image: The GOG Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of promoting excellence in the quality and integrity of clinical and translational scientific research in the field of gynecologic malignancies. The GOG Foundation is committed to maintaining the highest standards in clinical trials development, execution, analysis, and distribution of results. The GOG Foundation is the only clinical trialist group in the United States that focuses its research on patients with pelvic malignancies, such as cancer of the ovary (including surface peritoneal malignancies), uterus (including endometrium, soft tissue sarcoma, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia), cervix, and vulva. The GOG Foundation is multi-disciplinary in its approach to clinical trials, and includes gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, biostatisticians (including those with expertise in bioinformatics), basic scientists, quality of life experts, data managers, and administrative personnel. view more
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 1, 2022
The GOG Foundation, Inc., the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer announce synergistic partnership to advance the missions of all three organizations
Philadelphia, PA and Chicago, IL USA, Nov. 1, 2022 - The GOG Foundation, Inc. (GOG-F), the Society for Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) are elevating their shared dedication to improving patient outcomes and accelerating cancer research through strategic partnership in three critical areas: research and career advancement; diversity, inclusion and health equity; and industry relations.
GOG-F, SGO and FWC representatives* first assessed opportunities for increased collaboration in a July retreat, during which participants were guided by three objectives: to delineate the collective mission and identify future strategic objectives specific to each organization to promote key initiatives; to identify synergistic opportunities for collaboration; and to develop operational roadmaps and workstreams to achieve collaborative objectives and define metrics for success. Organizational leaders from the three organizations engaged in one-to-one and group conversations to achieve meeting objectives. At the close of the retreat, participants collectively recognized an integral next step to develop a dynamic and diverse GOG/SGO/FWC steering committee that could provide continual partnership oversight and guidance. Organization representatives for the steering committee were then selected and appointed**, and now are actively meeting to move the partnership forward.
Larry Copeland, MD, GOG-F President, reflected on initial partnership meetings, stating, “The opportunity to meet with our SGO and FWC colleagues only further supports the GOG Foundation’s mission to positively impact patients through the prevention and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. The collaboration with SGO and FWC will help us find solutions for our patients through clinical trials and translational research.”
Stephanie V. Blank, MD, SGO President added, “This is a natural collaboration. We have great leaders in the SGO, FWC and GOG-F; in fact, many of us are active across organizations. We all want to improve the lives of people with gynecologic cancer and share a desire to both advance research and enhance access to and diversity in clinical trials. The SGO and FWC’s expertise in health care professional and patient education can truly expand accrual culture and awareness of trials, and this will help the GOG-F in doing what they do so well. Ultimately, together we can continue to transform our field.”
Ginger J. Gardner, MD, FWC Chair commented, “We are always better together! When we work collectively and with one voice, we create synergies to the benefit of our providers, our community, our research… and most of all, our patients.”
Future collaborative efforts across organizations will continue to be informed by a shared commitment to foster relationships and identify strategic opportunities for the mutual benefit of patients, members, and the broader community. The results of and impact from collaborative efforts will be shared on GOG-FSGO, and FWC internal and external communications platforms and in future joint press releases.
*GOG Foundation and GOG Partner participants included GOG-F President Larry Copeland, alongside Robert Coleman, Jenna Cummins, Ramez Eskander, Thomas Herzog, Bradley Monk, Kathleen Moore, David O’Malley, Bhavana Pothuri, Leslie Randall, Laura Reese, and Brian Slomovitz. SGO participants included SGO President Stephanie Blank, alongside Ronald Alvarez, Wendy Brewster, David Cohn, Pierre Désy, Linda Duska, Jeffrey Hines, Chip Landen, Jessica Oldham, Angeles Alvarez Secord, Anil Sood, and Diane Yamada. FWC was represented by President Ginger Gardner.
**The GOG/SGO/FWC steering committee includes GOG representatives Jenna Cummins, Ramez Eskander, Thomas Herzog, Bhavana Pothuri, and Leslie Randall. SGO representatives include Stephanie Blank, Wendy Brewster, Pierre Desy, Jessica Oldham, and Angeles Alvarez Secord. FWC is represented by Ginger Gardner.
About The GOG Foundation, Inc. (gog.org)
The GOG Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of promoting excellence in the quality and integrity of clinical and translational scientific research in the field of gynecologic malignancies. The GOG Foundation is committed to maintaining the highest standards in clinical trials development, execution, analysis, and distribution of results. The GOG Foundation is the only clinical trialist group in the United States that focuses its research on patients with pelvic malignancies, such as cancer of the ovary (including surface peritoneal malignancies), uterus (including endometrium, soft tissue sarcoma, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia), cervix, and vulva. The GOG Foundation is multi-disciplinary in its approach to clinical trials, and includes gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, biostatisticians (including those with expertise in bioinformatics), basic scientists, quality of life experts, data managers, and administrative personnel.
About GOG Partners
Supported by industry, GOG Partners is structured to work directly with pharmaceutical organizations and operate clinical trials outside the National Cancer Institute (NCI) framework. The GOG Partners shares the same mission of the GOG Foundation dedicated to transforming the care in Gynecologic Oncology. By providing an alternative venue for patient accrual and site infrastructure support, GOG Partners has helped provide additional trials and opportunities for patients outside the national gynecologic clinical trials network.
About the Society for Gynecologic Oncology (sgo.org)
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) is the premier medical specialty society for health care professionals trained in the comprehensive management of gynecologic cancers. As a 501(c)(6) organization, the SGO contributes to the advancement of gynecologic cancer care by encouraging research, providing education, raising standards of practice, advocating for patients and members and collaborating with other domestic and international organizations.
About the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (foundationforwomenscancer.org)
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) is dedicated to increasing public awareness of gynecologic cancer risk, prevention, early detection, and optimal treatment. As the official foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), FWC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides funding for gynecologic cancer research and training, as well as programs and resources. FWC has raised more than $60 million in areas such as research, awareness, education, and outreach.
Media Contacts
The GOG Foundation, Inc and GOG Partners
Jenna Cummins, CMP
Executive Director of Business Development
773-750-5753
jcummins@gog.org
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology and Foundation for Women’s Cancer
Elizabeth Kix, MPH, APR
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
515-203-1433
elizabeth.kix@sgo.org
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