Departments
Research in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Research
In This Section
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Research in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Penn State Health is committed to the advancement of women’s health through research. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides a unique regional opportunity for women to access the latest clinical trials without having to travel to major metropolitan academic centers. The research team includes both nationally and internationally recognized investigators who not only participate in industry-sponsored pharmaceutical studies, but have developed their own research protocols funded by institutional funds, nonprofits and the National Institutes of Health.
Research opportunities in the OB/GYN department include a broad range of illnesses ranging from gynecological cancers to endometriosis, family planning, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility. The department boasts many protocols for women before, during and after pregnancy, allowing it to remain at the forefront of treatment while helping to forge the trail of medical development.
Finally, a dedicated team of study support staff not only helps patients identify protocols that might be ideal for them, but guides them through the research process ensuring that they know exactly what to expect and that they are never alone on their research journey. The department strives to make the process easy not only for patients but also for referring providers as well.
Hear from Other Participants
Beckie’s Story: Finding Answers for Herself, Other Women
Beckie Bomberger has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects one in ten women of childbearing age and causes infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycles and/or excess male hormone levels.
Few treatments exist for PCOS, so Bomberger sought the care of an expert: Dr. Richard Legro, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, home of more than 700 clinical trials in central Pennsylvania. She chose Legro for his nationally recognized expertise in PCOS care and research. He leads and participates in several clinical trials seeking new treatments for the disease.
“Although I was hesitant about participating in a clinical trial, the research staff’s knowledge, attention to detail and care encouraged me to join,” said Bomberger, who is participating in her third clinical trial since she became a patient of Legro’s almost two years ago.
Research Leadership
Professor and University Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Meet the Team
Clinical Research
Endometriosis
Endometriosis diagnosis using microRNA: Prospective study in women to allow early disease recognition (EMPOWER)
This is a multi-center, observational study, the results of which will be used to support marketing for the intended use of the DotEndo investigational diagnostic. DotEndo is a non-invasive in vitro diagnostic test that measures levels of circulating miRNA biomarkers in whole blood. The DotEndo blood test will use a distinct classifier algorithm, based on levels of disease-specific miRNAs, to aid in the diagnosis of active endometriosis disease.
Learn more on Studyfinder
A randomized controlled pilot study of the use of cannabidiol in the management of endometriosis pain
This study is looking at the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in patients with endometriosis. CBD may improve both pain and quality of life. The study will last a total of 12 weeks and involve several onsite visits in addition to daily pain assessments.
Learn more on Studyfinder
A Phase 3b study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of elagolix in combination with combined oral contraceptives in premenopausal women with documented endometriosis and associated moderate to severe pain
18 month trial of elagolix and combined oral contraceptives for women with moderate to severe endometriosis related pain.
Learn more on Studyfinder
Pregnancy loss
Large-Scale Genome Sequencing and Integrative Analyses to Define Genomic Predictors of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (GPRPL)
This is a multi-site clinical trial that will perform genome sequencing and other bioinformatic analyses to determine if there are changes in genetic code that are associated with an increased risk of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.
Learn more on Studyfinder
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Inositol supplementation to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (INSUPP-PCOS)
This study will help researchers discover how a nutritional supplement called Inositol can help manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms.
Learn more on Studyfinder
COMET-PCOS
Comparing the effects of oral contraceptive pills versus metformin in the medical management of overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Learn more on Studyfinder
General women’s health
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Currently Pregnant
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Fibroids
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Painful, irregular or heavy periods
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Unexplained Infertility
We do not have any studies in this category at this time. Please visit Studyfinder.psu.edu for more research opportunities or contact our team at 717-531-0003, x320358 and OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Important study information
Eligible participants may be randomly assigned to a treatment group or placebo group, like the flip of a coin, and investigational treatment is not guaranteed.
Participation may include compensation.Study participants are responsible for attending assigned clinic visits in Hershey, Pa.
See latest Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine clinical research news.
The research team has taken several steps to keep research participants safe.
This includes:
Conducting research visits remotely (from home) when possible.
Practicing social distancing and using appropriate personal protective equipment (masks, face shields, gloves) during in-person research visits.
Screening prior to all in-person research visits, including temperature checks for all employees and participants.
Sanitation of all research spaces and equipment.
Research Projects
The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) is an international cooperative group funded by the National Cancer Institute.
Penn State College of Medicine is one of 48 “parent” institutions, with more than 200 affiliate institutions in the United States.
Approximately 45 trials are active at any one time for patients with gynecologic malignancies, including cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva.
The Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Program (SCRBP) at Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine aims to bring together scientists and medical professionals with research interests in various areas of stem cell biology, such as regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and cancer research.
Learn more
Contact Us
To speak to someone about current studies, call 717-531-3503 or email OBGYNResearch@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.