BJMO - volume 10, issue 1, february 2016
M. Rasschaert MD, K. Papadimitriou MD, I. Van Brussel PhD, J. Ravelingien MSc, R. Remmen MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD
Oncologists and patients alike are faced with increasing challenges when managing a growing number of new anticancer agents with their specific and complex toxicities. Integrating electronic systems when monitoring patients offers the opportunity to collect data and interact in real time.
To test the feasibility and applicability of an interactive data collecting tool in an outpatient setting. To evaluate the interaction between patients and caregivers.
Within a community based clinical program for patients using everolimus, we designed a pilot study using an electronic device, uploaded with a program to stimulate the compliance of patients to treatment and preventive measures. The Coach also screened for mucositis and for other adverse events (AE); and offered advice when AE’s were detected.
Between March and September 2014, 34 patients were enrolled in this pilot study. Eight patients dropped out of the study (due to reluctance in three, to age in two, general conditions in two and logistic defect in one patient). Mean follow up time was six weeks (range two to twelve weeks). Compliance to the device was evaluated in twenty patients and 16/20 (80%) committed to ≥ 60% of registrations. Treatment related AE’s, illness or technical problems posed no barriers to compliance. Toxicity data was collected in 26 patients (92% women, median age of 63 yr). Mucositis was registered in 50% of patients. First registration of AE was documented at day seventeen. In retrospect, earlier laser therapy for everolimus induced mucositis leads to fast relief and less lengthy laser treatments.
The use of a real time data collecting tool (Remecoach) is feasible. The compliance to the device is high and resulted in early detection of everolimus induced mucositis. This approach to patient management can contribute to early toxicity management while improving treatment compliance.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(1):29–34)
Read moreBJMO - volume 9, issue 6, november 2015
K. Papadimitriou MD, M. Rasschaert MD, J. Van den Brande , M. Peeters MD, PhD
A large body of trials, including large adjuvant phase III trials up to early phase trials was presented during the 2015 European Cancer Congress (ECC). Immunotherapy, was once more in the center of the scientific interest for different types of cancer and settings. This report will focus on some of the key studies presented during the meeting, referring to gastrointestinal cancer.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9:217–21)
Read moreBJMO - volume 9, issue 4, august 2015
K. Papadimitriou MD, M. Rasschaert MD, J. Van den Brande , M. Peeters MD, PhD
The 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting represents the 50th anniversary celebration from ASCO’s foundation. This is the beginning of the second half of our first 100 years. We’re going to think about what cancer and cancer care delivery will look like 10, 20, or 30 years from now,” said the 2014– 2015 ASCO President, Peter Paul Yu. The chosen theme of this year’s meeting is “Illumination and Innovation: Transforming Data into Learning” as reflected in Dr. Yu’s question “How do we harness our vastly increasing knowledge base and deliver the fruits of that labor to our patients?”
In gastrointestinal oncology results, updates and sub analyses of phase III trials were presented but also many negative trials. Data from early phase trials in the fields of immunology, incorporating new promising treatments like anti-PD-1, potential related markers and HER2 receptor blockage were also of interest. Furthermore, debates with a focus on financial aspects of treatment approaches, including the innovative, but yet very expensive immune modulation therapies, and comparisons of standard “targeted” approaches were discussed.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9:143–8)
Read moreBJMO - volume 9, issue 2, may 2015
I. Elalamy MD, PhD, J-L. Canon MD, PhD, A. Bols MD, PhD, W. Lybaert MD, L. Duck MD, PhD, K. Jochmans MD, PhD, L. Bosquée MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD, A. Awada MD, PhD, P. Clement MD, PhD, S. Holbrechts MD, PhD, J.F. Baurain MD, PhD, J. Mebis MD, PhD, J. Nortier MD, PhD
Venous thromboembolism is a frequent cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with malignancy. Thrombosis is one of the leading causes of death in patients with malignancy after cancer itself. As such, prompt recognition and treatment of venous thromboembolism are required in order to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism-related mortality. This report reviews the interrelationship between cancer, renal insufficiency and venous thromboembolism. The working group behind this review article concludes that low molecular weight heparins decrease the risk of recurrent venous thrombosis in cancer patients without increasing major bleeding complications. Low molecular weight heparins are therefore recommended as first line antithrombotic treatment in cancer patients with a clear clinical benefit. In patients with renal dysfunction, who are at increased risk of bleeding and of thrombotic complications, preference should be given to unfractionated heparin or a low molecular weight heparin with a mean molecular weight such as tinzaparin, having less risk of plasma accumulation and offering the possibility to maintain full therapeutic dose.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(2):53–60)
Read moreBJMO - volume 9, issue 1, february 2015
V. Deschoolmeester PhD, E. Smits PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD, J.B. Vermorken MD, PhD
Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer related mortality. Although chemo- and radiation therapy can improve survival rates, it is imperative to integrate more advanced treatment options; therefore, rationally designed immunotherapeutic strategies are being explored as adjuvant treatment. In this review, we will discuss the study design and results of the clinical trials that have been conducted in colorectal cancer patients using autologous and allogeneic tumour cell vaccines, peptide vaccines, viral vector based vaccines, dendritic cell based vaccines, and antibody-based immunotherapy as well as some future recommendations.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(1):25–30)
Read moreBJMO - volume 8, issue 5, november 2014
M. Peeters MD, PhD, K. Papadimitriou MD
From 26 till 30 September 2014, the 30th yearly ESMO meeting took place in Madrid. The theme for ESMO 2014 was ‘Precision Medicine in Cancer Care.’ This report will highlight the key studies presented during the meeting, with special focus on gastrointestinal cancer.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(4):158–62)
Read moreBJMO - volume 6, issue 2, april 2012
T. Vandamme MD, V. Deschoolmeester PhD, P. Pauwels MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD
Targeted therapy with bevacuzimab, cetuximab and panitumumab has expanded the treatment options in metastatic colorectal cancer. Predictive tumour markers for treatment with targeted therapy that have been suggested are Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR) expression, KRAS mutation and BRAF mutation status, loss of PTEN and PIK3CA mutation status. Of these, only KRAS has made it into clinical practice. KRAS mutation is a negative predictor for response to cetuximab EGFR inhibitors. No predictive tumour marker for bevacizumab has been identified. In this review, the current evidence on KRAS, BRAF, PTEN, PIK3CA, EGFR and VEGFR expression as predictive tumour markers for targeted therapy is reviewed. (BELG J MED ONCOL 2012;6:52–57)
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