Madrid, 23 September 2024. – Surgical Oncology needs to be involved from the initial moment of a patient's diagnosis, as the surgical approach is crucial in the potential healing process of cancer. This is the view of Dr. Santiago González Moreno, Medical Director and Head of the Surgical Oncology Department at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid – Hospiten, who emphasizes that the surgical oncologist is a key figure in the treatment of the affected person.
In the words of Dr. González: “We need to learn to differentiate and explain the concept of a surgical oncologist, which both encompasses and goes beyond that of oncological surgeon. A surgeon specializing in cancer operations must not only master the surgical technique, but also have an understanding of the disease equal to that of a medical oncologist or a radiation oncologist.” The expert goes on to clarify that the surgeon’s therapeutic tool is the scalpel, in the same way that the medical oncologist's is chemotherapy or immunotherapy while the radiation oncologist employs ionizing radiation.
In this context, the opinion of Surgical Oncology becomes a key part of the multidisciplinary committee discussions on the best treatment plan for a particular cancer patient. “Before operating on a patient, surgical oncologists should help design a treatment plan with our colleagues from other oncology and diagnostic disciplines,” explains the medical director of MD Anderson Madrid – Hospiten. This is a process that not only requires in-depth knowledge of the range of treatments available, but also a clear understanding of how they can affect surgery and the optimal time to perform it in conjunction with any other treatments the patient receives.
Tumor banks, fundamental to an understanding of cancer
However, according to the Head of the Surgical Oncology Department, “within the oncology field, representation of these specialists in relation to their contribution to treatment is clearly undervalued”. In his opinion “Surgical Oncology has had a growing presence over recent years, but there is still a long way to go. Specific Surgical Oncology departments such as that at MD Anderson Madrid – Hospiten, with specialists trained in this field, are still not available at the majority of hospitals”.
In this regard, Santiago González focuses on tumor banks, such as that of the Madrid center, which are fundamental to improving the understanding of cancer. “It is the surgeons who have to be aware of the complete process of collecting samples: how to correctly perform the process and properly transport them to the laboratory to ensure their optimal condition. “Without our work, there would be no tumor banks”, he insists, stressing that tumor banks are essential to advancing our knowledge of cancer and need to be constantly supplied with high-quality samples.
Lack of specialized training in surgical oncology in Spain
On the other hand, the doctor warns of a lack of specialized training in Surgical Oncology in Spain, which lags behind countries such as the United States and the Netherlands where programs in this field receive significant research funding. “In Spain, we have plenty of surgical oncologists working. Many of us received structured training abroad while others have gained experience over time. A significant number of them are part of the Spanish Society of Surgical Oncology (SEOQ),” continues the specialist.
In addition, Dr. González emphasizes that the concept of Surgical Oncology is based on surgeons being an integral part of interdisciplinary groups with the aim of promoting cancer research. A key issue that, as he explains, is central on an organizational level more than a technical one.
“What differentiates us most at our center is having an adequate structure that enables surgery to be performed by people who are experts not only in the techniques involved, but also in their understanding of the disease at all levels, and who work together within multidisciplinary teams,” the expert concludes.