D. Verhoeven MD, PhD

Editorial on the contribution of Rainsbury et al., entitled “Advancing breast cancer in the developing world: Challenges in Zimbabwe”

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(7):259–63)

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(7):250–1)

Using artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of breast cancer: First results after implementation in a radiology department of a breast clinic

SUMMARY

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being rapidly introduced in the daily practice of the medical professions. Here, an AI algorithm specialised in the detection of suspicious breast lesions on 2D and DBT images was used. This is a product from RMS: iCAD-ProFound 2D-3D Mammography. The first experiences are now presented, highlighting the advantages and pitfalls of the system.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2022;16(3):114–8)

Relationship between volume and outcome in lung cancer

SUMMARY

The use of survival data to compare hospitals remains controversial. Recently three studies could not find an association between outcome and volume. More important than the volume of surgery seems to be the concentration of oncological care in centres with multidisciplinary teams around the patient. A framework for implementing Value-Based health care has to be defined, measuring outcomes that matter to patients and cost.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2022;16(2):70–3)

3^rd Annual International Oncology Leadership Conference

SUMMARY

The annual International Oncology Leadership Conference (IOLC) brings together physicians and administrative professionals from around the world to share best practices and to discuss future trends and challenges affecting the provision of cancer care. Following prior IOLC meetings in London and Milan, the conference in 2019 took place in Antwerp. Chairperson Prof. Didier Verhoeven and the planning committee organised an engaging agenda which was divided into three parts: economy, technology, and patient engagement/leadership. One of the main purposes of this conference is to compare US and European approaches and to learn from each other. Attendees from thirteen countries participated at the IOLC 2019. IOLC is presented by the Association of Cancer Executives and in partnership with Hauck & Associates, Inc. Some interesting points of the meeting are mentioned below.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(2):84–5)

The direct medical cost of breast cancer: a case study in one hospital

SUMMARY

In this study direct medical costs of breast cancer were calculated in one Belgian hospital for the diagnostic phase and for the treatment phase up to 365 days after diagnosis. The study included 107 breast cancer patients diagnosed between July 2015 and December 2015. The treatment phase is much more costlier than the diagnostic phase, representing respectively 96% and 4% of total expenditures. Important differences in treatment cost are observed according to the stage of diagnosis. The results from this study inform hospital executives and policymakers to determine further decisions for financing breast cancer care.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(1):22–27)

Quality management of systemic breast cancer treatment

Quality management is a key requirement to obtain the best care for patients. In previous years, a lot of effort was made in defining quality indicators for breast cancer in Belgium. Based on EUSOMA guidelines and in collaboration with several partners, a set of quality indicators of systemic breast cancer therapy were defined. These include structure indicators (e.g. education, day clinic facilities, etc.), outcome indicators (e.g. overall survival, disease-free survival, etc.) and process indicators. The first results of some of these process indicators were presented during the 2018 annual BSMO meeting.

Quality management for systemic treatment of breast cancer

Summary

Limited literature is available about quality management in systemic treatment of breast cancer patients. Professionals are the key players in the identification and interpretation of quality indicators. The Belgian Society of Medical Oncology takes the lead in the field of quality management of systemic treatment for cancer, especially breast cancer. A narrow collaboration with the Belgian Cancer Registry will allow benchmarking. The results will be presented and discussed between peers of the society. This should lead to better outcomes for all Belgian centres. All Belgian Society of Medical Oncology members are called for active participation

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2018;12(1):15–21)