A New Era for Staging: Introducing the 5th Edition of the Staging of Gynecologic Malignancies Handbook

Colleen Mccormick, MD

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) released Staging of Gynecologic Malignancies Handbook – 5th Edition in March 2025. This handbook is a quick-reference guide developed for practicing gynecologic oncologists, fellows, residents, advanced practice providers (APPs), pathologists, and the wider cancer research and registry communities.

The latest edition is the result of extensive collaboration, with contributions from members of the SGO Clinical Practice Committee, including editor, Colleen McCormick, MD, who played an instrumental role in its development. We spoke with Dr. McCormick about what makes this edition a must-have resource for today’s medical professionals.

A Foundation for Better Treatment and Communication

“Precise staging information is the foundation of treatment,” Dr. McCormick explained. “It not only shapes prognosis discussions with patients but also determines appropriate treatment plans and eligibility for clinical trials.”

Understanding subtle differences between staging systems, whether updates within the same system or variations across different systems, has become increasingly vital for interpreting clinical trial data and collaborating effectively across disciplines. This new edition is designed to serve as a concise reference for all staging-related questions practitioners may encounter.

Reflecting the Evolution of Gynecologic Oncology

Gynecologic oncology is a rapidly evolving field, and staying current is critical for optimal patient care. “Staging updates are not just academic changes—they directly influence treatment decisions,” Dr. McCormick said. This handbook ensures that fellows, APPs, and seasoned practitioners have immediate access to the most current staging information, keeping pace with the dynamic landscape of gynecologic cancer treatment.

Highlights of the 5th Edition

The 5th Edition introduces several significant updates, including a comprehensive review of the 2023 FIGO endometrial cancer staging system. “This was a substantial update,” Dr. McCormick noted, “and we carefully summarized the ongoing discussions surrounding these changes.”

In addition, the new edition offers:

• A comparison between current and previous staging editions, recognizing that both may still be used in practice.
• Standardized information across all disease sites for easier navigation.
• Expanded content on biomarkers that now influence treatment decisions.

Expanding Beyond the Medical Community

The handbook is a critical tool for gynecologic oncology practitioners, but it also holds value for cancer registrars, researchers, and allied health professionals. It is available for purchase on SGO ConnectEd.