Articles

5-Fluorouracil-induced coronary vasospasm: case report and discussion

BJMO - volume 9, issue 5, september 2015

K. R. Meesschaert MD, D. Van Aken MD, P. Goetstouwers MD, D. Verhoeven MD, PhD, C. Langenaeken MD, M. Strijbos MD, PhD, Wim Demey MD

5-Fluorouracil is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents. It has been included in the treatment of a number of solid tumours, including upper gastrointestinal, colorectal and breast cancer, for many years. It is the backbone of several chemotherapy regimens, particularly in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract adenocarcinomas. Unfortunately, cardiotoxicities may be expected to occur regularly. As 5-fluorouracil is widely used, cardiotoxicity due to 5-fluorouracil is a relatively common problem. The case of a 64-year old man with invasive intestinal adenocarcinoma, who developed chest pain during his first mFOLFOX cycle, is presented. We see in this case and in the literature that recurrence of cardiac toxicity is high, even with premedication. There is some evidence that replacing the fluoropyrimidine by raltitrexed is safe and efficacious for patients with 5-fluorouracil (cardiac) toxicity in the setting of colorectal cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(5):194–98)

Read more

Quality management of breast cancer patients

BJMO - volume 9, issue 3, july 2015

D. Verhoeven MD, PhD, P. Goetstouwers MD, C. Langenaeken MD, Wim Demey MD, M. Strijbos MD, PhD

Quality indicators are used to monitor the quality of care of cancer patients. They are divided into structural, process, outcome, and service indicators. Information about quality indicators must be given to all partners involved, leading to optimisation of treatment strategies and reduction of treatment variability. The aim is to achieve quality cancer care within everyone’s reach, with a focus on patient needs. Although disparities are present for various reasons, an in depth analysis is highly informative.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(3):107–12)

Read more

Highlights from the 5th International Congress of Breast Disease Centres

BJMO - volume 9, issue 2, may 2015

D. Verhoeven MD, PhD, Wim Demey MD, I. Biltjes MD, P. Dirix MD, PhD, P. Van Dam MD, PhD, M. Strijbos MD, PhD, C. Langenaeken MD

The 5th International Congress of Breast Disease Centres was held in Antwerp, February 5–7, 2015, following previous versions in Paris. The focus was on multidisciplinary care, quality management, and economic issues. Over fifty key opinion leaders from all over the world (fifteen countries, four continents) discussed different aspects of multidisciplinary breast care. Among the participants were the presidents of professional societies such as EUSOMA, ECCO, ESTRO, NAPBC USA, and the general director of SIS. The next congress will be held in Paris, February 4–6, 2016.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(2):77–9)

Read more