BJMO - volume 14, issue 6, october 2020
M-P. Graas MD, N. Blétard MD, M. Bourhaba , C. Focan MD, PhD
In this article the authors reviewed literature regarding mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC), which represents a special challenge as a rare ovarian tumour (about 3%) with unique clinical characteristics as compared to serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC). MOC is mostly diagnosed at an early stage and is generally associated with an excellent prognosis. However, later stages usually remain resistant to medical treatment, with early deaths occurring. Overall, advanced MOC patients seem 2.3 times more likely to die of their tumour as compared to SOC patients. Anatomo-pathological diagnosis and distinguishing between primary and metastasised MOC remains difficult and sometimes inconclusive, despite the contribution of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or molecular biology. The preservation of fertility is currently conceivable in younger patients with an early stage disease.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(6):246-53)
Read moreBJMO - volume 13, issue 7, november 2019
A. Coveliers MD, M-P. Graas MD, J. Weerts MD, N. Blétard MD, C. Focan MD, PhD
This oncocase reports the exceptional case of a 65-year-old woman presenting a Demons-Meigs syndrome characterised by dyspnoea issuing from a transsudative pleural effusion together with an important unilateral right ovarian mass and ascites. The diagnosis of a Brenner type histology, a rare and generally benign ovarian affection, was obtained after complete surgical removal of the ovarian tumour. Once discharged, the patient entered in a sustained complete response and thus potential cure.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(7):301–4)
Read moreBJMO - 2017, issue 3, february 2017
L. Decoster MD, PhD, C. Kenis PhD, J. Flamaing , P.R. Debruyne , I. De Groof , C. Focan MD, PhD, F. Cornélis MD, V. Verschaeve MD, K. Vanoverbeke , Y. Libert , S. Luce , N. Nols , H. van den Bulck , J.C. Goeminne MD, K. Geboers , J.P. Lobelle , M. Lycke , K. Milisen PhD, H. Wildiers MD, PhD, A. Baitar
BJMO - volume 10, issue 1, february 2016
S. Maréchal MD, G. Houbiers MD, M-P. Graas MD, C. Focan MD, PhD
5-Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite frequently used in the treatment of digestive cancers. Outside well-known side effects, it may induce cardiac toxicity under various clinical forms, from chest pain to arrhythmia, or even cardiac arrest, pericarditis being one of the most uncommon.1,2 We report here the case of a 52-year-old man who developed pericarditis symptoms after continuous 5-fluorouracil infusions.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(1):35–37)
Read moreBJMO - volume 9, issue 1, february 2015
Z. El Ali MD, PhD, D. Van Brummelen MD, P. Wolter MD, S. Rottey MD, PhD, S. Altintas MD, PhD, D. Schallier MD, PhD, P. Debruyne MD, PhD, C. Gennigens MD, PhD, F. Van Aelst MD, S. Sideris MD, T. Gil MD, N. Sirtaine MD, L. D’Hondt MD, PhD, D. Luyten MD, C. Focan MD, PhD, G. Matus MD, M. Rasschaert MD, G. Pelgrims MD, the BSMO Renal Cancer Task Force Group
Almost 30% of patients with renal cell cancer present initially with advanced stage IV disease. In the past decade, the management of the metastatic renal cell cancer has been revolutionised by the knowledge of its molecular biology and development of targets against vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways. In this paper we present recommendations based on a thorough review of available guidelines and data from the phase III randomised controlled trials that evaluated new agents in patients with advanced metastatic renal cancer.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(1):16–24)
BJMO - volume 8, issue 2, may 2014
C. Focan MD, PhD
Biological rhythms of various frequency (yearly, seasonal, menstrual, circadian) are an inherent part of the life of all individuals. This editorial will summarise the most relevant and practical issues regarding cancer and particularly breast cancer, the discipline of our regretted colleague Jean-Claude Heuson.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(2):60–2)
Read moreBJMO - volume 8, issue 1, march 2014
A.C. Davin MD, M-P. Graas MD, G. Demolin MD, G. Namur MD, B. Massart MD, C. Focan MD, PhD
The authors present the case of a 47 year old woman with a history of a primary breast cancer and local recurrence, who developed disseminated pulmonary lesions, supra- and infra-diaphragmatic adenopathies and a lytic lesion of the right iliac bone nine years later. The diagnosis of disseminated carcinomatosis was initially suspected but a targeted bone biopsy surprisingly revealed the presence of sarcoidosis typical lesions. In this case, none of the sophisticated imaging tools could provide an accurate differential diagnosis. Thus for such cases, an anatomo-pathological analysis is definitively mandatory in order to avoid overtreating patients without evolutive cancer.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(1):1–7)
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