• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.378-383
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• 2014

Background: Brother of the regulator of imprinted sites (BORIS) is a putative new oncogene that is classified as a cancer germline gene; however, its role in the development of cancer is unclear. This study investigated the expression of BORIS in lung cancer and its clinical implications. Methods: The expression of BORIS messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the sputum of 100 patients with lung cancer (50 with squamous cell carcinoma, 36 with adenocarcinoma, and 14 with small-cell carcinoma) was evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The overall expression rate of BORIS in patients with lung cancer was 36.0%: 19 of 50 squamous cell carcinomas (38.0%), 13 of 36 adenocarcinomas (36.1%), and 4 of 14 (28.6%) small-cell carcinomas. There was no significant difference in the BORIS expression according to age, gender, or histologic type. However, the mRNA expression of BORIS was significantly related to the pathologic cancer stage (p=0.004) and lymph node metastasis (p=0.001). The expression of the melanoma antigen gene family A1-6 was not associated with the expression of BORIS. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the expression of BORIS might be a negative prognostic factor in lung cancers and implicate BORIS as a molecular target for immunotherapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.3927-3932
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• 2014

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and echinoderm microtubule associated protein like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) define specific molecular subsets of lung adenocarcinomas with distinct clinical features. Our purpose was to analyze clinical features and prognostic value of EGFR gene mutations and the EML4-ALK fusion gene in lung adenocarcinoma. Patients and Methods: EGFR gene mutations and the EML4-ALK fusion gene were detected in 92 lung adenocarcinoma patients in China. Tumor marker levels before first treatment were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: EGFR mutations were found in 40.2% (37/92) of lung adenocarcinoma patients, being identified at high frequencies in never-smokers (48.3% vs. 26.5% in smokers; P=0.040) and in patients with abnormal serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels before the initial treatment (58.3% vs. 28.6%, P=0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher serum CEA level before the initial treatment was independently associated with EGFR gene mutations (95%CI: 1.476~11.343, P=0.007). We also identified 8 patients who harbored the EML4-ALK fusion gene (8.7%, 8/92). In concordance with previous reports, younger age was a clinical feature for these (P=0.008). Seven of the positive cases were never smokers, and no coexistence with EGFR mutation was discovered. In addition, the frequency of the EML4-ALK fusion gene among patients with a serum CEA concentration below 5ng/ml seemed to be higher than patients with a concentration over 5ng/ml (P=0.021). No significant difference was observed for time to progression and overall survival between EML4-ALK-positive group and EML4-ALK-negative group or between patients with and without an EGFR mutation. Conclusions: The serum CEA level before the initial treatment may be helpful in screening population for EGFR mutations or EML4-ALK fusion gene presence in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4637-4642
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• 2014

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor $1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) plays an important role in regulating cell survival and angiogenesis, which are critical for tumor growth and metastasis. Genetic variations of HIF1A have been shown to influence the susceptibility to many kinds of human tumors. Increased expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ has also been demonstrated to be involved in tumor progression. However, the prognostic value of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inthe HIF1A gene remains to be determined in most cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we sought to investigate the predictive role of HIF1A SNPs in prognosis of CRC patients and efficacy of chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: We genotyped two functional SNPs in HIF1A gene using the Sequenom iPLEX genotyping system and then assessed their associations with clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcomes of 697 CRC patients receiving radical surgery using Cox logistic regression model and Kaplan Meier curves. Results: Generally, no significant association was found between these 2 SNPs and clinical outcomes of CRC. In stratified analysis of subgroup without adjuvant chemotherapy, patients carrying CT/TT genotypes of rs2057482 exhibited a borderline significant association with better overall survival when compared with those carrying CC genotype [Hazard ratio (HR), 0.47; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.29-0.76; P < 0.01]. Moreover, significant protective effects on CRC outcomes conferred by adjuvant chemotherapy were exclusively observed in patients carrying CC genotype of rs2057482 and in those carrying AC/CC genotype of rs2301113. Conclusions: Genetic variations in HIF1A gene may modulate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery in CRC patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.273-279
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• 2016

Purpose: Although each Waldeyer's ring sub-site is considered an independent prognostic factor, few studies have assessed the prognosis and treatment of tonsillar lymphoma. Treatment outcomes were analyzed in patients with primary tonsillar lymphoma who were treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were evaluated, with a median follow-up of 53 months. Age, sex, and histology, amongst other factors, were reviewed. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed. Results: Most patients had Ann Arbor stage I-II (94.7%), IPI score of 0 (89.5%), and complete remission after chemotherapy (89.5%). The 5-year PFS and OS rates were 74.6% and 80%, respectively. In univariate analysis, the rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) regimen resulted in a better PFS than the cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) regimen (88.9% vs. 50.0%; p = 0.053). RT dose was related to the survival outcome (p = 0.010 for PFS, p = 0.044 for OS). Patients were classified into the CHOP + RT (>40 Gy) group and R-CHOP + RT (${\leq}40Gy$) group. The 5-year PFS rates were 50% in the CHOP + RT group, and 100 % in the R-CHOP + RT group (p = 0.018). The 5-year OS rates were 66.7% and 100%, respectively (p = 0.087). Conclusion: Primary tonsillar lymphoma patients typically have favorable outcomes. Chemotherapy (R-CHOP) combined with relatively lower dose consolidative RT may be safe and effective for primary tonsillar lymphoma.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2016

Purpose: The incidence of glufosinate poisoning is gradually increasing, and it can be fatal if severe poisoning occurs. However, factors useful for predicting the post-discharge neurological prognosis of patients who have ingested glufosinate have yet to be identified. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score measured in the emergency department for predicting the neurological prognosis. Methods: From April 2012 to August 2014, we conducted a retrospective study of patients who had ingested glufosinate. The outcome of the patients at discharge was defined by the Cerebral Performance Category Score (CPC). The patients were divided into a good prognosis group (CPC 1, 2) and a poor prognosis group (CPC 3, 4, 5), after which the APACHE II scores were compared. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve from patients determined calibration and discrimination. Results: A total of 76 patients were enrolled (good prognosis group: 67 vs poor prognosis group: 9). The cut-off value for the APACHE II score was 12 and the area under the curve value was 0.891. The Hosmer and Lemeshow C statistic x2 was 7.414 (p=0.387), indicating good calibration for APACHE II. Conclusion: The APACHE II score is useful at predicting the neurological prognosis of patients who have ingested glufosinate.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.74-87
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• 2017

Purpose: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival in locally advanced gastric cancer, but it is associated with significant toxicity. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity have been studied in several types of cancers and have been reported to be associated with higher chemotherapy toxicity and morbi-mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia/sarcopenic obesity in patients with gastric cancer, as well as its association with chemotherapy toxicity and long-term outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using an academic cancer center patient cohort diagnosed with locally advanced gastric cancer between January 2012 and December 2014 and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We analyzed body composition (skeletal muscle and visceral fat index) in axial computed tomography images. Results: A total of 48 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was $68{\pm}10years$, and 33 patients (69%) were men. Dose-limiting toxicity was observed in 22 patients (46%), and treatment was terminated early owing to toxicity in 17 patients (35%). Median follow-up was 17 months. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were found at diagnosis in 23% and 10% of patients, respectively. We observed an association between termination of chemotherapy and both sarcopenia (P=0.069) and sarcopenic obesity (P=0.004). On multivariate analysis, the odds of treatment termination were higher in patients with sarcopenia (odds ratio=4.23; P=0.050). Patients with sarcopenic obesity showed lower overall survival (median survival of 6 months [95% confidence interval {CI}=3.9-8.5] vs. 25 months [95% CI=20.2-38.2]; log-rank test P=0.000). Conclusions: Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were associated with early termination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer; additionally, sarcopenic obesity was associated with poor survival.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.185-193
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• 2007

This review focuses on the use of $^{18}F-FDG$ PET/CT to evaluate second primary cancers. The emergence of a second primary cancer is an important prognostic factor in cancer patients. The early detection of a second primary cancer and the appropriate treatment are essential for reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with these tumors. Integrated $^{18}F-FDG$ PET/CT, which can provide both the metabolic and anatomic information of a cancer, has been shown to have a better accuracy in oncology than either CT or conventional PET. The whole body coverage and high sensitivity of $^{18}F-FDG$ PET/CT along with its ability to provide both metabolic and anatomic information of a cancer make it suitable for evaluating a second primary cancer in oncology. Whole body $^{18}F-FDG$ PET/CT is useful for screening second primary cancers with a high sensitivity and good positive predictive value. In order to rule out the presence of a second primary cancer or an unexpected metastasis, further diagnostic work-up is essential when abnormal findings indicative of a second primary cancer are found on the PET/CT images. PET/CT is better in detecting a second primary tumor than conventional PET.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.30-35
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• 1995

Localized non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of head and neck are generally treated with radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy and the results of treatments are favorable, but the recurrences in the primary site or distant sites are a major contributor to failure, We experiened 19 cases of localized non-Hodgkin's lymphomas for 4-year period and retrogradely analized them. We treated patients with Ann Arbor stage I and low grade histology in Working formulation with radiation therapy and patients with Ann Arbor stage II, moderate to high grade histology or extensive tumor size with combination chemotherapy, The complete responses were occurred in 15 of 19 patients (radiation therapy, 5/6 (83.3%); chemotherapy 10/13(76.9%)). 3 relapses were occurred; 2 were in local relapses and 1 was in distant leptomeningeal relapse and the counter-therapeutic modalities were successful in 2 cases. Our results suggest that Ann Arbor stage is significant prognostic factor and appropriate staging with extensive methods is important to improve the results of treatment.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.61-67
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• 2000

Purpose: Most proximal humeral fractures are minimally displaced and can be treated satisfactorily with a conservative method. But in many comminuted fractures, hemiarthroplasty is usually done as a primary treatment. The authors evaluated how much functional improvement was achieved after hemiarthroplasty and which factors influence on the final functional results. Materials and Methods: Eleven hemiarthroplasties were performed for three- and four-part fractures(including fracture-dislocation) between April 1992 and June 1999. There were eight women and three men, and the mean age was 65 years. According to Neer classification, six was three-part fracture and five was four-part fracture. Six patients were injured on their right shoulder and five on the left shoulder. Among the five four-part fractures, three had axillary nerve injury and among the six three-part fractures, only one patient had axillary nerve injury. The average follow-up period was 2.4 years(1 year-7 years) after operation. The functional results were evaluated with the UCLA scoring system(Modification for hemiarthroplasty). In addition to the overall results, we compared the results according to the classification of the fracture, the cause of injury, and whether the axillary nerve was injured. Results: At the last follow-up, average total UCLA score was 18.2. The mean score for pain was 7.0, mean muscle power and motion score was 5.5 and 5.7 respectively. The pain relief was more satisfactory than any other functional results. The average score for three-part fractures was 22, and the average for four-part fractures was 13.6. The average score for the patients fractured by vehicle accidents was 15.3, and 19.3 for the patients fractured by slip-down injury. In patients without axillary nerve injury, the average score was 20, and with axillary nerve injury, the score was 15. Conclusion: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty, for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures, cannot restore the shoulder function to normal, but can achieve the functional result to some degree, especially for the activity of daily living. And as for pain, we think that it is relatively effective measure. And we think that the severer the comminution, the more the chance of axillary nerve injury, and the poorer the functional results. In conclusion, the severity of initial injury seems to be the major prognostic factor.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.159-165
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• 2004

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of acute poststreptocaccal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) between patients who had presented with gross hematuria and those with microscopic hematuria. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, who were diagnosed from January 2000 to April 2003 were enrolled. Results: The mean age was 8.85 years and the male to female ratio was 1.1:1 Seventeen patients presented with gross hematuria at diagnosis(group A) and twenty-two patients had microscopic hematuria only(group B). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of edema, fever or history of respiratory infection and oliguria. But hypertension was more frequent in group B. Laboratory data showed decreased C3 and C4 level in group B. Spot urine protein/creatinine ratio and 24hr urine protein showed higher levels in group A. Conclusion; Patients with gross hematuria at diagnosis had lower incidence of hypertension and a higher rate of nephrotic range of proteinuna than patients with microscopic hematuria. However, no difference in the duration of admission or complication rate was observed. All patients had clinical improvement during follow-up. We conclude that gross hematuria is not a significant prognostic factor for poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.