Dr. Christine M. Lee, MD

Dr. Christine M. Lee, MD Gynecologic Oncologist and Cancer Care

Dr. Christine M. Lee, MD, is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist whose clinical work focuses on cancers affecting the female reproductive system. She is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology and currently practices with Texas Oncology. Her professional background includes extensive surgical and medical cancer care, with particular clinical and research interests in ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Gynecologic oncology is different from routine gynecology. A general OB-GYN may identify an abnormal pelvic examination, imaging result, biopsy, or cancer-screening finding, while a gynecologic oncologist has additional training focused on diagnosing and treating cancers of the reproductive system.

For patients, referral to a gynecologic oncologist does not always mean that cancer has already been confirmed. Sometimes the purpose of the consultation is to determine whether a mass or abnormal biopsy needs more specialized testing or surgery.

Patients looking for related specialists can browse gynecology doctors on Doctiplus, while the Doctiplus Women’s Health section provides broader information about reproductive and gynecologic health.

About Dr. Christine M. Lee

Dr. Lee currently provides gynecologic oncology care through Texas Oncology. The practice lists her at Texas Oncology-The Woodlands and identifies Gynecologic Oncology as her specialty. Texas Oncology also states that she is board certified in gynecologic oncology, obstetrics, and gynecology.

Her Memorial Hermann profile describes a particular professional interest in ovarian cancer at the molecular level. Her research background includes work involving targeted gene therapy and ovarian-cancer-specific molecular mechanisms, along with peer-reviewed research involving ovarian and endometrial cancers.

This research background is relevant because modern gynecologic cancer treatment increasingly depends on more than the location of a tumor. Pathology, tumor biology, molecular characteristics, stage, previous treatment, overall health, and the patient’s treatment goals can all influence the plan.

Medical Education and Gynecologic Oncology Training

Memorial Hermann lists Dr. Lee as a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, where she completed her medical education in 1997. She then completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2001.

She subsequently completed fellowship training in Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, with Memorial Hermann listing fellowship completion in 2005. During her advanced cancer training, she also earned a master’s degree in cancer biology through the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Training Area	Institution	Details
Medical education	Wayne State University School of Medicine	MD, 1997
Residency	University of Texas Medical Branch	Obstetrics and Gynecology, completed 2001
Fellowship	MD Anderson Cancer Center	Gynecologic Oncology, completed 2005
Graduate education	University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences	Master’s degree in Cancer Biology
Specialty	Gynecologic Oncology	Surgical and medical care for gynecologic cancers

This pathway means Dr. Lee first trained broadly in women’s reproductive health and surgery before completing additional specialist education dedicated specifically to gynecologic cancer.

Board Certification and Professional Background

Dr. Lee is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology. Memorial Hermann and Texas Oncology both currently identify these certifications in her professional profiles.

Gynecologic oncology fellowship training combines several areas that would otherwise involve multiple specialties. A gynecologic oncologist may participate in cancer surgery, treatment planning, chemotherapy management, surveillance after treatment, and coordination with radiation oncology, pathology, radiology, genetics, and other cancer specialists.

Dr. Lee’s Memorial Hermann profile specifically notes experience with complex ovarian cancer chemotherapy regimens and tumor-debulking surgery for ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Care

Ovarian cancer is one of Dr. Lee’s clearest documented clinical and research interests. Texas Oncology notes her particular interest in ovarian cancer at the molecular level, while Memorial Hermann identifies ovarian cancer surgery and complex chemotherapy among her specialized areas of treatment.

Evaluation of a suspected ovarian cancer may begin after imaging identifies an ovarian or pelvic mass. However, an ovarian mass is not automatically cancerous.

A gynecologic oncologist may need to consider:

• Imaging characteristics
• Age and menopausal status
• Symptoms
• Tumor-marker results when appropriate
• Family cancer history
• Previous gynecologic conditions
• Findings elsewhere in the abdomen or pelvis
• Whether surgery is needed for diagnosis

The purpose of specialist evaluation is to determine how concerning the finding is and, if surgery is necessary, what type of operation is most appropriate.

Ovarian Cancer Surgery and Tumor Debulking

Memorial Hermann specifically identifies tumor debulking surgery for ovarian cancer among the specialized treatments Dr. Lee provides.

Debulking refers to surgery intended to remove as much visible cancer as safely possible when ovarian cancer has spread beyond its original site.

This type of operation can be substantially more complicated than removal of an isolated ovarian cyst. Surgical planning may depend on where disease is located, how extensive it appears, whether other abdominal structures are involved, and the patient’s overall medical condition.

Patients should understand the goals of surgery before treatment. In some situations, surgery occurs before systemic cancer treatment. In others, medication treatment may be given first, followed by surgery later.

The sequence is individualized rather than determined by one rule for every ovarian cancer patient.

Endometrial and Uterine Cancer

Dr. Lee’s research and publication history also includes a strong emphasis on endometrial cancer, according to both her Texas Oncology and Memorial Hermann profiles.

Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus. Patients may first reach gynecologic care because of abnormal bleeding, particularly bleeding that occurs after menopause, although symptoms alone cannot establish a diagnosis.

Evaluation may involve pelvic imaging, examination, and tissue sampling.

For patients who have been advised to undergo uterine-lining sampling, the Doctiplus guide to understanding an endometrial biopsy and its risks explains why the procedure may be recommended and what patients can discuss with their physician beforehand.

Once cancer has been confirmed, the gynecologic oncologist considers pathology, stage, imaging, and other risk factors when planning treatment.

Cervical Cancer and Other Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic oncology as a specialty also includes cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, fallopian tubes, and related reproductive structures.

Because Dr. Lee’s currently published physician profiles place her broadly within gynecologic oncology, patients with these diagnoses may reasonably be referred to a specialist in her field. However, her official profiles place particular emphasis on ovarian and endometrial cancers, so patients seeking treatment for another specific gynecologic cancer should confirm her current individual scope of care when scheduling.

Cervical cancer evaluation often begins differently from ovarian cancer. An abnormal Pap test or HPV-related finding may lead to colposcopy or biopsy before oncology referral is needed.

Not every abnormal cervical screening result represents cancer. Many findings are changes that require monitoring or treatment before invasive cancer develops.

Cancer Surgery and Treatment Planning

One reason gynecologic oncologists are involved early in cancer treatment is that the initial operation can affect later treatment.

Before surgery, Dr. Lee may need to review imaging, pathology, previous operations, general health, cancer markers, and whether disease appears limited to one location or more widespread.

The consultation may address questions such as whether surgery is intended to diagnose, stage, or treat the cancer and whether additional treatment is likely afterward.

Cancer treatment may involve several approaches:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy or other systemic therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted treatment
• Clinical-trial treatment in selected situations
• Surveillance after completion of therapy

The exact combination depends on the cancer type and its characteristics.

Doctiplus also includes an oncology section within its medical services, covering cancer screening, tumor-marker testing, examinations, and treatment planning.

Chemotherapy and Systemic Cancer Treatment

Memorial Hermann specifically states that Dr. Lee provides complex ovarian cancer chemotherapy regimens in addition to surgical treatment.

This combination of medical and surgical cancer care is one of the distinguishing features of gynecologic oncology.

Treatment is not selected simply because two patients have the same cancer name. The oncologist may consider stage, pathology, previous therapy, tumor characteristics, kidney and liver function, blood counts, other medical conditions, and how the disease has responded to previous treatment.

Patients should understand the purpose of therapy. Depending on the clinical situation, systemic treatment may be used before surgery, after surgery, to reduce recurrence risk, or to control recurrent or progressive disease.

Molecular Cancer Research

Dr. Lee’s professional background includes research into ovarian cancer at the molecular level. Texas Oncology states that she received an educational grant to investigate ovarian cancer and targeted gene therapy and participated in work involving an ovarian-cancer-specific promoter.

Her Memorial Hermann biography also identifies peer-reviewed publications and abstracts involving ovarian and endometrial cancers.

For patients, molecular oncology matters because some modern cancer treatments depend on characteristics found within the tumor rather than simply where the tumor began.

Not every patient needs every molecular test. Testing is most useful when the result has the potential to influence treatment, eligibility for a clinical trial, or assessment of inherited cancer risk.

Clinical Trials and Recurrent Cancer

Memorial Hermann reports that Dr. Lee has access to gynecologic oncology clinical trials for selected patients with recurrent or progressive cancers.

Clinical trials evaluate treatments or treatment strategies under specific research protocols.

Being treated by an oncologist who participates in or has access to clinical research does not mean every patient will be offered experimental therapy. Trial eligibility can depend on cancer type, stage, previous treatments, laboratory results, tumor characteristics, overall health, and the trial’s enrollment criteria.

Patients whose cancer has returned after previous treatment may find it useful to ask whether a clinical trial is relevant alongside established treatment options.

What Happens When Cancer Returns

Cancer recurrence can create a different treatment decision from an initial diagnosis.

The oncology team may need to review:

• Where the cancer has returned
• How long the patient remained free of disease
• Previous chemotherapy
• Previous surgery
• Radiation history
• Molecular testing
• Current symptoms
• General health
• Whether surgery remains practical
• Whether a clinical trial is available

The fact that one treatment was used previously does not necessarily mean it will be repeated in exactly the same way.

A gynecologic oncologist can help explain how previous treatment affects the available options now.

Second Opinions in Gynecologic Oncology

A second opinion can be useful after a new gynecologic cancer diagnosis, particularly when major surgery or several treatment approaches are possible.

Another gynecologic oncologist may review pathology, imaging, and the proposed treatment plan.

A second opinion can be especially useful when:

• The diagnosis is uncommon
• A major abdominal or pelvic operation is proposed
• Cancer has returned
• More than one treatment sequence appears reasonable
• Molecular testing may influence treatment
• A clinical trial is being considered
• The patient has already received several treatments

A second opinion does not necessarily mean that the first recommendation is wrong. Often, another specialist reaches the same conclusion, giving the patient more confidence in the treatment strategy.

Genetic and Family Cancer Risk

Some ovarian and other gynecologic cancers can occur in families with inherited cancer susceptibility.

Patients may therefore be asked about cancers affecting parents, siblings, grandparents, or other relatives. The type of cancer and the age at which a relative was diagnosed can both matter.

Depending on the diagnosis and family history, the oncology team may discuss whether genetic counseling or testing is appropriate.

Genetic information can sometimes affect treatment and can also have implications for relatives. However, not every gynecologic cancer is inherited, so testing decisions should be individualized.

Preparing for an Appointment With Dr. Lee

Patients can make a gynecologic oncology consultation more useful by bringing the records that explain how the diagnosis or concern developed.

Helpful information may include:

• Pathology or biopsy reports
• Pelvic ultrasound reports
• CT, MRI, or PET imaging reports
• Previous gynecologic surgical records
• Cancer treatment records
• Chemotherapy history
• Radiation treatment records
• Recent laboratory tests
• Current medications
• Medication allergies
• Family cancer history
• Previous genetic testing
• A short timeline of symptoms and treatment

If possible, the oncology team may also need access to the actual imaging or pathology material rather than only a written report.

For a newly diagnosed cancer, patients may find it helpful to write down their main questions before the consultation because a large amount of information can be discussed during one visit.

Questions Worth Asking During a Gynecologic Oncology Consultation

Patients may want to ask what type of cancer has been diagnosed, whether the stage is known, what additional testing is necessary, and what information is still missing.

Other useful questions include:

• Is surgery recommended?
• What is the goal of the operation?
• Will staging be performed during surgery?
• Could chemotherapy be needed?
• Should treatment happen before or after surgery?
• Does the tumor need molecular testing?
• Should genetic counseling be considered?
• Are clinical trials relevant?
• What follow-up will be required after treatment?
• Would another gynecologic oncology opinion be useful?

These questions help patients understand the reasoning behind treatment rather than knowing only the names of procedures or medications.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Gynecologic cancer treatment can require cooperation between several medical specialties.

Depending on the diagnosis, a patient’s care team may include:

• Gynecologic oncology
• Medical oncology
• Radiation oncology
• Pathology
• Diagnostic radiology
• Genetics
• Primary care
• Palliative or supportive-care specialists
• Other surgeons when complex anatomy is involved

Dr. Lee’s current practice through Texas Oncology places her within a larger cancer-care organization, while Memorial Hermann lists her involvement with cancer services at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.

This multidisciplinary structure can be particularly important when surgery, systemic treatment, imaging, pathology, and clinical trials all need to be coordinated.

Professional Research and Medical Society Involvement

Memorial Hermann reports that Dr. Lee has contributed numerous peer-reviewed articles and abstracts, particularly involving ovarian and endometrial cancers. Her profile also lists professional involvement with the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Her Memorial Hermann biography additionally identifies her as Cancer Committee Chair at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.

These professional activities provide context around her work in oncology, research, and multidisciplinary cancer care.

Current Practice and Appointment Information

Texas Oncology currently lists Dr. Lee at Texas Oncology-The Woodlands and provides 281-296-0365 as the practice telephone number. The Texas Oncology profile lists CHI St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands Hospital, HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center as surgery locations.

Memorial Hermann independently lists the same main appointment number and currently identifies Dr. Lee in Gynecological Oncology. Its profile lists Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital among her affiliated centers.

Practice addresses, hospital affiliations, clinical-trial availability, insurance participation, and appointment schedules can change. Patients should confirm current details directly with the practice before arranging consultation, surgery, or cancer treatment.

Understanding Dr. Lee’s Clinical Profile

The clearest verified professional picture of Dr. Christine M. Lee is that of a double board-certified gynecologic oncologist with training spanning obstetrics and gynecology, advanced cancer surgery, cancer biology, systemic cancer treatment, and gynecologic oncology research. She graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine, completed OB-GYN residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed gynecologic oncology fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Her professional profile places particular emphasis on ovarian and endometrial cancer, including ovarian tumor-debulking surgery, complex chemotherapy, molecular ovarian-cancer research, and access to selected clinical trials for recurrent or progressive disease.

For patients, the practical value of this background is that diagnosis, surgery, systemic cancer treatment, pathology, molecular information, and follow-up can be considered as parts of one cancer-care plan rather than as separate decisions.