BJMO - volume 15, issue 1, january 2021
F. Derouane MD, K. Punie MD, F.P. Duhoux MD, PhD
Hormone-receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer accounts for 65% of all metastatic breast cancer (MBC) cases. With the advent of CDK4/6 inhibitors, single-agent endocrine therapy (ET) is no longer the only first-line systemic treatment option for the vast majority of patients presenting without visceral crisis. Other endocrine-based treatment options are emerging in further lines, with the goal to delay the administration of chemotherapy as long as possible. The optimal sequence of treatment is unknown. We here present a review of the available treatments and propose a treatment algorithm taking into account the latest therapeutic developments.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2021;15(1):20-33)
Read moreBJMO - volume 14, issue 7, november 2020
M. Rediti MD, K. Punie MD, E. de Azambuja MD, PhD, E. Naert MD, D. Taylor MD, FP. Duhoux MD, PhD, H. Denys MD, PhD, A. Awada MD, PhD, H. Wildiers MD, PhD, M. Ignatiadis MD, PhD
Chemotherapy has represented the main treatment option for patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer for a long time. However, due to our better understanding of tumour biology, recent clinical trials led to a change in the treatment paradigm of this disease, identifying clinically relevant subgroups with different therapeutic options. Both clinical and biological factors have become relevant and need to be considered in the treatment decision algorithm of this heterogeneous disease.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(7):333-38)
Read moreBJMO - volume 14, issue 2, march 2020
B. Delafontaine MD, C. De Backer MD, B. Beuselinck MD, PhD, P. Debruyne MD, PhD, L. D’Hondt MD, PhD, C. Gennigens MD, PhD, T. Gil MD, C. Vulsteke MD, PhD, N. Martínez Chanzá MD, A. Verbiest MD, PhD, M. Strijbos MD, PhD, G. Van Lancker MD, G. Pelgrims MD, S. Rottey MD, PhD, On behalf of the BSMO Uro-Oncology Task Force Group
The management of recurrent or metastatic renal cell carcinoma is evolving fast, with new therapeutic options becoming available that may improve the outcome of patients. In this paper, recent evolutions are discussed and recommendations are made regarding the management of renal cell carcinoma in a Belgian context.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(2):56–70)
Read moreBJMO - volume 13, issue 7, november 2019
Ir A. Hébrant PhD, M. Lammens MD, PhD, C. Van den Broecke MD, N. D’Haene MD, PhD, J. Van den Oord MD, PhD, A. Vanderstichele MD, PhD, A. Dendooven MD, PhD, P. Neven MD, PhD, K. Punie MD, G. Floris MD, PhD, J. Van der Meulen MD, HA. Poirel MD, PhD, C. Dooms MD, PhD, S. Rottey MD, PhD, T. Boterberg MD, PhD, L. Brochez MD, PhD, M.C. Burlacu MD, G. Costante MD, D. Creytens MD, PhD, P. De Paepe MD, PhD, R. De Pauwn MD, B. Decallonne MD, PhD, F. Dedeurwaerdere MD, H. Denys MD, PhD, L. Ferdinande MD, PhD, R. Forsyth MD, PhD, M. Garmyn MD, PhD, T. Gevaert MD, PhD, J. De Grève MD, PhD, E. Govaerts MD, E. Hauben MD, PhD, J. Kerger MD, O. Kholmanskikh Van Criekingen MD, PhD, V. Kruse MD, PhD, Y. Lalami MD, L. Lapeire MD, PhD, P. Lefesvre MD, PhD, J.P. Machiels MD, PhD, B. Maes MD, PhD, G. Martens MD, PhD, M. Remmelink MD, PhD, I. Salmon MD, PhD, R. Sciot MD, PhD, S. Tejpar MD, PhD, K. Van de Vijver MD, PhD, L. Van de Voorde MD, I. Van den Berghe MD, A. Van den Bruel MD, K. Vandecasteele MD, PhD, L. Vanwalleghem MD, K. Vermaelen MD, PhD, R. Salgado MD, PhD, E. Wauters MD, PhD, B. Weynand MD, PhD, E. Van Valckenborgh PhD, G. Raicevic PhD, M. Van den Bulcke PhD, P. Pauwels MD, PhD
In order to advise the Federal Government on the reimbursement of molecular tests related to Personalised Medicine in Oncology, the Commission of Personalised Medicine (ComPerMed), represented by Belgian experts, has developed a methodology to classify molecular testing in oncology. The different molecular tests per cancer type are represented in algorithms and are annotated with a test level reflecting their relevance based on current guidelines, drug approvals and clinical data. The molecular tests are documented with recent literature, guidelines and a brief technical description. This methodology was applied on different solid tumours for which molecular testing is a clear clinical need.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(7):286–95)
Read moreBJMO - volume 13, issue 6, october 2019
C. Gennigens MD, PhD, G. Jerusalem MD, PhD
Soft tissue sarcomas represent 75% of all sarcomas and constitute a group of more than 50 different histological subtypes, with an even greater number of molecular subtypes. Localised STSs are generally treated by surgery followed, or preceded, by radiotherapy and according to criteria linked with the risk of local recurrence. Metastatic STSs are principally treated by systemic treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted drugs. The most important drugs used are doxorubicin, ifosfamide, dacarbazine, gemcitabine/docetaxel, eribulin and trabectedin; but also pazopanib. The place of localised treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, radiofrequency, etc.) in this setting is reserved for oligometastatic disease. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory, with centralisation of all cases in reference centres, as early as at the time of clinical diagnosis of a suspected sarcoma. This ‘centralised’ approach, for this rare and complex disease, has an impact on the oncologic outcomes (quality of resection and overall survival) of patients.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(6): 227–233)
Read moreBJMO - volume 13, issue 3, may 2019
N. Mottet MD, PhD
Prostate cancer is the third cause of death in developed countries, suggesting a role for systematic screening. However, no country has considered this policy yet. On the contrary, an individual early diagnostic process based on a risk adapted strategy is now considered. In an informed patient with at least fifteen years of life expectancy, the process starts at 45 years of age in a man at risk. Otherwise, it starts at 50 years of age. While already based on a prostate-specific antigen test and a digital rectal examination, the MRI as well as risk calculators or biological tests might be helpful to avoid unnecessary biopsy. However, it must be remembered that finding a tumour does not mean a systematic treatment.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(3):93–97)
Read moreBJMO - volume 13, issue 1, february 2019
M. Thomas , M. Lambrecht MD, PhD, K. Haustermans MD, PhD
Radiotherapy has become the standard of care in the curative treatment of locally advanced oesophageal cancer. Advanced radiotherapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, can reduce doses to normal tissues resulting in lower toxicities and an improved outcome. The unique physical features of proton beam therapy has tremendous potential to further spare organs at risk. Besides the clear dosimetric advantages of proton beam therapy in oesophageal cancer, there is evidence that supports a clinical benefit. However, results from prospective randomised trials are awaited. To maximise the cost-effectiveness of this new technology, patient selection for proton beam therapy using validated multifactorial normal tissue complication probability models is suggested. However, this requires international collaboration to prospectively collect data of patients treated with proton beam therapy.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(1):11–15)
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