Last month, the Foundation for Women’s Cancer was proud to support the 2025 Pathways to Progress Summit, hosted by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO). This monumental event brought together over 80 doctors, scientists, policy leaders, and patient advocates to discuss one major question: how can we improve care and treatment for gynecologic cancers? 

For two days, attendees gathered at Johns Hopkins University to share ideas, explore solutions, and build a plan for what gynecologic cancer research should focus on next. The summit was co-led by SGO leaders, Amanda Nickles Fader, MD; Karen Lu, MD; and Matthew Powell, MD. 

The summit was not just a meeting for physicians and experts. It was also a space for patients and survivors like Ashley Kulp to have a voice. A cervical cancer survivor and passionate patient advocate, Ashley left the summit feeling hopeful. “I’m still processing how much it means to be surrounded by brilliant, compassionate people who are genuinely pushing forward for patients like me,” she reflected. “I’m incredibly grateful.” 

Why The Summit Matters to You 

The conversations that took place at the summit transcended science—they were about what people living with gynecologic cancers need. From better treatment options to fairer access to care, the ideas shared could lead to real, lasting improvements in how patients and survivors are supported throughout their journeys.  

Some of the key goals discussed include: 

• Developing better treatments for cancers that are resistant to current options. 
• Making clinical trials more inclusive and accessible, with studies that reflect real patients’ needs. 
• Increasing awareness and access to prevention tools, including the HPV vaccine and risk-reducing procedures like salpingectomy. 
• Advancing the use of technology, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to improve early diagnosis and personalized treatment. 
• Addressing health disparities by expanding access to care in rural and underserved communities. 
• Bringing more patient voices into the research process, especially in designing and reviewing studies. 

 These priorities are about innovation, equity, compassion, and, ultimately, making sure no one is left behind in the future of gynecologic cancer care. 

Creating a Plan to Move Forward 

An exciting outcome of the summit is a research agenda that will be published soon in Gynecologic Oncology, a leading medical journal. This agenda will act as a roadmap for scientists and health leaders working to create more effective and more tolerable care for people facing cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. 

“We need to do more to prevent cancer and diagnose it early,” Mt. Sinai gynecologic oncologist, Dmitriy Zamarin, MD, noted. “And we need to make sure patients have access to the latest treatments, especially through clinical trials.” 

Events of this nature offer hope to patients, survivors, and the cancer community at large, affirming that the patient experience belongs at the center and that steps are being taken to move the needle forward in science and research. Direct insights into the patient journey help guide the future of cancer care, and The Pathways to Progress Summit is one more step toward an improved care experience for the entire community.