J. Van den Brande MD

Multimodality treatment approach for rectal cancer

SUMMARY

Rectal cancer treatment constitutes a complex exercise. With the exception of very early and metastatic disease were surgery and palliative chemotherapy are respectively the backbone treatment modalities, the optimal treatment strategy for rectal cancer remains a subject of active debate. Different therapeutic options, including local and systemic approaches like different surgical techniques, radiation therapy, chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy in different sequences and settings are commonly combined in clinical practice. This multimodal treatment strategy improved survival and reduced local recurrence, but the optimal way to combine the different modalities represents a subject of active research. In the coming paragraphs we attempt to answer some of the most important questions, in our opinion, regarding multimodality treatment approach for rectal cancer through a systematic review of the literature.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(7):311-20)

Highlights in gastro-intestinal cancer

The 2018 annual meeting of the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) was once more hosted in Chicago. Over 40,000 oncologists attended this years’ convention. This report will summarize the highlights from the gastro-intestinal cancer sessions at the meeting.

Highlights in gastrointestinal oncology

ESMO 2017 featured the presentation of several practice changing data in the field of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. The first part of this report will summarize the key data presented in the field of gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), biliary, gallbladder, biliary, pancreatic and hepatocellular cancer. In the second part, the focus is turned to colorectal cancer.

(BELG J ONCOL 2017;11(7):340–348)

Highlights in gastrointestinal cancers

The 53^rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) took place once more in Chicago from June 2 to 6, bringing together more than 30,000 oncology professionals from around the world. This year’s meeting theme is “Making a Difference in Cancer Care with You.” Studies spanning the spectrum of GI cancer prevention and care, from new standards of care to immunotherapy and precision medicine, will be highlighted.

Highlights in gastrointestinal oncology

Summary

From October 7^th till October 11^th, Copenhagen formed the background for the 2016 annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). This report will focus on some of the key studies presented during the meeting, referring to gastrointestinal cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(8):290–94)

Highlights in gastrointestinal cancers

Summary

During the 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting, a robust body of phase III trials was presented in the gastrointestinal (GI) oncology field, including updates and interesting post-hoc analyses. Once more, the early phase research was mainly focused on immunotherapy, with some promising results.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(5):150–155)

Highlights in gastrointestinal cancers

A large body of trials, including large adjuvant phase III trials up to early phase trials was presented during the 2015 European Cancer Congress (ECC). Immunotherapy, was once more in the center of the scientific interest for different types of cancer and settings. This report will focus on some of the key studies presented during the meeting, referring to gastrointestinal cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9:217–21)