The Role of Surgery in the Precision Medicine Era: Exploring Challenges in Gynecological Oncology

The field of gynecological oncology has been significantly transformed by the advancements in molecular biology and precision medicine. These innovations have opened new treatment pathways for gynecological cancers, allowing oncologists to choose from targeted therapies and immunotherapies tailored to the molecular characteristics of tumors. Despite these advancements, several questions remain regarding the integration of gynecological oncology surgery within this evolving landscape. While the expectation is that surgical techniques evolve alongside molecular understandings, there's an ongoing need to comprehend how these advancements shape surgical decision-making and patient outcomes. Current research highlights a need for tailored surgical approaches that align with the biomolecular behavior of tumors, yet gaps persist in maintaining updated surgical practices in harmony with these rapidly advancing biomedical insights.

This Research Topic aims to explore the relationship between surgical practices and the biomolecular behavior of tumors in gynecological oncology. Specifically, it examines how surgical procedures can be tailored in the context of advanced molecular insights and precision medicine, aiming to address existing questions around patient eligibility, the implications of molecular biology on surgical decisions, and the interplay of surgical and non-surgical cancer treatments. A core goal is to bridge knowledge gaps, fostering an integrated approach that enhances surgery's contribution to personalized cancer care.

To gather further insights into the interplay between surgery and molecular advancements in gynecological oncology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Patient selection criteria for minimal versus extensive surgical approaches;
• The role of molecular biology in informing radical procedure decisions;
• The impact of knowledge and drug evolution on surgery for cancer recurrence;
• Collaborative care pathways involving surgical, pathological, oncological, genetic, and radiological expertise;
• The use of artificial intelligence in enhancing surgical outcomes and decision-making.

We invite submissions of Original Research, Review, Hypothesis & Theory, and Clinical Trials that explore these crucial interdisciplinary topics in gynecological oncology.

Topic Editor Elisa Piovano received financial support as institutional grants for clinical trials from MSD, Roche, Gilead. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Keywords: Surgery, Molecular Biology, Precision Medicine, Gynecological Oncology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.