• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.585-592
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• 2014

This study is to develop a standard tool for pattern identifications in Korean Medicine for Lung Cancer. The advisor committee for this study was organized by 12 Korean Medicine professors from the Korean Association of Traditional Oncology. The item and structure of instrument were based on review of published literature. We took the consultation twice from the advisor committee and additional advices by e-mail correspondences. We divided the symptoms and signs of lung cancer into 6 pattern identifications. - lung spleen both deficiency (肺脾兩虛), lung kidney both deficiency (肺腎兩虛), dampness phlegm obstructing the lung (濕痰蘊肺), qi stagnation blood stasis (氣滯血瘀), yin deficiency toxin heat (陰虛毒熱), and heat toxin accumulation (熱毒蘊結). We obtained the mean weights which reflected the standard deviations from each symptoms of the 6 pattern identifications which were scored on a 5-point scale by 12 experts. We designed the Korean medicine pattern identification tool for lung cancer. It was composed of 57 questions in the question-and-answer format. Though there are some limits that this study is not proved about validity and reliability, the instrument is meaningful and expected to be applied to the subsequent research.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.84-93
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• 1999

Purpose: We investigated the direct labeling method of antibody with $^{99m}Tc$ and $^{188}Re$ and examined the stability and function of these labeled compounds in in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: Disulfide bond of nonspecific human IgG was reduced to -SH group by 2-mercaptoethanol. Stannous ion was used to reduce $^{99m}Tc$ and $^{188}Re$. The stability of $^{99m}Tc$-IgG and $^{188}Re$-IgG was estimated upto 24 hrs. Biodistribution was evaluated in abscess bearing rats at 4 and 24 hr post-injection of $^{99m}Tc$ or $^{188}Re$ labeled IgG. Results: The number of -SH group per reduced IgG molecule was 2.34. The labeling yield of $^{99m}Tc$-IgG and $^{188}Re$-IgG were 90% and 95%, respectively The stability of $^{99m}Tc$-IgG at 1, 4, 6 and 24 hr was 91%, 83%, 78%, 7% and that of $^{188}Re$-IgG at 1, 4, 16 and 24 hr was 94%, 80%, 47%, 42%, respectively. At 4 hr post-injection of $^{99m}Tc$-IgG, high uptake was found on kidney, blood, stomach and abscess ($9.42{\pm}0.68,\;1.43{\pm}0.24,\;0.86{\pm}0.18,\;0.72{\pm}0.10$ %ID/g, respectively). The uptakes at 24 hr were kidney, abscess,.itomach, and blood in descending order. In case of $^{188}Re$-lgG, high uptake at 4 hr post injection appeared on kidney, blood, abscess and stomach ($3.92{\pm}0.62,\;1.32{\pm}0.08,\;0.88{\pm}0.01,\;0.26{\pm}0.06$, respectively). The uptakes at 24 hr were kidney, abscess, blood and stomach in descending order. The abscess to blood uptake ratio of $^{99m}Tc$-IgG was 0.5 at 4 hr and 2.02 at 24 hr and that of $^{188}Re$-IgG was 0.67 and 1.29. Conclusion: $^{99m}Tc$-IgG and $^{188}Re$-IgG canbe labeled efficiently with direct labeling method. However, $^{99m}Tc$-IgG and $^{188}Re$-IgG, labeled with direct method, was unstable. Further study is needed to enhance the stability of the antibody labeling.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7003-7006
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• 2015

Background: Nanoparticles of gold and silver are offering revolutionary changes in the field of cancer therapy. N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) metal complexes possess diverse biological activities and are being investigated as potential chemotherapeutic agents. The purpose of this study was to examine the cytotoxicity and possible mechanisms of action of two types of newly synthesized nanofiber composites containing BIAN N-heterocyclic gold carbene complexes in two types of human cancer cells, namely breast cancer (MCF7) and liver cancer (HepG2) cells and also in normal human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293). Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT cell viability assay and oxidative stress by checking the total glutathione level. Results: Both compounds affected the cell survival of the tested cell lines at very low concentrations (IC50 values in the micro molar range) as compared to a well-known anti-cancer drug, 5 fluorouracil. A 60-80% depletion in total glutathione level was detected in treated cells. Conclusions: Reduction in total glutathione level is one of the biochemical pathways for the induction of oxidative stress which in turn could be a possible mechanism of action by which these compounds induce cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines. The in vitro toxicity towards cancer cells found here means that these molecules could be potential anticancer candidates.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.143-152
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• 2016

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Associations between metabolic syndrome and several types of cancer have recently been documented. Methods: We analyzed the sample cohort data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2002, with a follow-up period extending to 2013. The cohort data included 99 565 individuals who participated in the health examination program and whose data were therefore present in the cohort database. The metabolic risk profile of each participant was assessed based on obesity, high serum glucose and total cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. The occurrence of cancer was identified using Korean National Health Insurance claims data. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age group, smoking status, alcohol intake, and regular exercise. Results: A total of 5937 cases of cancer occurred during a mean follow-up period of 10.4 years. In men with a high-risk metabolic profile, the risk of colon cancer was elevated (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.71). In women, a high-risk metabolic profile was associated with a significantly increased risk of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.24 to 3.42). Non-significantly increased risks were observed in men for pharynx, larynx, rectum, and kidney cancer, and in women for colon, liver, breast, and ovarian cancer. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the previously suggested association between metabolic syndrome and the risk of several cancers. A high-risk metabolic profile may be an important risk factor for colon cancer in Korean men and gallbladder and biliary tract cancer in Korean women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.6997-7002
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• 2015

Background: In cervical cancer patients it has been reported that there in a significant Ki-67/MIB-1 expression is correlated with survival in cervical cancer patients. However, the prognostic value is still not well understood. Materials and Methods: In the present meta-analysis the prognostic value of Ki-67/MIB-1 with regard to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in cervical cancer was investigated. The databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Science Direct and Wiley Online Library were used to identify appropriate literature. Results: In order to explore the relationship between Ki-67/MIB-1 and cervical cancer, we have included 13 studies covering 894 patients in the current meta-analysis. The effect of Ki-67/MIB-1 on OS for pooled random effects HR estimate was 1.63 (95%confidence interval (CI) 1.09-2.45; P<0.05). The pooled HR for DFS was 1.26 (95%CI 0.58-2.73; P>0.05) and the subgroup analysis indicated Ki-67/MIB1 was associated with DFS (HR=3.67, 95%CI 2.65-5.09) in Asians. Conclusions: According to this meta-analysis, Ki-67/MIB-1 has prognostic value for OS in patients suffering from cervical cancer. For better evaluation of the prognostic role of Ki-67/MIB-1 on DFS, studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to validate present findings in the future.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.132-136
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• 2010

This study examined the biostability and drug delivery efficiency of g-$Fe_2O_3$ magnetic nanoparticles (GMNs) by cytotoxicity tests using various tumor cell lines and normal cell lines. The GMNs, approximately 20 nm in diameter, were prepared using a chemical coprecipitation technique, and coated with two surfactants to obtain a water-based product. The particle size of the GMNs loaded on hangamdan drugs (HGMNs) measured 20-50 nm in diameter. The characteristics of the particles were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-TEM) and Raman spectrometer. The Raman spectrum of the GMNs showed three broad bands at 274, 612 and $771\;cm^1$. A 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that the GMNs were non-toxic against human brain cancer cells (SH-SY5Y, T98), human cervical cancer cells (Hela, Siha), human liver cancer cells (HepG2), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), colon cancer cells (CaCO2), human neural stem cells (F3), adult mencenchymal stem cells (B10), human kidney stem cells (HEK293 cell), human prostate cancer (Du 145, PC3) and normal human fibroblasts (HS 68) tested. However, HGMNs were cytotoxic at 69.99% against the DU145 prostate cancer cell, and at 34.37% in the Hela cell. These results indicate that the GMNs were biostable and the HGMNs served as effective drug delivery vehicles.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.103-108
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that may affect the 5-year survival of colon cancer through network model and to use it as a clinical decision supporting system for colorectal cancer patients. This study was conducted using data from 2,540 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery from 1996 to 2018. Eleven factors related to survival of colorectal cancer were selected by consulting medical experts and previous studies. Analysis was proceeded from the data sorted out into 1,839 patients excluding missing values and outliers. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, BMI, and heart disease were statistically significant in order to identify factors affecting 5-year survival of colorectal cancer. Additionally, a correlation analysis was carried out age, BMI, heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases were correlated with 5-year survival of colorectal cancer. Sex was related with BMI, lung disease, and liver disease. Age was associated with heart disease, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other diseases, and BMI with hypertension, diabetes, and other diseases. Heart disease was associated with hypertension, diabetes, hypertension, diabetes, and other diseases. In addition, diabetes and kidney disease were associated. In the correlation analysis, the network model was constructed with the Network Correlation Coefficient less than p <0.001 as the weight. The network model showed that factors directly affecting survival were age, BMI levels, heart disease, and indirectly influencing factors were diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease and other diseases. If the network model is used as an assistant indicator for the treatment of colorectal cancer, it could contribute to increasing the survival rate of patients.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.141-152
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• 2023

Objective: We performed a meta-analysis of epidemiological results for the association between occupational exposure as a firefighter and cancer as part of the broader evidence synthesis work of the IARC Monographs program. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify cohort studies of firefighters followed for cancer incidence and mortality. Studies were evaluated for the influence of key biases on results. Random-effects meta-analysis models were used to estimate the association between ever-employment and duration of employment as a firefighter and risk of 12 selected cancers. The impact of bias was explored in sensitivity analyses. Results: Among the 16 included cancer incidence studies, the estimated meta-rate ratio, 95% confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity statistic (I²) for ever-employment as a career firefighter compared mostly to general populations were 1.58 (1.14-2.20, 8%) for mesothelioma, 1.16 (1.08-1.26, 0%) for bladder cancer, 1.21 (1.12-1.32, 81%) for prostate cancer, 1.37 (1.03-1.82, 56%) for testicular cancer, 1.19 (1.07-1.32, 37%) for colon cancer, 1.36 (1.15-1.62, 83%) for melanoma, 1.12 (1.01-1.25, 0%) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 1.28 (1.02-1.61, 40%) for thyroid cancer, and 1.09 (0.92-1.29, 55%) for kidney cancer. Ever-employment as a firefighter was not positively associated with lung, nervous system, or stomach cancer. Results for mesothelioma and bladder cancer exhibited low heterogeneity and were largely robust across sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: There is epidemiological evidence to support a causal relationship between occupational exposure as a firefighter and certain cancers. Challenges persist in the body of evidence related to the quality of exposure assessment, confounding, and medical surveillance bias.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7331-7335
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• 2015

Background: Concurrent chemoradiation with three weekly high dose cisplatin is the non-surgical standard of care for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancers. Although this treatment regime is efficacious, it has high acute toxicity, which leads not only to increased treatment cost, but also to increased overall treatment time. Hence, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the acute toxicity and tumor response in head and neck cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation using $40mg/m^2$ weekly cisplatin, which has been our institutional practice. Materials and Methods: This single institution retrospective study included data for 287 head and neck cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation from 2012 to 2014. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.8 years. The most common site of involvement was oral cavity. Most of the study patients presented with advanced stage disease. The mean overall treatment time was 56.9 days. Some 67.2% had overall complete response to treatment as documented till 90 days from the start of treatment. According to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) acute radiation morbidity scoring criteria, mucositis was seen in 95.1% of the patients. Dermatitis and emesis were observed in 81.9% and 98.6%, respectively. Regarding haematological toxicity, 48.8% and 29.6% suffered from anaemia and leukopenia, respectively, during treatment. Acute kidney injury was assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), and was found in 18.8% of the patients. Conclusions: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly cisplatin is an effective treatment regime for head and neck cancers with reasonable toxicity which can be used in developing countries, where cost of treatment is so important.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.5
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• pp.999-1008
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• 2023

Thyroid cancer, characterized by high incidence rates, good prognosis, and frequent recurrence, is typically treated surgically. However, since the early 2000s, radiofrequency ablation, which is commonly utilized in liver, lung, and kidney cancers, is being performed for management of primary and recurrent thyroid cancers. Many studies have focused on inoperable cases of low-risk papillary microcarcinoma (≤ 1 cm) and some have investigated its role in larger lesions (up to 4 cm). Overall, these studies have reported positive results. Radiofrequency ablation for recurrent cancer has primarily been performed for locally recurrent cervical cancer, and this therapeutic approach has been attempted for treatment of distant metastases in lungs and bones, with encouraging outcomes. A growing global trend, particularly in South Korea, the United States, and Europe supports radiofrequency ablation for thyroid cancer. However, this therapy is currently not recognized as a treatment option recommended by universally accepted clinical guidelines such as those established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Based on past efforts and future research, radiofrequency ablation is expected to play a key role in thyroid cancer treatment in the near future.