Articles

Adjuvant chemotherapy of colon cancer: 3 versus 6 months

BJMO - volume 13, issue 6, october 2019

C. Debeuckelaere MD, L. Triest MD, T. Vandamme MD, B. Van Den Heuvel MD, K. Papadimitriou MD, M. Rasschaert MD, H. Prenen MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD

Summary

For over a decade, oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy has been the gold standard for resected early colon cancer. Oxaliplatin is known to cause polyneuropathy, which affects quality of life dramatically. In recent years, there has not been any progress in the development of novel agents to replace oxaliplatin as adjuvant therapy. Consequently, there is a growing interest to investigate whether a shorter course of chemotherapy is sufficient. This article will discuss the history of adjuvant treatment in early-resected colon cancer, the toxicity of oxaliplatin, the results from the IDEA meta-analysis and future prospects.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(6):234–239)

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Highlights in gastro-intestinal oncology

BJMO - volume 12, issue 8, december 2018

B. Van Den Heuvel MD, M. Rasschaert MD, L. Triest MD, C. Debeuckelaere MD, F. Couturier , K. Papadimitriou MD, H. Prenen MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD

Although none of the submitted abstracts in the field of gastro-intestinal oncology reached the presidential sessions of ESMO 2018, some practice-changing and promising data were presented especially in the field of immunotherapy. This report summarises the highlights in the field of colorectal, anal and upper digestive tract cancer.

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Highlights in gastro-intestinal cancer

BJMO - volume 12, issue 4, august 2018

M. Rasschaert MD, L. Triest MD, J. Van den Brande , K. Papadimitriou MD, H. Prenen MD, PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD

The 2018 annual meeting of the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) was once more hosted in Chicago. Over 40,000 oncologists attended this years’ convention. This report will summarize the highlights from the gastro-intestinal cancer sessions at the meeting.

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Highlights in gastrointestinal oncology

BJMO - volume 11, issue 7, november 2017

L. Triest MD, K. Papadimitriou MD, M. Rasschaert MD, J. Van den Brande , M. Peeters MD, PhD

ESMO 2017 featured the presentation of several practice changing data in the field of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. The first part of this report will summarize the key data presented in the field of gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), biliary, gallbladder, biliary, pancreatic and hepatocellular cancer. In the second part, the focus is turned to colorectal cancer.

(BELG J ONCOL 2017;11(7):340–348)

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Highlights in gastrointestinal cancers

BJMO - volume 11, issue 4, september 2017

K. Papadimitriou MD, M. Rasschaert MD, J. Van den Brande , M. Peeters MD, PhD

The 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) took place once more in Chicago from June 2 to 6, bringing together more than 30,000 oncology professionals from around the world. This year’s meeting theme is “Making a Difference in Cancer Care with You.” Studies spanning the spectrum of GI cancer prevention and care, from new standards of care to immunotherapy and precision medicine, will be highlighted.

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Highlights in gastrointestinal cancers

BJMO - volume 10, issue 5, august 2016

K. Papadimitriou MD, T. Van den Mooter MD, J. Van den Brande , M. Rasschaert MD, M. Peeters MD, PhD

Summary

During the 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting, a robust body of phase III trials was presented in the gastrointestinal (GI) oncology field, including updates and interesting post-hoc analyses. Once more, the early phase research was mainly focused on immunotherapy, with some promising results.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(5):150–155)

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Feasibility of an interactive, real time data collecting tool during everolimus treatment: a clinical experience

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

Summary

Background:

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.

Objective:

To test the feasibility and applicability of an interactive data collecting tool in an outpatient setting. To evaluate the interaction between patients and caregivers.

Materials and methods:

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.

Results:

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.

Conclusion:

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)

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