BJMO - volume 17, issue 2, march 2023
M. Scheen MD, MP. Graas MD, M. Daix MD, F. Dome MD, A. Courtois PhD, C. Focan MD, PhD
The case of an invasive trophoblastic mole developing in a woman over 50 years associated with lung metastases is reported. Spontaneous regression of pulmonary lesions was observed after surgical removal of primary tumour. A literature review is performed with resumed decisional algorithm.
(Belg J Med Oncol 2023;17(2):58–62)
Read moreBJMO - volume 17, issue 1, january 2023
E. Cassiers MD, N. Blockx MD, W. Teurfs MD
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a well-known and extensively used immunosuppressive and antineoplastic agent. CP-induced hyponatremia remains an underestimated adverse event, although it can lead to severe complications and death. This case report describes the occurrence of life-threatening status epilepticus in a 74-year-old breast cancer patient due to CP-induced hyponatremia. The primary underlying mechanism seems to be impaired free water clearance, which is not influenced by ADH, but rather a direct effect of CP alkylating metabolites on the distal renal tubule. Future research is needed to further clarify the underlying pathophysiology and possible predisposing factors. Thorough monitoring of the patient’s hydration status and electrolytes until 48 hours after the first administration of CP seems strongly advisable.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2023;17(1):27–30)
Read moreBJMO - volume 16, issue 7, november 2022
M. Wyckmans BSc, S. Mignon MD, N. Blockx MD, D. Schrijvers MD, PhD
The cancer antigen 15.3 (CA-15.3) is an important tumour marker for the evaluation of patients with a history of breast cancer. An increase of CA-15.3 can be a sign of breast cancer recurrence and warrants further investigation. However, CA-15.3 is not specific and can be elevated in several oncological and benign conditions. This case describes a megaloblastic anaemia due to folic acid deficiency and elevated CA-15.3 in a patient with a history of breast cancer. No signs of breast cancer recurrence were found, and serum CA-15.3 levels normalised after supplementation of folic acid. Benign causes of CA-15.3 elevation should be considered when evaluating a patient with a history of breast cancer.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2022;16(6):360–2)
Read moreBJMO - volume 16, issue 6, october 2022
L. Schillebeeckx MD, L. Marcelis MD, PhD, M. Baldewijns MD, PhD, K. Dewulf MD, C. Mai MD, P. Willemen MD, I. Vanden Bempt MD, PhD, S. Joniau MD, PhD, M. Albersen MD, PhD, W. Everaerts MD, PhD
Stromal tumour of unknown malignant potential (STUMP) is a rare type of mesenchymal tumour of the prostate. These tumours often cause obstructive urinary symptoms, haematuria or haematospermia and can be misdiagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). STUMP has a variable and unpredictable clinical course. Generally, these tumours have a good prognosis since they are mostly confined to the prostate. However, a minority recurs after surgery and uncommonly can adhere to adjacent organs or (even more rarely) metastasizes. Progression to prostatic stromal sarcoma has rarely been reported. The diagnosis is made on histological examination of prostate tissue (from biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)). The appropriate treatment approach is currently unknown. Treatment recommendations should be based on patient age, treatment preference, size or extent of the lesion. This case report describes a case of a 68-years old man who presented with a STUMP and provides an overview of the literature on this topic.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2022;16(6):303–6)
Read moreBJMO - volume 16, issue 6, october 2022
G. Meert MD, D. Schrijvers MD, PhD
Giant cell tumour of the bone (GCTB) is an uncommon primary bone tumour with rare metastatic potential. Giant cell tumour of the jaw (GCTJ) is histologically similar to GCTB with comparable treatment options. Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody working as a RANKL inhibitor is recommended for treating patients with unresectable giant cell tumours. However, data on long-term efficacy and toxicity (e.g. osteonecrosis of the jaw) remains scarce, especially in GCTJ. This article presents two cases of patients with a GCTJ who were treated with denosumab for over eight years with excellent disease control and without significant toxicity.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2022;16(6):300–2)
Read moreBJMO - volume 16, issue 4, june 2022
S. Mignon MD, A. Vandebroek MD, J. Desimpelaere MD, A. Van Beeck MD, P. Pauwels MD, PhD, J. Liu MD, D. Schrijvers MD, PhD
Mazabraud’s Syndrome is a rare benign disorder characterised by the association of two hallmark entities: fibrous dysplasia (FD) and intramuscular myxomas (IM). The aetiology of the disease is unclear, but molecular research of FD and IM points in the direction of post-zygotic mutations in the guanine nucleotide binding protein, alpha stimulating (GNAS) gene, which activates a trophic cascade leading to aberrant cellular proliferation. Although the diagnosis of Mazabraud’s Syndrome is rare, showing a prevalence lower than 1/1,000,000, it should be suspected in every patient presenting with FD and IM. These patients should get a bone scintigraphy and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected anatomical area. Other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), may have additional value. Finally, the patients should perform a biopsy of the IM to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment includes bisphosphonates for FD, and surgery is reserved only for severe cases with persistent pain, deformity, fracture, or risk for a pathological fracture. Asymptomatic IM should be treated conservatively, but symptomatic lesions can be surgically excised. Follow-up is useful since malignant transformation of FD and recurrence of IM after excision are reported in the literature.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2022;16(4):187–90)
Read moreBJMO - volume 16, issue 4, june 2022
L. Depauw MD, J. Michielsen , K. Storm MSc, K. Forceville MD, N. Degrieck MD, S. Altintas MD, PhD, F. Lockefeer MD, J. van den Ende MD, K. Janssens MD
This article presents the case report of a 27-year old woman with a triple-negative ductal adenocarcinoma and distinct physical features, in whom Bloom syndrome was diagnosed. Bloom syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the BLM gene, is associated with a markedly increased risk of developing a variety of cancers at a young age (most commonly leukaemia, lymphomas and gastrointestinal tract tumours). Other clinical manifestations include proportional growth deficiency, microcephaly, a long narrow face, retro/micrognathia, photosensitive erythematous rash, endocrine disorders and fertility problems. The potentially life-threatening consequences of Bloom syndrome make early detection, diagnosis and thorough multidisciplinary follow-up of patients with this disease an essential matter.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2022;16(4):191–5)
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