Tom Feys MBA, MSc

The 22^nd annual BSMO meeting 2020

SUMMARY

On the 14^th and 15^th of February 2020, the Belgian Society of Medical Oncology (BSMO) organised the 22^nd annual BSMO meeting in Ghent. At this meeting, medical oncologists, oncologists in training and other specialists involved in the management of cancer patients again had the opportunity to gather as a community, exchange ideas and engage in cooperation.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(4):171–7)

Masterclass On Site Neuroendocrine Tumours 2020

SUMMARY

On January 30-31^st, 2020 the Masterclass on neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) took place in Antwerp, Belgium. This meeting was organised by NETwerk Antwerpen-Waasland (ENETS Centre of Excellence) with support from IPSEN. A broad plethora of presentations on molecular aspects, lung NETs, digestive NETs and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), immunotherapy, Merkel cell carcinoma and patient-centred care were presented. This report will highlight the key messages of the symposium.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(4):165–70)

Journal Scan

SUMMARY

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 2020;14(4):159–64)

Post ASCO GU regional tour

SUMMARY

On the 20^th of February, BMUC again organised the post ASCO GU regional tour. During this meeting, which was simultaneously hosted at three locations throughout the country (Sint-Martens-Latem, Nijvel and Veerle), the key studies presented at this year’s ASCO GU meeting were discussed. Of note, this report will be based on the meeting held in Sint-Martens-Latem.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(3):126–33)

Journal Scan

SUMMARY

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 2020;14(3):109–13)

The evolving role of radiotherapy in the treatment of lung cancer

Summary

Radiotherapy (RT) plays a key role in the management of lung cancer and it is used at least once in over half of patients in both the curative and palliative setting. In recent years, the role of RT in the management of thoracic tumours is rapidly evolving. In this article we provide a brief overview of important RT developments in the past year.

Recent advances in small-cell lung cancer treatment

Summary

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has defied the scientific community for decades. Chemotherapy has been the mainstay treatment for patients with SCLC and, unlike its non-small-cell counterpart, no significant therapeutic breakthroughs have been made since the 1970s. Recently, new immunotherapeutic and targeted therapy options became available for these patients. In this article, the results obtained with these therapeutic strategies are briefly discussed.