Kristina A. Butler, M.D., M.S.

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SUMMARY

Kristina A. Butler, M.D., M.S., conducts extensive research on malignant and benign gynecologic conditions. She leverages immunotherapy and innovative surgical techniques to find new and better ways to treat gynecologic cancers. Dr. Butler's research initiatives aim to advance the understanding of tumor immunology, fat metabolism and the tumor microenvironment in endometrial cancer. She also develops clinical trials to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for gynecologic cancers.

Focus areas

• Visualization of ovarian cancer. Dr. Butler is the principal investigator of the Gleolan for Visualization of Newly Diagnosed or Recurrent Ovarian Cancer study. This study investigates the safety, diagnostic performance, and clinical usefulness of the imaging agent Gleolan — aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride, also referred to as ALA HCl, ALA, 5-ALA. Gleolan is an orally administered imaging agent for the real-time detection and visualization of de novo or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer during tumor debulking.
• Antitumor immunity. Dr. Butler explores the potential of PP4 inhibition combined with chemo-immunotherapy to boost antitumor immunity in ovarian cancer. This research is funded by the Department of Defense and aims to improve patient response to immunotherapy.
• PP4 in ovarian cancer. Another key focus is targeting PP4 for improved ovarian cancer response to immunotherapy. This project received funding from the National Cancer Institute and examines the effects of PP4 inhibition on tumor resistance mechanisms.
• Combined therapy for ovarian cancer. Dr. Butler leads an early-phase clinical trial investigating the use of Th17-inducing dendritic cells and pembrolizumab to treat recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combined therapeutic approach.
• Noninvasive detection of cancer. Dr. Butler investigates how artificial intelligence-based classifiers can be applied to transvaginal ultrasounds. This technology holds potential for noninvasive identification of endometrial cancer and endometrial atypical hyperplasia in patients with postmenopausal bleeding.
• Methylated DNA markers. Dr. Butler contributes to a phase 2 clinical study using methylated DNA markers to detect endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancers, which could enhance early diagnosis and treatment possibilities.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Butler's research helps improve patient care by creating new treatments for gynecologic cancers, especially in conditions for which there are not enough options. Her work focuses on boosting the body's ability to fight tumors and finding ways to detect cancer early using noninvasive methods. This research aims to make cancer treatments more effective and easier to access. By tackling important challenges in gynecologic cancer care, Dr. Butler aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people with these conditions.

Professional highlights

• Chair, Community Engagement Committee, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 2021-present.
• Co-chair, Gynecologic Oncology Specialty Interest Group, Mayo Clinic, 2017-present.
• Member, editorial board, Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2017-present.
• Member, Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, 2017-present.
• Co-principal investigator, Noninvasive Identification of Endometrial Cancer and Endometrial Atypical Hyperplasia with an AI-Based Classifier Applied to Transvaginal Ultrasound in Patients with Postmenopausal Bleeding, National Cancer Institute, 2024-2027.
• Principal investigator, Gleolan for Visualization of Newly Diagnosed or Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (OVA-302), 2024-2026.
• Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning Award, Mayo Clinic Center for Digital Health and Mayo Clinic Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity with support from Dalio Philanthropies, 2025.
• Arizona Top Doctor, Gynecology, Phoenix Magazine, 2021, 2024.
• Mayo Foundation Scholar, Mayo Clinic, 2011-2014.
• Resident Teacher of the Year, Medical College of Georgia, 2009.
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, 2005.