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.