• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2022

Objectives: To report recurrent pancreatic cancer treated by Korean medicine based-integrated oncology treatment, who is improved quality of life without progression of cancer Method: A 63-year-old female patient diagnosed with recurrent pancreatic cancer in April, 2022 received Chemotherapy with Korean medicine based integrative oncology treatment. Radiologic outcome was assessed by Abdomen Computed Tomography (CT) based on Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST). Clinical outcomes were assessed by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (NCI-CTCAE), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) Result: During 2months of treatment, Cancer size was stable in Abdominal CT. Chief complaints, Abdominal pain and dyspepsia, were improved and ECOG score was improved from grade 2 to 1. There were no toxicity on laboratory test and no side effects of grade 3 or higher on NCI-CTCAE. Conclusion: This report shows that Korean medicine based integrative oncology treatment might contribute to synergetic effect to Chemotherapy and improvement of quality of life

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the clinical effectiveness of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with Samchilchoongcho-Jung (HAD-B1) in conjunction with Alectinib. Methods: The patient was diagnosed with Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutated (2+) non-small cell lung cancer adenocarcinoma stage IV, suffering from edema of lower extremities, dyspnea, pleural effusion, general weakness, insomnia. The patient being treated with Alectinib was treated with Samchilchoongcho-Jung (HAD-B1) for disease control and symptom management. The clinical outcomes were measured by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (NCI-CTCAE), Numeral rating scale (NRS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). Results: After treatment, dyspnea and edema of lower extremities was relieved from NRS 7 to 5, and 6 to 1 respectively. And ECOG score of the patient was improved from grade 3 to 2. During and after treatment, we didn't find any severe toxicities on laboratory findings. Conclusion: This case study suggests that Samchilchoongcho-Jung (HAD-B1) may improve symptom relief and life quality of NSCLC patient in conjunction with Alectinib.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.27-33
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the therapeutic possibility of a primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) patient with Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM). Methods: A 37 years old female patient diagnosed with PPC suffered from operation site pain, neck pain, nausea, headache and fatigue after undergoing operation and chemotherapy (Paclitaxel/Carboplain). The patient was treated with acupuncture, pharmacoacupuncture, moxibution and herbal medicine. Laboratory study and National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE), version 5.0 were used to evaluate the safety and adverse events of treatments. The performance status was measured by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale. Results: After treatments, cancer did not show any progression. Related symptoms such as postoperative pain, nausea, fatigue and quality of life have improved. Conclusion: This case study implies that TKM may have therapeutic possibility in treating PPC patient.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2023

Objectives: To demonstrate an improvement of neuropathic pain after surgical site infection in a patient with anorectal cancer by administration of Soshihotang (SSHT). Methods: A 65-year-old female patient diagnosed with anorectal cancer was administered SSHT to relieve her neuropathic pain induced by surgical site infection. SSHT was administered from 4/22 to 5/2. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS), and opioids administered to relieve her pain was calculated. Results: During 10 days of treatment, the NRS scale of neuropathic pain was improved and the dosage of opioids administered reduced to less than half. Conclusions: This case suggests that SSHT could be effective for the management of neuropathic pain induced by surgical site infection.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.113-122
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop and evaluate an oral care protocol for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: The participants in this study were cancer patients in Severance hospital in Seoul. A total of 31 patients were assigned to the experimental group, and 29 patients to the control group. Data were collected from August 1 to October 5, 2010. The protocol included definition and symptom of oral mucositis, self-check method of oral status, prophylactic method of oral mucositis (oral care, eating habits, and gargling) and management of oral mucositis. Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) was used as the measurement tool of oral mucositis in this study, Oral Care Performance Scale was used as the measurement tool of oral care performance status. Data were analyzed with a $x^2-test$ and t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA, using SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. Results: Patients in the experimental group receiving the oral care protocol had a significant difference (t=-2.938, p=.005) in the oral care performance compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference (F=1.255, p=.274) in the oral mucositis status between two groups. Conclusion: This study showed that the oral care protocol could improve oral care performance status for the patients under chemotherapy.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.86-94
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to identify current quality control (QC) practices of primary care clinics participating in the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) in Korea. Methods: A nationwide survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among the primary care clinics participating in the NCSP, which were selected by a proportionate stratified sampling. The questionnaire consisted of general information about the responding clinics and the scope of QC activities undertaken. A total of 360 clinics responded and the set of data was then analyzed with Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Among 360 respondents, 332 (92%) reported that they were involved in the QC activities. Most frequently performed QC activities were 'maintenance of facility and instruments' (89%) and 'staff training' (85%). The analysis revealed, with statistical significance (p<.05), that there was an association between certain characteristics of the clinics and the scope of QC activities. These findings also indicated that the diversity of QC practices varies according to the size of the clinics. The clinics screening more types of cancer, those with more screenees, and those with more employees were more likely to implement various QC activities including 'maintenance of facility and instruments', 'external quality control', and 'management of screening data'. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the current status of QC activities conducted among primary care clinics participating in the NCSP. The results of this survey can be used as a basis for further development of policies on quality management of small- and medium-sized primary care clinics in Korea. However, further studies encompassing various aspects of QC activities and management of primary care clinics are needed to assess the current situation in a concise manner.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.508-518
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• 2024

Objectives: To report a correlation of IL-6 of pancreatic cancer and cancer progression in three pancreatic cancer patients. Method: Three pancreatic cancer patients were monitored for changes in IL-6 levels, tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9), and clinical outcomes over their treatment period. Results: Patient 1's IL-6 levels rose with liver metastasis and tumor progression, coinciding with increases in tumor markers. Patient 2's IL-6 levels remained elevated during chemotherapy, correlating with tumor growth. Patient 3's IL-6 levels spiked prior to cancer progression. Conclusion: Elevated IL-6 levels were observed in advancing pancreatic cancer patients, suggesting IL-6 as a potential biomarker for monitoring cancer progression in pancreatic cancer. Regular IL-6 monitoring could improve prognostic evaluations and treatment strategies.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.76-80
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• 2010

Purpose: As a part of analysis of home-based cancer patients management of public health centers, regional cancer center, and hospice institution in Jeju, this study was undertaken to establish their role. Methods: We investigated current status of hospice palliative care, especially home-based cancer patients management and summary demand of public health centers. Results: Services provided through the home-based cancer patients management project included physical, emotional, spiritual and education/informative services, even though there was little difference between them. The result showed that in the view of patients there was little relationship between public health centers, regional cancer center and hospice palliative institution. Conclusion: The relationship between home-based cancer patients management and institutions should be reinforced. Patients in acute state and difficulty care of patients should be referred to regional cancer center whereas maintenance state of patients should be referred to public health center.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.1274-1281
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• 2020

Objective: This case report shows symptom improvements in stage IV metastatic colorectal cancer treated with a Korean medicine-based integrative cancer treatment (ICT). Methods: A 61-year-old male patient diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2017 and metastasis to the lung, peritoneum, and liver in September 2020 was treated with Integrative Cancer Treatment (ICT) for abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, and anorexia for 1 month. Clinical outcomes were measured with the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (NCI-CTCAE), a numeral rating (NRS), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scales. Results: After treatment, the patient's abdominal pain was improved from NRS 8 to 1, and the ECOG score of the patient was improved from grade 3 to 2. Integrative Cancer Treatment. Also the score improved on the FACT-G test, and there were no serious side effects of grade 3 or higher according to the NCI-CTCAE. Conclusion: This case study suggests that Korean medicine-based ICT may help to improve abdominal pain and quality of life in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.477-484
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to report the improvement effect of symptoms of integrative cancer treatment (ICT) on recurrent gallbladder cancer patients. Methods: A 73-year-old patient with recurrent gallbladder cancer visited the Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University East West Cancer Center (EWCC) on February 2022. After the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, the patient underwent cholecystectomy and relapsed during follow-up. After the operation, the cancer recurred during follow-up, and after radiation treatment, she had been receiving ICT since February 2022. The clinical outcomes were measured by X-ray, computed tomography (CT), laboratory findings, including tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9), and numeric rating scales (NRS). Results: After treatment, abdominal pain was relieved from NRS 5 to 2, and abdominal circumference decreased from 74.5 to 67. During and after treatment, we found neither hepatotoxicity nor nephrotoxicity in the laboratory findings. Conclusion: This case study suggests that ICT may improve symptoms in patients with gallbladder cancer.