The Trophoblastic Disease Program was launched in July 2018, as a partnership between Sinai Health System-University Health Network to better assist women with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD).

GTD is a group of rare tumours that arise from abnormal growth of the placenta during pregnancy. It generally affects younger women of reproductive age and is highly curable if managed correctly. Because of its rarity, patient outcome is improved by centralizing care, rather than many doctors seeing only the occasional case. 

The Trophoblastic Disease Program is the first centre of excellence in Ontario, led by Dr. Genevieve Bouchard-Fortier, Co-Chair of the community of practice for trophoblastic disease at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) and member of the International Society for the Study of Trophoblastic Diseases (ISSTD). Dr. Bouchard-Fortier spent time learning how to run a centralized trophoblastic disease program from Professor Michael Seckl, who heads the renowned trophoblastic disease program at the Charing Cross Hospital in London, England. By the summer of 2022, over 100 cases, cancerous and pre-cancerous, had come through the TDP, as awareness of the program spreads and more and more referrals are coming from across the GTA. 

Through the training of practicing physicians and students, along with Mount Sinai’s high volume of patients who are pregnant, the goal is to advance our understanding.