IJGC conversations

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Dr. Alex Melamed to discuss Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Mortality in Low- vs High-Volume Centers. Alex Melamed, MD, MPH, is a gynecologic oncologist and clinical outcomes researcher in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mass General Hospital and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. He co-directs the Inference Lab in MGH's Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Melamed's research focuses on applying methods that provide meaningful insights from observational data. In particular, his work explores how focusing on temporal and spatial variation in clinical practice can help to uncover how health care affects patient outcomes. Some of his research focuses on increasing understanding of how surgical care affects the lives of cancer patients. Dr. Melamed is an associate editor of the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Paula Mateo-Kubach and Behrouz Zand to discuss Statin Use in Gynecologic Cancer Therapy. Paula Mateo-Kubach, MD, is a Spanish physician who completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Toledo, Spain. She is currently a Research Fellow at Houston Methodist Hospital, where her work focuses on perioperative care and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). In parallel, she is pursuing a PhD at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, with research centered on ERAS implementation challenges and opioid use in surgical care. Her next goal is to complete clinical training in gynecologic oncology.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ When she is not filling her database, she can be found underwater, she is a PADI-certified rescue diver. Dr. Behrouz Zand is a gynecologic oncologist at Houston Methodist Hospital's Neal Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and an assistant professor at Weill Cornell College at Houston Methodist Academic Institute. Specializing in innovative cancer care and clinical trials, he is passionate about integrating AI in medicine, a recent alumnus of the physician program at MIT for AI integration in healthcare. Dr. Zand combines cutting-edge research with compassionate patient care to advance the field.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Santiago Vieira-Serna to discuss Contralateral pelvic lymph node metastases in patients with unilateral early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer. Dr. Santiago Vieira-Serna is a gynecologic oncologist who graduated from the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2023. He currently works at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología and at Clínica Universitaria Colombia.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Dr. Giuseppe Caruso to discuss Lymphadenectomy in Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer. Dr. Giuseppe Caruso, MD PhD works as a consultant gynecologic oncologist at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milan (Italy), under the mentorship of Prof. Nicoletta Colombo. He holds a PhD in “Network Oncology and Precision Medicine” from the Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome. He is a research collaborator at Mayo Clinic, Rochester (MN, USA); an honorary faculty member of the European School of Oncology (ESO) College; and a member of the European Network of Young Gynae Oncologists (ENYGO) Executive Group.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Drs. Brian M. Slomovitz and David M. Gershenson to discuss Ribociclib Plus Letrozole in Recurrent Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma of the Ovary: GOG 3026. Dr. Slomovitz is a Gynecologic Oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. He is an internationally recognized leader in gynecologic oncology clinical trials, specifically in immunotherapy and novel biomarker therapeutics. He also is a leader in sentinel lymph node detection for gynecologic malignancies. Dr. David M. Gershenson have been engaged in several aspects of clinical and translational research of rare ovarian cancers. In the 1980s, his focus was primarily on improving therapies for patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors and ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors. Since the late 1980s, his research has concentrated on women with serous borderline tumors and low-grade serous ovarian cancer. In collaboration with Dr. Elvio Silva, they described the clinical course of women with serous borderline tumors and peritoneal implants, some of whom subsequently developed low-grade serous ovarian cancer. In 2004, he was part of the MD Anderson team who transformed the field by defining the binary histologic grading system for serous carcinoma, subsequently adopted by the World Health Organization. Several observational cohort studies of low-grade serous carcinoma followed, documenting the indolent nature of this rare subtype reflected in its prolonged overall survival, its relative insensitivity to chemotherapy, the efficacy of endocrine therapy in multiple clinical settings, the role of neoadjuvant therapy, the role of secondary cytoreductive surgery, the efficacy of bevacizumab, and the identification of the MAP kinase signaling pathway’s role in its pathogenesis. During that period, he was also chairing the Gynecologic Oncology Group’s Rare Tumor Committee (2005-2018), which was developing clinical trials specifically for rare ovarian cancers, including low-grade serous carcinoma. Much of this work culminated in the publication of GOG 281/LOGS, a positive randomized phase 3 clinical trials of the MEK inhibitor, trametinib, compared to physician’s choice standard of care, published in The Lancet in 2022. Additional seminal publications in 2022 included identifying mutations in the MAP kinase signaling pathway as a major prognostic factor and providing preliminary evidence that treatment with contemporary postoperative therapy may be reducing relapse rates. Finally, he is the Co-Principal Investigator of two important clinical trials to define the optimal primary adjuvant therapy (NRG-GY-019) and to determine the efficacy of letrozole plus ribociclib in women with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma (GOG 3026).

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Vivek Podder and Brian M. Slomovitz to discuss GLP1-Receptor Agonists in Endometrial Cancer. Vivek Podder, MBBS, is an oncology research fellow at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, where he works in gynecologic oncology with a focus on translational research and clinical trials. His work spans molecular oncology, precision medicine, and outcomes research, with an emphasis on translating genomic and metabolic insights into clinically relevant treatment strategies.His research focuses on obesity-associated cancers and the role of metabolic pathways in cancer progression and treatment response, including the potential application of GLP-1 receptor agonists in oncology. He has also contributed to molecular classification and therapeutic stratification in endometrial cancer, including work on homologous recombination deficiency, as well as immunotherapy rechallenge and chemotherapy-free treatment strategies in low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. His work reflects a consistent effort to translate biological insights into clinical practice. Dr. Podder has authored over 120 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and conference abstracts, along with more than 200 evidence summaries, with over 33,500 citations. He has presented his work at major international oncology meetings, including ASCO, ESMO, and SNO. He has contributed to five editions of the First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK series, widely regarded as essential resources for medical trainees, and serves as an associate editor and peer reviewer for several leading journals. His work has been recognized internationally, including selection to Stanford University’s list of the world’s top 2% scientists. Dr. Slomovitz is a Gynecologic Oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. He is an internationally recognized leader in gynecologic oncology clinical trials, specifically in immunotherapy and novel biomarker therapeutics. He also is a leader in sentinel lymph node detection for gynecologic malignancies.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Dr. René Pareja to discuss Topical Treatments for HPV: Fact or Flawed Science. Dr. René Pareja is a Gynecologist and Obstetrician, graduated from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia in 2000; he finished his training in Gynecologic Oncology in 2003, from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Bogotá, Colombia. He is a minimally invasive surgeon, graduated from Corporación de Estudios de la Salud (CES) in 2013. He currently works at Astorga Oncology Clinic in Medellín and at National Cancer Institute in Bogotá, Colombia. Dr. Pareja serves as a reviewer for more than 20 journals. He has authored or co-authored ten book chapters and more than 160 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Currently he is an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Gynaecological Cancer. He also serves as an international mentor for the Hospital General San Juan de Dios in Guatemala through the IGCS Global Curriculum & Mentorship Program. Some of his research has influenced how gynecologic oncologists treat cancer and has been published in important medical journals, like the New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Clinical Oncology.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Drs. Robert Wenham and Angeles Alvarez Secord to discuss Pembrolizumab and weekly paclitaxel for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Dr. Robert Wenham is a gynecologic oncologist and Chair of the Gynecologic Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Wenham has a strong interest in research and is a principal investigator for numerous clinical trials to improve cancer care for women. His research activities include the use of novel drugs for the treatment of gynecologic cancers. He has received the Molly Cade Ovarian Cancer Research Award from the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation. Dr. Wenham enjoys the challenge of helping women with complex issues and the opportunity to offer them cutting-edge therapies, from the latest chemotherapy approaches to biologically targeted therapies, minimally invasive surgery, and clinical trials. He is also an expert in pelvic exenteration surgery, a very complex operation that offers hope of a possible cure for certain patients with gynecologic cancer. Clinically, he prefers a more collaborative approach where the patient plays an active role in decisions as he guides them through the pros and cons of their options. Angeles Alvarez Secord, MD, MHSc, is a professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Heath System. She received her undergraduate degree with honors from Carroll College in Helena, Montana and graduated AOA with honors from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Secord completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Upon completing her fellowship in 2001, she joined the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Duke. She is currently Director of Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Trials, Associate Director of Clinical Research, Gynecology Oncology, and one of the Principal Investigators for NRG Oncology at the Duke Cancer Institute. Dr. Secord serves on the GOG Foundation Board of Directors. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of investigators and serves as the GOG Foundation Education and Mentoring Chair and the NRG Oncology Investigator and Career Development Committee Vice-Chair. Dr. Secord is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and an active member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society, Society of Gynecology & Oncology, and International Gynecologic Cancer Society as well as other professional organizations.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Drs. Alex Melamed and René Pareja to discuss De-escalation in Gynecologic Oncology. Alex Melamed, MD, MPH, is a gynecologic oncologist and clinical outcomes researcher in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mass General Hospital and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. He co-directs the Inference Lab in MGH's Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Melamed's research focuses on applying methods that provide meaningful insights from observational data. In particular, his work explores how focusing on temporal and spatial variation in clinical practice can help to uncover how health care affects patient outcomes. Some of his research focuses on increasing understanding of how surgical care affects the lives of cancer patients. Dr. Melamed is an associate editor of the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer. Dr. René Pareja is a Gynecologist and Obstetrician, graduated from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia in 2000; he finished his training in Gynecologic Oncology in 2003, from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Bogotá, Colombia. He is a minimally invasive surgeon, graduated from Corporación de Estudios de la Salud (CES) in 2013. He currently works at Astorga Oncology Clinic in Medellín and at National Cancer Institute in Bogotá, Colombia. Dr. Pareja serves as a reviewer for more than 20 journals. He has authored or co-authored nine book chapters and more than fifty publications in peer-reviewed journals. Currently he is an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Gynaecological Cancer and is a Council member of the International Gynecological Cancer Society Council. He also serves as an international mentor for the Hospital General San Juan de Dios in Guatemala through the IGCS Global Curriculum & Mentorship Program.Some of his research has influenced how gynecologic oncologists treat cancer and has been published in important medical journals, like the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and Journal of Clinical Oncology.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Dr. Giorgio Bogani to discuss Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. Prof. Bogani serves as a consultant in gynecologic oncology at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano in Milan, Italy. He completed a research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, USA, with a focus on endometrial cancer and gynecologic oncology. Currently, his expertise is centered on gynecological surgery and experimental medicine.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Dr. Alessandro D. Santin to discuss Mirvetuximab in Low-Grade Ovarian Cancer. Dr. Alessandro D. Santin, a native of Italy, graduated with honors from the University of Brescia, Italy and received his postgraduate training in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the same University. He served a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of California, Irvine and an International Fellowship in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Santin joined the faculty in the Section of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at Yale University as Professor as of July 2008. Dr. Santin has more than 400 original research and peer-reviewed publications including multiple review articles and book chapters and he has written extensively on various topics, including cancer of the ovary, endometrium and cervix as well as on tumor immunology and immunotherapy. Dr. Santin's clinical interests include the use of immunotherapy in ovarian, cervical and endometrial carcinoma patients with disease resistant/refractory to standard treatment, therapeutic vaccines against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infected genital tumors, and the development of personalized treatment modalities including monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug-conjugates (ADC) against chemotherapy resistant gynecologic tumors.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Dr. Mariana Scaranti to discuss ESMO 2025 Highlights: Top Studies In Gynecologic Oncology. Mariana Scaranti, MD, is a Brazilian medical oncologist dedicated to gynecologic oncology. She practices at Hospital 9 de Julho in São Paulo and is the National Lead for Gynecologic Oncology at Rede Américas, Brazil. She serves as Research Director of Grupo EVA, the Brazilian Gynecologic Oncology Group, and is a member of the Gynecologic Tumors Committee of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC). She previously trained as a fellow at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez, is joined by Drs. Cristina Taliento and Giuseppe Vizzielli to discuss ctDNA & diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Cristina Taliento is a gynecologist and PhD candidate in a joint PhD program at the University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy, and KU Leuven, Belgium, associated with the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) Group. She completed a Research Fellowship at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan. She recently started her Fellowship Training in Gynecologic Oncology at the University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany. Her PhD research focuses on clinical and translational studies in the diagnosis and management of adnexal tumors, with a particular interest in circulating tumor DNA in ovarian cancer. Giuseppe Vizzielli is an associate professor of gynecology and obstetrics at the Department of Medicine, University of Udine, and Chief of the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at University Hospital of Udine, Italy. He completed his Ph.D. studies in molecular pathology in gynaecological oncology at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma. He is a member of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) and a member of the Italian Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (SEGI), affiliated with the ESGE. He was the principal investigator of the national research project, Longitudinal genomic and transcriptomic analysis on ovarian cancer organoids. He serves as an official reviewer of many indexed international journals as well as Lancet Oncology, the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, the European Journal of Surgical Oncology, World Journal of Surgical Oncology, European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and BMC Cancer, and he is an associate editor of BMC Cancer, Cancers and the World Journal of Surgical Oncology. His recent publication in IJGC focuses on Circulating tumor DNA in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.