Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor 2017-2019

 

Editor-in-Chief:

Tom MOREELS

 

Deputy Editor:

Nicolas LANTHIER

 

More news.

Review


Functional Dyspepsia : still a serious challenge for medical practitioners and new drug investigators ? A Belgian, French, German and Hungarian opinion


Price: €10,00

The diagnosis of Functional Dyspepsia is based on the identification of long term specific symptoms and the absence of organic lesions. Many pathophysiological mechanisms are intricate and, at least, partially responsible for the syndrome. Widely accepted technical procedures for the identification of these mechanisms are missing. The final etiopathology is not yet established. The relationship between symptoms and putative mechanisms is unclear. At the moment of the prescription, the physician faces a real therapeutic gap. Moreover, Functional Dyspepsia is an evolving area of study and knowledge has to be updated regularly. As a result, consultations for Functional Dyspepsia are usually very challenging and patients look desperately for medical support. It is likely that this disease is both under-diagnosed and under-treated. Classifying patients into symptomatic subgroups is a promising approach proposed by Rome III. It is assumed that these subgroups are based on different pathophysiological mechanisms, and may allow for more specific therapeutic approaches. However the assessment of the symptomatic profiles of patients is time-consuming. It is also a risky process, because the Rome III subgroups have yet to be validated. There are currently no translations of the definitions in the different European languages. Interviews of the patients are biased by cultural, educational and subjective factors. Identification of suitable subjects for clinical trials is uneasy for the same reasons and can explain several recent Research and Development (R&D) failures. Therefore, there is a need for an updated, step by step approach, a real diagnostic algorithm of the consultation including the use of simple, clear, universal and crosscultural validated tools, as word-figure questionnaires, designed to establish the symptomatic profiles of the patients. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2010, 73, 360-365. [Product Details...]


Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Review on morphology, molecular pathology, diagnostics, prognosis and treatment options


Price: €10,00

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common non-epithelial mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs represent a specific group of mesenchymal tumors with uncertain biological behaviors. These tumors are assumed to originate from progenitor cells, usually unable to self-regenerate, which differentiate towards Cajal cells. Apart from common GISTs that occur predominantly in adulthood, a heterogeneous group of tumors has been described that are morphologically identical with GIST, but have a specific clinical presentation and biological properties. Approximately 30% of newly diagnosed GISTs are malignant or have a high potential for malignancy. Currently, GISTs are routinely identified with histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic assays. However, clinical diagnoses, particularly of small or intramural GISTs, might be difficult. The most useful techniques for imaging and monitoring disease progression are endoscopic examinations and fused PET/CT imaging. Surgical treatment is the first-line treatment and the only method that might lead to full remission in patients with a primary GIST. There is currently no consensus on the issues of whether to perform resections in patients with positive margins or resections of metastases. Endoscopic resection could represent a relatively simple and less aggressive alternative as compared to traditional surgery in the treatment of small sized GISTs. Biological therapy with imatinib mesylate is recommended for patients with newly diagnosed, locally advanced, inoperable, or metastasizing gastrointestinal GISTs that express the c-KIT protein. Treatment may reduce a primary tumor to a size small enough for surgical excision. Current research is focusing on the development of new therapies for the treatment of advanced disease and/or disease prophylaxis. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2010, 73, 349-359). [Product Details...]


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