Scholars@Duke
Laura Jean Havrilesky

Laura Jean Havrilesky

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology
laura.havrilesky@duke.edu
Box 3079 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
25172 Morris Bldg, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

I am interested in using health economic models to inform decisions related to gynecologic cancers. Specific models have addressed the decision to administer intraperitoneal chemotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer following optimal cytoreduction, the choice of chemotherapy regimen for recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer, and the exploration of screening strategies for ovarian cancer. The ovarian cancer screening model examines the effects of test cost, sensitivity, specificity, and screen frequency on ovarian cancer mortality, the lifetime false positive rate of testing, the positive predictive value of the test, and its cost effectiveness. This type of model is potentially useful in informing the design trials of novel screening tests for ovarian cancer. I am also conducting a prospective study to quantify the effects of screening for, diagnosis of, and treatment for ovarian cancer on the quality of life of women.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2014 - Present Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Professor in Population Health Sciences · 2019 - Present Population Health Sciences, Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 1995 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News

Published July 10, 2025
A Cancer Screening Shift That Could Save Lives

View All News

Recent Publications

Cost-effectiveness of biomarker-based and universal strategies for the treatment of advanced-stage endometrial cancer.

Journal Article Gynecol Oncol · December 2025 OBJECTIVE: To compare cost-effectiveness of targeted therapeutic strategies for non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHB) patients with newly diagnosed, advanced-stage endometrial cancer. METHODS: A Markov-based cost-utility model using a third ... Full text Link to item Cite

Preferences of BRCA mutation carriers for attributes of risk-reducing surgical options for breast and ovarian cancer.

Journal Article Cancer · November 15, 2025 BACKGROUND: Risk-reducing surgeries are the most effective strategies for cancer prevention in patients with germline pathogenic variants in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes; these surgeries are associated with early menopause, loss of childbearing potential, and cos ... Full text Link to item Cite

Gynecologic oncology fellowship trends: Supply outpacing demand, geographical maldistribution.

Journal Article Gynecol Oncol · November 2025 OBJECTIVE: To examine the trends and geographic distribution of US GO fellowship programs over time and analyze GO specific procedures by regions. METHODS: Using the publicly available data from the NRMP, the number of GO fellowship programs and positions ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants

Duke Women's Reproductive Health Research Scholars

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development · 2020 - 2030

TDAN - Tissue and Data Acquisition Network

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Henry M. Jackson Foundation · 2025 - 2026

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications

Duke University · 1995 M.D.