HEALTHCARE

Role of vaccination in oropharyngeal cancer prevention

BJMO - volume 14, issue 2, march 2020

S. Nuyts MD, PhD

SUMMARY

As in the rest of the Western world, the incidence of oropharyngeal carcinoma is increasing in Belgium. This increase is attributed to infections with the sexually transmittable human papilloma virus (HPV). In total, 80 to 90% of sexually active adolescents get infected with this virus during life. Later in life, this viral infection can lead to the development of different types of cancer, amongst which oropharyngeal carcinoma. Vaccination offers protection against infections with many subtypes of HPV and thus prevention of cancer. Vaccines are nowadays reimbursed for both girls and boys, so let’s advocate maximal vaccination to prevent cancer.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(2):71–3)

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The direct medical cost of breast cancer: a case study in one hospital

BJMO - volume 14, issue 1, january 2020

H. Lemhouer MSc, D. Verhoeven MD, PhD, V. Corluy MSc, D. De Graeve MSc, PhD

SUMMARY

In this study direct medical costs of breast cancer were calculated in one Belgian hospital for the diagnostic phase and for the treatment phase up to 365 days after diagnosis. The study included 107 breast cancer patients diagnosed between July 2015 and December 2015. The treatment phase is much more costlier than the diagnostic phase, representing respectively 96% and 4% of total expenditures. Important differences in treatment cost are observed according to the stage of diagnosis. The results from this study inform hospital executives and policymakers to determine further decisions for financing breast cancer care.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2020;14(1):22–27)

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The potential role of patient advocates

BJMO - volume 13, issue 7, november 2019

A. Deschamps MBA

SUMMARY

This article describes the changed playing field and roles of patient advocates as well as who is a patient advocate. The author also discusses the conditions that need to be created to allow the patient advocate to act with and/or instead of the patient. The ultimate measure is the patient outcome measured by the patient.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2019;13(7):296–300)

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Real life cost of treatment and follow-up of patients with glioblastoma in Belgium: a retrospective patient chart review

BJMO - volume 12, issue 7, november 2018

N. van den Eede , A. de Paepe MD, D. Strens , P. Specenier MD, PhD

We calculated the management costs from diagnosis to death of glioblastoma patients treated at the Antwerp University Hospital between 2007 and 2016. Overall, the average cost per patient from the health care payer’s perspective was €45,165 (95% confidence interval €37,204–€54,104). The major cost driving factor was hospitalisation.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2018;12(7):334–338)

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Quality management for systemic treatment of breast cancer

BJMO - volume 12, issue 1, february 2018

D. Verhoeven MD, PhD, F.P. Duhoux MD, PhD, E. de Azambuja MD, PhD, H. Wildiers MD, PhD, P. Vuylsteke MD, A. Barbeaux MD, N. van Damme , E. Van Eycken MD

Summary

Limited literature is available about quality management in systemic treatment of breast cancer patients. Professionals are the key players in the identification and interpretation of quality indicators. The Belgian Society of Medical Oncology takes the lead in the field of quality management of systemic treatment for cancer, especially breast cancer. A narrow collaboration with the Belgian Cancer Registry will allow benchmarking. The results will be presented and discussed between peers of the society. This should lead to better outcomes for all Belgian centres. All Belgian Society of Medical Oncology members are called for active participation

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2018;12(1):15–21)

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