A. Enguita PhD

Immunotherapy for the treatment of gastric cancer

In recent years, immunotherapy has become a vital part of the treatment algorithm for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Initially, immunotherapy-based regimens proved their worth in (heavily) pre-treated patients. More recently, however, immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were also introduced in the first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer. This article provides a brief overview of the clinical trials that form the rationale for this immunotherapy-shift in the management of gastric cancer.

Journal Scan

In this section of the BJMO, we aim to provide a snapshot of pivotal studies published in recent issues of the most important international journals focusing on oncology. Importantly, the selection of the studies discussed here is the sole responsibility of the publisher and was not influenced by third parties. Do you miss an important study, or did you read a hidden jewel that deserves to be shared with your colleagues? Please, let us know (editor@bjmo.be) and we will make sure to include it in the journal scan section of the next BJMO issue.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(6):239–44)

Highlights in breast cancer

The 2023 ASCO meeting again featured several ground-breaking presentations in the field of breast cancer (BC). Early-stage highlights include the long-awaited data of the NATALEE trial assessing adjuvant ribociclib in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) and the PHERGain trial exploring chemotherapy de-escalation using 18F-FDF PET/CT metabolic response assessment. Other studies discussed new molecular biomarkers for recurrence and response, and the impact of ET timing intake on outcomes. Finally, flibanserin was shown to be effective in countering sexual dysfunction in BC patients receiving adjuvant ET. In the metastatic setting, the SONIA trial questioned the universal use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in the first line treatment of patients with hormone-receptor (HR) positive metastatic BC. Furthermore, a pooled analysis of the DESTINY-Breast01, -02, and -03 trials reaffirmed trastuzumab deruxtecan as an effective treatment option for patients across all age subgroups in HER2-positive BC. Finally, a less toxic capecitabine regimen emerged as an alternative to standard treatment in metastatic BC. These results, along with other important findings, are summarised in this report. We would like to acknowledge Prof. Hans Wildiers and Prof. Patrick Neven (University Hospitals Leuven) for their help in selecting the abstracts and adding a clinical interpretation to this overview.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2021;15(5):193–201)

Highlights in melanoma

The 2023 annual European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) congress featured exciting developments in melanoma research. In the adjuvant setting, discussions centred around new biomarkers for treatment response, the role of radiotherapy and new approaches in immunotherapy. Interesting updates were also presented for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, including triple combinations of BRAF plus MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), an IDO/PD-L1-targeting peptide vaccine with nivolumab, and AS01B with myeloid dendritic cells and ICIs.

Journal Scan

In this section of the BJMO, we aim to provide a snapshot of pivotal studies published in recent issues of the most important international journals focusing on oncology. Importantly, the selection of the studies discussed here is the sole responsibility of the publisher and was not influenced by third parties. Do you miss an important study, or did you read a hidden jewel that deserves to be shared with your colleagues? Please, let us know (editor@bjmo.be) and we will make sure to include it in the journal scan section of the next BJMO issue.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(4):135–8)

Looking towards the future: Innovations and advances in cancer immunotherapy

In recent years, innovative, T-cell based immunotherapeutic strategies have yielded excellent outcomes, with long-lasting results and tumour-specific antitumour activity. During the 25th annual BSMO meeting, Prof. Pierre Coulie (de Duve Institute, Brussels) opened a window on the potential future of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer

Impact of somatic mutations and cellular plasticity on cancer

Cancer is classically conceived as a genetic disease caused by somatic mutations acquired during life. In the last years, this has fuelled research efforts into the characterization of activating mutations in different tumour types. However, apart from knowing the activating mutation, other factors are also important in the development and optimization of an effective personalised treatment. During the 25th annual Belgian Society of Medical Oncology (BSMO) meeting 2023, Dr. Luc Dirix (GZA hospital, Belgium) discussed the significance of somatic mutations in normal tissues and their effect on cancer, with a special focus on clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Additionally, Dr. Dirix addressed the topic of cellular plasticity, which plays a fundamental role in cancer development.