Jayanthi Lea

Dr. Jayanthi Lea serves as Division Chief of Gynecologic Oncology and Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Board certified in both gynecologic oncology and obstetrics/gynecology, she specializes in radical surgical interventions for gynecologic malignancies including cytoreductive surgery for ovarian/fallopian tube cancers, radical pelvic procedures, and minimally invasive robotic/laparoscopic techniques. As Disease Oriented Team Leader for Gynecologic Oncology at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, she implements multidisciplinary care models and serves as physician champion for the Gynecologic Oncology Previvor Program.

Her educational journey includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Medical Doctorate from East Carolina University School of Medicine
• Obstetrics/Gynecology residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital (Columbus, Ohio)
• Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dr. Lea's research bridges clinical innovation and molecular discovery with dual focus: clinical development of novel therapeutic agents for ovarian/cervical cancers through NRG Oncology and GOG Foundation trials, and basic investigation of ovarian cancer early detection methods. Her foundational work examined cervical cancer molecular pathogenesis, particularly HPV oncoprotein mechanisms and tumor suppressor gene inactivation. Current investigations emphasize immunotherapy combinations, targeted inhibitors, and surgical optimization for gynecologic malignancies.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals evolving expertise from foundational cervical cancer biology (2004-2012) toward contemporary ovarian cancer therapeutics (2024-2025). Recent work prioritizes immunotherapy combinations for rare tumors, PARP7 inhibition mechanisms, and tumor-treating fields technology, while maintaining surgical oncology contributions in uterine carcinosarcoma management. This trajectory demonstrates strategic progression from molecular diagnostics to cutting-edge clinical translation.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• NIH Reproductive Scientist Development Program Scholar

As Fellowship Program Director, Dr. Lea mentors next-generation gynecologic oncologists while leading national clinical trial initiatives through NRG Oncology subcommittees (ovarian, cervical, developmental therapeutics). Her leadership in the Simmons Cancer Center's Disease Oriented Team integrates surgical, medical, and radiation oncology disciplines to optimize patient outcomes. Current grants focus on platinum-resistant ovarian cancer interventions and previvorship care pathways.

Dr. Lea directs the Gynecologic Oncology research team at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, which operates integrated translational laboratories examining tumor microenvironment dynamics and therapeutic resistance mechanisms. The team collaborates with bioengineering specialists on imaging innovations and with population scientists on health disparities research in gynecologic cancers.