Articles

Molecular test algorithms for digestive tumours

BJMO - volume 13, issue 1, february 2019

Ir A. Hébrant PhD, Ir , A. Jouret-Mourin MD, PhD, G. Froyen PhD, J. Van der Meulen MD, M. De Man MD, R. Salgado MD, PhD, M. van den Eynde MD, PhD, N. D’Haene MD, PhD, G. Martens MD, PhD, E. van Cutsem MD, PhD, H.A. Poirel MD, PhD, S. Tejpar MD, PhD, J-L. van Laethem MD, PhD, K. Geboes MD, P. Pauwels MD, PhD, F. Dedeurwaerdere MD, B. Maes MD, PhD, J. De Grève MD, PhD, J. Vanhuysse , P. Peeters MD, L. Vanacker MD, M. Gomez-Galdon , M. Chintinne MD, PhD, A. Hendlisz MD, PhD, G. de Hertogh MD, PhD, X. Sagaert MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD, P. Vannuffel , P. Lefesvre MD, PhD, J. Vermeij , M. Simoens , T. Van den Mooter MD, N. van Damme PhD, M. Van den Bulcke PhD

The Belgian Commission of Personalized Medicine has been created to advise the federal government on all matters related to personalised medicine in oncology, including the reimbursement of molecular tests. Here, we propose the Belgian strategy for molecular testing in the digestive tumours within a scientific-based framework. For each tested biomarker, a clinical test level is attached, which is key to establish the relevance of the test and to define the reimbursement. For each digestive tumour type, the different molecular tests are represented as decision trees with its test utility, test level and a brief technical test description.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(1):4–10)

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Should guidelines take sides on colon cancer sidedness?

BJMO - volume 12, issue 6, october 2018

A. Hendlisz MD, PhD

As emphasised in this issue’s review by De Weerdt & Van Cutsem, the colon cancer primary tumour location (PTL)’s predictive and prognostic value is currently a hot topic.1-3
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2018;12(6):269–270)

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Gastric cancer: the role of VEGFR2, MET and HER2

BJMO - volume 10, issue 7, november 2016

A. Hendlisz MD, PhD, C. Vandeputte PhD

Summary

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. A new molecular classification based on comprehensive genomic analysis is currently replacing the old, clinically pointless classification. This classification based on targetable genomic abnormalities and pathway amplifications may open avenues for clinical research based on targeted medications and strategies. We review three important potential targets in advanced gastric cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(7):243–248)

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