David M. Gershenson, M.D.
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery - Clinical
About Dr. Gershenson
As Professor of Gynecologic Oncology, I am engaged in several aspects of clinical and translational research. My personal research is focused on ovarian cancer. In collaboration with several clinical and basic science colleagues, I am conducting several clinical and translational studies of rare ovarian tumors: low-grade serous tumors (serous tumors of low malignant potential and low-grade serous carcinomas), clear cell carcinomas, mucinous carcinomas, malignant ovarian germ cell tumors, and sex cord-stromal ovarian tumors. Our studies in the front-line, neoadjuvant, and recurrent settlings have indicated that low-grade serous carcinomas are relatively chemoresistant. I am the principal investigator or co-principal investigator of clinical trials focused on novel therapeutics for patients with low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary. Other studies from our group and other investigators have also reported the poor prognosis associated with advanced stage or recurrent ovarian clear cell and mucinous carcinomas.
Since 1999, I have served as Co-Principal Investigator of M.D. Anderson’s NCI-funded SPORE in Ovarian Cancer and as Co-Project Leader of Project 3, “Personalized Therapy for Women with Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma of the Ovary.” Funding for the third consecutive 5-year cycle of this grant was renewed in September 2010. This project includes preclinical studies designed to elucidate the pathogenesis of low-grade serous carcinoma and the development of clinical trials utilizing novel targeted agents based on the preclinical findings. The clinical trials are conducted through the NCI-sponsored cooperative group—the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG).
I continue to serve as Program Leader of the Gynecological Cancers Program of M.D. Anderson’s Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). I continue to play an active role in the leadership of the GOG. Since 2005, I have been the Chair of the GOG’s Rare Tumor Committee. During this period, the committee has completed patient accrual on a clinical trial of a novel targeted agent, a MEK inhibitor, for women with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary. Six other trials have been activated and are currently accruing patients. I am the Co-Principal Investigator on one of these trials and the Principal Investigator on an international trial between the GOG and a research group in UK for women with newly diagnosed mucinous carcinoma of the ovary. I also serve on the GOG’s Protocol Development Committee, which peer-reviews all clinical trials developed by the group. Since 2005, I have served as a member of the NCI’s Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee, which approves all new phase III and randomized phase II clinical trials for gynecologic cancers in North America. In July 2010, I was elected as one of three Co-Chairs of this committee for a 3-year term. I continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Rare Tumor Working Group of the Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup (GCIG), an international consortium of 23 world-wide cooperative groups focused on gynecologic malignancies. In June 2010, I participated in a consensus conference on ovarian cancer in Vancouver, BC, sponsored by GCIG. Since March 2009, I have served as Chairman of the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (formerly the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation), a national foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, whose major missions include research grant funding and public education and awareness of gynecologic cancers. My other major national activities include serving as Editor Emeritus of the journal, Gynecologic Oncology, and as a Director of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Clinical Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
1971 | Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA, MD, Medicine |
1967 | University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, BA, Psychology |
Postgraduate Training
1977-1979 | Fellowship, Gynecologic Oncology, U.T. M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston, TX |
1972-1975 | Residency, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT |
1971-1972 | Internship, Medicine/Surgery, University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, IA |
Board Certifications
1981 | American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Diplomate, Division of Gynecologic Oncology |
1977 | American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Diplomate |
1972 | National Board of Medical Examiners, Diplomate |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1998 - 2016
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Department Chair, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2000 - 2012
Department Chair ad interim, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1998 - 2000
Director, Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1996 - 2007
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Chair, International Consortium for Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer, n/a, 2020 - Present
Member, Clinical Trials and Translational Research Advisory Committee, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 2016 - 2021
Co-Chair, Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 2010 - 2016
Chairman, Foundation for Women's Cancer, n/a, 2009 - 2015
Editor Emeritus, Gynecologic Oncology, n/a, 2008 - Present
Chair, NRG Oncology Rare Tumor Committee, Philadelphia, PA, 2005 - 2018
Member, Medical Advisory Board, Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, Alexandria, PA, 2001 - Present
Editor-In-Chief of Journal, Gynecologic Oncology, New York, NY, 1990 - 2008
Honors & Awards
2022 | Giants of Cancer Care Award |
2018 | Distinguished Alumnus Award, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine |
2017 | Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s 2017 Distinguished Service Award, Society of Gynecologic Oncology |
2014 | MD Anderson Foundation Spain Award |
2014 | Award for Excellence in Gynecologic Oncology, International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) |
2004 | Guide to America's Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists |
2001 | America's Top Doctors, Castle Connolly's Medical LTD |
1995 | Favorite Son Award, Southern Illinois Medical Association |
1992 | President's Award, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists |
1971 | Alpha Omega Alpha, Vanderbilt School of Medicine |
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Grisham RN, Slomovitz BM, Andrews N, Banerjee S, Brown J, Carey MS, Chui H, Coleman RL, Fader AN, Gaillard S, Gourley C, Sood AK, Monk BJ, Moore KN, Ray-Coquard I, Shih IM, Westin SN, Wong KK, Gershenson DM. Low-grade serous ovarian cancer: expert consensus report on the state of the science. Int J Gynecol Cancer. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37591609.
- Cobb LP, David M. Gershenson. Novel Therapeutics in Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer” in Special Issue, Novel Therapies Leading to a New Landscape in Gynecologic Tumors. Int J Gynecol Cancer, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Gershenson DM, Cobb LP, Westin SN, Zhang Y, Jazaeri A, Malpica A, Sun CC. Contemporary primary treatment of women with stage II-IV low-grade serous ovarian/peritoneal cancer (LGSOC): Determinants of relapse and disease-free survival. Gynecol Oncol. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36137845.
- Gershenson DM, Sun CC, Westin SN, Eyada M, Cobb LP, Nathan LC, Sood AK, Malpica A, Hillman RT, Wong KK. The genomic landscape of low-grade serous ovarian/peritoneal carcinoma and its impact on clinical outcomes. Gynecol Oncol 165(3):560-567, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35606067.
- Gershenson DM, Miller A, Brady WE, Paul J, Carty K, Rodgers W, Millan D, Coleman RL, Moore KN, Banerjee S, Connolly K, Secord AA, O'Malley DM, Dorigo O, Gaillard S, Gabra H, Slomovitz B, Hanjani P, Farley J, Churchman M, Ewing A, Hollis RL, Herrington CS, Huang HQ, Wenzel L, Gourley C. Trametinib versus standard of care in patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (GOG 281/LOGS): an international, randomised, open-label, multicentre, phase 2/3 trial. Lancet 399(10324):541-553, 2022. PMID: 35123694.
- Chelariu-Raicu A, Cobb LP, Gershenson DM. Fertility preservation in rare ovarian tumors. Int J Gynecol Cancer 31(3):432-441, 2021. PMID: 33649010.
- Cobb LP, Sun CC, Iyer R, Nick AM, Fleming ND, Westin SN, Sood AK, Wong KK, Silva EG, Gershenson DM. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary and peritoneum: Further evidence of relative chemoresistance. Gynecol Oncol. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32709538.
- Slomovitz B, Gourley C, Carey MS, Malpica A, Shih IM, Huntsman D, Fader AN, Grisham RN, Schlumbrecht M, Sun CC, Ludemann J, Cooney GA, Coleman R, Sood AK, Mahdi H, Wong KK, Covens A, O'Malley DM, Lecuru F, Cobb LP, Caputo TA, May T, Huang M, Siemon J, Fernández ML, Ray-Coquard I, Gershenson DM. Low-grade serous ovarian cancer: State of the science. Gynecol Oncol 156(3):715-725, 2020. PMID: 31969252.
- Gershenson DM, Cobb LP, Sun CC. Endocrine therapy in the management of low grade serous ovarian/peritoneal carcinoma: Mounting evidence for the relative efficacy of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. Gynecol Oncol 159(3):601-603, 2020.
- Dalton HJ, Fleming ND, Sun CC, Bhosale P, Schmeler KM, Gershenson DM. Activity of bevacizumab-containing regimens in recurrent low-grade serous ovarian or peritoneal cancer: A single institution experience. Gynecol Oncol 145(1):37-40, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28139261.
- Gershenson DM, Bodurka DC, Coleman RL, Lu KH, Malpica A, Sun CC. Hormonal Maintenance Therapy for Women With Low-Grade Serous Cancer of the Ovary or Peritoneum. J Clin Oncol 35(10):1103-1111, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28221866.
- Gershenson DM, Sun CC, Wong KK. Impact of mutational status on survival in low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum. Br J Cancer 113(9):1254-8, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 26484411.
- Gershenson DM, Bodurka DC, Lu KH, Nathan LC, Milojevic L, Wong KK, Malpica A, Sun CC. Impact of Age and Primary Disease Site on Outcome in Women with Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma of the Ovary or Peritoneum: Results of a Large Single-Institution Registry of a Rare Tumor. J Clin Oncol 33(24):2675-82, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 26195696.
- Crane EK, Sun CC, Ramirez PT, Schmeler KM, Malpica A, Gershenson DM. The Role of Secondary Cytoreduction in Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer or Peritoneal Cancer. Gynecol Oncol 136(1):25-9, 2015. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 25448453.
- Gourley C, Farley J, Provencher DM, Pignata S, Mileshkin L, Harter P, Maenpaa J, Kim JW, Pujaide-Lauraine E, Glasspool RM, Ray-Coquard I, Gershenson DM. Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) Consensus Review for Ovarian and Primary Peritoneal Low-Grade Serous Carcinomas. Int J Gynecol Cancer 24(S):S9-S13, 2014. PMID: 25341587.
- Fader AN, Java J, Krivak TC, Bristow RE, Tergas AI, Bookman MA, Armstrong DK, Tanner EJ, Gershenson DM. The Prognostic Significance of Pre- and Post-Treatment CA-125 in Grade 1 Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study. Gynecol Oncol 132(3):560-5, 2014. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24333362.
- Tsang YT, Deavers MT, Sun CC, Kwan SY, Kuo E, Malpica A, Mok SC, Gershenson DM, Wong KK. KRAS (but not BRAF) mutations in ovarian serous borderline tumour are associated with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma. J Pathol 231(4):449-56, 2013. PMID: 24549645.
- Fader AN, Java J, Ueda S, Bristow RE, Armstrong DK, Bookman MA, Gershenson DM, Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). Survival in women with grade 1 serous ovarian carcinoma. Obstet Gynecol 122(2 Pt 1):225-32, 2013. PMID: 23969788.
- Farley J, Brady WE, Vathipadiekal V, Lankes HA, Coleman R, Morgan MA, Mannel R, Yamada SD, Mutch D, Rodgers WH, Birrer M, Gershenson DM. Selumetinib in women with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum: an open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study. Lancet Oncol S1470-2045(12)(2):705472-7, 2013. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 23261356.
- Bodurka DC, Deavers MT, Tian C, Sun CC, Malpica A, Coleman RL, Lu KH, Sood AK, Birrer MJ, Ozols R, Baergen R, Emerson RE, Steinhoff M, Behmaram B, Rasty G, Gershenson DM. Reclassification of serous ovarian carcinoma by a 2-tier system: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study. Cancer 118(12):3087-94, 2012. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 22072418.
- Gershenson DM, Sun CC, Iyer RB, Malpica AL, Kavanagh JJ, Bodurka DC, Schmeler K, Deavers M. Hormonal therapy for recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum. Gynecol Oncol 125(3):661-6, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22406638.
- Wong KK, Tsang YT, Deavers MT, Mok SC, Zu Z, Sun C, Malpica A, Wolf JK, Lu KH, Gershenson DM. BRAF mutation is rare in advanced-stage low-grade ovarian serous carcinomas. Am J Pathol 177(4):1611-7, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20802181.
- Gershenson DM, Sun CC, Bodurka DC, Coleman RL, Lu KH, Sood AK, Deavers M, Malpica AL, Kavanagh JJ. Recurrent low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is relatively chemoresistant. Gynecol Oncol 114(1):48-52, 2009. e-Pub 2009. PMID: 19361839.
- Wong KK, Lu KH, Malpica A, Bodurka DC, Shvartsman HS, Schmandt RE, Thornton AD, Deavers MT, Silva EG, Gershenson DM. Significantly greater expression of ER, PR, and ECAD in advanced-stage low-grade ovarian serous carcinoma as revealed by immunohistochemical analysis. Int J Gynecol Pathol 26(4):404-9, 2007. PMID: 17885490.
- Gershenson DM, Sun CC, Lu KH, Coleman RL, Sood AK, Malpica A, Deavers MT, Silva EG, Bodurka DC. Clinical behavior of stage II-IV low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary. Obstet Gynecol 108(2):361-8, 2006. PMID: 16880307.
- Malpica A, Deavers MT, Lu K, Bodurka DC, Atkinson EN, Gershenson DM, Silva EG. Grading ovarian serous carcinoma using a two-tier system. Am J Surg Pathol 28:496-504, 2004. PMID: 15087669.
- Crispens MA, Bodurka D, Deavers M, Lu K, Silva EG, Gershenson DM. Response and survival in patients with progressive or recurrent serous ovarian tumors of low malignant potential. Obstet Gynecol 99:3-10, 2002. PMID: 11777502.
- Morris RT, Gershenson DM, Silva EG, Follen M, Morris M, Wharton JT. Outcome and reproductive function after conservative surgery for borderline ovarian tumors. Obstet Gynecol 95(4):541-7, 2000. PMID: 10725486.
- Gershenson DM, Silva EG, Tortolero-Luna G, Levenback C, Morris M, Tornos C. Serous borderline tumors of the ovary with noninvasive peritoneal implants. Cancer 83(10):2157-63, 1998. PMID: 9827720.
- Gershenson DM, Silva EG, Levy L, Burke TW, Wolf JK, Tornos C. Ovarian serous borderline tumors with invasive peritoneal implants. Cancer 82(6):1096-103, 1998. PMID: 9506355.
Grant & Contract Support
Title: | Training of Academic Gynecologic Oncologists |
Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 15, 2024