J. Blokken PhD, PharmD

The management of nivolumab plus cabozantinib in the frontline treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma

Over the past decade, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Nowadays, the preferred first-line treatment for these patients consists of a combination of an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or dual ICI therapy. With a minimal follow-up of three years, the pivotal CheckMate 9ER trial demonstrated the superior survival and response benefits of combination therapy with cabozantinib and nivolumab over sunitinib as first-line therapy for advanced RCC patients. However, effective management strategies to deal with potential adverse events are key to maintain tolerability with cabozantinib and nivolumab treatment.

Perioperative immunotherapy for resectable non-small cell lung cancer

Historically, surgery, with or without chemotherapy, has been the standard of care for patients with earlystage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). When chemotherapy was used, a platinum-based doublet regimen has been the long-standing standard adjuvant treatment for resected patients with stage II-III disease. However, the clinical benefit that can be gained with adjuvant chemotherapy is limited, with a five-year overall survival (OS) benefit of only 5%. Moreover, despite surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, most patients with early-stage NSCLC eventually die from disease recurrence.¹ In an attempt to improve on this, several clinical trials have assessed the potential impact of integrating immunotherapy into the neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment algorithm for patients with early-stage NSCLC.

New oncology reimbursements in Belgium

OVERVIEW OF BELGIAN REIMBURSEMENT NEWS

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(7):275)

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(7):271–4)

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)

New oncology reimbursements in Belgium

OVERVIEW OF BELGIAN REIMBURSEMENT NEWS

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(6):245)

New oncology reimbursements in Belgium

OVERVIEW OF BELGIAN REIMBURSEMENT NEWS

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(5):156)