The Gynaecological research team – Elisabeth Epstein

The gynaecological team conduct research on a broad front focused on four main themes

Our research

The overall goal of the ultrasound research is to explore ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in the management of gynecological cancer as well as benign disease, in order to optimize utilization of healthcare resources and to avoid over and under-treatment. We evaluate new ultrasound techniques, conduct translational research, with the aim of tailor the treatment for each woman. We also develop and evaluate game-based learning and artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of ovarian tumours.

The sexual and reproductive health project includes: 1/ Evaluation of home abortion up to 70 days gestation aiming to improve management of medical abortion, 2/ Reduce menstrual pain by exploring new treatment options for dysmenorrhea and endometriosis and evaluate quality of life for women affected by menstruation related pain. 3/ Explore potential adverse events during pregnancy and labour in women with a history of female genital mutilation.

Pelvic floor, robotic surgery and endometriosis: The aim is to 1/ Identify variables that could optimize outcomes in women who undergo surgical treatment for symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction. 2/ Find out if surgical more complex cases have less complications using robotic hysterectomy and apical prolapse as compared to other methods in Sweden. 3/ If ultrasound can predict severity of endometriosis in order to tailor surgery.

Collaborations

  • IETA (International Endometrial Tumour Analysis): Prospective international multicentre collaboration including several projects.  
  • IOTA (International Ovarian Tumour Analysis). Prospective international multicentre collaboration including several projects. 
  • IDEA (International Deep Endometriosis Analysis). Prospective international multicentre collaboration including several projects. 
  • MUSA (Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment). Prospective international multicentre collaboration including several projects. 
  • TITANUM (GestaTIonal TrophoblAstic NeoplasIa Ultrasound assessment). Prospective international multicentre collaboration including several projects. 
  • PCME (Personalized Cancer Medicine” in Endometrial Cancer). Translational project in collaboration with Joseph Carlson KI.
  • AI-deep learning applied on ultrasound images of ovarian in collaboration with KTH (Kevin Smith, Pawel Herman, Emir Konuk, Filip Christiansen, Elliot Epstein)
  • Precision medicine, BIO-IMAGE database in ovarian tumours In collaboration with SciLife lab Johan Lindberg and Brinton Seashore-Ludlow)
  • National network for female mutilation (Vanja Berggren KI)
  • International collaboration on endometriosis (ZEG, Berlin, Germany)

Projects

  • IETA 4: Assess the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of endometrial caner
  • IOTA: Explore multimodel strategies including ultrasound in the diagnosis of adnexal masses.
  • IDEA: Assess the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of deep endometriosis
  • TITANUM: The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of GTN
  • PCME: Explore sonographic, demographic, biometric and molecular to predict recurrence and death in endometrial cancer
  • MUSA: Sonographic characteristics of Adenomyosis, Myomas and sarcomas
  • SonoQZ (mobil applikation): Value of game-based learning in the diagnosis of adnexal masses.
  • AI-machine learning: To discriminate bening form malignant adnexal masses.
  • Precision medicine Bio-image database: Combining AI of ultrasound images with bioinformatics, and tumour markers to diagnose, and tailor treatment in ovarian cancer
  • Childbirth and incontinence surgery: Association between childbirth and urinary incontinence after mid-urethral sling surgery
  • Perineorrhaphy: Reconstructive surgery versus pelvic floor therapy in women with poorly healed second degree perineal tears - A randomized controlled study.
  • Mid urethral sling surgery for urinary incontinence: long-term follow-up and complications from a population perspective
  • Robotic surgery: Perioperative data, complications, symptoms, reoperations, sexual function and prescription of analgesics, prior to surgery and after.

Research support

  • Cancerfonden
  • Swedish Research Counsil
  • ALF-medicin
  • ALF-Hälsa Medicin Teknik (a collaboration with KTH)
  • AFA, Region Stockholm-Gotland
  • Radiumhemmets forskningsfonder

Publications

Selected publications

Staff and contact

Group leader

All members of the group

Keywords:
Cancer and Oncology Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging
EE
Content reviewer:
22-03-2024