Gynecologic Oncology: Clinical Practice and Surgical Atlas

Book Preface

Gynecologic Oncology: Clinical Practice & Surgical Atlas

Gynecologic oncology has experienced remarkable advances over the last decade. Scientific discovery has unraveled many of the underpinnings and molecular origins of reproductive tract cancers. Clinical trials and meticulous data analyses have elucidated the natural history and led to evidence-based therapeutic advances. Targeted therapies, vaccines, and immunotherapies have been added to our armamentarium, and important roles for complementary medicine and supportive care have been recognized. Surgical innovation has revolutionized the approach to gynecologic cancers resulting in both smaller and larger surgeries that can now be performed with improved outcomes under safer operative conditions.

With this backdrop, the time is right to take a fresh look at the practice of gynecologic oncology. This new reference presents fundamental and emerging information in a comprehensive and accessible format. Recognized experts address individual gynecologic cancers and other relevant topics. Clinical practice guidelines are highlighted and the diagnosis, management, and treatment of specific reproductive tract malignancies are emphasized. Acknowledging access to electronic databases, only the most relevant and recent references are highlighted, as well as a few classic articles. A key component of this reference is the surgical atlas, which illustrates essential procedures in gynecologic oncology in a step-by-step fashion.

The reference is organized into four sections. Fundamental and overarching topics such as genetics, clinical trial design, and diagnostic modalities are covered in the first section. Specific reproductive tract disease sites and conditions are individually addressed next. These chapters are presented in a uniform format including epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and outcomes. The focus is on evidence-based practice guidelines and the critical supporting data. The clinical management topics in the third section include perioperative and critical care, as well as principles of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted and immunotherapies. All the chapters include many figures, tables, color photos, and other illustrations that highlight important concepts and conditions while improving comprehension and learning. The last quarter of the text is devoted to the step-by-step surgical atlas. Ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal procedures are meticulously illustrated. In addition, minimally invasive surgical procedures, staging, and advanced cytoreductive procedures are described and illustrated in detail. This comprehensive treatment of gynecologic oncology positions this reference as the definitive resource in the field.

Gynecologic Oncology: Clinical Practice and Surgical Atlas will be useful to all physicians involved in the diagnosis and management of gynecologic cancers. Reproductive tract malignancies remain a significant aspect in the daily clinical practice of obstetrician-gynecologists and other providers of women’s health care. Our goal is to become the authoritative resource for gynecologic oncology and to impact women’s health