Articles

Organ donation by cancer patients

BJMO - volume 18, issue 7, november 2024

D. Schrijvers MD, PhD

SUMMARY

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)

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A rare tumour in the presacral space: Presacral myelolipoma

BJMO - volume 18, issue 6, october 2024

A. Bouzidi Ilias MD, F. Bosmans MD, A. Van Beeck MD, D. Schrijvers MD, PhD

SUMMARY

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)

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Immunotherapy for prostate cancer: Does it work?

BJMO - 2024, issue 4, june 2024

D. Schrijvers MD, PhD

SUMMARY

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)

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Impact of treatment delays in patients with head and neck cancer

BJMO - 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

SUMMARY

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)

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A rare tumour of the lacrimal gland: Immunoglobulin G4-related pseudo tumour

BJMO - 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

SUMMARY

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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A subungual glomus tumour in a patient with a previous history of testicular cancer

BJMO - volume 17, issue 7, november 2023

M. De Wit MD, L-A-F. Clifton MD, E. Beuckelaers MD, J. Desimpelaere MD, D. Schrijvers MD, PhD

SUMMARY

This article presents the case of a 35-year-old patient with a glomus tumour in the fourth digit of the right hand. The patient had a history of a bilateral embryonal testicular carcinoma, which was treated with surgery and chemotherapy. The initial complaints consisted of pain in all the fingers on the right hand, suspected of Raynaud phenomenon. Finally, the diagnosis was made clinically and through magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent surgery to remove the tumour, and the diagnosis was pathologically confirmed. The treatment was curative, and the complaint of pain resolved.

(Belg J Med Oncol 2023;17(7):264–6)

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Burnout in resident physicians

BJMO - volume 17, issue 3, may 2023

D. Schrijvers MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Burnout is an important consequence of work-related stress. It is observed in 15–40% of resident physicians and has an important influence on their wellbeing, their professional career, and their patient-doctor relationship. Different interventions at the organisational, interpersonal and personal levels can be performed to prevent the development of burnout.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(3):85–7)

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