DiSaia and Creasman Clinical Gynecologic Oncology 2023

Over 40 years ago, Phil DiSaia was stimulated by a recognized
need for a readable textbook on Gynecologic Oncology and
related subjects. Our paths crossed while we were both at the
MD Anderson Hospital, and we developed a close relationship
both collegially and personally. After leaving Anderson and
although being on opposite coasts, we were jointly involved
with several clinical research endeavors and, when he asked me
if I would be interested in joining his project, I was delighted
to accept his kind offer. He identified a publisher and sketched
out a table of contents. He was adamant that this would address primarily community physicians, residents, and other
students involved with these patients. The clinical presentation
and management of these problems were to be heavily employed. In areas where more than one approach to management was present, he felt that the author should inject their
own bias. It should be easily readable, in which one could comfortably read a chapter in one sitting. It would not be a reference book, but most major topics would be created in depth
and supplemented with ample references to current literature.
It would provide a comprehensive resource for study by the
resident, fellow, or student of Gynecologic Oncology and serve
as a source for review material. A noble project! It was intense,
but enjoyable. We would do a chapter and send it via mail
(no internet) to each other to critique for corrections and/or
additions.
This was continued in this manner for the first six or seven
editions at which time we invited three associate editors to join
us in a successful project. The subsequent editions have expanded
as new information in therapy have been developed, including
topics not previously introduced, and expanded areas as new information became available. Not only have we added three associate editors, but also several new authors, taking advantage of
their expertise. The first edition contained 16 chapters and was
478 pages including the bibliography and 3 appendices. The ninth edition contained 16 chapters and was 631 pages long,
including 5 appendices with the bibliography being online.
The physician must be prepared to treat the malignancy in
light of today’s knowledge and to deal with the patient and her
family in a compassionate and honest manner. Patients with gynecological cancer need to feel their physicians are confident and
goal oriented. Although, unfortunately, gynecological cancers
will cause the demise of some individuals, it is hoped that the
information collected in this book will help increase the survival
rate of these patients by bringing current practical knowledge to
the attention of the primary care and specialized physician.
We were all looking forward to what we consider to be a landmark 10th edition. Before this could be accomplished, unfortunately, our friend and colleague Phil DiSaia, became ill and
passed away. It is with renewed energy and endeavor that those of
us remaining wanted to make sure this would be not only an
excellent edition but truly a fitting attribute to Phil and his multiple contributions to our specialty. The 10th edition is dedicated
to everything he has accomplished during his lifetime.