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Sub-navigation Navigation links - Current: Sub-navigation - [ Cancer research ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/cancer-research) - [ Clinical Trials and Research in Gynecology and Obstetrics ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/clinical-trials-and-research-gynecology-and-obstetrics) - [ Clinical trials involving children ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/clinical-trials-involving-children) - [ EU projects ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/research-and-innovation-projects-have-received-eu) - [ Head and Neck Center research ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/head-and-neck-center-research) - [ Meilahti Vaccine Research Center MeVac ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/meilahti-vaccine-research-center-mevac) - [ Nursing Research Center NRC ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/nursing-research-center-nrc) - [ Participation in medical research ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/participation-medical-research) - [ Pediatric research center ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/pediatric-research-center) - [ Perioperative, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine research ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/perioperative-and-intensive-care-research) - [ Research in heart and lung diseases ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/research-heart-and-lung-diseases) - [ Scientific research of the Diagnostic Center ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/scientific-research-diagnostic-center) - [ Vaccine studies ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/vaccine-studies) - [ Cancer research ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/cancer-research) - [ Clinical Trials and Research in Gynecology and Obstetrics ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/clinical-trials-and-research-gynecology-and-obstetrics) - [ Clinical trials involving children ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/clinical-trials-involving-children) - [ EU projects ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/research-and-innovation-projects-have-received-eu) - [ Head and Neck Center research ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/head-and-neck-center-research) - [ Meilahti Vaccine Research Center MeVac ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/meilahti-vaccine-research-center-mevac) - [ Nursing Research Center NRC ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/nursing-research-center-nrc) - [ Participation in medical research ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/participation-medical-research) - [ Pediatric research center ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/pediatric-research-center) - [ Perioperative, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine research ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/perioperative-and-intensive-care-research) - [ Research in heart and lung diseases ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/research-heart-and-lung-diseases) - [ Scientific research of the Diagnostic Center ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/scientific-research-diagnostic-center) - [ Vaccine studies ](/en/research-and-education/scientific-research/vaccine-studies) # Clinical Trials and Research in Gynecology and Obstetrics The Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit is actively involved in a wide range of studies with research topics covering every corner of the specialty.  In the Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, the research designs range from registry studies utilizing health care registries to experimental laboratory studies, and randomized clinical treatment trials. The unit works with both Finnish and foreign research teams. The unit publishes approximately 200 peer-reviewed original studies every year. In recent years, the unit staff have completed three to nine doctoral dissertations annually. The unit recruits patients for clinical trials through physician’s referrals. The attending physician will also provide us with the necessary information on the candidates’ eligibility to participate in a study. Below is a list of our trials currently recruiting patients. ## Our clinical trials that are recruiting patients ### Gynecology --- ### ProHyst – Infection after a hysterectomy A postoperative infection is a possible complication related to hysterectomies, which is why prophylactic antibiotic therapy (cefuroxime) is administered during the surgery. This study explores if the risk of infection can be reduced by adding the antibiotic azithromycin to the treatment. All women coming in for a hysterectomy for benign reasons, and who are not allergic to cefuroxime or azithromycin, are eligible for this study. More information about the study will be provided when the patient is placed on the surgery waiting list, and if necessary, from Research Nurse Teija Karkkulainen, . Principal Investigators: Ninja Savonius, Päivi Rahkola-Soisalo, Liisu Saavalainen, Seppo Virtanen, and Tomi Mikkola. ### Efficacy of Very Early Medical Abortion (VEMA) – a Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial The purpose of the trial is to determine if there is a difference in treatment outcomes when abortion is performed at week 4 to 5 of pregnancy compared to a situation where abortion is performed only when an ultrasound scan can be used to confirm that the pregnancy is not located outside the uterus. This is an international investigator-initiated multicenter trial. Principal Investigator: Professor Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Principal Investigator in Finland: Professor Oskari Heikinheimo, Women's Hospital, HUS EudraCT: 2018-003675-35 [Further information](https://www.terveyskyla.fi/naistalo/palvelut/hus-naistentaudit-ja-synnytykset/ajankohtaiset-tutkimukset/vema-%E2%80%93-tutkimus-ruoholahden-poliklinikalla) (in Finnish) ### We are recruiting individuals aged between 40 and 65 with menopause-related hot flashes for the OASIS clinical trial The purpose of the OASIS trial is to evaluate a hormone-free drug currently in development. The aim is to determine whether the investigational drug reduces the hot flashes associated with menopause safely and effectively. If you meet the eligibility criteria and decide to participate in the trial, you may receive: - the investigational drug (taken orally) and treatment related to the trial provided by the investigating physician and experienced trial staff free of charge; - information about menopause and how to manage the symptoms of menopause; and - reasonable compensation for your time and travel expenses. If you would like to participate in the trial, please contact: Pirjo Ikonen, Kaisu Luiro-Helve, Oskari Heikinheimo, ### Pregnancy and Childbirth --- ### HeBiCo Study HeBiCo is a study on the impact of pregnancy-related factors on the body composition and subsequent health of newborn babies. The study is carried out in cooperation between HUS, the University of Helsinki, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The study is open to all expectant mothers in the HUS area. During pregnancy, participants are asked to complete electronic questionnaires on topics such as nutrition, exercise, mood, and sleep quality. The body composition of infants born in the Women's Hospital can be measured with the PeaPod device. After pregnancy, participants are also asked questions about breastfeeding and their child's diet and development up until the age of two. Participants are given feedback on some of the questionnaires. [Further information](https://www.terveyskyla.fi/naistalo/palvelut/hus-naistentaudit-ja-synnytykset/ajankohtaiset-tutkimukset/hebico-tutkimus) (in Finnish) ### Gynecologic Cancer --- ### Study of Drug Therapy for Endometrial Carcinoma Long title: MK-3475-C93 /GOG-3064 / ENGOT-en15: A Phase 3 Randomized, Open-label, Active-comparator Controlled Clinical Study of Pembrolizumab versus Platinum Doublet Chemotherapy in Participants With Mismatch Repair Deficient (dMMR) Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma in the First-line Setting Patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma are being recruited for this study. These patients are treated with combination chemotherapy. In this study, pembrolizumab is compared against this platinum-doublet chemotherapy. Pembrolizumab belongs to the group of immuno-oncology agents. Previous studies have shown that endometrial carcinomas of the dMMR type may be especially sensitive to immuno-oncology drug therapy. The study is a Phase 3, international, randomized, open-label, active-comparator controlled multicenter study. Individual patient's eligibility is assessed by their attending physician, who may suggest participation in the study. Principal Investigator at HUS: Docent Heini Lassus, Women's Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center ### Individual Treatment of Endometrial Carcinoma **PETREC (PErsonalized TReatment for Endometrial Carcinoma)** This is a national multicenter study conducted by the Finnish Gynecologic Oncology Group (FINGOG) established by the Finnish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SGY) for women with high-intermediate risk or high-risk endometrial carcinoma. The purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of chemotherapy against the combination of chemotherapy and external pelvic radiotherapy in the treatment of high-risk cancer, and the effectiveness of internal vaginal radiotherapy against external pelvic radiotherapy in the treatment of intermediate-risk cancer. Individual patient's eligibility is assessed by their attending physician, who may suggest participation in the study. Principal Investigator at HUS and in Finland: Docent Mikko Loukovaara, Women's Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center ## Our Most Recent Research Publications ### Dissertations --- Venla Kemppainen, 22.3.2024. [Medical abortion: Pain experience, pain management options, and association with fear of childbirth (helda.helsinki.fi)](https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/8e82eaaa-ba4b-44de-aed2-ed0d7c26c3aa) Maria Pekkola, 7.6.2024. [Singleton Stillbirth: Etiology, Labor, Aftercare, and Subsequent Pregnancy (helda.helsinki.fi)](https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/9b3fa665-9e94-4581-9430-4bd04e45e365) Liisa Verho, 27.9.2024. [Maternal stroke in Finland: Incidence and long-term outcomes (helda.helsinki.fi)](https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/93f65d81-795d-45c4-8155-823a8c4bfb28) Heidi Sormunen-Harju, 1.11.2024. [Maternal obesity: Associations between obesity, pregnancy complications, and maternal and newborn metabolome (helda.helsinki.fi)](https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/3fdd29e2-a53a-47a3-b592-41869b0b594d) Anna-Maija Itkonen-Freitas, 15.11.2024. [Tension-Free Vaginal Tape and Polyacrylamide Hydrogel in Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Clinical Trial (helda.helsinki.fi)](https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/c97e7a6a-1094-4fa2-a215-d71bf5ffa5bb) Natalia Hetemäki, 13.12.2024. [Estrogen biosynthesis in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in women (helda.helsinki.fi)](https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/d4c8c75b-7ffe-42ae-8b3a-a8279cba7434) Anna Äyräväinen, 17.1.2025. [Uterine leiomyomas in fertile-aged women: Molecular and clinical characteristics (helda.helsinki.fi)](https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/25c3666e-8056-4dcc-88b7-af0c0724acbb) ### Research Publications --- [Check out our research publications on the University of Helsinki website.](https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/organisations/hus-gynecology-and-obstetrics) ## In cooperation with ## [ Helsinki Biobank (opens in new window, links to another website) ](https://www.helsinginbiopankki.fi/en/front-page) In our research, we utilize samples and data resources stored in the biobank. Read more about biobank operations on the website of the Helsinki Biobank. Helsinki Biobank  ## Specialists ### [ Oskari Heikinheimo ](/en/person/oskari-heikinheimo) Head of Department, Professor Updated: 09.12.2025 Print this page