BJMO - volume 19, issue 1, january 2025
E. De Smet MA, D. Schrijvers MD, PhD, K. De Muynck MD, A. Vandebroek MD, E. De Droogh MD
This case report describes a sarcoid like reaction (SLR) in a patient with HER2-positive breast cancer undergoing treatment with trastuzumab and pertuzumab. SLRs are granulomatous reactions characterized by non-caseating epithelioid granulomas that can occur in cancer patients in response to infection, malignancy, or drugs. If found they have the potential to complicate radiological interpretations, mimic disease progression and challenge treatment evaluation. In HER2-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab, drug-induced SLRs have been reported, although not commonly. Clinicians should be aware of this entity, and when in doubt, tissue biopsy is needed to avoid misdiagnosis.
((BELG J MED ONCOL 2025;19(1):32–35)
Read moreBJMO - volume 19, issue 1, january 2025
E. Van Haute MD, D. Schrijvers MD, PhD, R. Steinkamm , K. Beel MD, PhD, An Vandebroek MD
We describe a patient with an ovarian cancer and an extensive prior treatment history presenting with abdominal pain and acute deterioration of anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Diagnosis of therapy-related myeloid neoplasm was made. Early recognition and diagnosis of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms pose an important challenge for the oncologist. They are essential in improving outcomes. A review of current insights regarding therapy-related myeloid neoplasms is provided.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2025;19(1):27–31)
Read moreBJMO - volume 18, issue 7, november 2024
D. Schrijvers MD, PhD
The need for organs for transplantation is growing, as is the incidence of people affected by cancer. Many cancer patients will be cured of their disease and might be eligible for organ transplantation. There is always a possibility for donor-transmitted cancer, and this is a potentially lethal condition. In this review, the factors that determine the eligibility of cancer patients as organ donors are discussed.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2024;18(7):268–270)
Read moreBJMO - volume 18, issue 6, october 2024
A. Bouzidi Ilias MD, F. Bosmans MD, A. Van Beeck MD, D. Schrijvers MD, PhD
Presacral myelolipomas are exceedingly rare benign tumours composed of mature adipose tissue and haematopoietic elements. Here, we present a case report of an 81-year-old male with a complex medical history, who presented with recurrent disabling back pain and haematuria. Initial evaluation showed a presacral lipomatous mass, raising concerns of a liposarcoma. Multidisciplinary discussion raised the possibility of a presacral myelolipoma and suggested a nuclear scan for confirmation of this diagnosis. Given the absence of symptoms due to the presacral mass and patient comorbidities, a watchful waiting approach was adopted. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with presacral masses, emphasising the necessity for accurate identification to guide optimal management strategies. Heightened awareness among clinicians and radiologists is crucial for timely and accurate management decisions in such cases. This report contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the diagnostic process and management of this rare entity.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2024;18(6):239-243)
Read moreBJMO - 2024, issue 4, june 2024
D. Schrijvers MD, PhD
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape for many tumour types. In patients with prostate cancer, different types of immunotherapy such as cellular, dendritic cell, peptide, viral, antigen-loaded dendritic cell or antigen-presenting cell vaccines and checkpoint inhibitors have been tested in randomised phase III trials as a single agent or in combination with other treatment modalities. Only one specific antigen-loaded dendritic cell (sipuleucel-T) has shown some benefit in terms of overall survival in this patient population. Newer treatments, such as bi-specific T-cell engagers or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, are being tested in early clinical trials in different subsets of patients with prostate cancer. Monoclonal antibodies, linked to radioactive isotopes, have been successfully used in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and are mentioned briefly. This review focuses on the role of cellular-based immunotherapy in patients with prostate cancer.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2024;18(4):152–9)
Read moreBJMO - volume 18, issue 2, march 2024
D. Schrijvers MD, PhD, S. Mignon MD, M. Brands MD, S. van Roy MD, S. De Schepper MD, N. Van Bruaene MD, D. Nevens MD, PhD, N. Meireson MD
Head and neck cancer is a complex cancer that involves multiple disciplines (surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy). The timely start of surgery and radiotherapy is of utmost importance since the time between the start of treatment is related to overall survival. A delay in surgery increases overall mortality by 6%, while a delay in radiotherapy increases overall mortality by 9%. In this article, the importance of a short time to start treatment in patients with head and neck cancer is discussed.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2024;18(2):46–8)
Read moreBJMO - volume 18, issue 1, february 2024
D. Schrijvers MD, PhD, L. Velthof MD, K. De Boeck MD, M. Al Saddi MD, V. De Groot MD, PhD
This case report describes a patient with a lacrimal tumour and distant bone lesions. The diagnosis of an IgG4-related pseudo tumour of the lacrimal gland with involvement of the skeleton was made. A review of lacrimal gland lesions and IgG4-related disease is given. The oncologist should be aware of this entity and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland lesions.
(Belg J Med Oncol 2024;18(1):24–8)
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