RECAP (Risk of Endometrial CAncer Program) provides expert and evidence-based clinical care for young patients diagnosed with low grade endometrial cancer, or atypical hyperplasia who desire fertility-conserving treatment (delay hysterectomy). This program brings together multiple specialties for the management of this condition and other treatable risk factors to optimize the probability of a successful pregnancy. Our RECAP program was created in 2019, and since then, we receive referrals from all across the province to see young patients with low grade endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia. As part of this clinic, we also provide comprehensive counseling and management for patients with Lynch syndrome who are at higher risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.
Our multidisciplinary team is a group of three Gynecologic Oncologists, Dr. Sarah Ferguson (clinical lead), Dr. Stephane Laframboise, Dr. Rachel Soyoun Kim, GP oncologist Dr. Shima Deljoomanesh, Psychologist Dr. Aliza Panjwani, Program Coordinator and a comprehensive team of certified Gynecologic Oncology nurses. We work closely with experts in fertility, endocrinology, sleep medicine and supportive care through Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program.
Clinical Lead
Gynecologic Oncologist
GP Oncologist
Psychologist
Gynecologic Oncologist
The Fertility Preservation in Endometrial Cancer Clinic provides expert and evidence-based clinical care for women with low grade endometrial cancer, or atypical hyperplasia, desiring fertility-conserving treatment. This program brings together multiple specialties for the concurrent management of this condition and other treatable risk factors to optimize the probability of a successful pregnancy.
Our team includes two Gynecologic Oncologists (Dr. Sarah Ferguson and Dr. Stéphane Laframboise), one General Practitioner (Dr. Shima Deljoomanesh), one Patient Navigator, and a team of certified Gynecologic Oncology nurses. Onsite referrals to our partnering specialties are available, including fertility, endocrinology, sleep medicine, supportive care through the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program, and much more!
In collaboration with the Division of Gynecologic Oncology Research and the UHN Bariatric Clinic, our team has designed a new clinical trial evaluating elevated body mass index (BMI) as a risk-factor, titled Bariatric Surgery for Fertility-Sparing Treatment of Atypical Hyperplasia and Grade 1 Cancer Endometrium (“B-FiERCE”). This trial invites eligible patients to randomize to either receiving bariatric surgery with standard therapy or standard therapy alone. Eligible patients must have a BMI of ≥35 and remain untreated until assessed by our clinic.
If you would like to know more about our study or eligibility, please contact Gabrielle Ene at Gabrielle.Ene@uhnresearch.ca
In collaboration with the Division of Gynecologic Oncology Research and the UHN Bariatric Clinic, our team has designed a new clinical trial evaluating elevated body mass index (BMI) as a risk-factor, titled Bariatric Surgery for Fertility-Sparing Treatment of Atypical Hyperplasia and Grade 1 Cancer Endometrium (“B-FiERCE”). This trial invites eligible patients to randomize to either receiving bariatric surgery with standard therapy or standard therapy alone. Eligible patients must have a BMI of ≥35 and remain untreated until assessed by our clinic.
If you would like to know more about our study or eligibility, please contact goresearch@uhn.ca
In September of 2022, Vanessa joined the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. In her role as Clinical Research Manager she supports clinician-investigators in the planning, development, and initiation of new and innovative research projects, and provides oversight for all operational aspects of existing studies.
Vanessa is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) who began her clinical research career in 2005, while finishing her Bachelor of Sciences in Biology and Psychology at the University of Western Ontario and her Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations at Seneca College. Upon completion, she worked in the field for several years and developed an interest in efforts aimed at reducing health disparities, particularly in women and children, who are often underrepresented in research. This was the impetus that led her to pursue a Master of Medical Science in Global Health at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden.
Over the course of the last two decades, Vanessa has held various clinical research roles; not only has she been part of several different research teams supporting and managing studies under the direction of Principal Investigators, but she also has experience as a Research Ethics Coordinator and as a Clinical Research Quality Assurance Specialist.
Before coming to UHN/PMCC, Vanessa worked at Women’s College Hospital, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the Hospital for Sick Children, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Viventia Bio (acquired by Sesen Bio). She’s also been involved in a research study in Cambodia, which was led by the Malaria Consortium.
Navjot is an international medical graduate who also holds a Clinical Research postgraduate diploma and is a Clinical Research Professional. Prior to moving to Canada and transitioning into research she was a clinician in family medicine and gynecology in India where she provided preventative care, health education and counselling to the patients for several years. In 2016, she started her clinical research career at Toronto Western hospital and has since worked in Critical Care and Trauma at Sunnybrook Hospital and the Toronto Centre for Liver disease at Toronto General Hospital. Navjot began working within the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in January 2023. She is currently a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Risk of Endometrial Cancer Program (RECAP), overseeing all surgical and quality of life studies related to endometrial cancer in the department of Gynecologic Oncology.
Care
Providing multi-disciplinary expert care of patients and their families during treatment for a gynecologic malignancy.
Research
Dedicated to advancing the field through scientific collaboration and research innovation.
Education
Committed to expanding gynecologic cancer awareness and developing skills and knowledge of medical trainees.
Gynecologic Oncology Surgery Team
