Ovarian cancer- "Fere Ex Nihilo" book reviewed by Dr David Gershenson

I recently completed reading the new book by Dr. Elvio Silva, “Fere Ex Nihilo-Ovarian Oncogenesis Recapitulates Phylogenesis,” and, quite frankly, was completely blown away. Admittedly, I have known and collaborated with Elvio Silva for almost 50 years and may be criticized for bias. However, I have spent that period of time in the research of ovarian cancer and have observed the musings of essentially all of the premier gynecologic pathologists, past and present. In short, Elvio Silva is clearly in the top 1% of his discipline’s icons. This book is a mix of personal history and scientific observations. As noted in the book, “The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.” (Charles R. Swindoll). Clearly, Dr. Silva falls into the latter category. From his beginnings in a small town in Argentina as an individual who did not speak English to a world-class gynecologic pathologist at the #1 Cancer Center in the United States, the book follows his personal and professional journey. The reader should absorb the message that achieving greatness is a combination of dedicated work ethic and luck. Being at the right place at the right time. Having collaborated with Elvio Silva for so long, I appreciate that he is not a perfect pathologist, but he is about as close as you can get. And it is due to his immersing himself in his work and actually thinking about the principles underpinning the popular concepts.

Elvio Silva’s opinions on the pathogenesis of serous ovarian cancer are controversial. But it should be readily apparent that he has given meticulous thought to this topic based on a long career of personal observations. I would suggest that ALL serious gynecologic pathologists, researchers, and physicians interested in ovarian cancer to consider a careful reading of this work to better understand the arguments of an expert, even though he may be in the minority.

David M. Gershenson, MD

Professor and former Chair

Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center