Articles

Highlights in gastrointestinal cancers

BJMO - volume 10, issue 5, august 2016

K. Papadimitriou MD, PhD, T. Van den Mooter MD, J. Van den Brande MD, M. Rasschaert MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD

Summary

During the 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting, a robust body of phase III trials was presented in the gastrointestinal (GI) oncology field, including updates and interesting post-hoc analyses. Once more, the early phase research was mainly focused on immunotherapy, with some promising results.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(5):150–155)

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Feasibility of an interactive, real time data collecting tool during everolimus treatment: a clinical experience

BJMO - volume 10, issue 1, february 2016

M. Rasschaert MD, PhD, K. Papadimitriou MD, PhD, I. Van Brussel PhD, J. Ravelingien MSc, R. Remmen MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD

Summary

Background:

Oncologists and patients alike are faced with increasing challenges when managing a growing number of new anticancer agents with their specific and complex toxicities. Integrating electronic systems when monitoring patients offers the opportunity to collect data and interact in real time.

Objective:

To test the feasibility and applicability of an interactive data collecting tool in an outpatient setting. To evaluate the interaction between patients and caregivers.

Materials and methods:

Within a community based clinical program for patients using everolimus, we designed a pilot study using an electronic device, uploaded with a program to stimulate the compliance of patients to treatment and preventive measures. The Coach also screened for mucositis and for other adverse events (AE); and offered advice when AE’s were detected.

Results:

Between March and September 2014, 34 patients were enrolled in this pilot study. Eight patients dropped out of the study (due to reluctance in three, to age in two, general conditions in two and logistic defect in one patient). Mean follow up time was six weeks (range two to twelve weeks). Compliance to the device was evaluated in twenty patients and 16/20 (80%) committed to ≥ 60% of registrations. Treatment related AE’s, illness or technical problems posed no barriers to compliance. Toxicity data was collected in 26 patients (92% women, median age of 63 yr). Mucositis was registered in 50% of patients. First registration of AE was documented at day seventeen. In retrospect, earlier laser therapy for everolimus induced mucositis leads to fast relief and less lengthy laser treatments.

Conclusion:

The use of a real time data collecting tool (Remecoach) is feasible. The compliance to the device is high and resulted in early detection of everolimus induced mucositis. This approach to patient management can contribute to early toxicity management while improving treatment compliance.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(1):29–34)

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Highlights in gastrointestinal cancers

BJMO - volume 9, issue 6, november 2015

K. Papadimitriou MD, PhD, M. Rasschaert MD, PhD, J. Van den Brande MD, M. Peeters MD, PhD

A large body of trials, including large adjuvant phase III trials up to early phase trials was presented during the 2015 European Cancer Congress (ECC). Immunotherapy, was once more in the center of the scientific interest for different types of cancer and settings. This report will focus on some of the key studies presented during the meeting, referring to gastrointestinal cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9:217–21)

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Highlights in gastrointestinal cancers

BJMO - volume 9, issue 4, august 2015

K. Papadimitriou MD, PhD, M. Rasschaert MD, PhD, J. Van den Brande MD, M. Peeters MD, PhD

The 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting represents the 50th anniversary celebration from ASCO’s foundation. This is the beginning of the second half of our first 100 years. We’re going to think about what cancer and cancer care delivery will look like 10, 20, or 30 years from now,” said the 2014– 2015 ASCO President, Peter Paul Yu. The chosen theme of this year’s meeting is “Illumination and Innovation: Transforming Data into Learning” as reflected in Dr. Yu’s question “How do we harness our vastly increasing knowledge base and deliver the fruits of that labor to our patients?”

In gastrointestinal oncology results, updates and sub analyses of phase III trials were presented but also many negative trials. Data from early phase trials in the fields of immunology, incorporating new promising treatments like anti-PD-1, potential related markers and HER2 receptor blockage were also of interest. Furthermore, debates with a focus on financial aspects of treatment approaches, including the innovative, but yet very expensive immune modulation therapies, and comparisons of standard “targeted” approaches were discussed.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9:143–8)

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Highlights in gastrointestinal cancer

BJMO - volume 8, issue 5, november 2014

M. Peeters MD, PhD, K. Papadimitriou MD, PhD

From 26 till 30 September 2014, the 30th yearly ESMO meeting took place in Madrid. The theme for ESMO 2014 was ‘Precision Medicine in Cancer Care.’ This report will highlight the key studies presented during the meeting, with special focus on gastrointestinal cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(4):158–62)

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