C. Focan MD, PhD

Invasive gestational trophoblastic mole with lung metastases in a 55-year-old woman: Case report and literature survey

SUMMARY

The case of an invasive trophoblastic mole developing in a woman over 50 years associated with lung metastases is reported. Spontaneous regression of pulmonary lesions was observed after surgical removal of primary tumour. A literature review is performed with resumed decisional algorithm.

(Belg J Med Oncol 2023;17(2):58–62)

Management of Mucinous Ovarian Cancer in 2020: literature survey

SUMMARY

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)

Demons-Meigs syndrome secondary to an ovarian Brenner tumour: Case report and literature survey

SUMMARY

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)

O.09 Geriatric assessment (GA)- guided interventions in older patients (pts) with cancer

5-Fluorouracil-induced pericarditis: case report and literature survey

Summary

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)

Management and systemic treatment of clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma: BSMO expert panel recommendations

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)

Chronobiology and chronotherapy of cancer: where do we stand?

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)