Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Latest Research

Aprobado por la Junta Editorial de Cancer.Net, 11/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) and how to treat it. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about gynecologic tumors, which are tumors in the female reproductive system; ways to prevent them; how to best treat them; and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with these tumors. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Because GTD is uncommon, GTD-only clinical trials may be hard to find. However, several clinical trials are available to people with different types of tumors, particularly other gynecologic tumors, including GTD. Always talk with your doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

  • New drug therapies. Researchers are studying new medications for the treatment of GTD and other gynecologic tumors, including the use of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer.

  • New treatment combinations. Doctors continue to evaluate different combinations of current treatment options and different drugs, including the integration of new approaches to surgery, which are being studied in clinical trials.

  • Causes of GTD. Researchers are working to learn more about what causes GTD, including possible chromosome changes or problems.

  • Earlier diagnosis. Research is being done to produce more sensitive blood tests to find human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels at smaller amounts. This could help diagnose GTD at an earlier stage.

  • Palliative and supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current treatments for GTD to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like more information about the latest areas of research in GTD, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers guidance on how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that GTD and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.