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During HIPEC and HITEC, chemotherapy is delivered in a hot bath to either the abdominal or thoracic cavity at the time of surgery for ovarian cancers, gastrointestinal malignancies and mesothelioma. HIPEC has been used for several years to treat GI and other cancers, but oncologists at UH Seidman Cancer Center see it as the next step in advancing treatment of gynecologic cancers. National data on administering chemotherapy directly into the abdomen (intraperitoneal chemotherapy) is promising: life extension for women with advanced ovarian cancer of an average of 1.5 years, versus women receiving intravenous chemotherapy. Theoretically, it is better than intravenous chemo because the distribution of the drug is better, no scar tissue is formed and patients do not have to travel to centers for repetitive treatments. Dr. DeBernardo's preliminary data show overwhelmingly posi- tive tolerance and effectiveness of this treatment. Chromosomal abnormalities screening. OB/GYN Jane Corteville, MD, is implementing a new screening test for chromosomal abnormalities. The new test detects fetal genetic material in the mother's blood and is an alternative to invasive tests like amniocentesis. It detects nearly 100 percent of babies with certain genetic problems in women at higher risk for genetic disorders. In lower risk women, Dr. Corteville, who is director of the UH MacDonald OB Imaging Center, uses ultrasound and blood tests to inform parents during the first trimester of pregnancy about their risk of having a fetus with genetic abnormalities. Low-cost IUD. UH also is participating in a Phase III clinical trial to fine-tune a low-cost intrauterine device (IUD) that could have a global impact on birth control in Third World countries, Dr. Liu says. "The IUD is made from a plastic polymer, which releases a progesterone hormone that keeps sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. We're investigating how well the IUD is tolerated, how easily it can be placed and whether or not there are problems with expulsion." Female Orgasmic Disorder. In another clinical trial — this one for pre-menopausal women — a treatment for Female Orgasmic Disorder is being studied by Dr. Kingsberg who, in addition to co-directing Sexual Function and Vulvovaginal Health is chief of the Division of Behavioral Medicine at UH MacDonald Women's Hospital. Orgasmic disorder is the recurrent delay or lack of orgasm during or after normal sexual excitement or stimulation. It affects a woman's self-esteem and can also negatively impact intimate relationships. There are currently no pharmacologic treatments for orgasmic disorder. Now, an intranasal testosterone preparation, absorbed into the body through the nose, is being studied in women who have acquired female orgasmic disorder. According to Dr. Liu, the "use as required" treatment is expected to present no androgen- related side effects. The MacDonald Clinical Research Unit was established in 2002 to conduct industry-supported pharmaceutical drug trials in women's health and to support physician-initiated clinical research in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UHCMC. Shown here is researcher Sam Mesiano, PhD. Chronic female pelvic pain. In yet another clinical trial, Jeffrey Janata, PhD, chief of the Division of Behavioral Medicine which is housed within the OB/GYN Department at UH MacDonald, is co-principal investigator on a five-year, $4 million NIH grant to study chronic pelvic pain in women. The Behavioral Medicine division combines biomedical and behavioral sciences and applies them to diagnose, prevent and treat co-occurring medical and psychiatric illness associated with women's reproductive health. Few hospitals worldwide include this young interdisciplinary field, according to Dr. Liu. "That's just another way obstetrics and gynecology are advanced at UH MacDonald," he says. For more information about UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, visit www.UHhospitals.org/MacWomen. To refer a patient, call 216-844-3941. ■ JULY-AUGUST 2012 ■ MDNEWS.COM ■ MD NEWS Cleveland-Akron-Canton | 15