• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7315-7319
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• 2015

Objectives: The study analyzed and compared the long term outcome in locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative and postoperative concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 105 patients with stage T3-T4 or regional lymph node positive adenocarcinoma of rectum treated with preoperative or postoperative CCRT at Ramathibodi Hospital during 2005 to 2010 was performed. The results of treatment were reported with 5-year overall survival (OS), 5-year locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS), and toxicity according to preoperative versus postoperative concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) groups. Results: Among 105 patients, 34 (32%) were treated with preoperative CCRT and 71 (68%) with postoperative CCRT. At the median follow-up time of 50.5 months (range 2-114 months), five-year OS and LRFS of all patients were 87% and 91.6%, respectively. The study found no difference in 5-year OS (81.7% vs 89.2 %) or LRFS (83.4% vs 95.1%) between preoperative versus postoperative CCRT. Seven cases of loco-regional recurrence were diagnosed, 4 (11.8%) after preoperative CCRT and 3 (4.2%) after postoperative CCRT. The recurrent sites were anastomosis in all patients. There was no significant factor associated with outcome after univariate and multivariate testing. Grade 3 or 4 acute and late complications were low in both preoperative and postoperative CCRT groups. Conclusions: Locally advanced rectum cancer patients experience good results with surgery and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of common three photon energies (6-MV, 10-MV, and 15-MV) on intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans to treat prostate cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with prostate cancer treated locally to 81.0 Gy were retrospectively studied. 6-MV, 10-MV, and 15-MV IMRT plans for each patient were generated using suitable planning objectives, dose constraints, and 8-field setting. The plans were analyzed in terms of dose-volume histogram for the target coverage, dose conformity, organs at risk (OAR) sparing, and normal tissue integral dose. Results: Regardless of the energies chosen at the plans, the target coverage, conformity, and homogeneity of the plans were similar. However, there was a significant dose increase in rectal wall and femoral heads for 6-MV compared to those for 10-MV and 15-MV. The $V_{20Gy}$ of rectal wall with 6-MV, 10-MV, and 15-MV were 95.6%, 88.4%, and 89.4% while the mean dose to femoral heads were 31.7, 25.9, and 26.3 Gy, respectively. Integral doses to the normal tissues in higher energy (10-MV and 15-MV) plans were reduced by about 7%. Overall, integral doses in mid and low dose regions in 6-MV plans were increased by up to 13%. Conclusion: In this study, 10-MV prostate IMRT plans showed better OAR sparing and less integral doses than the 6-MV. The biological and clinical significance of this finding remains to be determined afterward, considering neutron dose contribution.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.78-83
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• 2009

Purpose: To examine the effect of suboptimal chemotherapy in patients undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 43 patients who received preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy, followed by radical surgery for the treatment of pathologically proven adenocarcinoma of the rectum from April 2003 to April 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. The delivered radiation dose ranged from 41.4 to 50.4 Gy. The standard group consisted of patients receiving two cycles of a 5-FU bolus injection for three days on the first and fifth week of radiotherapy or twice daily with capecitabine. The standard group included six patients for each regimen. The non-standard group consisted of patients receiving one cycle of 5-FU bolus injection for three days on the first week of radiotherapy. The non-standard group included 31 patients. Radical surgery was performed at a median of 58 days after the end of radiotherapy. A low anterior resection was performed in 36 patients, whereas an abdominoperineal resection was performed in 7 patients. Results: No significant difference was observed between the groups with respect to pathologic responses ranging from grades 3 to 5 (83.3% vs. 67.7%, p=0.456), downstaging (75.0% vs. 67.7%, p=0.727), and a radial resection margin greater than 2 mm (66.7% vs. 83.9%, p=0.237). The sphincter-saving surgery rate in low-lying rectal cancers was lower in the non-standard group (100% vs. 75%, p=0.068). There was no grade 3 or higher toxicity observed in all patients. Conclusion: Considering that the sphincter-saving surgery rate in low-lying rectal cancer was marginally lower for patients treated with non-standard, suboptimal chemotherapy, and that toxicity higher than grade 2 was not observed in the both groups, suboptimal chemotherapy should be avoided in this setting.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.133-141
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• 1993

From Jan.1982 to Dec.1990, 77 patients with rectal cancer were treated with curative surgical resection followed by postoperative adjuvant irradiation alone or combined with chemotherapy at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University Hospital (KUH). Fifty-four (54/77, $70.1{\%}$) patients underwent abdominoperineal resection , 20 (20/77, $26{\%}$) patients underwent low anterior resection, and 3 (3/77, $3.9{\%}$,) patients had wide excision only. Thirty-nine (39/77, $50.5{\%}$) received sequential chemotherapy (2 cycles to 12 cycles). The 5-year survival rate for the entire group was $43{\%}:\;78.2{\%}$ in B2+B3, $39.4{\%}$ in stage C1+C2+C3. Survival rates decreased with increasing penetration of the bowel wall by tumor and the presence of regional lymph node metastasis. Those patients survival who underwent an abdominoperineal resection also experienced a significant decrease in compared to low anterior resection ($23.1{\%}$ vs. $63.8{\%}$ in 5-year survival, p <0.05). Local failure occurred in 15 ($19.5{\%}$) out of the 77 patients overall, 1($5.3{\%}$) of 19 in stage B2+B3, and 14 ($24.1{\%}$,) of 58 in stage C1+C2+C3. Presacral area was most common site of local failufre (8/17, $47.1{\%}$). Distant failure occurred in 13 ($16.9{\%}$) of 77 patients. The most frequent site of distant failure was the lung followed by the liver, the bone, and the brain. Combined locoregional and distant failure occurred in 2 ($2.6{\%}$) of 77 patients. Pathological confirmation of perirectal fat and/or regional lymph node involvement resulted in a singificant decrease in survival and local control.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.95-102
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• 1983

The radical treatment of uterine cervical cancer by interacavitary radium or cesium, in combination with teletherapy are well known. Although the result of such treatment should not give rise to complacency, problem of radiation exposure to medical staff had not been resolved. Fortunately, many attempts have been made to reduce this hazard, most of which take the form of afterloading applicators with a suitably shielded radioisotope. In order to avoid hazardous radiation exposure to staffs concerned with brachytherapy, RALS using high intensity source of Co-60, have been employed at Yonsei Cancer Center since May, 1979. It allows rectal and bladder doses to be kept low, while maintaining a satifactory usual dose distribution of the other type of applicators, and the short treatment time allow four or five patients to be treated per hour. It also removes much patient's discomfort and the difficulties of nursing these patients. Since the first introduction in Korea, over seven hundred cases with various stage of uterine cervical cancer have been treated on a radical basis at this center last 4 years. These authors have strongly attracted attention to the results in terms of local control rate, survival s and morbidity compared with those of conventional low dose rate radiotherapy. Retrospective interim analysis of data was preliminarily accomplished through the labored follow-up study of 340 cases treated during initial 2 years and the radiobiologic standpoint of high dose rate intracavitary irradiation will be discussed.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.34-42
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: We performed a retrospective non-randomized clinical study of locally advanced rectal cancer, to evaluate the anal sphincter preservation rates, down staging rates and survival rates of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: From January 2002 to December 2005, patients with pathologically confirmed rectal cancer with clinical stage T2 or higher, or patients with lymph node metastasis were enrolled in this study. A preoperative staging work-up was conducted in 36 patients. All patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy, and curative resection was performed for 26 patients at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. Radiotherapy treatment planning was conducted with the use of planning CT for all patients. A total dose of $45.0{\sim}52.2\;Gy$ conventionally fractionated three-dimensional radiotherapy was delivered to the whole pelvis. Chemotherapy was given at the first and fifth week of radiation therapy with continuous infusion i.v. 5-FU (Fluorouracil) and LV (Leucovorine). Surgical resection was performed 2 to 4 weeks after the completion of the chemoradiotherapy regimen. $\underline{Results}$: The complete resection rate with negative resection margin was 100% (26/26). However, a pathologically complete response was not seen after curative resection. Surgery was done by LAR (low anterior resection) in 23 patients and APR (abdomino-perineal resection) in 3 patients. The sphincter preservation rate was 88.5% (23/26), down staging of the tumor occurred in 12 patients (46.2%) and down-sizing of the tumor occurred in 19 patients (73%). Local recurrence after surgical resection developed in 1 patient, and distant metastasis developed in 3 patients. The local recurrence free survival rate, distant metastasis free survival rate, and progression free survival rate were 96.7%, 87% and 83.1%, respectively. Treatment related toxicity was minimal except for one grade 3, one grade 4 anemia, one grade 3 leukopenia, and one grade 3 ileus. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Preoperative concurrent chmoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer seems to have some potential benefits: high sphincter preservation and down staging. Treatment related toxicity was minimal and a high compliance with treatment was seen in this study. Further long-term follow-up with a larger group of patients is required.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.13
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• pp.5395-5399
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal resection in a period of learning curve completed by surgeons with different experience and aptitudes with a view to making clear whether seniors had a better learning curve compared with juniors. Methods: From May 2010 to August 2012, the first twenty patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection completed by each surgeon were selected for analysis retrospectively. A total of 240 patients treated by 5 seniors and 7 juniors were divided into the senior group (n=100) and the junior group (n=140). The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery of the two groups were compared. Results: The mean numbers of lymph nodes harvested were $21.2{\pm}11.0$ in the senior group and $17.3{\pm}11.5$ in the junior group (p=0.010); The mean operative times were $187.9{\pm}60.0min$ as compared to $231.3{\pm}55.7min$ (p=0.006), and blood loss values were $177.0{\pm}100.7ml$ and $234.0{\pm}185ml$, respectively (p=0.001); Conversion rate in the senior group was obviously lower than in the junior group (10.0% vs 20.7%, p=0.027) and the mean time to passing of first flatus were $3.3{\pm}0.9$ and $3.8{\pm}0.9$ days (p=0.001). For low rectal cancer, the sphincter preserving rates were 68.7% and 35.3% (p=0.027). Conclusions: Seniors could perform laparoscopic colorectal resection with relatively better oncological outcomes and quicker recovery, and seniors could master the laparoscopic skill more easily and quickly. Seniors had a better learning curve for laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection compared to juniors.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.29 no.3 s.54
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• pp.555-563
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• 1996

Nationwide incidence survey was conducted to estimate the annual incidence rates of colorectal cancer among Koreans between Jan 1, 1988 and Dec 31, 1989. The population of the incidence survey was the beneficiaries of Korea Medical Insurance Corporation (KMIC), which were about 4,500,000 persons. The medical records of patients with diagnosis of either ICD-9 153(colon cancer), 154(rectal caner), 197(secondary malignant neoplasm of digestive and respiratory system), or 211(benign neoplasm of digestive system) were abstracted for the period with the standard format. The diagnosis was confirmed by one oncologist through the review of these abstracts. The numerator of the rate was finally defined as the incident colorectal cancer cases diagnosed between July 1, 1988 and June 30, 1989. The crude annual incidence of colorectal cancer for men was 13.1 per 100,000 and 10.6 for women, which was still low when compared with those of Japan and China during the same period. Age-adjusted sex ratio was 1.2 for right-sided colon cancer and 1.9 for left-sided colon cancer. The excess of right colon cancer among postmenopausal women was remarkable, so further analytical approach would be needed to investigate which factors are related with this phenomenon.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.22-31
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• 2005

Purpose : To conduct a nationwide survey on the principals in radiotherapy for rectal cancer, and produce a database of Korean Patterns of Care Study. Materials and Methods : We developed web-based Patterns of Care Study system and a national survey was conducted using random sampling based on power allocation methods. Eligible patients were who had postoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer without gross residual tumor after surgical resection and without previous history of other cancer and radiotherapy to pelvis. Data of patients were Inputted to the web based PCS system by each investigators in 19 institutions. Results : Informations on 309 patients with rectal cancer who received radiotherapy between 1998 and 1999 were collected. Male to female ratio was 59 : 41, and the most common location of tumor was lower rectum ($46\%$). Preoperative CEA was checked in $79\%$ of cases and its value was higher than 6 ng/ml in $32\%$. Pathologic stage were I in $1.5\%$, II in $32\%$, III in $53\%$, and IV in $1.6\%$. Low anterior resection was the most common type of surgery and complete resection was peformed in $95\%$ of cases. Distal resection margin was less than 2 cm in $30\%$, and number of lymph node dissected was less than 12 in $31\%$. Chemotherapy was peformed in $91\%$ and most common regimen was 5-FU and leucovorine ($59\%$). The most common type of field arrangement used for the initial pelvic field was the four field box (Posterior-Right-Left) technique ($65.0\%$), and there was no AP-PA parallel opposing field used. Patient position was prone in $81.2\%$, and the boost field was used in $61.8\%$. To displace bowel outward, pressure modulating devices or bladder filling was used in $40.1\%$. Radiation dose was prescribed to isocenter in $45.3\%$ and to isodose line in 123 cases ($39.8\%$). Percent delivered dose over $90\%$ was achieved in $92.9\%$. Conclusion : We could find the Patterns of Care for the radiotherapy in Korean rectal cancer patients was similar to that of US national survey. The type of surgery and the regimen of chemotherapy were variable according to institutions and the variations of radiation dose and field arrangement were within acceptable range.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2555-2558
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• 2014

Pirpose: The aim of this study to analyze the association between history of diabetes mellitus (DM) with risk of prostate cancer (PCa) and cancer grade among men undergoing radical prostatectomy for PCa. Materials and Methods: 50 patients with DM and 50 patients without DM who undervent radical prostatectomy (RP) were included in the study. Age at biopsy, height, weight, digital rectal examination (DRE), pre-biopsy PSA levels, prostate volume, histopathologic diagnosis after surgery and gleason scores were collected data from all patients. Histologic material obtained at biopsy was given a Gleason score; tumours with a Gleason score ${\geq}7$ were considered high grade and <7 were considered low grade. Results: The mean age at the time of biopsy was 63.7 in patients with DM and 61.6 in patients without DM. Diabetic men had significantly lower PSA levels (p=0.01). Mean PSA level $7.04{\pm}2.85$ in patients with DM and $8.7{\pm}2.86$ in patients without DM, respectively. Also, diabetic men had higher RP tumor grade than men without DM (p=0.04). We found that HbA1c levels were higher in patients who have high grade prostate cancer (p<0.05). Conclusions: Diabetic men undergoing RP have lower PSA levels and have significantly higher grade PCa. We must be careful for screening PCa in patients with DM. Although the patients had lower PSA levels, they might have high grade disease.