Mantia-Smaldone Receives Three-Year Grant to Investigate Gynecologic Malignancies

“I am very excited to have this unique opportunity to work with other principal investigators to create clinical trials and look forward to my work eventually receiving broader exposure,” said Dr. Mantia-Smaldone.
“I am very excited to have this unique opportunity to work with other principal investigators to create clinical trials and look forward to my work eventually receiving broader exposure,” said Dr. Mantia-Smaldone.

PHILADELPHIA (October 2, 2019) – Gina Mantia-Smaldone, MD, has been selected by the Gynecologic Oncology Group Foundation and NRG Oncology to receive three years of funding to develop her research capacity and scope as a principal investigator of gynecologic malignancies.

Mantia-Smaldone, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology, was one of thirty-six new investigators selected to receive funding. The award will provide her with research mentorship for creating clinical trials and opportunities to collaborate at a national level with other investigators.

The Gynecologic Oncology Group Foundation (GOG Foundation, Inc.) is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to conduct clinical trials and translational research to improve preventive care and therapies for gynecologic malignancies.

The foundation works with medical professionals to promote excellence in clinical trials and basic scientific research in the field. Through the grants, the GOG encourages research collaborations and establishes mentorship between new and seasoned researchers.

For the last three years, Mantia-Smaldone has been a member of the foundation’s Ovarian Cancer Committee and has attended multiple seminars and working sessions designed to foster an environment of growth and collaboration among investigators. The goal is to better disseminate current information on cancer prevention and treatment.

“I am very excited to have this unique opportunity to work with other principal investigators to create clinical trials and look forward to my work eventually receiving broader exposure,” said Mantia-Smaldone, whose mentor is a researcher in Oklahoma. She added that the program’s goal is to develop a new generation of researchers with the guidance of seasoned investigators while establishing a broad network of translational research throughout the country.   

Mantia-Smaldone is a physician-investigator with Fox Chase specializing in the surgical and medical management of tumors of the female reproductive system. She has extensive experience with complex surgical methods, and as a member of the multidisciplinary gynecological team, Mantia-Smaldone works to develop the best treatment plan for her patients.

Her research focuses on novel targeted therapies for ovarian and endometrial cancers. Mantia-Smaldone said she looks forward to developing new trials with innovative therapies that will improve the quality of life for women with gynecologic malignancies.

Fox Chase Cancer Center (Fox Chase), which includes the Institute for Cancer Research and the American Oncologic Hospital and is a part of Temple Health, is one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase is also one of just 10 members of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence six consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. It is the policy of Fox Chase Cancer Center that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment.

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