T. Vermassen PhD

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

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)

Highlights in genitourinary cancers

From June 1^st till June 5^th, Chicago was host for the 55^th annual ASCO meeting. This report will highlight the most important studies concerning genitourinary cancers presented during the meeting.

Highlights in genitourinary cancers

From the 19^th till the 23^rd of September, Munich was host for the 2018 ESMO Congress. The central theme of the congress was ‘Securing access to optimal cancer care’. This year’s venue was attended by more than 25,000 registered attendees. This report will highlight 10 key studies concerning genitourinary cancers presented during the meeting.

Highlights in genito-urinary cancers

From June 1^st till June 5^th, Chicago was host for the 54^th ASCO annual meeting. The theme for this year’s venue was ‘Delivering Discoveries: Expanding the Reach of Precision Medicine’. With more than 32,000 oncology professionals from around the world to discuss state-of-the-art treatment modalities, new therapies, and ongoing controversies in the field; this year’s meeting was a great success. This report will highlight 11 key studies concerning genitourinary cancers presented during the meeting.

Highlights in genitourinary cancers

From the 8^th till the 12^th of September, Madrid was the host city for the 2017 ESMO Congress. The central theme of the congress was ‘Integrating science into oncology for a better patient outcome’, as it is crucial that researchers and clinicians exchange knowledge in an era of deep understanding of the molecular biology underlying the development of cancer. ESMO 2017 was attended by almost 24,000 registered attendees. This report will highlight eleven key studies concerning genitourinary cancers presented during the meeting.

(BELG J ONCOL 2017;11(7):326–333)

Highlights in genitourinary cancers

From June 2^nd till June 6^th, Chicago was host for the 53^rd ASCO annual meeting. The theme for this year’s venue was ‘Making a Difference in Cancer Care WITH YOU’. With over 35,000 registered attendees from over 100 countries worldwide and almost 6,000 submitted abstracts, this year’s meeting was a great success. This report will highlight 7 key studies concerning genitourinary cancers presented during the meeting.

Glycosylation of urinary prostate proteins and its potential diagnostic applications

SUMMARY

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the 2^nd most frequently diagnosed cancer in males worldwide and the most frequently diagnosed in Europe. Serum prostate specific antigen (sPSA) is the most commonly used biochemical test in PCa diagnosis. However, as a diagnostic parameter sPSA is associated with considerable analytical problems. As N-glycosylation patterns of sPSA show diagnostic potential, we determined if N-glycosylation of urinary prostate proteins is usable in the diagnosis of PCa. Significant differences were observed between the urinary N-glycosylation of healthy volunteers, patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and PCa. The urinary glycosylation marker improved the diagnosis of PCa by adding them to the current models, especially in the diagnostic grey zone of sPSA concentrations between 4 and 10 μg/L. Furthermore, a link was noticed between urinary N-glycosylation and extracellular vesicles in urine. Urinary N-glycosylation could therefore be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers in PCa, although further validation of the biomarker is warranted.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2017;11(3):126–128)