BJMO - volume 9, issue 1, february 2015
Z. El Ali MD, PhD, D. Van Brummelen MD, P. Wolter MD, S. Rottey MD, PhD, S. Altintas MD, PhD, D. Schallier MD, PhD, P. Debruyne MD, PhD, C. Gennigens MD, PhD, F. Van Aelst MD, S. Sideris MD, T. Gil MD, N. Sirtaine MD, L. D’Hondt MD, PhD, D. Luyten MD, C. Focan MD, PhD, G. Matus MD, M. Rasschaert MD, G. Pelgrims MD, the BSMO Renal Cancer Task Force Group
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)
BJMO - volume 8, issue 5, december 2014
J. Gysen MD, H. Van Poppel MD, PhD
We present a condensed version of the ESMO clinical practice guidelines on penile cancer.1
Penile cancer is an uncommon but ominous disease. In the last few years there has been a shift towards penile-preserving techniques, because besides local control, an important aim of surgery is to preserve the functionality and sexual function of the penis. This has an important impact on the patient’s self-esteem, quality of life and general mental health. Despite the rarity of the disease we gradually achieve more insight in the proper staging and treatment of this malignancy.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(5):213–6)
Read moreBJMO - volume 8, issue 4, september 2014
K. Lambein MD, PhD, Y. Guiot PhD, C. Galant MD, R. Salgado MD, PhD, C. Colpaert MD, PhD
This update of the Belgian guidelines for HER2 testing is based on the updated recommendations recently published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the College of American Pathologists.1–3
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(4):109–15)
Read moreBJMO - volume 8, issue 3, july 2014
L. Decoster MD, PhD, F. Cornélis MD, E. Joosens MD, S. Henry MD, P. Specenier MD, PhD, P. Clement MD, PhD, On behalf of the Thyroid Task Force of the BSMO
Thyroid cancers are rare diseases and include types that range from indolent localised differentiated carcinomas to fulminant and lethal anaplastic disease. Until recently, treatment options for advanced or metastatic radio-iodine refractory thyroid cancer were limited. Recently kinase inhibitors targeting angiogenesis and other pathways have shown promising activity.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(3):81–6)
Read moreBJMO - volume 8, issue 3, july 2014
T. Pecceu MD, C. Weltens MD, PhD, P. Neven MD, PhD, S. Peeters MD, PhD, H. Wildiers MD, PhD
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in the Western world. Over the last decades, the use of postoperative systemic therapies (chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, trastuzumab) and radiotherapy led to significant survival benefits for patients with early breast cancer. Although these modalities have been extensively studied and used, a major question is how these systemic therapies are optimally sequenced with radiotherapy in the adjuvant setting. This article reviews available data on how to combine systemic therapies with radiotherapy in women with early stage breast cancer, and provides recommendations that unfortunately do not reach level I evidence due to insufficient quality of available clinical data.
BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(3):72–80
Read moreBJMO - volume 8, issue 2, may 2014
W. Tjalma MD, PhD
Cervical cancer should be a historical disease, why are we not succeeding! The prophylactic vaccination will reduce cervical cancer by almost 80% in Belgium. Cervical cancer screening should therefore continue in order to prevent the remaining 20%. The currently used Pap cytology test misses 50% of all clinically significant precancers and cancers at the time of testing. The test should remain but the analysis should be altered. The screening should be modified based on our knowledge of human papillomavirus as a causal factor. Instead of looking for cell abnormality one should look for the presence of human papillomavirus. Then, depending on the test, only two to ten percent of all relevant lesions are missed. The introduction of the vaccination should lead to the reintroduction of the screening based on human papillomavirus. This will lead to a considerable reduction in morbidity and mortality, allow longer screening intervals and be more cost-effective. More for less should be the driving force in cervical cancer screening if we want to be successful.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(2):44–51)
Read moreBJMO - volume 7, issue 5, december 2013
E. de Azambuja MD, PhD, H. A. Azim Jr. MD, PhD, L. Buisseret MD, C. Langenaeken MD, D. T’Kint de Roodenbeke MD
Advances in screening, diagnostic procedures, surgical techniques, knowledge about molecular pathways and targets, and new treatment options have substantially improved the outcome of breast cancer patients. Care for breast cancer survivors has thus become an essential part of care for breast cancer patients. Therefore, the Belgian Society of Medical Oncology set-up a task force charged with developing guidance on issues important for breast cancer patients who have completed their primary treatment.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2013;7(5):142–55)
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