SUMMARY
Mayo Clinic researcher Carrie L. Langstraat, M.D., conducts research on clinical outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer. She also investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately distinguish between malignant and benign ovarian masses. Additionally, Dr. Langstraat has mentored residents and fellows in research on the nonsurgical management of endometrial cancer and mucinous ovarian cancer.
Focus areas
- Outcomes of ovarian cancer surgery. Dr. Langstraat studies surgical outcomes of patients undergoing debulking surgery for ovarian cancer. She focuses on finding ways to reduce surgical complications and improve the survival rates of people who have ovarian cancer.
- Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for ovarian cancer. Dr. Langstraat collaborates with investigators at other institutions to better understand the role of HIPEC in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
- AI and ultrasound of adnexal masses. Dr. Langstraat collaborates with radiologists and AI experts to study the use of AI to improve the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound.
- Nonsurgical management of endometrial cancer. Dr. Langstraat evaluates the outcomes of patients who are treated for endometrial cancer without surgery. Her research in this area focuses on cancer outcomes as well as the patient experience.
Significance to patient care
Surgery is important for treating ovarian cancer, but many patients have complications after surgery that delay or prevent them from getting chemotherapy. Dr. Langstraat has found factors that lead to poor outcomes from surgery and has created a system to improve patient results. Her research has reduced complications at Mayo Clinic.
Many people will be diagnosed with ovarian masses in their lifetimes. Ultrasound is the best way to examine ovarian masses, but the reports can vary and it can be hard to tell whether the masses are cancerous. Using AI can help make ultrasound reports more consistent and may lead to earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer in people who are at risk.
Professional highlights
- Co-chair, Fellowship Program Directors Network, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, 2025-present.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic:
- Chair of education, 2022-present.
- Charles S. Field Award for Excellence in Education, 2018.
- Funding recipient, Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for AI Research and Innovation, Mayo Clinic, 2024.