• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.90-94
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• 2014

Salivary duct carcinoma(SDC) is rare malignancy, accounting for approximately 1-3% of all malignant salivary gland tumors. Systemic chemotherapy has been used for stage IV SDC, but there is no consensus on the standard treatment. SDC is histologically similar to ductal carcinoma of breast and often overexpress HER2/neu, hence HER2/neu targeted therapy could be one of treatment options. A 75-year-old Arabian man was diagnosed as SDC of right parotid gland with extensive metastases. He received oral 5-FU as palliative chemotherapy, but he was intolerable to oral chemotherapy due to severe oral mucositis. Considering immunohistochemical stain of tumor tissue showing strong positive for HER2/neu, we decided to administer an anti-HER2/neu antibody, trastuzumab. Follow-up CT scans before the third dose of trastuzumab demonstrated remarkable regression of multiple metastases as well as primary tumor. This case suggests that HER2/neu targeted therapy may be a potential therapeutic option for the SDC patient with overexpression of HER2/neu.

• 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.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3287-3292
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• 2012

Purpose: To study the overall treatment time (OTT) and acute toxicity of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: This retrospective study covered all NPC patients who underwent radical IMRT treatment at the Penang General Hospital from June 2011 to February 2012. Patients of any age and stage of disease with histologically proven diagnosis were included. Information was collected on patient demographics, clinical stage, treatment received, including any neoadjuvant and/or concurrent chemotherapy, acute toxity and completion of IMRT within the OTT. Results: A total of 26 NPC patients were treated with IMRT during the study period; 88.5% had stage III/IV disease. 45.2% received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy while 50.0% were given concurrent chemo-irradiation. All patients completed the treatment and 92.3% within the 7 weeks OTT. Xerostomia was present in all patients with 92.3% having grade 2. Severe grade III/IV acute toxicity occurred in 73.1% of patients, the commonest of which was oral mucositis (57.6%). This was followed by dysphagia which occurred in 53.8%, skin reactions in 42.3% and weight loss in 19.2%. However, haematological toxicity was mild with only one patient having leucopaenia. Conclusion: IMRT treatment for NPC is feasible in our center. More importantly, it can be delivered within the 7 weeks OTT in the majority of patients. Severe grade 3/4 toxicity is very common (73.1%) and thus maximal nutritional and analgesic support is required throughout the treatment.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.171-177
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the frequency and course of adverse events associated with azathioprine treatment in Korean pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: Total of 174 pediatric patients (age range, 1 to 19 years) with inflammatory bowel disease who received azathioprine in order to maintain remission at Samsung Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) from January 2002 through December 2012 were included in this study. Medical records of these subjects were retrospectively reviewed regarding the development of adverse events associated with azathioprine treatment. Results: Ninety-eight patients (56.3%) of 174 patients experienced 136 episodes of adverse events, requiring dose reduction in 31 patients (17.8%), and discontinuation in 18 patients (10.3%). The mean dose of azathioprine that had been initially administered was $1.32{\pm}0.42$ mg/kg/day. Among the adverse reactions, bone marrow suppression developed in 47 patients (27.0%), requiring dose reduction in 22 patients (12.6%) and discontinuation in 8 patients (4.6%). Other adverse events that occurred were gastrointestinal disturbance (15.5%), hair loss (12.1%), pancreatitis (7.5%), arthralgia (6.9%), hepatotoxicity (2.9%), skin rash/allergic reactions (2.9%), headache/dizziness (2.3%), sepsis (0.6%), and oral mucositis (0.6%). Conclusion: Bone marrow suppression, especially leukopenia was most commonly associated with azathioprine treatment in Korean pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients. Close observation for possible adverse events is required in this population with inflammatory bowel diseases who are under treatment with azathioprine.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.321-337
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• 1998

The aims of this study were firstly to investigate soft tissue reactions around single implant-supported crowns and secondly to compare soft tissue dimensions and conditions of the crowns in relation to interdental papillae, and lastly to investigate patients'esthetic satisfaction with their single implant-supported crowns according to the interdental papillae presence/absence. Twenty-nine patients (41 implants) whose single missing tooth in the maxillary anterior region had been replaced by single implant-supported crown participated for the study and various variables of soft tissue conditions, dimensions and crown dimensions were measured around the single implant-supported crowns at clinical examination and from study models and slides. The results showed that the soft tissue conditions around the single implantsupported crowns were similar to those around implants used for partially or totolly edentulous patients. Except for the high frequency of bleeding on probing, all other parameters revealed healthy conditions. The buccal sites of the crown had a shallow pocket comparing with other sites. At all sites of the crown, similar status of little inflammation was found. Mesial sites and central-incisor positioned implantsupported crowns had lower contact point position than distal sites and lateral-incisor positioned crowns, respectively. Mucositis index, probing depth and contact point position were significantly correlated with papillae index(p < 0.05). More inflammation and lower contact point position were found at the implant-supported crown with no interdental space than that with interdental space. Patients showed high esthetic satisfaction regardless of interdental space presence. The result indicated that, despite of their submucosal crown margins, single implantsupported crowns have soft tissue conditions as good as other implants used for the treatment of the different types of edentulism and a clinician can manipulate interdental papilla height by modifying crown shapes within the limits of not violating total esthetics.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.342-349
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the survival and success rate of implant-supported fixed prosthesis according to the materials in the posterior area. Other purposes were to observe the complications and evaluate the factors affecting failure. Materials and methods: Patients who had been restored implant prosthesis in the posterior area by the same prosthodontist in the department of prosthodontics, dental hospital, Chonbuk National University, in the period from January 2011 to June 2018 were selected for the study. The patient's sex, age, material, location, type of prosthesis and complications were examined using medical records. The KaplanMeier method was used to analyze the survival and success rate. The Log-rank test was conducted to compare the differences between the groups. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between potential risk factors and success rate. Results: A total of 364 implants were observed in 245 patients, with an average follow-up of 17.1 months. A total of 5 implant prostheses failed and were removed, and the 3 and 5 year cumulative survival rate of all implant prostheses were 97.5 and 91.0, respectively. The 3 and 5 year cumulative success rate of all implant prostheses were 61.1% and 32.9%, respectively. Material, sex, age, location and type of prosthesis did not affect success rate (P>.05). Complications occurred in the order of proximal contact loss (53 cases), retention loss (17 cases), peri-implant mucositis (12 cases), infraocclusion (4 cases) and so on. Conclusion: Considering a high cumulative survival rate of implant-supported fixed prostheses, regardless of the materials, implant restored in posterior area can be considered as a reliable treatment to tooth replacement. However, regular inspections and, if necessary, repairs and adjustments are very important because of the frequent occurrence of complications.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.219-228
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to collect and analyze the clinical studies of traditional herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments for colorectal cancer patients searched in Pubmed and Cochrane library in English. We collected the clinical studies, including randomized controlled trial, case control study and cohort study, in the PubMed and Cochrane library using keywords 'Colorectal Cancer', 'Korean Medicine', 'Traditional Chinese Medicine', 'Kampo' and 'Acupuncture'. Then we analyzed them according to the objective of the therapy, i.e. improving therapy prognosis, reducing chemotherapy's adverse event and reducing operational adverse event. In case RCT, we evaluate the quality of the study with jadad scale. Total 18 studies were selected. There were 3 studies about improving therapy prognosis, 6 studies about reducing chemotherapy's adverse event and 9 studies about reducing operational adverse event. Traditional medicine might improve therapy prognosis in terms of the survival rate, relapse/metastasis rate, quality of life and immune function. The specific herbal formula, 'Goshajinkigan' might not be successful about reducing chemotherapy's adverse event, peripheral neurotoxicity. 'Hangeshanshinto' might reduce the duration of oral mucositis but it is not clear to reduce the incidence of that. 'PHY906' might reduce the incidence of diarrhea. Acupuncture might reduce operational adverse event such as gastrointestinal dysfunction and pain. And 'Daikenchuto' might not be successful in reducing operational adverse event, gastrointestinal dysfunction. Further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of traditional herbal medicine and acupuncture for colorectal cancer patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.413-417
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• 2013

Purpose: This phase II study was undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of Loubo$^{(R)}$ (Lobaplatin) in combination with pemetrexed in treating patients with metastatic breast cancer who failed to respond to anthracycline or taxanes. Patients and Methods: Metastatic breast cancer cases who had previously received an anthracycline and a taxane in either adjuvant or metastatic settings, were enrolled. All patients were recruited from Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, and were treated with Loubo$^{(R)}$ (Lobaplatin) 35 $mg/m^2$ (intravenous; on day 1) and pemetrexed 500 $mg/m^2$ (intravenous; on day 1) every 21 days. Efficacy and side effects were evaluated after at least two cycles of chemotherapy. Results: All eligible 19 patients completed at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy with pemetrexed and lobaplatin, and were evaluable. Overall, 3 (15.8%) patients achieved partial response, 11 (57.9%) stable disease, 5 (26.3%) progression of disease, with no complete remission. Response rate was 15.8%, disease control rate was 42.1%. The median survival time was 10.3 months. Neutrophil suppression occurred in 36.8% of patients who had grade 2 toxicity, and 26.3% had grade 3, 26.4% had grade 4. Thrombocytopenia was encountered as follows: 21.1% grade 2, 15.8% grade 3 and 5.5% grade 4. Incidences of anemia were 10.5% in grade 2, 5.3% grade 3 and 0% grade 4. Only 5.3% of patients required packed red blood cell transfusion. Grade 3 digestive tract toxicity occurred in 5.5% of patients. Other toxicities included elevated transaminase,oral mucositis and skin rashes. Conclusions: The regimen of lobaplatin and pemetrexed is modestly active in metastatic breast cancer patients who failed anthracycline or taxanes, and the toxicity profile suggesting that the doses of chemotherapy should be further modified.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6663-6667
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• 2013

Purpose: The current research was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed given continuously as a basement agent for first-, second- to third line chemotherapy of patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Patients and Methods: Patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma who were diagnosed in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Research Insitute, were enrolled. All received pemetrexed 500 $mg/m^2$ (intravenous; on day 1), and another chemotherapieutic agent every 3 weeks until disease progression, or intolerable toxicity. Then the patients were changed to a second line chemotherapy that was still based on pemetrexed 500 $mg/m^2$ and another chemotherapeutic agent differing from the first line example, until disease progression, or intolerable toxicity. When third line chemotherapy was needed, pemetrexed 500 $mg/m^2$ and another new chemotherapeutic agent were combined until disease progression. Evaluation of efficacy was conducted after two cycles of chemotherapy using the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors. Toxicity was recorded according to NCI Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Results: From January 2010 to September 2013, 15 patients were enrolled. Their median age was 56 years (range 43 to 77 years). Eight patients were male and 7 female. Five patients (33.3%) achieved PR, while 6 patients (40.0%) remained stable, no CR on first line; and 1 PR (7.7%), 5 stable (38.5%) were recorded when pemetrexed was ordered in second line; 5 patients (41.7%) were stable after pemetrexed was combined in third line; no complete response was observed. Main side effects were grade 1 to 2 neutrophil suppression and thrombocytopenia. Other toxicities included elevated transaminase and oral mucositis, but no treatment related death occurred. Conclusions: Pemetrexed continuously as a basement agent from first-, second- to third line chemotherapy is mildly effective in treating patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with tolerable toxicity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2703-2706
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was to determine the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed based chemotherapy in treating patients with metastatic gastric cancer who failed to respond to first and (or) second line chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: Metastatic gastric cancer patients who failed first and (or) second line chemotherapy, were enrolled. All patients were recruited from Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, and were treated with pemetrexed $500mg/m2$ (intravenous; on day 1), and a platinum (or irinotecan) every 3 weeks until disease progression, or intolerable toxicity. Evaluation on efficacy was conducted after two cycles of chemotherapy using the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors. Toxicity was recorded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Results: From Jun 2011 to May 2013, 23 patients were enrolled. All eligible 23 patients completed at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy with pemetrexed based chemotherapy, and were evaluable. Their median age was 55 years (range 40 to 78 years). Seventeen patients were male and 6 female. Three patients (13%) achieved partial response, five patients (22%) stable, 15 patients (65%) with disease progression, and none with complete response. Grade 2 neutrophil suppression occurred in 4.3%, grade 3 in 13% of patients, and no grade 4 was reported. Thrombocytopenia was encountered as follows: 4.3% grade 2, 4.3% grade 3 and 4.3% grade 4. Incidence of anemia was 34.8% in grade 2, 8.7% grade 3 and 0% grade 4. Only 4.3% of patients required packed red blood cell infusion. Elevated transaminase were 4.3% in grade 2 and 0% in grade 3 or 4. Other toxicity included oral mucositis. Conclusions: Pemetrexed based chemotherapy is mildly effective in treating patients with metastatic gastric cancer with tolerable toxicity.