Gary Altwerger, MD
Cards
Appointments
Titles
Head of Gynecologic Oncology Morbidity and Mortality , Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences; Institutional Review Board Committee Member, Gynecologic Oncology
Contact Info
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
PO Box 208063
New Haven, CT 06520
United States
Appointments
Titles
Head of Gynecologic Oncology Morbidity and Mortality , Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences; Institutional Review Board Committee Member, Gynecologic Oncology
Contact Info
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
PO Box 208063
New Haven, CT 06520
United States
Appointments
Titles
Head of Gynecologic Oncology Morbidity and Mortality , Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences; Institutional Review Board Committee Member, Gynecologic Oncology
Contact Info
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
PO Box 208063
New Haven, CT 06520
United States
About
Titles
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Head of Gynecologic Oncology Morbidity and Mortality , Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences; Institutional Review Board Committee Member, Gynecologic OncologyBiography
Dr. Gary Altwerger is an assistant professor of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale School of Medicine. Known for his advanced surgical skills, Dr. Altwerger is an expert in minimally invasive techniques for treating uterine, ovarian, and vulvar cancers. His knowledge extends beyond the operating room to pioneering research in both clinical and basic sciences. He has identified biomarkers in advanced uterine cancer and developed strategies to disrupt tumor DNA repair pathways, advancing treatments for chemotherapy-resistant gynecologic cancers.
Dr. Altwerger's basic science research on treatment resistant uterine cancers has led to the launch of an investigator-initiated clinical trial at Yale University. Additionally, his clinical research in evaluating desensitization protocols has enabled patients with hypersensitivities to receive effective yet previously intolerable chemotherapy treatments, with these findings published in high-impact gynecologic oncology journals.
In the surgical arena, Dr. Altwerger has developed and published novel techniques for minimally invasive tumor removal in the upper abdomen. Additionally, as part of a mandate by the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, he participates in the CSATS (Crowd-Sourced Assessment of Technical Skills) platform. This initiative utilizes national expert feedback to rate and enhance a surgeon’s operative skills. Reviews on CSATS often highlight Dr. Altwerger's surgical expertise, with feedback noting his 'clever' and 'expert' approaches to managing 'challenging' cases in gynecologic oncology.
Dr. Altwerger’s commitment to professional development and excellence in gynecologic oncology is evident in his multifaceted role at Yale. He educates future medical professionals on gynecologic cancers and related topics, oversees the Inpatient Gynecologic Oncology Advanced Practice Providers, and chairs the Gynecologic Oncology Morbidity and Mortality meetings. Furthermore, he serves on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Yale New Haven Hospital, ensuring the safety and ethical standards of cancer research protocols. Clinically, he remains at the forefront of administering the latest therapies, including chemotherapies, immunotherapies, intraoperative chemotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates, to provide targeted care for women with gynecologic malignancies.
Appointments
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Assistant ProfessorPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
Education & Training
- Fellowship
- Yale University (2019)
- Residency
- Yale University (2016)
- MD
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2012)
- BS
- State University at Albany, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (2007)
Research
Overview
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Research at a Glance
Yale Co-Authors
Publications Timeline
Research Interests
Alessandro Santin, MD
Masoud Azodi, MD
Gloria Huang, MD, FACOG
Elena Ratner, MD, MBA
Peter Schwartz, MD
Stefania Bellone, PhD
Drug Hypersensitivity
Publications
Featured Publications
Harnessing the effects of hypoxia-like inhibition on homology-directed DNA repair
Altwerger G, Ghazarian M, Glazer P. Harnessing the effects of hypoxia-like inhibition on homology-directed DNA repair. Seminars In Cancer Biology 2023, 98: 11-18. PMID: 38029867, PMCID: PMC10872265, DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.007.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricPrescribed medical cannabis in women with gynecologic malignancies: A single-institution survey-based study
Webster EM, Yadav GS, Gysler S, McNamara B, Black J, Tymon-Rosario J, Zeybek B, Han C, Arkfeld CK, Andikyan V, Menderes G, Huang G, Azodi M, Silasi DA, Santin AD, Schwartz PE, Ratner ES, Altwerger G. Prescribed medical cannabis in women with gynecologic malignancies: A single-institution survey-based study. Gynecologic Oncology Reports 2020, 34: 100667. PMID: 33204797, PMCID: PMC7653050, DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2020.100667.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsTreatment-related symptomsGynecologic malignanciesMedical cannabisOpioid usePatient experienceBetter side effect profileDecrease opioid useGynecologic oncology populationPercent of patientsSide effect profileSubset of patientsBone painEligible patientsAbdominal painNeuropathic painRecurrent diseaseSymptom controlJoint painAdjunct therapyOncology populationEffect profileGynecologic oncologistsTraditional medicationsPainPatientsIn vitro and in vivo activity of IMGN853, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate targeting Folate Receptor Alpha linked to DM4, in biologically aggressive endometrial cancers
Altwerger G, Bonazzoli E, Bellone S, Egawa-Takata T, Menderes G, Pettinella F, Bianchi A, Riccio F, Feinberg J, Zammataro L, Han C, Yadav G, Dugan K, Morneault A, Ponte JF, Buza N, Hui P, Wong S, Litkouhi B, Ratner E, Silasi DA, Huang GS, Azodi M, Schwartz PE, Santin AD. In vitro and in vivo activity of IMGN853, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate targeting Folate Receptor Alpha linked to DM4, in biologically aggressive endometrial cancers. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 2018, 17: molcanther.0930.2017. PMID: 29440294, PMCID: PMC5932245, DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0930.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsEndometrial cancerXenograft modelCell linesTumor cell linesPatient-derived xenograft modelsUterine cancer cell linesAggressive endometrial cancersEndometrial cancer deathsExpression of FRαPrimary USC cell linesRecurrent endometrial cancerReceptor alpha expressionUSC cell linesImpressive antitumor activityMol Cancer TherUSC patientsCancer cell linesMedian survivalCancer deathPDX modelsPreclinical dataUterine cancerComplete resolutionIMGN853Grade 3Impact of carboplatin hypersensitivity and desensitization on patients with recurrent ovarian cancer
Altwerger G, Florsheim EB, Menderes G, Black J, Schwab C, Gressel GM, Nelson WK, Carusillo N, Passante T, Huang G, Litkouhi B, Azodi M, Silasi DA, Santin A, Schwartz PE, Ratner ES. Impact of carboplatin hypersensitivity and desensitization on patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Journal Of Cancer Research And Clinical Oncology 2018, 144: 2449-2456. PMID: 30255380, DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2753-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsCarboplatin hypersensitivityCarboplatin desensitizationHypersensitive patientsOverall survivalRisk factorsOvarian cancerTwo-sided Fisher exactAdvanced stage ovarian cancerInfusion of carboplatinRecurrent ovarian cancerIndependent risk factorLonger overall survivalStage ovarian cancerOvarian cancer patientsLong-term treatmentNew risk factorsHigher likelihoodTwo-sided p valueT-testStudent's t-testDesignRetrospective studyGermline BRCA1/2Improved OSLonger OSDesensitization protocolPlatinum desensitization in patients with carboplatin hypersensitivity: A single-institution retrospective study
Altwerger G, Gressel GM, English DP, Nelson WK, Carusillo N, Silasi DA, Azodi M, Santin A, Schwartz PE, Ratner ES. Platinum desensitization in patients with carboplatin hypersensitivity: A single-institution retrospective study. Gynecologic Oncology 2016, 144: 77-82. PMID: 27789084, DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.09.027.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsPositive skin testsHypersensitivity reactionsDesensitization protocolSkin testCarboplatin infusionLife-threatening hypersensitivity reactionSingle-institution retrospective studyCarboplatin desensitization protocolPrior hypersensitivity reactionMajority of patientsCarboplatin hypersensitivity reactionsCarboplatin hypersensitivityPulmonary hypertensionAdverse eventsRetrospective reviewRetrospective studyGynecologic cancerGrade 0Patient deathRisk factorsCardiac conditionsPatientsLarger studyInfusionAgeConventional laparoscopic resection of platinum-sensitive recurrent oligometastatic ovarian cancer lesion in the interaortocaval region
Abozenah Y, Vlamis C, Ghazarian M, Harold J, Tymon-Rosario J, Altwerger G. Conventional laparoscopic resection of platinum-sensitive recurrent oligometastatic ovarian cancer lesion in the interaortocaval region. International Journal Of Gynecological Cancer 2024, ijgc-2024-005269. PMID: 38719278, DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2024-005269.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchLaparoscopic pancreatic peritonectomy with splenectomy for recurrent ovarian cancer: a novel approach to achieve R0 while preserving the pancreatic body and tail
Vlamis C, Abozenah Y, Pebley N, Chang Y, McNamara B, Altwerger G. Laparoscopic pancreatic peritonectomy with splenectomy for recurrent ovarian cancer: a novel approach to achieve R0 while preserving the pancreatic body and tail. International Journal Of Gynecological Cancer 2024, ijgc-2024-005358. PMID: 38724238, DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2024-005358.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2024
Predictive modeling of gene mutations for the survival outcomes of epithelial ovarian cancer patients
C. M, Lavi E, Altwerger G, Lin Z, Ratner E. Predictive modeling of gene mutations for the survival outcomes of epithelial ovarian cancer patients. PLOS ONE 2024, 19: e0305273. PMID: 38976671, PMCID: PMC11230535, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305273.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsEpithelial ovarian cancerEpithelial ovarian cancer patientsEpithelial ovarian cancer casesGene mutation signaturesPlatinum-based chemotherapyThe Cancer Genome AtlasResponse to treatmentOverall survivalGene mutationsMutational signaturesHomologous recombinationSurvival outcomesIncreased sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapySensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapyAssociated with increased chemoresistanceResistance to platinum-based chemotherapySurvival timeSurvival rateFavorable response to treatmentPlatinum-induced DNA damageKaplan-Meier survival analysisPrediction of survival outcomesOvarian cancer patientsOverall survival ratePrediction of treatment outcomeTrastuzumab deruxtecan (DS-8201a), a HER2-targeting antibody–drug conjugate, demonstrates in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity against primary and metastatic ovarian tumors overexpressing HER2
Mutlu L, McNamara B, Bellone S, Manavella D, Demirkiran C, Greenman M, Verzosa M, Buza N, Hui P, Hartwich T, Harold J, Yang-Hartwich Y, Zipponi M, Altwerger G, Ratner E, Huang G, Clark M, Andikyan V, Azodi M, Schwartz P, Santin A. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (DS-8201a), a HER2-targeting antibody–drug conjugate, demonstrates in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity against primary and metastatic ovarian tumors overexpressing HER2. Clinical & Experimental Metastasis 2024, 1-11. PMID: 38909139, DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10297-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHigh-grade serous ovarian cancerClear cell carcinomaHER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugateAntibody-drug conjugatesT-DXdReceptor over-expressionTrastuzumab deruxtecanXenograft modelCell linesOvarian clear cell carcinomaOvarian cancer cell linesTumors overexpressing HER2Biologically aggressive tumorsFluorescence in situ hybridization assaySerous ovarian cancerEffective antibody-drug conjugatesIn vivo antitumor activityMouse xenograft modelMetastatic cell linesDS-8201aCancer cell linesAggressive tumorsHER2 expressionCell carcinomaOvarian cancerRandomized phase II trial of weekly ixabepilone ± biweekly bevacizumab for platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer (NCT03093155): Updated survival and subgroup analyses
Roque D, Siegel E, Buza N, Bellone S, Huang G, Altwerger G, Andikyan V, Clark M, Azodi M, Schwartz P, Rao G, Ratner E, Santin A. Randomized phase II trial of weekly ixabepilone ± biweekly bevacizumab for platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer (NCT03093155): Updated survival and subgroup analyses. BJC Reports 2024, 2: 43. DOI: 10.1038/s44276-024-00067-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPre-treated ovarian cancerOverall survivalBev armsDose reductionOvarian cancerTaxane responseRandomized phase 2 trialRandomized phase II trialPaclitaxel-resistant diseaseResultsThirty-seven patientsTreated with paclitaxelPhase 2 trialBiweekly bevacizumabDays 1,8,15Taxane-sensitiveUpdate survivalProgression-freePeritoneal cancerDose modificationTaxane sensitivityPlatinum resistanceSubset analysisSubgroup analysisResponse ratePatients
Clinical Trials
Current Trials
A Phase II Evaluation of Sacituzumab Govitecan (IMMU-132), an Anti-Trop-2-SN-38 Antibody-drug Conjugate in Patients With Recurrent or Persistent Cervical Cancer
HIC ID2000023639RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date06/01/2026Recruiting ParticipantsA Non-Randomized Prospective Clinical Trial Comparing the Non-Inferiority of Salpingectomy to Salpingo-Oophorectomy to Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Among BRCA1 Carriers [SOROCk]
HIC ID2000031409RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date06/23/2036Recruiting ParticipantsA Phase II Evaluation of Sacituzumab Govitecan (IMMU-132), an Anti-Trop-2-SN-38 Antibody-drug Conjugate, in Patients With Persistent or Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma
HIC ID2000026850RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date12/31/2024Recruiting ParticipantsA Phase II/III Study of Paclitaxel/Carboplatin Alone or Combined With Either Trastuzumab and Hyaluronidase-Oysk (HERCEPTIN HYLECTA) or Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab, and Hyaluronidase-Zzxf (PHESGO) in HER2 Positive, Stage I-IV Endometrial Serous Carcinoma or Carcinosarcoma
HIC ID2000033613RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date10/31/2027Recruiting ParticipantsA Phase II Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Mirvetuximab Soravtansine (IMGN853) in Women With Folate Receptor-α Positive Persistent or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer
HIC ID2000023841RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date10/31/2024Recruiting Participants
Academic Achievements and Community Involvement
honor Laxmi Baxi Award for basic and translation research on folic acid receptor in uterine cancer
Other AwardSociety for Reproductive InvestigationDetails03/09/2018United Stateshonor The John J. Meehan-Clifford R. Miller Award
Yale School of Medicine AwardYale School of MedicineDetails06/09/2016United Stateshonor Resident Teaching Award
Yale School of Medicine AwardYale School of MedicineDetails06/19/2014United Stateshonor Clyde L. Randall Society Award in Gynecology-Obstetrics
Regional AwardJacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical SciencesDetails05/09/2012United Stateshonor Phi Beta Kappa
Other AwardUniversity at AlbanyDetails05/16/2007United States
Clinical Care
Overview
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
Vulvar Cancer
Learn More on Yale MedicineGynecologic Cancers
Learn More on Yale MedicineCervical Cancer
Learn More on Yale MedicineMinimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Learn More on Yale Medicine
Board Certifications
Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Certification Organization
- AB of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Original Certification Date
- 2023
Yale Medicine News
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News
- April 15, 2024
Genetic Analysis of Rare, Often Deadly Cervical Cancer Uncovers Potential Treatments
- October 27, 2022Source: OncLive
&LassoImpressionID=d0ae2529-2d51-424c-b579-f1237686307f Institutional Perspectives in Cancer: Gynecologic Cancers - Chaired by Gary Altwerger, MD
- November 02, 2021Source: OncLive
Institutional Perspectives in Cancer- Women’s Cancers: Chaired by Elena Ratner, MD
Get In Touch
Contacts
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
PO Box 208063
New Haven, CT 06520
United States
Locations
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Academic Office
Farnam Memorial Building
310 Cedar Street, Wing Gynecologic Oncology, Fl 3rd, Ste 328
New Haven, CT 06510
General Information
203.737.2280Fax
203.785.7931Patient Care Locations
Are You a Patient? View this doctor's clinical profile on the Yale Medicine website for information about the services we offer and making an appointment.
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