Diaz is the chief of Gynecologic Oncology, Robotic Surgery, and the Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Baptist Health; as well as the lead physician for Clinical Trials in Gynecologic Oncology at Miami Cancer Institute, director of Ambulatory Surgery Center at Baptist Health Cancer Care | Plantation, and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

Diaz

“Awareness drives early recognition of symptoms and hopefully timely referrals for patients who can get access to treatment for these cancers, particularly uterine cancer, where we’ve had an increase in the incidence and, unfortunately, mortality here in the United States.”

John P. Diaz, MD, FACOG, FACS, a professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; as well as chief of gynecologic oncology, director of robotic surgery, and director of clinical research in gynecologic oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, discussed the importance of early recognition and treatment optimization for patients with uterine cancer in the context of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed annually in September. 

Rising gynecologic cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States—particularly among African American women, who experience disproportionately worse outcomes compared with other patient demographics—underscore the need for greater awareness of gynecologic cancers and associated genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, Diaz began. According to Diaz, increased awareness offers an opportunity to drive timely diagnosis, improve access to treatment, and enhance preventive strategies for patients at risk.

Advances in surgical techniques have significantly reshaped the management of uterine cancer over the past decade, he stated. Diaz highlighted the widespread adoption of sentinel lymph node mapping, which has replaced routine lymphadenectomy in most patients. Whereas traditional lymphadenectomy provided no benefit to approximately 95% of patients due to the absence of nodal involvement, sentinel lymph node mapping allows for tailored evaluation with reduced morbidity, he explained. The implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols has further advanced perioperative care, enabling many patients to return home the same day following surgery, he noted. Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical approaches have also reduced wound complications historically associated with open procedures, particularly in patients with obesity—a well-established risk factor for uterine cancer, he reported. These innovations collectively support faster recovery and earlier initiation of adjuvant therapy when indicated, he emphasized.

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John P. Diaz, MD, discusses the importance of uterine cancer recognition and treatment optimization in the context of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr Diaz on the Importance of Early Recognition for Optimal Uterine Cancer Management 

 John Paul Diaz, MD, discusses the evolving use of precision medicine approaches in cervical cancer management.  

Dr Diaz on the Evolution of Precision Medicine in Cervical Cancer

John Paul Diaz, MD, chief, Gynecologic Oncology; director, Robotic Surgery; director, Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Baptist Health; director, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Baptist Health Cancer Care | Plantation; gynecologist oncologist, lead physician for Clinical Trials in Gynecologic Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, discusses the evolving use of precision medicine approaches in cervical cancer management, as highlighted in his presentation at the Second Annual Miami Cancer Institute Precision Oncology Symposium.

The landscape of cervical cancer treatment has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by advancements in precision medicine and biomarker-driven approaches, Diaz begins. Previously, standard chemotherapies were administered to all patients regardless of individual profile. Now, the approach to treatment is increasingly centered on identifying specific biomarkers that can predict treatment responses and tailor therapeutic approaches accordingly, Diaz states.

One key biomarker in this regard is PD-L1, assessed through a patient's combined positive score, Diaz expands. A patient's PD-L1 status can inform whether they are candidates for immunotherapy-based treatment. Additionally, HER2 status is now incorporated into treatment considerations, with the ongoing exploration of other emerging biomarkers that promise to further refine therapy selection for improved outcomes and reduced toxicities, he notes.

Molecular profiling has emerged as a cornerstone of precision medicine in gynecologic cancers, facilitating the customization of treatment regimens based on individual genetic signatures, Diaz continues. This personalized approach not only enhances treatment efficacy but also mitigates treatment-related toxicities by matching patients with therapies most likely to benefit them, he says.

Despite these advancements in treatment, the primary emphasis in cervical cancer care remains on disease prevention, Diaz notes. Through the use of proactive screening programs incorporating techniques like pap smears, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination, there is an opportunity to eradicate cervical cancer altogether. By addressing risk factors and promoting preventive measures, theoverarching goal is to eliminate the need for extensive biomarker testing in the future by preventing the disease from occurring in the first place, he concludes.

John Paul Diaz, MD, discusses the evolving use of precision medicine approaches in cervical cancer management.

John Paul Diaz, MD

Articles

Dr Diaz on the Importance of Early Recognition for Optimal Uterine Cancer Management

Dr Diaz on the Evolution of Precision Medicine in Cervical Cancer