• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 2013

Background & Objectives : The Speech Handicap Index (SHI) is used to assess speech problem of head and neck cancer patients. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the reliability and validity the Korean version SHI. Materials and Methods : Sixteen patients with oral cavity cancer and 26 normal control were participated in the study. Test-retest reliability of the Korean version of SHI was completed by 20 out of 42 subjects after 2weeks. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the Korean version of SHI scores between normal population and patients group. The relationship between the Korean version of SHI and diadochokinesis (DDK) was investigated using Spearman correlation coefficients. Results : The Korean version of SHI provided a high internal consistency (${\alpha}$=0.99) and test-retest reliability (Spearman rho 0.98). The mean SHI scores [total (T), speech (S), and psychosocial (P)] in normal population were 0.8 (T), 0.2 (S) and 0.4 (P), whereas those in patients group were 58.1 (T), 27.9 (S) and 27.0 (P) respectively. There were significant differences in total SHI score as well as in all of the sub-SHI scores between two groups. Moreover, significant correlation between the Korean version of SHI parameters (T, S, P) and sequential motion rate (SMR) were yielded in patients group. Conclusion : The Korean version of SHIwas reliable and valid. It can be useful as a supplementary clinical tool for diagnosing and measuring treatment efficacy of speech problems related to oral cavity cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.5089-5094
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• 2015

FADS1 (fatty acid desaturase 1) plays a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism, and it was recently reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, the role of FADS1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the expression and clinical pathologic and prognostic significance of FADS1 in ESCC. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that 58.2% (146/251) of the ESCC tissues had low levels of FADS1 expression, whereas 41.8% (105/251) exhibited high levels of FADS1 expression. In positive cases, FADS1 expression was detected in the cytoplasm of cells. Correlation analyses demonstrated that FADS1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor location (p=0.025) but not with age, gender, histological grade, tumor status, nodal status or TNM staging. Furthermore, patients with tumors expressing high levels of FADS1had a longer disease-free survival time (p<0.001) and overall survival time (p <0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that, along with nodal status, FADS1 expression was an independent and significant predictive factor (p<0.001). In conclusion, our study suggested that FADS1 might be a valuable biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.189-225
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• 2021

The use of albendazole and mebendazole, i.e., benzimidazole broad-spectrum anthelmintics, in treatment of parasitic infections, as well as cancers, is briefly reviewed. These drugs are known to block the microtubule systems of parasites and mammalian cells leading to inhibition of glucose uptake and transport and finally cell death. Eventually they exhibit ovicidal, larvicidal, and vermicidal effects on parasites, and tumoricidal effects on hosts. Albendazole and mebendazole are most frequently prescribed for treatment of intestinal nematode infections (ascariasis, hookworm infections, trichuriasis, strongyloidiasis, and enterobiasis) and can also be used for intestinal tapeworm infections (taeniases and hymenolepiasis). However, these drugs also exhibit considerable therapeutic effects against tissue nematode/cestode infections (visceral, ocular, neural, and cutaneous larva migrans, anisakiasis, trichinosis, hepatic and intestinal capillariasis, angiostrongyliasis, gnathostomiasis, gongylonemiasis, thelaziasis, dracunculiasis, cerebral and subcutaneous cysticercosis, and echinococcosis). Albendazole is also used for treatment of filarial infections (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, loiasis, mansonellosis, and dirofilariasis) alone or in combination with other drugs, such as ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine. Albendazole was tried even for treatment of trematode (fascioliasis, clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, and intestinal fluke infections) and protozoan infections (giardiasis, vaginal trichomoniasis, cryptosporidiosis, and microsporidiosis). These drugs are generally safe with few side effects; however, when they are used for prolonged time (>14-28 days) or even only 1 time, liver toxicity and other side reactions may occur. In hookworms, Trichuris trichiura, possibly Ascaris lumbricoides, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Giardia sp., there are emerging issues of drug resistance. It is of particular note that albendazole and mebendazole have been repositioned as promising anti-cancer drugs. These drugs have been shown to be active in vitro and in vivo (animals) against liver, lung, ovary, prostate, colorectal, breast, head and neck cancers, and melanoma. Two clinical reports for albendazole and 2 case reports for mebendazole have revealed promising effects of these drugs in human patients having variable types of cancers. However, because of the toxicity of albendazole, for example, neutropenia due to myelosuppression, if high doses are used for a prolonged time, mebendazole is currently more popularly used than albendazole in anti-cancer clinical trials.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.19-26
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• 1997

Purpose : This study is to report experience with Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (FSRT) for locally recurrent nasopharynx cancer after curative conventional radiation therapy. Materials and Methods : Three Patients with locally recurrent and symptomatic nasopharynx cancer were given FSRT as reirradiation method between the Period of September of 1995 and August of 1996 For two Patients, application of FSRT is their third radiation therapy directed to the nasopharynx. Two patients were given low dose chemotherapy as radiation sensitizer concurrently with FSRT Authors used 3-dimensional coordinate system by individually made, relocatable Gill-Thomas-Cosman (GTC) stereotactic frame and multiple non-coplanar arc therapy dose Planning was done using Xknife-3. Total of 45 Gy/18 fractions or 50 Gy/20 fractions were given. Results : Authors observed satisfactory symptomatic improvement and remarkable objective tumor size decrease by follow-up MR images taken 1 month Post-FSRT in ali three patients, while no neurologic side effect attributable to reirradiation was noticed. Two died at 7 and 9 months with loco-regional and distant seeding outside FSRT field, while one patient is living for 4 month. Conclusion Authors experienced satisfactory therapeutic effectiveness and safety of FSRT as reirradiatlon method for locally recurrent nasopharynx cancer Development of more effective systemic chemotherapeutic regimen is desired for distant metastasis

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 1995

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap represents a major contribution to head and neck cancer reconstruction. Its advantages are improved viability, one-stage reconstruction, and carotid protection. The oropharyngeal defect especially tonsillar area reveals valley shaped one with loss of a wide mucosal area. Using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap to this defect is sometimes difficult due to its natural figure of bulkiness. This article reviews our experience with patients undergoing 14 pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in carcinoma of the tonsillar area. Complications and their incidences were I total loss, 3 marginal loss, 2 minor seperation of suture, I wound infection and 2 hematoma. Most of the complications did not require a second procedure for reconstruction. Bulkiness of the flap and gravity force to the upper suture line were thought to be causes of the complications. Modification of the flap design with bilobular figure was useful to reduce its bulkiness at the folding area. More stable suture around hard palate was needed to overcome seperation of the suture.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2022

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase widely expressed in many cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer. Mutations such as L858R in exon 21, exon 19 truncation (Del19), exon 20 insertions, and others are responsible for aberrant activation of EGFR in NSCLC. First-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as gefitinib and erlotinib have clinical benefits for EGFR-sensitive (L858R and Del19) NSCLC patients. However, after 10-12 months of treatment with these inhibitors, a secondary T790M mutation at the gatekeeper position in the kinase domain of EGFR was identified, which limited the clinical benefits. Second-generation EGFR irreversible inhibitors (afatinib and dacomitinib) were developed to overcome this T790M mutation. However, their lack of selectivity toward wild-type EGFR compromised their clinical benefits due to serious adverse events. Recently developed third-generation irreversible EGFR TKIs (osimertinib and lazertinib) are selective toward driving mutations and the T790M mutation, while sparing wild-type EGFR activity. The latest studies have concluded that their efficacy was also compromised by additional acquired mutations, including C797S, the key residue cysteine that forms covalent bonds with irreversible inhibitors. Because second- and third-generation EGFR TKIs are irreversible inhibitors, they are not effective against C797S containing EGFR triple mutations (Del19/T790M/C797S and L858R/T790M/C797S). Therefore, there is an urgent unmet medical need to develop next-generation EGFR TKIs that selectively inhibit EGFR triple mutations via a non-irreversible mechanism.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2020

Breathing is the voice's driving force and also acts as a regulator of larynx function and efficiency. Respiratory distress is a side effect of general anesthesia in thyroid surgery. Therefore, this study's objective was to provide practical and complementary information for voice recovery after thyroid surgery, based on aerodynamic evaluation pre- and post-thyroidectomy. From May 2014 to July 2015, aerodynamic evaluations were performed on 34 female patients diagnosed with thyroid papillary cancer one week before surgery (PRE), one month after surgery (P1), and three months after surgery (P3). The Phonatory Aerodynamic System (model 6600, KayPENTAX, USA) was employed for this purpose, and a total of 29 analysis parameters were selected. The results showed statistically significant differences in peak expiratory airflow (p=0.004), mean pitch (p<0.01), expiration airflow duration (p=0.001), and expiratory volume (p=0.018), based on time factors. In the comparison of time factors, peak expiratory airflow and mean pitch parameters were different in PRE-P1 and PRE-P3. Expiration airflow duration and expiratory volume parameters were different in PRE-P3 and P1-P3. The interaction effect of time and surgical range was significant only for expiratory volume (p=0.024). Female patients who undergo thyroidectomy require post-operative breathing training, and exhalation improvement is considered to reflect a positive lifestyle after surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.461-468
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• 2015

Background Functional restoration of the facial expression is necessary after facial nerve resection to treat head and neck tumors. This study was conducted to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients who underwent facial nerve cable grafting immediately after tumor resection. Methods Patients who underwent cable grafting from April 2007 to August 2011 were reviewed, in which a harvested branch of the sural nerve was grafted onto each facial nerve division. Twelve patients underwent facial nerve cable grafting after radical parotidectomy, total parotidectomy, or schwannoma resection, and the functional facial expression of each patient was evaluated using the Facial Nerve Grading Scale 2.0. The results were analyzed according to patient age, follow-up duration, and the use of postoperative radiation therapy. Results Among the 12 patients who were evaluated, the mean follow-up duration was 21.8 months, the mean age at the time of surgery was 42.8 years, and the mean facial expression score was 14.6 points, indicating moderate dysfunction. Facial expression scores were not influenced by age at the time of surgery, follow-up duration, or the use of postoperative radiation therapy. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that facial nerve cable grafting using the sural nerve can restore facial expression. Although patients were provided with appropriate treatment, the survival rate for salivary gland cancer was poor. We conclude that immediate facial nerve reconstruction is a worthwhile procedure that improves quality of life by allowing the recovery of facial expression, even in patients who are older or may require radiation therapy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 2000

Purpose : To determine if the tumor intersitial fluid pressure (TIFP) and/or its change in patients with metastatic Iymph node in head and neck area can predict radiotherapy outcome. Materials and Methods : In 26 biopsy Proven metastatic Iymph node Patients in head and neck area with accessible by direct inspection and palpation, and of sufficient thickness (>1 cm) to permit accurate needle placement, we measured TIFP at cervical Iymph node before and during radiotherapy. Tumor size was measured clinically and radiologically. Results : The mean preradiotherapy TIFP was 24.7 mmHg. Preradiotherapy TIFP had marginally significant relationship with tumor size (p=0.06). Preradiotherapy TIFP significantly decreased when tumor size decreased (p=0.009). Preradiotherapy TIFP was not different between complete response group and group with partial or less response (p=0.75). Radiotherapy outcome was not different between group with above and group with below than average TIFP (p=0.229). TIFP decreased 36mmHg in complete response group and 29.7 mmHg in group with partial or less response. Conclusion :The mean TIFP was elevated with 24.7 mmHg. Preradiotherapy TIFP had marginally significant relationship with tumor size (p=0.06). TIFP decreased 36 mmHg in complete response group and 29.7 mmHg in group with partial or less respone but there was no statistically significant relationship in two groups.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2002

Conventional radiograph, computed tomograph (CT), magnetic resonance image (MRI) are commonly used methods for diagnosis of oro-maxillofacial cancer. MRI is an effective tool to verify soft tissue lesion however, metal produces black artifacts in the image. Therefore, metal structure should be removed before taking MRI to diagnose head and neck cancer patients. A 52-year-old female patient with adenocarcinoma in the posterior right soft palate was referred to take a MRI before surgery. She has 7-unit porcelain fused to metal bridge in the maxilla. Eight-unit Tagis-Vectris fixed partial denture was fabricated to replace her existing PFM bridge to take a MRI without any artifact before and after surgery. The patient satisfied with her restorations in terms of esthetics, function after 11 months. Even though minor staining was detected, Tagis-Vectris restoration fixed partial denture was intact during observation period.