L. Dirix MD

O.08 Evaluation of HER2 expression and amplification in CTCs using CellSearch immunofluorescence and FISH

P.15 Abiraterone acetate associated rhabdomyolysis

Systemic treatment for basal cell carcinoma of the skin

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(7):265–71)

Imbalance between supply and need of medical oncologists in Belgium

Summary

Medical oncology was officially recognised as a specialty in Belgium in 2007. Only limited information is available as to the optimal number of medical oncologists to cover present and future needs. The objective of this study was to analyse the current and future supply, need and demand of medical oncologists in Belgium.
Two surveys were conducted to analyse the supply and need of medical oncologists, one among medical oncologists and a second among medical hospital directors. The evolution of demand due to demographic changes was forecast for the next two decades. A current shortage of medical oncologists, corresponding to roughly half of the current medical oncology workload, has been estimated and is mostly the result of a recent recognition of the specialty and the consequent reorganisation of hospitals. An increase of 28% in the demand during the next two decades is forecast because of an expanding and largely aging population. A worrisome imbalance between supply and need of medical oncologists in Belgium shows itself and an increased demand is forecast, mainly due to demographic changes. This analysis is only the first step of a more general assessment of the situation needed to identify the challenges of medical oncology as a new specialty and to address the multifaceted issues associated with treating cancer in the future.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2013;7(2):38–45)

Transforming growth factor β: friend or foe in disguise?

TGF-β is a major regulator and driver of many biological processes, but its main function is inhibition of cell cycle progression and apoptosis, thus establishing a tumour-protective effect in early stages of malignant transformation. However, mutational alterations can occur at different levels of the TGF-β signaling cascade. These mutations, combined with the significant influence of the tumour microenvironment on this cascade, can cause a functional shift of TGF-β from being a tumour suppressor to becoming a tumour promoter in more advanced cancers. In most tumours this will ultimately contribute to the formation of metastatic laesions. In the clinical setting of breast cancer, TGF-β plays a significant role in the acquisition of endocrine resistance. Thus, therapeutic intervention of TGF-β signaling might deliver significant benefits in the treatment of cancer. (BELG J MED ONCOL 2012;6:188–193)

Highlights in Oncology 2011

2011 has been a rich year in progress on cancer care. Items already mentioned last year have been confirmed in full papers and are entering daily clinical practice. This article summarises the highlights in oncology of the past year.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2012;6:38–41)

Highlights in Oncology 2011

2011 has been a rich year in progress on cancer care. Items already mentioned last year have been confirmed in full papers and are entering daily clinical practice. This article summarises the highlights in oncology of the past year.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2012;6:38–41)