Digestive cancer management in Asia: Position statements: A report on GI Oncology Summit in 2011

• Published in: Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology Vol. 27; no. 9; pp. 1417 - 1422
• Main Authors: Sung, Joseph J Y, Ng, Enders K W, Lin, Jaw-Town, Ho, K Y, Ji, Jia-fu, Sugano, Kentaro, Poon, Ronnie T P, Chan, Anthony T C, Goh, Khean-Lee, Han, Kwang-hyub, Chen, Leo L T, Wu, Kai-Chun, Ng, Simon S M, Bresalier, Robert S, Chan, Francis K L
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01-09-2012
• Subjects: Asia - epidemiology; Biology; cancer; Chemoprevention; Clinical Competence; clinical practice; colorectal cancer; Cost-Benefit Analysis; diagnosis and therapy; Diet; Digestive System Neoplasms - diagnosis; Digestive System Neoplasms - economics; Digestive System Neoplasms - epidemiology; Digestive System Neoplasms - therapy; Early Detection of Cancer; Education, Medical, Graduate; gastric cancer; gastroenterology; Gastroenterology - education; hepatology; Hospitals, Special; Humans; liver tumor; malignant non-hepatocellular carcinoma; Medical Oncology - education; Nutritional Support; Patient Care Team - organization & administration; Physician's Role; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Precision Medicine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Workload; Asia
• ISSN: 0815-9319; 1440-1746
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2012.07194.x

Background and Aim:  With the rising incidence of digestive cancers in the Asia Pacific region and the advancement in diagnosis, management and palliation in these conditions, the clinical burden on oncologists is ever increasing. This Summit meeting was called to discuss the optimal management of digestive cancers and the role of Gastroenterologists
Method:  Experts from Asia Pacific countries in the fields of medical, oncologic, surgical and endoscopic management of cancers in the esophagus, stomach, colon/rectum and the liver reviewed the literature and their practice. 18 position statements were drafted, debated and voted.
Results:  It was agreed that the burden on GI cancer is increasing. More research will be warranted on chemotherapy, chemoprevention, cost‐effectiveness of treatment and nutrition. Cancer management guidelines should be developed in this region when more clinical data are available. In order to improve care to patients, a multi‐disciplinary team coordinated by a “cancer therapist” is proposed. This cancer therapist can be a gastroenterologist, a surgeon or any related discipline who have acquired core competence training. This training should include an attachment in a center‐of‐excellence in cancer management for no less than 12 months.
Conclusion:  The management of GI cancer should be an integrated multi‐disciplinary approach and training for GI cancer therapists should be provided for.