In this issue of Chinese Clinical Oncology (CCO), we present four articles describing some of the roles, responsibilities and training of the surgical oncologist. With the rapid advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and with an array of new drugs, devices and diagnostics, surgeons will have to incorporate this information into a contemporary cancer practice. In addition, we have a great responsibility to apply these innovative modalities in our patients based upon evidence from clinical trials, including participation in clinical trials ourselves.
