Gender Perspective in Oncology

Gender medicine represents an emerging, innovative form of medicine, encompassing a wide range of fields, from scientific research to clinical application. This includes the field of sex and gender-specific oncology, which addresses the impact of sex and gender on cancer outcomes. In oncology, several sex- and gender-related differences have been identified in tumors affecting both sexes. These differences have been observed in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prognosis. Furthermore, the efficacy of antineoplastic drugs has been observed to differ between the sexes. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the biological differences between males and females may enable the formulation of personalized treatments and more effective clinical management of cancer diseases. It is therefore recommended that sex and gender variables be included as important stratification factors in all clinical and preclinical studies. The First International Congress of Gender-Specific Medicine in Oncology was held on October 26, 2023, at the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute- IFO IRCCS, in Rome, Italy. The event brought together national and international experts who shared the latest knowledge in biology and basic research for clinical trials and oncology therapies and their side effects, with a focus on current issues such as linguistic gender, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine. Finally, the emotional experience of individuals affected by cancer was assessed. The book presents the findings from this First International Congress with the aim of translating the results into concrete initiatives and implementing ongoing training for healthcare professionals, particularly in the field of oncology. It is hoped that this book will contribute to the dissemination and practical application of gender-based medicine, including in oncology, towards an increasingly personalized approach to patient care.