Goals and Gains in Gynecologic Radiation Therapy

Welcome to the March 2022 issue of ARO! We are pleased to begin our 11th year in operation with a focus on gynecologic cancer featuring articles on cervical, vulvar and ovarian malignancies.

Kicking off the issue is the guest editorial, Efforts to Support Cervical Cancer Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic, which describes resourceful steps taken during the crisis to foster the essential role of radiation therapy (RT) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hosting virtual RT training and webinars in multiple languages are just a few ways groups mobilized resources to improve cervical cancer management in LMICs, which are disproportionately burdened by this disease. Such global initiatives showcase the power of a collective momentum, providing progress and much-needed hope in times of upheaval.

Next, we present the comprehensive article, Adjuvant Radiation in Early Stage Vulvar Cancer: A Review of Indications and Optimal Dose. This excellent review examines why patients with vulvar cancer with positive or close margins should consider adjuvant radiation therapy as long as the potential advantages of reducing local recurrence and improving progress-free survival outweigh morbidity-related concerns.

The case report, Whole Abdominal Radiation Therapy (WART) for Chemo-Refractory Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary, is also presented as part of the focus to illustrate how WART delivered with modern radiation techniques can produce excellent clinical and radiological response rates with acceptable toxicity and potential long-term disease control.

In addition to gynecologic oncology, we offer a variety of other timely, important topics, including the terrific SA-CME-approved review, A Proposed Way Forward From the Prior Authorization Crisis in Radiation Oncology. Also featured is the Resident Voice column, Improving Well-Being and Combating Burnout in Radiation Oncology Training, a needed reminder — especially in today’s tumultuous times — that public health emergencies and social unrest require heightened support for trainee well-being in particular.

We also are excited to offer additional thought-provoking articles on global health gaps and growth, namely Quality Assurance in Radiation Oncology: Addressing a Changing Treatment Landscape, and Radiation Therapy in Indonesia: Estimating Demand as Part of a National Cancer Control Strategy. Finally, we hope you enjoy the research article, Real-time Prostate Gland Motion and Deformation During CyberKnife Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, which analyzes intrafraction prostate motion in a small cohort of patients and calculates the planning target volume margins needed to address related errors when delivering prostate SBRT.

In closing, I would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the dedicated team of peer reviewers (see p. 43) who were instrumental in helping ARO deliver strong, engaging content throughout 2021, which was a very difficult year for all of us. Peer reviewers are a special group who volunteer hours of time amidst busy schedules to provide thoughtful, constructive feedback in their areas of expertise. Without their efforts, ARO would not be able to publish the various research and review articles, case reports, and editorials.

As spring settles in, we wish you a season of renewal and hope, especially as we face a new chapter of global distress stemming from the war in Ukraine. We hope for a swift, peaceful resolution, and offer our sincerest thoughts and support to all of those who are affected. Please continue to be kind during these uncertain times.