D. Schrijvers MD, PhD

Second Belgian multidisciplinary meeting on urological cancers held in Brussels – March 28, 2015

Due to the success of last year, a second national Belgian multidisciplinary scientific meeting on urological cancers was held with the cooperation of medical oncologists (BSMO), urologists (BAU) and radiation oncologists (ABRO/BVRO). It was a great opportunity to build bridges between these three important specialisations involved in the treatment of urological cancers.
The steering committee of the meeting consisted of J. P. Machiels, G. Pelgrims, S. Rottey (members of BSMO); L. Hoekx, S. Joniau, T. Roumeguere (members of BAU); O. De Hertogh, G. De Meerleer and Y. Neybuch (members of ABRO/BVRO). The second meeting, held in Brussels on March 28^th, 2015 was a great success with more than 100 attendees of the different specialisations involved.
In this meeting report you will find summaries of the lectures of Dr De Visschere (Radiologist) and Dr Schrijvers (Medical Oncologist).

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(3):113–16)

The androgen receptor in prostate cancer

The androgen receptor plays a role as a nuclear transcription factor after activation by its ligands. It is an essential component in the development and progression of prostate cancer. The different factors that play a role in relation to the androgen receptor and prostate cancer are discussed. The different treatment strategies in relation to prostate cancer are addressed.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(2):61–4)

Biomarkers and genomics in prostate cancer

Biomarkers and genomics are making their entrance in daily clinical practice in many tumour types. In prostate cancer, their use is relatively limited. This article reviews biomarkers and genomics used in different clinical settings such as screening, diagnosis, prognosis, prediction and surrogate endpoints for overall survival and shows an unmet need in prostate cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(4):104–8)

Bone complications in cancer patients

Bone complications are frequently observed in cancer patients. They may be the result of the disease or due to the anticancer treatment. Osteoporosis is seen in up to 30% of cancer patients depending on tumor type and treatment and screening for osteoporosis is indicated in selected patients. It should be prevented by the use of calcium and vitamin D and exercising programs and, if present, should be adequately treated by drugs registered for the treatment of osteoporosis. Bone metastases are observed in up to 75% of metastatic cancer patients depending on the tumor type. Skeletal-related complications, occurring in 50–70% in patients with bone metastases, can be prevented and delayed by the use of bisphosphonates or denosumab. Prevention of the development of bone metastases has been shown by anti-tumor treatment while the role of modification of the micro-environment by bisphosphonates and denosumab needs further study.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(1):3–8)

Giant cell tumour of the jaw: a new hope for a difficult-to-treat disease

Recurrent giant cell tumour of the bone is a difficult to treat and mutilating disease. A patient with a recurrent giant cell tumour of the jaw is reported. He received multiple treatments with surgery and bisphosphonates. Due to progressive disease he was treated with denosumab with good result. An overview of giant cell tumour of the bone is given. (BELG J MED ONCOL 2012;6:201–203)

Guidelines in oncology

Guidelines are important tools in relation to patient treatment and care in oncology. They are systematically developed statements to assist practitioner- and patient-decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances. They are needed because of unexplained and inappropriate variations in clinical practice patterns, different cancer treatment outcomes, further limitations in resources affecting administration of high quality health care, difficulties of integrating rapidly evolving scientific evidence into daily clinical practice, guidance for involved stakeholders and quality control. A guideline development programme should be inclusive, transparent, consultative, evidence-based and adhering to internationally recognised standards of practice such as the AGREE Collaboration. There should be an implementation plan to ensure that guidelines are implemented in daily clinical practice since they have an important influence on cancer outcome. This article reviews the need, development, implementation, adherence and outcome of guidelines. (BELG J MED ONCOL 2012;6:112–117)