Newsletters
June 2021, 49. In the SASCRO Orbit - SAJO Update June 2021
About:
The following articles have been published in the SA Journal of Oncology this year.
The articles may be down downloaded from https://sajo.org.za
- A dosimetric comparison of volumetric modulated arc therapy with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer – Visham Bhagaloo, Nazreen Bhim, Alistair Hunter, Nazia Fakie – 22 January 2021
- Inequity in paediatric oncology in South Africa – The neuroblastoma case study – Jaques van Heerden, Tonya Esterhuizen, Mariana Kruger – 11 March 2021
- Unusual case of colorectal carcinoma with sarcoid-like mediastinal adenopathy and near-fatal DPD deficiency – Shakti Pillay, Owen Terreblanche, John Devar, Ashraf Wadee – 12 March 2021
- Quality management in radiotherapy: A 9-year review of incident reporting within a multifacility organisation – Ivan Oelofse, Jaco van Staden, Nicolene Coetzee, Joseph Steyn – 18 May 2021
- Sequential improvement in paediatric medulloblastoma outcomes in a low-and-middle-income country setting over three decades – Johann Riedemann, Anthony Figaji, Alan Davidson, Clare Stannard, Komala Pillay, Tracy Kilborn, Jeannette Parkes – 26 May 2021
- Does hair curl variation influence the efficacy of scalp cooling in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in breast cancer patients? A randomised pilot trial – Odirile Obuseng, Nonhlanhla Khumalo, Thurandrie Naiker, Tselane Thebe – 24 June 2021
There are 6 further articles in press for 2021.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.49.
February 2021, 48. In the SASCRO Orbit - SAJO receives DHET accreditation
About:
We are pleased to let you know that the SA Journal of Oncology, has been accredited by the SA Dept of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The journal is included in the list of accredited journals distributed by DHET on 1 Feb.
Previously, the Journal had also received international accreditation from the Directory of Online Access journal.
DHET accreditation assists in meeting the journal’s higher aims to publish the highest quality articles dedicated to oncology research and scientific reviews of practice from countries with mixed economies and globally. It gives a voice to clinical oncology researchers in our region.
This will be particularly our Universities who are prefer that their staff publish in accredited journals and who can claim subsidies from DHET for such publications.
The URL for the Journal is https://sajo.org.za/index.php/sajo
We are incredibly grateful to the Journal’s authors, reviewers, and its Editorial Board.
SASCRO is the co-owner of the Journal with the publisher and there are other affiliated societies.
This has been a 4-year project from founding to DHET We look forward to the steady growth of SAJO and to its contribution to Oncology regionally and globally.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.48.
December 2020, 47. In the SASCRO Orbit - New Articles in SAJO
About:
The following articles have been published in the South African Journal of Oncology since the last update in September
The articles may be down downloaded from https://sajo.org.za
NUT midline carcinoma in the public sector of the Free State Province, South Africa
Antoinette E. Roets, Shireen Pretorius, Gina Joubert, Nicholas Pearce, Jacqueline Goedhals
December 2020
Tshifhiwa B. Sikhipha, Gina Joubert, Claire L. Barrett, Christopher D. Viljoen, Shivani Dhar, Jacques L.R. Malherbe
December 2020
Melinda Mushonga, Ntokozo Ndlovu, Anna M. Nyakabau, Sandra Ndarukwa-Jambwa, Zahra Kassam, Webster Kadzatsa, Zhihui Liu, Rebecca K.S. Wong
October 2020
Daleen Geldenhuys, Bernardo L. Rapoport, Samuel Fourie, Waldemar M. Szpak, Sylvia Rodrigues, Anca I. Pirjol, Jill Harris, Michiel Botha, Natalie Jonas, Monique Nel, Celia Bouharati, Alicia McMaster
October 2020
Double trouble: A case of synchronous presentation of acute myeloid leukaemia and multiple myeloma
Nomusa Mashigo
October 2020
The following article will be helpful to potential authors to publish in SAJO:
Reporting of studies based on the analysis of routinely collected health data
Raymond Abratt and Fergus Macbeth
SAMJ December 2020
http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/13155/9602
The SASCRO Team
December 2020
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.47.
September 2020, 46. In the SASCRO Orbit - Recent SAJO Articles
About:
The following articles have been published in the South African Journal of Oncology since the last update in May
The articles may be down downloaded from https://sajo.org.za
Understanding Bias in the Medical Literature – with reflections on metastasectomy
Fergus Macbeth, Angela Webster
23 September 2020
Unplanned attendances of cancer patients to an outpatient unit in a low-income country: A prospective study from Sudan
Moawia M.A. Elhassan, Safa I.H. Taha, Maha M.A. Maatoug
15 September 2020
Comparison of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and conventional imaging for locally advanced breast cancer staging: A prospective study from a tertiary hospital cancer centre in the Western Cape
Paul M. Chilwesa, Rufkah Gameldien, Rachelle Steyn et al
10 September 2020
Determination of an optimal treatment margin for intracranial tumours treated with radiotherapy at Groote Schuur Hospital
Andre Vos, Thuran Naiker, Hannelie MacGregor
18 June 2020
Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma in an adolescent patient: Expect the unexpected
Ibtisam Abdullah, Erica-Mari Nell, Zivanai C. Chapanduka
25 May 2020
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.46.
May 2020, 45. In the SASCRO Orbit - SAJO Articles May 2020
About:
The following articles have been published in the South African Journal of Oncology over the past month.
The articles may be down downloaded from https://sajo.org.za
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.45.
April 2020, 44. In the SASCRO Orbit - New Articles in SAJO for 2020
About:
We have published 3 new articles in the South African Journal of Oncology for the first quarter of 2020.
The articles may be down downloaded from https://sajo.org.za
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.44.
December 2019, 43. In the SASCRO Orbit - Completion of SAJO publications 2019
About:
We have completed the South African Journal of Oncology publications for 2019.
Please view the PDF below to see a few statistics on the Journal as well as plans for 2020.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.43.
November 2019, 42. In the SASCRO Orbit - New Articles SAJO
About:
The following articles have been published in the South African Journal of Oncology since the last update by newsletter at the time of the SA Congress of Oncology.
The articles may be down downloaded from https://sajo.org.za
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.42.
November 2019, No.41: In the SASCRO Orbit: - New Committee and Office Bearers
About:
As you are aware SASCRO held it’s AGM during the very successful SACO conference in Cape Town in August 2019. A new committee was chosen by eligible members and the current office bearers can be found here, or in the newsletter below.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.41.
July 2019, No.40: In the SASCRO Orbit: - SACO abstracts in SAJO & updates
About:
The Abstracts for the SA Congress of Oncology (SACO) have been published online in the SA Journal of Oncology (SAJO). The abstracts also have a doi number for international reference.
This synergises the activity of SACO and SAJO.
They may be accessed here.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.40.
June 2019, No.39: In the SASCRO Orbit: - SASCRO Organogram
About:
We will review the function of the SASCRO Committee at our AGM – see attached 1.
The Committee is elected by SASCRO members. Please note:
- The Committee has functions analogous to a Board – that is setting direction and oversight.
- The Committee also has functions analogous to an EXCO. The Committee appoints office bearers who oversee programs and report back to the Committee at its meetings.
In many organizations, these roles are formally split into 2 bodies – a Board and an EXCO.
Download the attachment here.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.39
May 2019, No.38: In the SASCRO Orbit: - Update on SAJo and SACO
About:
We would like to offer an update on The South African Journal of Oncology and the South African Congress of Oncology.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.38
May 2019, No.37: In the SASCRO Orbit: - Notice of AGM and Committee Elections
About:
Attached please find a notice of the SASCRO AGM on August 9. The SASCRO executive committee elections will take place at the AGM and the nomination and proxy forms are attached. These documents as well as the minutes of the last AGM are also available on the SASCRO website at http://sascro.org/category/sascro-agm/
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.37
Apr. 2019, No.36: In the SASCRO Orbit: - Should the professional coding fees for radiotherapy procedures be updated?
About:
The SASCRO Committee discussed our professional coding fees at a meeting on 4 Mar 2019. It was recognized that this is a complex issue and that all sections of the Oncology community are stakeholders. SASCRO does not have the capacity to revise the codes itself. However, SASCRO can play a facilitative role. We invite comments to be sent to office@sascro.org before taking this further. It will be placed on the Agenda at our AGM in August.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.36
Apr. 2019, No.35: In the SASCRO Orbit: - Selected Activities
About:
In this newsletter we discuss the SA Congress of Oncology, the SA Journal of Oncology, the vision for SAJO and SACO, our updated website and our annual census.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.35
Feb. 2019, No.34: In the SASCRO Orbit: - SASCRO Membership Fees
About:
SASCRO membership fees (R650 for those in full time private practice) are approximately 5% of the amount paid by a sample sister society in South Africa.
The ethos of paying membership fees within SASCRO is excellent as reflected in our financial statements.
The fees assist in meeting SASCRO’s expenses e.g. secretarial support, website maintenance, funding of our Journal etc.
Voting at the AGM and SASCRO elections is also reserved for paid up members.
You should have received an email from Adelle Coertze with an invoice for SASCRO membership fees for 2019.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.34
Feb. 2019, No.33: In the SASCRO Orbit: - SASCRO Statement on SBRT for Oligo-Metastatic Prostate Cancer
About:
A request was made by a medical scheme to SASCRO on 14 January 2019 for comments on the role of SBRT for oligo-metastatic prostate cancer.
The response is filed as a statement on the SASCRO website:
http://sascro.org/2019/02/13/sascro-statement-on-sbrt-for-oligo-metastatic-prostate-cancer/
The response was co-authored by Greg Hart, David Anderson, Wilhelm van Zijl and myself on behalf of the SASCRO Committee.
SASCRO does not get involved in the details of patient selection and restricts comments to general principles.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.33
Feb. 2019, No.32: In the SASCRO Orbit: - SA Congress of Oncology 2019
About:
In 2019, SASCRO aims to serve SA Oncologists and Oncology as a strong, professional and prestigious Society.
SASCRO also recognizes that there are groups within SASCRO with valid different professional interests. These include the state and private sector, the independent practices and users of different treatment techniques – amongst others. SASCRO seeks to accommodate all these – see quote below. The key is good communication and understanding.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.32
Dec. 2018, No.31: In the SASCRO Orbit: - SA Journal of Oncology 2019
About: SAJO has had a successful 2018. In our latest newsletter we explain our successes this year.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.31
Nov. 2018, No.30: In the SASCRO Orbit: - Successful candidates for the College of Rad Onc (SA) Past II exams
About: It is with great pleasure that we congratulate the following candidates who have passed the College Part II exam of the College of Radiation Oncologists of SA.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.30
Oct. 2018, No.29: In the SASCRO Orbit: - IMRT / VMAT
About: SASCRO has issued a statement on appropriate clinical indications IMRT/VMAT as part of Universal Health Care Coverage in South Africa. This is on the SASCRO website you can view it here.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.29
Sept. 2018, No.28: In the SASCRO Orbit - Update on goals & activities
About: The current SASCRO Committee has been in office for 1 year. This is an update on all that has been accomplished over the year.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.28
Jun. 2018, No.27: In the SASCRO Orbit - SAJO - HPCA affiliation and new publications
About: I’m delighted to let you know that the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA) has affiliated with the South African Journal of Oncology (SAJO). The section editor for manuscripts on palliative care is Dr Henriette Burger of the University of Stellenbosch.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.27
Jun. 2018, No.26: In the SASCRO Orbit - Part II results of the College of Radiation Oncologists of SA and first award of the SASCRO medal
About: From 14-16 May the Part II FcRadOnc and OSCE/Oral exams were hosted at Stellenbosch University. Our gratitude to the host and examiners.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.26
Apr. 2018, No.25: In the SASCRO Orbit - SAJO Q1
About: The journal provides an academic voice for oncology in our region. The journal was an initiative of SASCRO who sponsor it. The affiliated Societies are SASCRO, SACCSG, SAAMBP and SACHaS.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.25
Apr. 2018, No.24: In the SASCRO Orbit - Annual census of Clinical and Radiation Oncologists
About: Since 2016, SASCRO has conducted an annual census of Clinical and Radiation Oncologists (Rad Onc), as well as of Medical Oncologists (Med Onc) who treat solid tumours.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.24
Feb. 2018, No.23: In the SASCRO Orbit - IORT
About: The aim of lumpectomy and post-operative irradiation for selected patient with early breast cancer is preservation of the breast while ensuring no increase in the local recurrence rate compared with total mastectomy.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.23
Feb. 2018, No.22: In the SASCRO Orbit - Alicia Sherriff appointed as Adjunct Professor
About: I’m delighted to report that Alicia Sherriff has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Free State.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.22
Nov. 2017, No.21: In the SASCRO Orbit - Part 2 exams of the College of Radiation Oncologists of South Africa
About: Part 2 exams of the College of Radiation Oncologists of South Africa took place in Pretoria in October 2017.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.21
Oct 2017, No.20: In the SASCRO Orbit - 1st meeting of the new SASCRO Executive Committee
About: The first meeting of the new SASCRO executive committee took place in October of this year.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.20
Aug. 2017, No.19: In the SASCRO Orbit - Next Combined Oncology Congress - 9-11 Aug 19
About: Our next Oncology Congress will take place from the 9-11 August 2019. The meeting is to be called the SA Congress of Oncology (SACO).
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.19
Aug. 2017, No.18: In the SASCRO Orbit - SASCRO Committee 2017
About: I am delighted to announce the members of the new SASCRO Executive Committee.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.18
May 2017, No.17: In the SASCRO Orbit - College of Radiation Oncologists and Exams Update
About: The OSCE and oral exams of the Part II of the FC Rad Onc (SA) were hosted at the University of Free State in May 2017. There are 7 new graduates and SASCRO is pleased to congratulate them.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.17
May 2017, No.16: In the SASCRO Orbit - Radiation Oncology Appointments
About: An update on some recent appointments of radiation oncology colleagues.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.16
Apr. 2017, No.15: In the SASCRO Orbit - Good start for SAJO
About: It’s time for a little celebration at the good start made by SA Journal of Oncology – Cheers! Our aim is to have 12 peer-reviewed articles published per year. I am pleased to say that as we enter the second quarter of the year, we have 7 articles which have passed peer-review and are either published or in press and 1 which is undergoing revision…
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.15
Mar. 2017, No.14: In the SASCRO Orbit - Next Generation Photodynamic Therapy
About: There are commercial Institutions promoting so-called Next Generation Photodynamic Therapy (NGPDT). They claim to be able to effectively treat patients with widespread metastatic disease using oral PDT and external application of a light source…
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.14
Mar. 2017, No.13: In the SASCRO Orbit - Number of Rad Onc in SA
About: We can be proud that Clinical and Radiation Oncologists (Rad Onc’s) provide the large bulk of non-surgical treatment for patients with solid tumours in South Africa. They comprise 87% (180/207) of Oncologists caring for patients with solid tumours…
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.13
Feb. 2017, No.12: In the SASCRO Orbit - Website Update
About: I am delighted to let you know that Sudeshen Naidoo (Private Sector) and Zainab Mohamed (Academic Sector) have kindly agreed to jointly mange the Events and Jobs Section of the SASCRO Website…
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.12
Jan. 2017, No.11: In the SASCRO Orbit - Trans Oral Robotic Surgery
About: There was a prominent advertisement in the SAMJ in November 2016 for Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS). Two of our members complained that it was misleading as the advertisement included a statement that TORS would minimise or eliminate the need for chemo-radiation after surgery in the head and neck region…
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.11
Jan. 2017, No.10: In the SASCRO Orbit - ESMO Meeting in Cape Town
About: We get 2017 off to an excellent academic start with the high level ESMO Summit in Cape Town from 10 to 12 Feb. The meeting is endorsed by SASCRO…
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.10
Dec. 2016, No.9: In the SASCRO Orbit - Alicia Sherriff appointed HOD at UFS
About: I am delighted to let you know that Alicia Sherriff has been appointed Head of Oncotherapy at the University of Free State.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.9
Nov. 2016, No.8: In the SASCRO Orbit - Update on College of Rad Onc’s (SA)
About: The OSCE/oral exams were hosted by Prof Jeannette Parkes and her team at the University of Cape Town this October. We thank them and congratulate the 10 new graduates.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.8
Nov. 2016, No.7: In the SASCRO Orbit - Launch of SAJO
About: I am delighted that the SA Journal of Oncology (SAJO), has been launched. We do justice to our academic work through publications and add value to our Oncology community.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.7
Oct. 2016, No.6: In the SASCRO Orbit - New SASCRO Website
About: I am delighted to let you know that the SASCRO website has been revised with the aim of making it clearer and more useful to SASCRO members.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.6
Aug. 2016, No.5: In the SASCRO Orbit - Intention to launch SAJO
About: I am delighted to let you know that SASCRO will soon be launching a peer-reviewed journal called the South African Journal of Oncology (SAJO).
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.5
Jun. 2016, No.4: In the SACRO Orbit - NHI meeting feedback on certification...
About: The NHI held a consultative meeting on certification and the purchasing of services from private providers, on the 30 May at Centurion. Dr Wilhelm van Zijl kindly attended the meeting on behalf of the SASCRO Committee. The meeting was well attended.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.4
Apr. 2016, No.3: In the SASCRO Orbit - Administration of Unsealed Radio-Active Sources
About: SASCRO support the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach to cancer treatment in general and also specifically when administering unsealed radio-active sources.
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.3
Jan. 2016, No.2: In the SASCRO Orbit - Co-option of 2 Members to SASCRO Committee
About: The SASCRO Committee can co-opt 2 members in terms of SAMA regulations and we have co-opted 1 member from the private and 1 from the State sector – as put forward by the representatives of the Private and State Sector respectively
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.2
Oct. 2015, No.1: In the SASCRO Orbit - Activities of SASCRO – New SASCRO Committee and Future Plans
About: The first meeting of the new SASCRO Committee took place on Monday 12 October. Below are notes about some of the activities of the SASCRO Committee for information of full SASCRO members…
Download: In the SASCRO Orbit: No.1
