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The ESGO recommendations are developed using a five-step process (Figure 1). The strengths of
the process include multidisciplinarity of an international development group, scientific evidence
and/or international expert consensus to support the recommendations, patients’ involvement in
the process, use of an external review process (international validation by physicians and
patients), and management of potential conflicts of interests. This development process involves
at least one physical meetings of an international development group.

Nomination of multidisciplinary international development group

Identification of scientific evidence

Formulation of recommendations

External evaluation of recommendations (international review)

Integration of international reviewers comments

Figure 1. Development process

1.1 Definition of the scope of the project

The scope of the project must be clearly defined. Tumor site, pathology type, inclusion or not of
management of recurrent disease, inclusion or not of follow-up must be specified. The definition
is elaborated by the ESGO Guidelines, Recommendations and Quality Assurance Committee and
approved by the Council. The corresponding budget is established.

1.2 Nomination of a multidisciplinary international development group

The ESGO Guidelines, Recommendations and Quality Assurance Committee nominates practicing
clinicians who provide care to the cancer patients concerned by the guidelines and had
demonstrated leadership in management of patients through research, administrative
responsibilities, and/or committee membership. The ESGO Council appoints the experts panel
members and appoints a chairman. The objective is to put together a multidisciplinary panel. It is
essential to include professionals on the panel from relevant disciplines so that their
multidisciplinary perspective would influence the validity and acceptability of the
recommendations (gynecologic oncology, medical oncology, pathology, radiation oncology,
surgery). Another requirement is a balanced representativity of countries across Europe. A
maximum of 20 members is appointed.
The experts of the multidisciplinary international development group are required to complete a
declaration of interest form, and to promptly inform the ESGO council if any change in the
disclosed information occurred during the course of this work.

guidelines.esgo.org | esgo-guidelines@esgomail.org
Published October 2016 by European Society of Gynaecological Oncology

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