol. 2018 Nov 1;43(10):1128-1137. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsy050. PubMed PMID: 29992307.
  • Richards EG, Flyckt R, Tzakis A, Falcone T. Uterus transplantation: organ procurement in a deceased donor model. Fertil Steril. 2018 Jul 1;110(1):183. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.04.014. PubMed PMID: 29980257.
  • Connor EV, Rose PG. Management Strategies for Recurrent Endometrial Cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2018 Sep;18(9):873-885. doi: 10.1080/14737140.2018.1491311. Epub 2018 Jul 4. PubMed PMID: 29972650.
  • Maza M, Melendez M, Masch R, Alfaro K, Chacon A, Gonzalez E, Soler M, Conzuelo-Rodriguez G, Gage JC, Alonzo TA, Castle PE, Felix JC, Cremer M. Acceptability of self-sampling and human papillomavirus testing among non-attenders of cervical cancer screening programs in El Salvador. Prev Med. 2018 Sep;114:149-155. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2018.06.017. Epub 2018 Jun 26. PubMed PMID: 29958860.
  • Agatisa PK, Mercer MB, Coleridge M, Farrell RM. Genetic Counselors' Perspectives About Cell-Free DNA: Experiences, Challenges, and Expectations for Obstetricians. J Genet Couns. 2018 Dec;27(6):1374-1385. doi: 10.1007/s10897-018-0268-y. Epub 2018 Jun 27. PubMed PMID: 29951719.
  • Beran BD, Shockley M, Padilla PF, Farag S, Escobar P, Zimberg S, Sprague ML. Laser Angiography to Assess the Vaginal Cuff During Robotic Hysterectomy. JSLS. 2018 Apr-Jun;22(2). pii: e2018.00001. doi: 10.4293/JSLS.2018.00001. PubMed PMID: 29950801; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6016861.
  • Chan JK, Brady W, Monk BJ, Brown J, Shahin MS, Rose PG, Kim JH, Secord AA, Walker JL, Gershenson DM. A phase II evaluation of sunitinib in the treatment of persistent or recurrent clear cell ovarian carcinoma: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study (GOG-254). Gynecol Oncol. 2018 Aug;150(2):247-252. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.05.029. Epub 2018 Jun 18. PubMed PMID: 29921512; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6235144.
  • Komesu YM, Richter HE, Carper B, Dinwiddie DL, Lukacz ES, Siddiqui NY, Sung VW, Zyczynski HM, Ridgeway B, Rogers RG, Arya LA, Mazloomdoost D, Gantz MG; Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. The urinary microbiome in women with mixed urinary incontinence compared to similarly aged controls. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s00192-018-3683-6. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29909556; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6295358.
  • Ferrando CA. Vaginoplasty Complications. Clin Plast Surg. 2018 Jul;45(3):361-368. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2018.03.007. Epub 2018 Mar 31. Review. PubMed PMID: 29908624.
  • Craig LB, Buery-Joyner SD, Bliss S, Everett EN, Forstein DA, Graziano SC, Hampton BS, McKenzie ML, Morgan H, Page-Ramsey SM, Pradhan A, Hopkins L; Undergraduate Medical Education Committee, Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. To the point: gender differences in the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Nov;219(5):430-435. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.05.020. Epub 2018 May 29. Review. PubMed PMID: 29852154.
  • Desai N, Gill P, Tadros NN, Goldberg JM, Sabanegh E, Falcone T. Azoospermia and embryo morphokinetics: testicular sperm-derived embryos exhibit delays in early cell cycle events and increased arrest prior to compaction. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018 Jul;35(7):1339-1348. doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1183-8. Epub 2018 May 21. PubMed PMID: 29785530; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6063819.
  • Cooper L, Ryan CG, Ells LJ, Hamilton S, Atkinson G, Cooper K, Johnson MI, Kirwan JP, Martin D. Weight loss interventions for adults with overweight/obesity and chronic musculoskeletal pain: a mixed methods systematic review. Obes Rev. 2018 Jul;19(7):989-1007. doi: 10.1111/obr.12686. Epub 2018 May 20. Review. PubMed PMID: 29781096.
  • Cleland K, Wagner B, Batur P, McNamara M, Wu J, Rothberg MB. The politics of place: Presidential voting patterns and providers' prescription of emergency contraception. Contraception. 2018 Sep;98(3):237-242. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.05.013. Epub 2018 May 18. PubMed PMID: 29778587.
  • Arian SE, Flyckt RL, Herman R, Erfani H, Falcone T. Fertility preservation in pediatric female cancer patients. Fertil Steril. 2018 May;109(5):941. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.02.112. PubMed PMID: 29778393.
  • Dermawan JKT, Hur C, Uberti MG, Flyckt R, Falcone T, Brainard J, Abdul-Karim FW. Thickened Endometrium in Postmenopausal Women With an Initial Biopsy of Limited, Benign, Surface Endometrium: Clinical Outcome and Subsequent Pathologic Diagnosis. Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2018 May 10. doi: 10.1097/PGP.0000000000000525. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29750705.
  • Faubion SS, Batur P, Calhoun AH. Migraine Throughout the Female Reproductive Life Cycle. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018 May;93(5):639-645. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.11.027. Review. PubMed PMID: 29728203.
  • Siff LN, Hill AJ, Walters SJ, Walters G, Walters MD. The Effect of Commonly Performed Exercises on the Levator Hiatus Area and the Length and Strength of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Postpartum Women. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2018 May 2. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000590. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29727372.
  • Expert Panel on Interventional Radiology:, Knuttinen MG, Stark G, Hohenwalter EJ, Bradley LD, Braun AR, Gipson MG, Kim CY, Pinchot JW, Scheidt MJ, Sella DM, Weiss CR, Lorenz JM. ACR Appropriateness Criteria(®) Radiologic Management of Uterine Leiomyomas. J Am Coll Radiol. 2018 May;15(5S):S160-S170. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.03.010. PubMed PMID: 29724419.
  • Davidson ERW, Kho R. Use of Vessel-Sealing Devices during Vaginal Hysterectomy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Apr 26. pii: S1553-4650(18)30247-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.04.018. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29705060.
  • Hickman LC, Fortin C, Goodman L, Liu X, Flyckt R. Fertility and fertility preservation: knowledge, awareness and attitudes of female graduate students. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2018 Apr;23(2):130-138. doi: 10.1080/13625187.2018.1455085. Epub 2018 Apr 18. PubMed PMID: 29667456.
  • Costales AB, Patil D, Mulya A, Kirwan JP, Michener CM. 2-Octylcyanoacrylate for the prevention of anastomotic leak. J Surg Res. 2018 Jun;226:166-172. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.01.026. Epub 2018 Feb 22. PubMed PMID: 29661283.
  • Jeppson PC, Balgobin S, Washington BB, Hill AJ, Lewicky-Gaupp C, Wheeler T 2nd, Ridgeway B, Mazloomdoost D, Balk EM, Corton MM, DeLancey J; Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Pelvic Anatomy Group. Recommended standardized terminology of the anterior female pelvis based on a structured medical literature review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Jul;219(1):26-39. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.04.006. Epub 2018 Apr 7. PubMed PMID: 29630884.
  • Cowett AA, Ali R, Cooper MA, Evans M, Conzuelo G, Cremer M. Timing of Etonogestrel Implant Insertion After Dilation and Evacuation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 May;131(5):856-862. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002590. PubMed PMID: 29630023.
  • Zhang S, Batur P, Martin C 3rd, Rochon PJ. Contraceptive Implant Migration and Removal by Interventional Radiology. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2018 Mar;35(1):23-28. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1636517. Epub 2018 Apr 5. Review. PubMed PMID: 29628612; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5886766.
  • <strong.ferrando>. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial on the effect of local analgesia on postoperative gluteal pain in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament colpopexy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Jun;218(6):599.e1-599.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.03.033. Epub 2018 Mar 31. PubMed PMID: 29614274.</strong.ferrando>
  • Connor EV, Moulton LJ, Costales AB, Vargas R, Michener CM, AlHilli MM. Intestinal Surgery in Gynecologic Oncology: Are We Training for the Future? Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2018 Jun;28(5):983-988. doi: 10.1097/IGC.0000000000001250. PubMed PMID: 29595760.
  • Nothnick WB, Falcone T, Olson MR, Fazleabas AT, Tawfik OW, Graham A. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Receptor, CD74, is Overexpressed in Human and Baboon ( Papio Anubis) Endometriotic esions and Modulates Endometriotic Epithelial Cell Survival and Interleukin 8 Expression. Reprod Sci. 2018 Nov;25(11):1557-1566. doi: 10.1177/1933719118766262. Epub 2018 Mar 28. PubMed PMID: 29592775.
  • Agatisa PK, Mercer MB, Mitchum A, Coleridge MB, Farrell RM. Patient-Centered Obstetric Care in the Age of Cell-Free Fetal DNA Prenatal Screening. J Patient Exp. 2018 Mar;5(1):26-33. doi: 10.1177/2374373517720482. Epub 2017 Aug 30. PubMed PMID: 29582008; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5862378.
  • Moulton LJ, Falcone T. Maintaining Academic Integrity and Preventing Scientific Misconduct in Clinical Research. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Jul - Aug;25(5):743-744. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.03.011. Epub 2018 Mar 22. PubMed PMID: 29577989.
  • Schachar JS, Devakumar H, Martin L, Farag S, Hurtado EA, Davila GW. Pelvic floor muscle weakness: a risk factor for anterior vaginal wall prolapse recurrence. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Nov;29(11):1661-1667. doi: 10.1007/s00192-018-3626-2. Epub 2018 Mar 19. PubMed PMID: 29552738.
  • Peterson TV, Pinto RA, Davila GW, Nahas SC, Baracat EC, Haddad JM. Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the pelvic floor bother questionnaire. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Mar 16. doi: 10.1007/s00192-018-3627-1. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29549393.
  • Kho RM, Andres MP, Borrelli GM, Neto JS, Zanluchi A, Abrão MS. Surgical treatment of different types of endometriosis: Comparison of major society guidelines and preferred clinical algorithms. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Aug;51:102-110. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.01.020. Epub 2018 Feb 16. Review. PubMed PMID: 29545114.
  • Flyckt RL, Farrell RM, Falcone T. Uterine Transplantation: A Minimally Invasive Approach. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 May - Jun;25(4):551-552. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.02.012. Epub 2018 Mar 6. PubMed PMID: 29501707.
  • Christ JP, Falcone T. Bariatric Surgery Improves Hyperandrogenism, Menstrual Irregularities, and Metabolic Dysfunction Among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Obes Surg. 2018 Aug;28(8):2171-2177. doi: 10.1007/s11695-018-3155-6. PubMed PMID: 29500679.
  • Bretschneider CE, Share SM, Paraiso MFR. Nephrogenic Adenoma in the Setting of Refractory Labial Agglutination in an Elderly Woman. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2018 Jul/Aug;24(4):e6-e8. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000553. PubMed PMID: 29489552.
  • Hickman LC, Llarena NC, Valentine LN, Liu X, Falcone T. Preservation of gonadal function in women undergoing chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the potential role for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018 Apr;35(4):571-581. doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1128-2. Epub 2018 Feb 22. Review. PubMed PMID: 29470701; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5949114.
  • Desai N, Goldberg JM, Austin C, Falcone T. Are cleavage anomalies, multinucleation, or specific cell cycle kinetics observed with time-lapse imaging predictive of embryo developmental capacity or ploidy? Fertil Steril. 2018 Apr;109(4):665-674. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.12.025. Epub 2018 Feb 13. PubMed PMID: 29452698.
  • Farrell RM, Allyse MA. Key Ethical Issues in Prenatal Genetics: An Overview. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;45(1):127-141. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2017.10.006. Epub 2017 Dec 9. Review. PubMed PMID: 29428280.
  • Guan X, Bardawil E, Liu J, Kho R. Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery as a Rescue for Total Vaginal Hysterectomy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Nov - Dec;25(7):1135-1136. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.01.028. Epub 2018 Feb 7. PubMed PMID: 29427780.
  • Falcone T, Flyckt R. Clinical Management of Endometriosis. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Mar;131(3):557-571. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002469. PubMed PMID: 29420391.
  • Zhang S, McNamara M, Batur P. Cervical Cancer Screening: What's New? Updates for the Busy Clinician. Am J Med. 2018 Jun;131(6):702.e1-702.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.01.020. Epub 2018 Feb 3. Review. PubMed PMID: 29408216.
  • Miller KR, Patel JN, Zhang Q, Norris EJ, Symanowski J, Michener C, Sehouli J, Braicu I, Destephanis DD, Sutker AP, Jones W, Livasy CA, Biscotti C, Ganapathi RN, Tait DL, Ganapathi MK. HOXA4/HOXB3 gene expression signature as a biomarker of recurrence in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer following primary cytoreductive surgery and first-line adjuvant chemotherapy. Gynecol Oncol. 2018 Apr;149(1):155-162. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.01.022. PubMed PMID: 29402501.
  • Shue S, Radeva M, Falcone T. Comparison of Long-Term Fertility Outcomes after Myomectomy: Relationship with Number of Myomas Removed. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Sep - Oct;25(6):1002-1008. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.01.016. Epub 2018 Jan 31. PubMed PMID: 29371170.
  • Farag S, Padilla PF, Smith KA, Sprague ML, Zimberg SE. Management, Prevention, and Sequelae of Adhesions in Women Undergoing Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: A Systematic Review. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Nov - Dec;25(7):1194-1216. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.12.010. Epub 2017 Dec 28. Review. PubMed PMID: 29289627.
  • Goldberg JM. Endometrial scratching to increase pregnancy rates with intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril. 2018 Jan;109(1):56. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.10.016. Epub 2017 Dec 20. PubMed PMID: 29274658.
  • Maza M, Figueroa R, Laskow B, Juárez A, Alfaro K, Alonzo TA, Felix JC, Gage JC, Cremer M. Effects of Maintenance on Quality of Performance of Cryotherapy Devices for Treatment of Precancerous Cervical Lesions. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2018 Jan;22(1):47-51. doi: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000359. PubMed PMID: 29271857.
  • Kotlyar A, Shue S, Liu X, Falcone T. Effect of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on therapeutic outcomes among women with endometriosis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2018 May;141(2):228-233. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.12416. Epub 2018 Jan 18. PubMed PMID: 29205346.
  • Fortin C, Flyckt R, Falcone T. Alternatives to hysterectomy: The burden of fibroids and the quality of life. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Jan;46:31-42. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2017.10.001. Epub 2017 Oct 20. Review. PubMed PMID: 29157931.
  • Komesu YM, Amundsen CL, Richter HE, Erickson SW, Ackenbom MF, Andy UU, Sung VW, Albo M, Gregory WT, Paraiso MF, Wallace D; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Refractory urgency urinary incontinence treatment in women: impact of age on outcomes and complications. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Jan;218(1):111.e1-111.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.10.006. Epub 2017 Oct 12. PubMed PMID: 29031894; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5803754.
  • Barbosa RN, Andres MP, Kho RM, Abrão MS. Ileum Endometriosis: A Cause of Bowel Obstruction. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Jul - Aug;25(5):759-760. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.10.001. Epub 2017 Oct 12. PubMed PMID: 29031678.
  • Khan Z, Goldberg JM. Hysteroscopic Management of Asherman's Syndrome. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Feb;25(2):218-228. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.09.020. Epub 2017 Oct 9. Review. PubMed PMID: 29024798.
  • Andres MP, Borrelli GM, Ribeiro J, Baracat EC, Abrão MS, Kho RM. Transvaginal Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Adenomyosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Feb;25(2):257-264. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.08.653. Epub 2017 Aug 30. Review. PubMed PMID: 28864044.
  • Flyckt R, Davis A, Farrell R, Zimberg S, Tzakis A, Falcone T. Uterine Transplantation: Surgical Innovation in the Treatment of Uterine Factor Infertility. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2018 Jan;40(1):86-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2017.06.018. Epub 2017 Aug 15. Review. PubMed PMID: 28821413.
  • Alas A, Chandrasekaran N, Devakumar H, Martin L, Hurtado E, Davila GW. Advanced uterovaginal prolapse: is vaginal hysterectomy with McCall culdoplasty as effective as in lesser degrees of prolapse? Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Jan;29(1):139-144. doi: 10.1007/s00192-017-3436-y. Epub 2017 Aug 4. PubMed PMID: 28779416.
  • Gingold JA, Gueye NA, Falcone T. Minimally Invasive Approaches to Myoma Management. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Feb;25(2):237-250. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.07.007. Epub 2017 Jul 19. Review. PubMed PMID: 28734973.
  • Siff LN, Jallad K, Hickman LC, Walters MD. Surgical Anatomy of the Uterosacral Ligament Colpopexy. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2018 Sep/Oct;24(5):380-382. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000461. PubMed PMID: 28727647.
  • Beran BD, Shockley M, Arnolds K, Sprague ML, Zimberg SE, Tzakis A, Falcone T. Anatomy of the Internal Iliac Vein: Implications for Uterine Transplant. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Feb;25(2):329. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.06.022. Epub 2017 Jun 29. PubMed PMID: 28669893.
  • Jallad K, Ridgeway B, Paraiso MFR, Gurland B, Unger CA. Long-Term Outcomes After Ventral Rectopexy With Sacrocolpo- or Hysteropexy for the Treatment of Concurrent Rectal and Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2018 Sep/Oct;24(5):336-340. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000444. PubMed PMID: 28657998.
  • Steele SE, Hill AJ, Unger CA. Concurrent midurethral sling excision or lysis at the time of repeat sling for treatment of recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Feb;29(2):285-290. doi: 10.1007/s00192-017-3385-5. Epub 2017 Jun 3. PubMed PMID: 28580496.
  • Beran BD, Pereira LF, Zimberg S, Falcone T. Primary Amenorrhea and Endometriosis Secondary to an Unusual Müllerian Anomaly. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Feb;25(2):318-319. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.04.011. Epub 2017 Apr 28. PubMed PMID: 28461177.
FAQ

FAQ

Why Participate?

Patients taking part in Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute research studies at Cleveland Clinic are seen by a team of expert doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff. Clinical research patients often are first to receive promising new treatments before they become available in the community.

Patients are helping others with the same disease, both today and in the future.

What should I consider when deciding to participate?

It is important that patients be well informed and feel confident and secure about participating. Before deciding to participate, you should talk with your own doctors, family members, and Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute Research personnel.

Be sure you know the answers to the following questions before you make your decision:

  • What is the purpose of the study?
  • What is required of me?
  • What is my role in the study — am I a healthy volunteer or a patient volunteer?
  • Will the study directly benefit me?
  • Will the study benefit others?
  • Are there risks? If so, what are they and what are the chances that they will occur?
  • What discomforts are involved?
  • What is the total time involved?
  • Are there other inconveniences?
  • Have I discussed participation in the study with those who are important to me, such as family and friends?
  • Do I wish to participate in this study?

For more information about enrolling in the Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute, please call 216.445.8090 (or toll-free 1.800.223.2273, ext. 58090).

Resources

Resources

Websites

Contact

Contact

Women's Health and Ob/Gyn Institute Research and Innovations Leadership

Ruth Farrell, MD, MA
Vice Chairman of Clinical Research
farrelr@ccf.org
440.943.2500

Section Heads

Florida
G. Willy Davila, MD
davilag@ccf.org
954.659.5559

Reproductive Endocrinology
Nina Desai, PhD
desain@ccf.org
216.839.2907

Urogynecology
Marie Paraiso, MD
paraism@ccf.org
216.444.3428

Benign
Tosin Goje, MD
gojeo@ccf.org
440.312.2229

Obstetrics
Uma Perni, MD
perniu@ccf.org
440.312.2229

Gyn Oncology
Peter Rose, MD
rosep@ccf.org
216.444.1712

Global Health Research
Miriam Cremer, MD, MPH
cremerm@ccf.org
216.312.0618

Family Planning
Mitchell Reider, MD
reiderm@ccf.org
216.476.7000

For information  about our clinical research studies, please call 216.445.8090