The Future of Surgical Oncology: Technology, Collaboration, and Artificial Intelligence

Time doesn't stop! I don't know about you, but I find myself reflecting on how surgical oncology is changing and what this specialty will look like in the coming decades. We have evolved significantly as a specialty since the 1970s and 1980s when surgical oncology was just beginning to establish itself as a discipline dedicated to comprehensive cancer care (Ruers TJM, British Journal of Surgery, 2019). The horizon ahead is undoubtedly exciting and revolutionary.

Beyond the spectacular results of modern systemic treatments (immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors, and CAR-T cells), one of the most significant changes I've seen in recent years is multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration. As reported by Thompson, the role of surgical oncologists has evolved from solitary specialists to integral parts of multidisciplinary teams specific to each type of cancer (Thompson AM, Br J Cancer, 2011). This change is not a passing trend; it's an indispensable strategy, especially as the number of cases is rapidly increasing and the volume of information on managing each disease is enormous (Saunders AC, et al., Ann Surg Oncol, 2023). This strategy has shown the power to improve the quality and success of prevention and treatments, benefiting our patients and the general population.

The wave of technological advancements redefining surgical oncology itself is astounding. We are witnessing a technological revolution with the use of image-guided technologies (fluorescence, navigation), minimally invasive treatment approaches, and smart surgical tools. Rues has already alerted us that these innovations are not mere enhancements but revolutionary changes promising to make surgery more precise and effective (Ruers, British Journal of Surgery, 2019). We will have smart robotic systems with integrated artificial intelligence, rendering current first-generation robotic devices obsolete.

Yes, artificial intelligence (AI) will increasingly play a crucial role. AI algorithms have the potential to transform everything from diagnostics to postoperative care. Remember, our surgical practice involves many standardized procedures where we can identify previously undetected patterns with AI. Imagine the possibilities—machine learning models offering personalized treatment plans based on a patient's complete history and individual genetic profile. AI systems that can swiftly analyze medical images to provide unprecedented insights into tumor stages and conditions. These advancements are not distant possibilities; they are happening now and have the potential to benefit not just surgeons but the entire healthcare ecosystem.

Furthermore, we are witnessing a shift toward more patient-centered care. It is quite likely that AI can enable patients to play a more active role in their healthcare journey, making informed decisions based on extensive data and personalized recommendations. This is a promising trend that aligns well with the future of medicine, where patient preferences and self-defined quality of life measures will be at the center of care (Pertile D, et al., J Surg & Surgical Tech, 2019).

However, as we move forward, we must keep in mind the ethical and social implications of these advancements. Even more so, we must consider those who will not yet have access to these resources. How will we mitigate the impact of inequalities in this new healthcare system? We must ensure that these innovations are employed in a manner that is not just innovative but also ethically and socially responsible (Pertile D, et al., J Surg & Surgical Tech, 2019).

It is a time of great transformation for all of us. I see a future filled with hope and enthusiasm in surgical oncology. We are at an inflection point in medical history. A point where our actions today will significantly impact the future. We have the opportunity and the tools to shape a future that balances human expertise with machine intelligence, a future where surgical oncology is not just a medical specialty but a field that embodies the pinnacle of collaborative, technologically advanced, and ethically sound medical care. The future is not just promising; it is ours to shape. Let's do it!

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