• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.363-373
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• 2017

Purpose: The aims of this study were to evaluate the expression of the large tumor suppressor (LATS) genes LATS1 and LATS2 by immunohistochemical staining of gastric cancer, and to evaluate the clinicopathological significance of LATS expression and its correlation with overall survival (OS). Materials and Methods: LATS1 and LATS2 expression in a tissue microarray was detected by immunohistochemistry, using 264 gastric cancer specimens surgically resected between July 2006 and December 2009. Results: Low expression of LATS1 was significantly associated with more advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage (P=0.001) and T stage (P=0.032), lymph node (LN) metastasis (P=0.040), perineural invasion (P=0.042), poor histologic grade (P=0.007), and diffuse-type histology by the Lauren classification (P=0.033). Low expression of LATS2 was significantly correlated with older age (${\geq}65$, P=0.027), more advanced AJCC stage (P=0.001) and T stage (P=0.001), LN metastasis (P=0.004), perineural invasion (P=0.004), poor histologic grade (P<0.001), and diffuse-type histology by the Lauren classification (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significantly poor OS rates in the groups with low LATS1 (P=0.037) and LATS2 (P=0.037) expression. Conclusions: Expression of LATS1 or LATS2 is a significant marker for a good prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.119-127
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• 1991

This study was designed to observe the problems in performing the screening for early detection of lung cancer, and the degree to which regular radiographic and cytologic screening contributes to the early detection of lung cancer in asymptomatic volunteers. Through mass media campaign, 346 male volunteers had registered to receive radiographic and sputum cytologic screening every four months. Initial chest x-ray examination showed 83 cases of lesions suggesting tuberculosis. Among them, two cases were proved to be active tuberculosis. The rate of long-term follw-up over two years was about 15%. The screening tests detected two cases of lung cancer, one prevalent lung cancer by sputum cytologic examination, and the other by sputum cytologic examination during follow-up. So the prevalence rate of lung cancer was 0.28% and the incidence rate was 3.1/1,000 person·years. Both were localized lesions; ie, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I and occult lung cancer, respectively. With these results, we suggest that the maintenance of long-term follow-up seems to be the most important problem to evaluate the effect of early detection of lung cancer. It would require thorough explanation of the risk of smoking in lung cancer and the wide public education on the government's base. It should be done at several hospitals simultaneously to include a large population in the study. Although we couldn't determine the effect of screening for the early detection of lung cancer in this report, new diagnostic procedure other than chest x-ray and sputum cytologic examination would be required, according to the literature, to reduce the mortality of lung cancer by the screening program for the early detection of lung cancer.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 2017

Purpose: To validate the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control (AJCC/UICC) TNM staging system for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and investigate whether a modified classification better reflects the prognosis. Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic HPV-related OPSCC between 2010 and 2016 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. HPV status was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of p16 and/or HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We reclassified TNM stage T0-1 and N0-1 as group A, T2-3 or N2 as B, and T4 or N3 as C. Survival analysis according to 8th AJCC/UICC TNM staging and the modified classification was performed. Results: Of 383 OPSCC patients, 211 were positive for HPV DNA PCR or p16. After exclusion, 184 patients were included in this analysis. Median age was 56 years (range, 31 to 81 years). Most primary tumors were in the palatine tonsil (148 tumors, 80%). The eighth AJCC/UICC TNM classification could not differentiate between stage I and II (p = 0.470) or II and III (p = 0.209). Applying modified grouping, the 3-year overall survival rate of group A was significantly higher than that of group B and C (98% vs. 91%, p = 0.039 and 98% vs. 78%, p < 0.001, respectively). Differentiation between group B and C was marginally significant (p = 0.053). Conclusion: The 8th AJCC/UICC TNM staging system did not clearly distinguish the prognosis of stage II from that of other stages. Including the T2N0-1 group in stage II may improve prognostic stratification.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.294-300
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• 2015

Purpose: To evaluate survival rates and prognostic factors related to treatment outcomes after bladder preserving therapy including transurethral resection of bladder tumor, radiotherapy (RT) with or without concurrent chemotherapy in bladder cancer with a curative intent. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied 50 bladder cancer patients treated with bladder-preserving therapy at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center from January 1999 to December 2010. Age ranged from 46 to 89 years (median, 71.5 years). Bladder cancer was the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage II, III, and IV in 9, 27, and 14 patients, respectively. Thirty patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and 20 patients with RT alone. Nine patients received chemotherapy prior to CCRT or RT alone. Radiation was delivered with a four-field box technique (median, 63 Gy; range, 48.6 to 70.2 Gy). The follow-up periods ranged from 2 to 169 months (median, 34 months). Results: Thirty patients (60%) showed complete response and 13 (26%) a partial response. All patients could have their own bladder preserved. Five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 37.2%, and the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 30.2%. In multivariate analysis, tumor grade and CCRT were statistically significant in OS. Conclusion: Tumor grade was a significant prognostic factor related to OS. CCRT is also considered to improve survival outcomes. Further multi-institutional studies are needed to elucidate the impact of RT in bladder cancer.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2010

Purpose: We retrospectively analyzed the long-term results of radical surgery and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in patients with stomach cancer. Materials and Methods: From 1988 to 1994, 51 patients were treated with curative surgery and IORT. Postoperative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was administered to 30 patients, while adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 35 patients. A dose of 15 Gy was irradiated with a 9 MeV electron beam as the IORT and a median dose of EBRT was 43.2 Gy (range, 7.2 to 45 Gy). The follow-up period ranged from 1~254 months, with a median follow-up period of 64 months. Results: The median age of all the patients was 58 years (range, 30 to 71 years). The distribution of pathologic stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] 2002 tumor-note-metastasis [TNM]) was as follows: 13 stage I (25.5%), 10 stage II (19.6%), 25 stage III (49.0%), and 3 stage IV (5.9%). Distant metastases occurred in 11 patients (10 in the peritoneum and 1 in bone), including one patient with concurrent local recurrence (anastomosis site). The 5-year locoregional control, disease free survival and overall survival rates were 94.7%, 66.5%, and 51.7%, respectively. For the multivariate analysis, age, TNM stage, and EBRT were significant prognostic factors for overall survival, and only TNM stage for disease free survival. Conclusion: We could have achieved a high loco-regional control rate in patients with locally advanced stomach cancer by adding IORT to radical surgery. However, the benefit of IORT on survival remains to be elucidated.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.3207-3210
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• 2014

Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer characterized by rapidly progressive breast erythema, pain and tenderness, oedema and paeu d'orange appearance. It accounts for 1-3% of all newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer in the west. Data on IBC from India are lacking. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical-pathological parameters and outcome of IBC at, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a large tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: We screened 3,650 breast cancer cases registered from January 2004 to December 2012 and found 41 cases of IBC. Data included demographics as well as clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics, and were collected from clinical case records using the International Classification of Diseases code (C-50). Patients who presented with IBC as a recurrence, or who had a neglected and advanced breast cancer that simulated an IBC were excluded from this study. Results: The median age was 45 years (range 23-66). The median duration of symptoms was 5 months. The American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (AJCC) distribution was Stage III - 26 and IV - 15 patients. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) positivity and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) positivity were 50%, 46% and 60%, respectively. Triple negativity was found in 15% of the cases. All the non metastatic IBC patients received anthracycline and/ or taxane based chemotherapy followed by modified radical mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy as indicated. Pathological complete remission rate was 15%. At a median follow-up of 30 months, the 3 year relapse free survival and overall survival were 30% and 40%respectively. Conclusion: IBC constituted 1.1% of all breast cancer patients at our centre. One third of these had metastatic disease at presentation. Hormone positivity and Her2 neu positivity were found in 50% and 60% of the cases, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.129-140
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• 2015

Objectives: We examined the association between the adherence to dietary guidelines for breast cancer survivors and health-related quality of life in a cross-sectional study of Korean breast cancer survivors. Methods: A total of 157 women aged 21 to 79 years who had been diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancers according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and had breast cancer surgery at least 6 months before the baseline were included. We used a Korean version of the Core 30 (C30) and Breast cancer 23 (BR23) module of the European Organization for Research and Treatment Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ), both of which have been validated for Koreans. Participants were asked about their adherence to dietary guidelines for breast cancer survivors, suggested by the Korean breast cancer society, using a 5-point Likert scale. We summed dietary guideline adherence scores for each participant and calculated the least squares means of health-related quality of life according to dietary guideline adherence scores using the generalized linear model. Results: Breast cancer survivors who had higher adherence to dietary guidelines for breast cancer survivors had lower constipation scores than those with lower adherence (p for trend=0.01). When we stratified by the stage at diagnosis, this association was limited to those who had been diagnosed with stage II or III breast cancers. Also, sexual functioning scores increased significantly with increasing adherence scores of dietary guidelines among those with stage II or III breast cancers (p for trend < 0.001). However, among those who had been diagnosed with stage I, higher scores of dietary guidelines were associated with higher scores of pain (p for trend=0.03) and breast symptoms (p for trend=0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggested that the health-related quality of life levels of breast cancer survivors are associated with the adherence to dietary guidelines and may differ by the stage of the breast cancer.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.321-329
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• 1997

Purpose : It is well known that the risk of lymph nodes metastases to head and neck cancers are influenced by the location and size of the Primary tumor. as well as the degree and types of histological differentiation. However, data on the statistical analyses of lymph node metastases from the head and neck cancers among Korean Population are not available at present. In order to obtain current status of such data, we have analyzed cancer patients at the department of radiation oncology, korea universityhospital for radiation treatment. Materials and Methods : We have evaluated nine-hundred and ninetyseven (997) head and neck cancer Patients who visited to the Department of radiation oncology, between November 1981 to December 1995. After careful physical examinations and CAT scan, Patients were divided into two groups, those with positive lymph node metastases and with negative lymph node metastases. The nodal status were classified according to the TNM system of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Besults : Four-hundred and sixteen Patients out of the 997 patients were lymph node positive $(42\%)$ and 581 patients were lymph node negative $(58\%)$ when they were first presented at the department of radiation oncelogy. According to the AJCC classification, the distribution of positive lymph node is as follow: Nl:106 $(25.5\%),\;N2a:100\;(24\%),\;N2b:68\;(16.4\%),\;N2c:69\;(16.6\%),\;3:73\;(15\%).$ respectively. The frequency of lymph node metastases according to the primary sites is as follow : larynx 283 $(28.5\%)$, paranasal sinuses: 182 $(18\%),\;oropharynx:144\;(14.5\%)\;nasopharynx:122(12\%),\;oral\;cavity\;92\;(9\%),\;hypopharynx:71\;(7\%),\;falivary\;gland:58\;(6\%)$ unknown primary:31 $(3\%),\;skin:\;14(2\%)$,. The most frequent Primary site for the positive Iymph node metastases was nasopharynx $(71\%)$ followed by hypopharynx $(69\%),\;oropharynx\;(64\%),\;oral\;cavity\;(39\%)$ The most common histologic type was squamous cell carcinoma (652/997: $65.4\%$). followed by malignant lymphoma $(109/997:11\%)$. Conclusion : Statistical results of lymph node metastases from head and neck cancer at our department were very similar to those obtained from other countries. It is concluded that the location of Primary cancer influences sites of metastases on head and neck, and stage of the primary cancer also influences the development of metastatic lesions. Since the present study is limited on the data collected from one institute. further statistical analyses on Korean cancer Patients are warrented.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2465-2472
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• 2014

Background: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) published a new staging system ($7^{th}$ edition) in 2009. In our study, we evaluated the survival results and prognostic factors among T4 local advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) patients in a large heterogeneous group, in accordance with this new system. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the files of 122 T4 N0-3 M0 LA-NSCLC patients, identified according to the new staging system, treated at two centers between November 2003 and June 2012. Variables correlating with univariate survival at p<0.20 were later included in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Here, selection of relevant predictors of survival was carried out in accordance with the likelihood ratio formula with p<0.05 regarded as significant. Results: The median age was 60 and the median follow-up period was 17.4 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 18.3 months, the 1 year overall survival (OS) rate was 72%, and the 5 year OS rate was 28%. Statistically significant predictors of survival were (p<0.20) ECOG-PS (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status), age, T4 factor subgroup, stage and primary treatment in OS univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis for OS ECOG-PS (p=0.001), diagnostic stage (p=0.021), and primary treatment (p=0.004) were significant. In the group receiving non-curative treatment, the median OS was 11.0 months, while it was 19.0 months in the definitive RT group and 26.6 months in the curative treatment group. There was a significant difference between the non-curative group and the groups which had definitive RT and curative operations (respectively p<0.001 and p=0.001) in terms of OS, but not between the groups which had definitive RT and curative operations. The median event free survival (EFS) rate was 9.9 months, with rates of 46% and 19% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. On univariate analysis of EFS rate with ECOG-PS, weight loss and staging, statistical significance was found only for thorax computerized tomography (CT)+18F-fluorodeoxy-glucose positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) use, stage and primary treatment (p<0.20). In multivariate analysis with EFS, only the primary treatment was statistically significant (p=0.001). In the group receiving non-curative treatment, the median EFS was 10.5 months while in the curative operation group it was 14.7 months. When all the primary treatment groups were taken into consideration, grade III/IV side effect swas observed in 57 patients (46.6%). Esophagitis was most prominent among those that received definitive radiotherapy. Conclusions: Independent prognostic factors among these 122 heterogeneous LA-NSCLC T4 N0-3 M0 patients were age at diagnosis, ECOG-PS, stage and primary treatment, the last also being a significant prognostic indicator of EFS. Our findings point to the importance of appropriate staging and a multidisciplinary approach with modern imaging methods in this patient group. In those with T4 lesions, treatment selection and the effective use of curative potential should be the most important goal of clinical care.

• The Journal of the Korean life insurance medical association
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• v.25
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• pp.9-24
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• 2006

지속적으로 증가 하고 있는 악성 종양 발병률의 증가, 생존률의 향상, 조기발견의 증가 등이 암 기왕자의 보험 수요 상승을 가져오고 있으며, 보험시장에서 더 이상 암 기왕자를 도외시하기 어렵게 만들고 있다. 그러나, 현재 국내에서는 암 기왕자를 인수할 수 있는 상품과 언더라이팅 인수 기법이 부족한 실정이다. 본 논문은 이러한 상황 하에서 기존에 거절체로 인식되었던 암 기왕자의 적극적인 인수를 위해 악성종양에 대한 보험 의학적인 고찰과 사망률, 위험도에 대해 분석하고, 국내에서 암 기왕자의 보험 인수 시 문제점과 그 해결방안을 모색해 보았다. 종양은 종양세포의 성장과 확산의 정도를 나타내는 병기와 조직학적 등급에 의해 그 예후와 경과가 예측 가능하며, 이 병기를 표준화하려는 국제적 시도로 1977년 American Joint Committee on Cancer(AJCC)는 TNM system 을 제시하였다. 병기를 기초로 치료의 결정도 함께 이루어지는데, 주요 치료법을 수술, 방사선치료, 항암치료, 면역요법이 있다. 이러한 치료법들은 후기 부작용을 일으키거나 이차성 암(Secondary malignant neoplasm)의 원인이 되기도 한다. 병기에 따른 암환자의 사망률을 살펴 보면, 암은 일정시기 동안 사망률이 급격히 증가하다가 이후에 점차 사망률이 감소하고, 그 이후에는 사망률에 영향을 미치지 않는다. 이러한 사망률 변화의 특성은 암 기왕자에게 평준식 정액 할증법(Per mille flat extra)의 적용이 적절함을 보여준다. 그러나, 현재 국내에서는 악성 종양 기왕자를 위한 상품이 전무한 상태이며, 암의 병리적 병기와 치료에 관련된 정보를 얻을 수 있는 도구도 부족하고, 명확한 인수 기법이 없다. 또한, 자체의 경험통계의 부족으로 위험에 대한 부담감이 큰 것이 현실이다. 하지만, 병기에 따른 사망률의 변화에서도 알 수 있듯이 평준식 정액 할증법의 도입이나, 악성종양의 병기(Stage)별 정액 할증률을 삭감법으로 전환하는 기준을 개발한다면, 종신보험은 충분히 인수가 가능하다. 또한, CI 보험도 암에 대한 부담보를 하는 선진사의 인수 기법을 도입하거나, 암 기왕자만을 위한 CI 상품을 개발하는 등 새로운 인수 기법을 모색한다면, 암기왕자 인수의 폭은 넓어질 것이다. 이와 같은 노력과 함께, 언더라이팅의 정보 획득을 위한 암 기왕자만의 고지서를 개발하고, 전문 언더라이터의 양성을 위한 노력을 게을리 하지 않는다면, 암기왕자를 적극적으로 인수할 수 있을 것이다. 앞으로 국내 보험사가 위와 같은 노력을 지속적으로 해 나가고, 비교적 예후와 경과가 양호한 0기와 1기 암 기왕자부터 단계적으로 종신보험의 인수를 시도한다면, 비교적 안전하게 경험치를 축적할 수 있을 것이다. 뿐만 아니라 국내 보험업계는 새로운 시장의 확보와 보험에 대한 대외 이미지 개선이라는 효과도 함께 얻게 될 것이다.