P. Dirix Archives

Update in prostate cancer 2019

BJMO - volume 14, issue 1, january 2020

S. Van Bruwaene MD, PhD, P. Dirix MD, PhD, H. Van Poppel MD, PhD

SUMMARY

The prostate cancer (PCa) landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years. New paradigm-shifting data are published nearly every month. This review aims to give a brief overview of the most important publications of 2018–2019. From the ever-lasting discussion about PSA screening, with the recent publication of the CAP trial, over diagnostics where multi-parametric MRI has caused a true revolution, to hypofractionation in radiotherapy and the dramatic treatment shifts in metastatic hormone sensitive and non-metastatic castrate resistant PCa. All exciting data that will change clinical practice.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(1):13–21)

Introducing a Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) Model Care Pathway in Belgian Hospitals – towards national standardisation?

BJMO - volume 13, issue 6, october 2019

T. Vermassen PhD, T. Roumeguère MD, PhD, Y. Neybuch MD, L. Hoekx MD, I. Fele , B. Sautois MD, PhD, W. Everaerts MD, PhD, D. De Maeseneer MD, F. Lecouvet MD, PhD, N. Lumen MD, PhD, P. Ost MD, PhD, S. Rorive MD, PhD, S. Stroobants MD, PhD, P. Dirix MD, PhD, S. Rottey MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is characterised by complex strategies for therapy and follow-up. In order to standardise CRPC cancer care on a national basis, an integrated care pathway was devised, based on clinical governance principles and acknowledged best practice, in order to reduce length of hospital stay, reduce costs of patient care, improve patient outcomes (e.g. Quality-of-Life, complications), etc. Therefore, a steering group of Belgian experts, consisting of medical oncologist, urologists, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, pathologists and nuclear medicines, was assembled to discuss the need for an integrated care pathway for CRPC in Belgium. This was made possible through the financial support of Astellas Belgium. An extensive integrated care pathway was discussed with various stages, depending on the disease status of the patient. Belgian implementation could lead towards further standardisation of cancer care for CRPC patients although several important matters still have to be discussed or adapted. Further assessment and inter-hospital deliberation seems required to ensure a national implementation of the CRPC integrated care pathway.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(6): 219–226)

Bone-targeted therapies in prostate cancer

BJMO - volume 10, issue 3, may 2016

P. Dirix MD, PhD, P. Westerlinck MD, G. Buelens MD, P. Huget MD, P. Meijnders MD, PhD

Summary

Skeletal involvement is very common in metastatic prostate cancer and is associated with (symptomatic) skeletal-related events. This article examines the clinical trial data that support the use of available bone-targeted therapies in prostate cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(3):97–100)

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 5^th 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)