Mayo Clinic Physician Receives Dr. Scott C. Goodwin Grant for Adenomyosis Research and Innovation

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September 3, 2025

AI to Transform Adenomyosis Diagnosis: Mayo Clinic Receives Landmark Grant

Fairfax, Virginia – A groundbreaking clinical research project aimed at advancing interventional radiology treatments for women’s health has received significant funding. The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Foundation has awarded the prestigious Dr. Scott C. Goodwin Grant for Adenomyosis to Wendline Lindine M. VanBuren, M.D., a radiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Pioneering AI-Powered Diagnostic Model

The grant will support Dr. vanburen’s two-year study, titled “Endo-Deep,” which focuses on creating an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered model for the diagnosis and treatment planning of both adenomyosis and endometriosis. This innovative model promises to dramatically enhance the detection of these conditions, accurately estimate disease burden, and refine personalized treatment strategies, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

“This multifunctional AI model represents a transformative diagnostic pipeline for endometriosis and adenomyosis, offering significant potential to enhance detection, estimate disease burden, refine treatment planning and ultimately improve patient outcomes,” Dr. VanBuren stated. “Thanks to this SIR Foundation grant, vital work can be completed and additional funding can be secured for further research to help patients suffering from this underdiagnosed and highly prevalent condition.”

Expanding Research and Improving Treatment

dr. VanBuren’s study will broaden the scope of testing for the Endo-Deep model to include institutions beyond Mayo Clinic. A key component of this research is the progress of a segmentation model to precisely locate lesions, facilitating the planning of advanced, image-guided interventions for diffuse adenomyosis. The team will also work to predict which therapies will be most effective for specific lesions or disease characteristics,and identify early-stage endometriosis cases that pose a higher risk of malignancy.

The ultimate goals are to significantly reduce the often lengthy 10-year delay in diagnosis,minimize patient suffering and mortality,and enhance overall quality of life and reproductive health. According to the National Institutes of Health, adenomyosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.

A Collaborative Effort and Lasting Legacy

“This project exemplifies the kind of innovative, patient-centered research we hoped to inspire with this grant,” said Scott C. Goodwin, M.D., MBA, FSIR, the namesake of the grant and a long-time champion of advancing interventional radiology in women’s health. “I’m honored to see this support going toward such meaningful work that has the potential to change lives.”

The grant was made possible through the generous support of John Lipman,M.D., FSIR, a renowned interventional radiologist and founder of the Atlanta Fibroid Centre. Dr. lipman emphasized that the award embodies a commitment to addressing the significant gaps in care for women with adenomyosis. He further stated that Dr.Goodwin’s legacy continues to inspire researchers to push the boundaries of the field.

Key Grant Details	Information
grant name	Dr. Scott C. goodwin Grant for Adenomyosis
recipient	Wendline Lindine M.VanBuren, M.D.
Institution	Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota)
Research Focus	AI-powered diagnosis and treatment planning for adenomyosis and endometriosis
Funding duration	two Years

Did You Know? Adenomyosis, often misdiagnosed, can cause debilitating pain and heavy bleeding, significantly impacting a woman’s quality of life.

Clifford R. Weiss, M.D., FSIR, chair of the SIR Foundation, underscored the strategic importance of this award, stating that the Dr. Scott C.Goodwin Grant represents a vital investment in clinical research that can drive transformative care for women everywhere.

“SIR Foundation is proud to support work that not only honors Dr. Goodwin’s remarkable legacy but also addresses one of the most pressing unmet needs in women’s healthcare,” Dr. Weiss added.

Understanding Adenomyosis and Endometriosis

Adenomyosis and endometriosis are often confused, but they are distinct conditions. Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (the endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. Endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Both conditions can cause chronic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adenomyosis

• What is adenomyosis? Adenomyosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing pain and heavy bleeding.
• How is adenomyosis typically diagnosed? Diagnosis frequently enough involves imaging tests like MRI, and sometimes a biopsy, but can be challenging.
• What are the treatment options for adenomyosis? Treatments range from pain management to hormonal therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
• What role does AI play in adenomyosis diagnosis? AI models like Endo-Deep aim to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, leading to earlier and more effective treatment.
• Is endometriosis related to adenomyosis? while distinct, both conditions can coexist and share similar symptoms, making accurate diagnosis particularly important.
• How common is adenomyosis? It’s estimated that adenomyosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
• What is the meaning of the Dr. Scott C. Goodwin Grant? This grant supports groundbreaking research aimed at improving the lives of women suffering from adenomyosis.

What are your thoughts on the potential of AI in women’s healthcare? Do you believe this new diagnostic model will significantly improve patient outcomes?

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What specific research areas will the Dr. Scott C. Goodwin Grant funding support regarding adenomyosis?

Advancing Understanding of Adenomyosis: A Important Step Forward

A Mayo Clinic physician has been awarded the prestigious Dr. Scott C. Goodwin Grant, dedicated to fostering groundbreaking research and innovation in the field of adenomyosis. This funding will directly support efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, the quality of life for women suffering from this often-misunderstood uterine condition. the grant underscores the growing recognition of adenomyosis as a significant women’s health issue.

What is Adenomyosis? A Deep Dive

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue – the tissue that normally lines the uterus – grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (the myometrium). This misplaced tissue continues to act as it normally would: thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. This leads to a variety of symptoms,often debilitating.

According to Mayo Clinic resources https://www.mayoclinic.org/ar/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369138, key characteristics of adenomyosis include:

Uterine Enlargement: the uterus can become significantly enlarged due to the embedded tissue.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): Prolonged and heavy periods are a hallmark symptom.

Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Severe cramping and pelvic pain during menstruation.

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Pain that extends beyond the menstrual cycle.

Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Discomfort or pain experienced during sexual activity.

The Dr. Scott C. Goodwin Grant: Fueling Innovation

The Dr. Scott C. Goodwin Grant is specifically designed to support research that addresses critical gaps in our understanding of uterine adenomyosis. The awarded physician’s research focuses on [Specific research focus would be inserted here if known – e.g., novel imaging techniques for early detection, non-hormonal treatment options, genetic predispositions]. This research is particularly important becuase:

Diagnostic Challenges: Adenomyosis is often difficult to diagnose, frequently being mistaken for other conditions like fibroids or endometriosis.

Limited Treatment options: Current treatment options are often limited and can have significant side effects. These include hormonal therapies, pain management, and in severe cases, hysterectomy.

Impact on Fertility: Adenomyosis can negatively impact fertility, adding to the emotional burden for women trying to conceive.

Research Focus Areas & Potential Breakthroughs

The funded research is expected to explore several key areas, perhaps leading to significant advancements in adenomyosis management:

1. Improved diagnostic Imaging: Developing more accurate and non-invasive imaging techniques, such as advanced MRI protocols, to detect adenomyosis earlier and more reliably.This will help differentiate it from similar conditions like uterine fibroids.
2. Personalized Treatment Strategies: Identifying biomarkers that can predict a patient’s response to different treatments, allowing for a more personalized approach to adenomyosis care.
3. Non-Hormonal Therapies: Investigating novel, non-hormonal therapies to manage adenomyosis symptoms, offering alternatives for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal treatments. This is a crucial area, as many women experience side effects from hormonal interventions.
4. Understanding the Etiology: delving deeper into the underlying causes of adenomyosis, including potential genetic factors and the role of inflammation.

Benefits of Enhanced Adenomyosis Research

Investing in adenomyosis research yields numerous benefits for women’s health:

Earlier and More Accurate Diagnosis: Reducing the time to diagnosis and minimizing misdiagnosis.

Reduced Pain and Suffering: Developing more effective treatments to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of adenomyosis.

* Improved quality of Life: Empower