Gynecologic Oncologist with Ample Expertise in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, Dr. Vaagn Andikyan Joins TGH Cancer Institute

Andikyan brings extensive experience from his work at some of the nation’s leading cancer centers, including Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Health.

 

Tampa, Fla. (May 7, 2025) — Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is strengthening its cancer care and research for women with the appointment of board-certified gynecologic oncologist Dr. Vaagn Andikyan, to the TGH Cancer Institute as the director of the Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) program. HIPEC employs heated chemotherapy drugs to directly target cancers that have spread into the abdomen.

 

Formerly on the faculty of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., Dr. Andikyan has joined the TGH Cancer Institute and the faculty at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as an associate professor. He specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system which includes pioneering innovative treatments for ovarian cancer.

 

“Dr. Andikyan came to us with an accomplished academic career in clinical research and in the education and mentorship of medical students, obstetric gynecology residents and gynecologic oncology fellows,” said Dr. Eduardo M. Sotomayor, vice president and executive director, TGH Cancer Institute. “He is a prolific researcher, focusing on improving surgical outcomes and oncofertility (helping cancer patients and survivors protect their reproductive potential), which adds to the depth and breadth of our gynecologic oncology multidisciplinary team.

 

“His patient-centered approach, combined with his expertise and passion for innovation, defines his commitment to improving outcomes and transforming lives.”

While director of the Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) program at Yale, Andikyan introduced innovative treatments for ovarian cancer that improved survival rates and patient recovery. In addition, he played an essential role in the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, significantly enriching patients' quality of life.

“As an expert in HIPEC, Dr. Andikyan will enhance our care for women experiencing ovarian cancer,’’ said Dr. Thomas J. Rutherford, medical director, TGH Cancer Institute and director of the Division of Gynecology Oncology, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “We are focused on continuously moving forward and increasing the quality of cancer care for each patient. Dr. Andikyan is an integral part of this goal.’’

Andikyan is actively involved in research focused on improving surgical metrics, targeted therapies in gynecologic oncology and oncofertility. He is recognized by his peers as a skilled surgeon and is widely known for having performed a life-saving surgery to remove a patient’s 132-pound ovarian tumor.

“I am excited to work with Dr. Rutherford again and to be part of a team exploring new groundbreaking treatments for all gynecologic cancers,” said Andikyan.

Through leadership roles in organizations such as the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Andikyan continues to advocate for equitable access to high-quality health care and the advancement of women's health.

“With physicians of Dr. Andikyan’s caliber, we are developing an academically driven cancer center that can bring highly advanced treatment with compassionate, multidisciplinary care for patients across Florida,’’ said Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg, executive vice president, chief of Oncology, president of the Tampa General Provider Network, Tampa General and co-vice president of Clinical and Translational Research, TGH | USF Health Office of Clinical Research. “By leveraging technology and the right people, we are committed to bringing leading-edge treatments, research and results to those we care for.’’

One of the few Florida cancer centers backed by academic medicine, the TGH Cancer Institute ranks among the nation’s top 50 cancer centers in U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Hospitals and No. 3 in the state. The institute provides comprehensive care via groundbreaking therapies, advanced diagnostic imaging tools and a highly coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to world-class patient care. The institute is certified by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Accreditation and by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for meeting the strict standards required by the society’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) program and has been named among of America's Best Cancer Hospitals by Newsweek. For more information about the TGH Cancer Institute, visit www.tgh.org/cancer.