Patient Experience
Our Gynaecological Cancer Care Centre is the largest provider in the Republic of Ireland of treatment for malignancy of the reproductive organs: cancer of the womb (uterus), cervix, ovary, vagina and vulva. Our centre provides a regional and national service and is accredited by the NCCP (the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme) for complex radical gynaecological surgeries. International standards of treatment apply, and the service is supported by research and teaching activities through Trinity College Dublin and the Cancer Trials Research Office in the hospital.
Over 300 women with gynaecological cancer are referred to the centre annually. Cancer of the endometrium (lining of the womb) is the most common cancer, followed by cancer of the ovary/fallopian tube, then cervical cancer. Cancers of the vulva and vagina are less common. Women are referred by their general practitioners or by gynaecologists at their local hospital. A multidisciplinary team of doctors plans and provides the cancer care, and surgery is performed at the hospital. Some of the treatments such as chemotherapy can be given in other local regional hospitals. Radiotherapy treatment is given at St Luke’s Hospital (in St James's Hospital and in Rathgar, Dublin). When treatment is completed, long-term follow-up care is often provided at the patient’s local hospital. Follow-up visits may go on for five years or longer.
Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. Not all growths are cancerous, so biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue to examine cells under a microscope) is important in making a cancer diagnosis.
All genital tract cancers (womb, cervix, tube and ovary, vulva and vagina) are treated at the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute.
Our Gynaecological Cancer Centre is the largest in Ireland and sees over 300 cases per year. We work closely with scientists and doctors from Trinity College Dublin to advance the understanding of cancer and its complications. Ovarian cancers, in particular, are usually diagnosed at a late stage and therefore are more difficult to treat. Much of our research has focused on trying to develop tests that will pick up this cancer early. We are also involved in large studies with other centres in Ireland and abroad to try to find new and better ways to treat gynaecological cancers and to minimise the side effects of treatment.
Development of Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Treatment Response
Early detection of gynaecological cancers is important for effective treatment. St James’s Hospital, in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin and the DISCOVARY Consortium, has identified a number of potential markers for ovarian cancer that can be detected in a blood test. We are currently validating these biomarkers and hope that they can be used in the clinic. We are also looking at markers that might reveal how the cancer will respond to treatment. The research is conducted at the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences on the St James’s Hospital site.
Prevention of Blood Clots
Gynaecological cancers are associated with a high risk of blood clots, which can be fatal if left untreated. Trinity College Dublin research groups are working with gynaecologists in the hospital to develop a risk score to determine which patients are likely to get blood clots, particularly after cancer surgery. These patients can then be given a preventative medication that can reduce their risk.
Understanding How Ovarian Cancer Spreads
Ovarian cancer is a metastatic disease, meaning that it can spread throughout the body. It does this by avoiding the body’s natural defences, which usually destroy abnormal cells as they pass through the bloodstream. Scientists in Trinity College Dublin, as well as a group in Dublin City University, are working to understand this process and to develop a device that can detect cancer cells as they circulate in the blood.
How Do I Get Involved?
When you are patient in St James’s Hospital, you may be approached by a member of a research team who will explain the details of the studies and ask whether you wish to participate. Your doctor will provide you with an information sheet, and you will be asked to sign a consent form. If you agree, a small sample of blood is taken at the same time as the other blood samples required for your treatment. A small piece of tumor tissue may also be taken. Participation is optional, and your treatment will not be affected if you decide not to take part.
There are different treatment options that may be available once you are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. These include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. The choice of treatment will depend on the type and stage of your cancer. A multidisciplinary team will decide on the best treatment plan for you.
We are a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiotherapists and specialist nurses supported by experts in nutrition, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, stoma care, palliative care and pain and pastoral care. Four outpatient clinics are held weekly. Each clinic has one or more lead consultants and team doctors.
Gynaecological Consultant Surgeons
Medical Oncology Chemotherapy Consultant
Radiotherapy Consultant
Cancer Nurse Specialists
This team will coordinate all of your care, from your first visit to the clinic through to your blood and X-ray tests, your admission for surgery or your appointments with other doctors.
Advanced Nurse Practitioner - Survivorship
Research /Scientific Investigators
Sharon and Lucy are scientific doctors who work in the research laboratory and coordinate the studies outlined. They ensure patients are informed about research studies, so you may meet them when you come to the outpatient clinic, when you come for your surgery or at other stages during your treatment. They coordinate the collection of blood and tissue samples and store them for the various studies.
Further information on research projects is available on our Research page. Published research for Feras Abu Saadeh, Lucy Norris and Sharon O’Toole is available through ResearchGate.
Other Resources
The following are websites of organisations offering information relating to the treatment and management of cancer:
Irish Cancer Society: www.cancer.ie
Emer Casey Foundation: www.emercaseyfoundation.com
Ovacare: www.ovacare.com
Supporting Ovarian Cancer Knowledge: www.sock.ie
Gynaecological Oncology Referral Form
Patient initiated Follow up
https://vimeo.com/oneproductionsreview/review/876309764/ad9533a4f9
Holistic needs assessment video
https://vimeo.com/oneproductionsreview/review/876309795/4c2963417c