March 2025 Virtual Session Recap: Gastrointestinal Oncology Case Discussions
In March 2025’s session it focused on cases in gastrointestinal oncology. The session provided valuable insights into the challenges faced in treating advanced gastrointestinal cancers, particularly within resource-limited settings.
Session Highlights
The session’s first speaker, Dr. Karishma Singh, is a medical oncologist from Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
Case Presentations:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus:
- Dr. Singh presented a case of a 54-year-old female patient diagnosed with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
- The discussion highlighted the challenges imposed by limited access to therapies and diagnostic tools in sub-Saharan Africa.
- The patient had completed chemoradiation but displayed stable disease without operability, leading to a discussion on potential subsequent treatment options.
- Adenocarcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction (GOJ):
- The second case focused on a 64-year-old male with a history of significant weight loss and dysphagia due to an obstructive mass. Initial investigations suggested a T4 lesion with complex staging considerations.
- Despite the prognosis, the patient showed a remarkable response to chemotherapy, prompting further deliberation on surgical options and additional therapies.
Panel Discussion:
Following the case presentations, a panel facilitated an engaging discussion among participants regarding treatment options, palliative care considerations, and the implications of emerging therapies in the management of these cases.
Notable Points from the Discussion:
- The value of multidisciplinary team collaboration was emphasized, along with innovative approaches to patient management, including prehabilitation strategies.
- The panelists also discussed the challenges of performing surgeries in patients who have undergone chemoradiation therapy.
- It was highlighted that consistent monitoring and tailored treatment plans based on patient responses are critical.
Conclusion:
The session was rich in content, providing a platform for knowledge exchange between oncologists from diverse backgrounds and settings. The discussions underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts to enhance treatment strategies for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
For those who missed the live session, a recording is available to 🎥 Watch the Full Session:: Watch Session Recording.
Stay tuned for future sessions as we continue to explore advancements and strategies in oncology care.
