• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.40-45
• /
• 2000

Purpose : To evaluate the histopathological prognostic factors, relapse pattern and survival in patients with endometrial carcinoma who were treated with surgery and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Methods and Materials : From September 1991 to December 1997, 27 patients with endometrial carcinoma treated with surgery and postoperative adjuvant RT at Asan Medical Center were entered in this study. Surgery was peformed with total abdominal hysterectomy in six, total abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection in eight and radical hysterectomy in 13 patients. External RT of 50.4 Gy was done to all patients and among these, additional high dose rate vaginal vault irradiation of 20$\~$25 Gy with fractional dose of 4$\~$5 Gy was boosted In 16 patients. The patients were followed for 6$\~$95 months(median 30). Results : The number of patients according to FIGO stage were I 18 (67$\%$), II 1 ($4\%$) and III 7 ($26\%$). Patients with poor histologic grade, deep myometrial invasion, adnexal involvement, lymphovascular invasion showed more pelvic lymph node involvement, but no statistical significance was indicated. The 5 year overall and disease free survival were 100$\%$ and 76.8$\%$, respectively. Relapse sites were pelvic, para-aortic lymph node, and multiple metastases including lung, and no vaginal relapse was developed. Factors that were associated with disease free survival were FIGO stage (p=0.01), lymphovascular invasion (p=0.03), pelvic lymph node involvement (p=0.0001). There was only one Grade 1 rectal bleeding without moderate to severe complications. Conclusion : Postoperative adjuvant RT is considered to reduce the loco-regional failure, resulting the improvement of survival. The group of patients with the risk of vaginal failure without vaginal vault irradiation should be investigated according to stage and grade.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.59-67
• /
• 1992

From March 1979 through December 1986, 124 patients with early stage carcinoma of the uterine cervix received curative radiation therapy. According to FIGO classification, 35 patients were stage IB and 89 were stge II A. In stage IB, five year locoregional control, five year disease free survival, and five year overall survival was $79.0\%$, $76.4\%$ and $81.8\%$, respectively. In stage II A, five year locoregional control, five year disease free survival, and five year overall survival were $78.0\%$, $66.8\%$, and $72.1\%$, respectively. To identify prognostic factors, pretreatment parameters including age, ECOG performance status, number of pregnancies, history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, histology, size and shape of primary tumor, CT findings and blood parameters were retrospectively analyzed in terms of locoregional control, disease free survival and overall survival using univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. In univariate analysis, tumor size on physicai examination and rectal invasion on CT significantly affected locoregional control, disease free survival and overall survival. Parametrial involvement on CT was a significant prognostic factor on locoregional control and disease free survival. Hemoglobin level affected disease free survival and overall survival. Histology and age were significant prognostic factors on locoregional control. In multivariate analysis excluding CT finding, tumor size on physical examination was a significant factor in terms of locoregioal control and overall survival. Hemoglobin level was significant in terms of disease free survival. In multivariate analysis including CT, histology was a prognostic factor on locoregional control and disease free survival. Hemoglobin level and rectal invasion on CT were significant factors on locoregional control.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.61-66
• /
• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare plans prescribed to point A with these prescribed to point H recommended by ABS (American Brachytherapy Society) in high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical carcinoma. Materials and Methods: This study selected 103 patients who received HDR (High Dose Rate) brachytherapy using tandem and ovoids from March 2010 to January 2012. Point A, bladder point, and rectal point conform with Manchester System. Point H conforms with ABS recommendation. Also Sigmoid colon point, and vagina point were established arbitrarily. We examined distance between point A and point H. The percent dose at point A was calculated when 100% dose was prescribed to point H. Additionally, the percent dose at each reference points when dose is prescribed to point H and point A were calculated. Results: The relative dose at point A was lower when point H was located inferior to point A. The relative doses at bladder, rectal, sigmoid colon, and vagina points were higher when point H was located superior to point A, and lower when point H was located inferior to point A. Conclusion: This study found out that as point H got located much superior to point A, the absorbed dose of surrounding normal organs became higher, and as point H got located much inferior to point A, the absorbed dose of surrounding normal organs became lower. This differences dose not seem to affect the treatment. However, we suggest this new point is worth being considered for the treatment of HDR if dose distribution and absorbed dose at normal organs have large differences between prescribed to point A and H.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2009

For HDR intracavitary brachytherapy with ovoids and a tandem, we compared the dose discrepancy of treatment plans using two different Ir-192 sources (microSelectron, Varian) and generated on two different treatment planning systems (PLATO, BrachyVision). The treatment plans of ten patient treated from Oct. 2007 to Jan. 2008 were selected for these comparisons. For the comparison of dose calculation using different sources, the average discrepancies were $-0.91{\pm}0.09%$, $-0.27{\pm}0.07%$, $0.22{\pm}0.39%$, and $0.88{\pm}0.37%$ in total treatment time and at B-point and ICRU bladder and rectum reference point, respectively. Comparing the two systems, the average dose discrepancies between treatment planning programs were $-0.22{\pm}0.42%$, $-0.25{\pm}0.29%$, $-0.23{\pm}0.63%$, and $-0.17{\pm}0.76%$, and the average dose discrepancies between positioning methods (PLATO with film and BrachyVision with digitial image) were $-0.61{\pm}0.59%$, $-0.77{\pm}0.45%$, $-0.72{\pm}1.70%$, and $0.35{\pm}2.82%$ at A-point, B-point, and ICRU bladder and rectum reference points, respectively. The rectal dose discrepancies between two systems were reached 5.87%. The difference in the dwell position expected by each TPS are mainly affected by the differences in the positioning method in TPSs and have an effect on dose calculations of rectal and bladder located in AP direction.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.206-211
• /
• 2012

Here we described 8 patients treated with acupuncture and moxiburstion due to chronic postoperative pain as a comlication of gastrointestinal surgery. The patients were suffering from pain that continued for more than 6 months after laparotomy for gastric cancer (n=1), rectal cancer (n=2), cholangiocarcinoma (n=2), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=2) and ischemic colitis (n=1), respectively. Mean time elased from surgery were 31.25(${\pm}21.72$)months, pain grade on first visit by VAS(visual analogue scale, 0~10mm) was 3.75(${\pm}0.97$)point, and acupuncture and moxiburstion were performed 12.63(${\pm}5.74$)times during 5.5(${\pm}2.4$)weeks, on average. At the end of treatment, pain was decreased 2.75(${\pm}0.97$)point compared to first visit. Based on the that results, it is reasonable to assume that acupuncture and moxiburstion can be effective to persistent post-surgical pain after laparotomic gastrointestinal surgery, at least to some laparotomized patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.11
• /
• pp.4717-4721
• /
• 2014

Background: Dosimetric comparison of two dimensional (2D) radiography and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) based dose distributions with high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitry radiotherapy (ICRT) for carcinoma cervix, in terms of target coverage and doses to bladder and rectum. Materials and Methods: Sixty four sessions of HDR ICRT were performed in 22 patients. External beam radiotherapy to pelvis at a dose of 50 Gray in 27 fractions followed by HDR ICRT, 21 Grays to point A in 3 sessions, one week apart was planned. All patients underwent 2D-orthogonal and 3D-CT simulation for each session. Treatment plans were generated using 2D-orthogonal images and dose prescription was made at point A. 3D plans were generated using 3D-CT images after delineating target volume and organs at risk. Comparative evaluation of 2D and 3D treatment planning was made for each session in terms of target coverage (dose received by 90%, 95% and 100% of the target volume: D90, D95 and D100 respectively) and doses to bladder and rectum: ICRU-38 bladder and rectum point dose in 2D planning and dose to 0.1cc, 1cc, 2cc, 5cc, and 10cc of bladder and rectum in 3D planning. Results: Mean doses received by 100% and 90% of the target volume were $4.24{\pm}0.63$ and $4.9{\pm}0.56$ Gy respectively. Doses received by 0.1cc, 1cc and 2cc volume of bladder were $2.88{\pm}0.72$, $2.5{\pm}0.65$ and $2.2{\pm}0.57$ times more than the ICRU bladder reference point. Similarly, doses received by 0.1cc, 1cc and 2cc of rectum were $1.80{\pm}0.5$, $1.48{\pm}0.41$ and $1.35{\pm}0.37$ times higher than ICRU rectal reference point. Conclusions: Dosimetric comparative evaluation of 2D and 3D CT based treatment planning for the same brachytherapy session demonstrates underestimation of OAR doses and overestimation of target coverage in 2D treatment planning.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.17
• /
• pp.7831-7836
• /
• 2015

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to assess the general knowledge of CRC in individuals living in Rasht, Iran, using a population-based cross-sectional telephone survey. Materials and Methods: A total of 1557 participants between 18 and 80 years of age were interviewed using random sampling from the telephone directory. Knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of CRC was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results: The mean knowledge level of the 1,557 respondents (average age 46 y) was $13.5{\pm}4.29$ (maximum possible score = 26), and 46.4% (722/1,557) of the subjects achieved grades lower than the mean score. The mean scores for knowledge of symptoms and risk factors were $3.97{\pm}1.83$ (range: 0-7) and $5.17{\pm}1.65$ (range: 0-9), respectively. Older age, higher education, and employment were significantly associated with better scores for recognition of risk factors and warning symptoms. The majority of subjects correctly identified weight loss (70.2%; 1,093/1,557) and rectal bleeding (63.3%; 986/1,557) as symptoms of CRC, and that smoking (85.9%; 1,337/1,557) and a low-fiber diet (73.4%; 1,143/1,557) were risk factors. Approximately half of the subjects noted increasing age, genetic background and fried food as other risk factors. A considerable number (54.8%; 853/1,557) identified colonoscopy as a screening method for detecting CRC in asymptomatic patients. However, a third of the subjects in the target group for screening (${\geq}50y$) were not interested in undergoing screening, primarily due to a lack of symptoms. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the knowledge of CRC is poor among the public, and therefore greater attempts should be made to increase awareness. Public education emphasizing the risk factors and symptoms of CRC, as well as the importance of regular screening regardless of the presence of symptoms, may help to reduce CRC morbidity and mortality.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.5
• /
• pp.2835-2838
• /
• 2013

Background: Prostate cancer features a substantial incidence and mortality burden, similarly to breast cancer, and it ranks among the top ten specific causes of death in males. Objective: To explore the situation of prostate cancer in a healthy population cohort in Eastern Nepal. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal from July 2010 to June 2011. Males above 50 years visiting the Surgical Outpatient Department in BPKIHS were enrolled in the study and screening camps were organized in four Teaching District Hospitals of BPKIHS, all in Eastern Nepal. Digital rectal examination (DRE) was conducted by trained professionals after collecting blood for assessment of serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA). Trucut biopsies were performed for all individuals with abnormal PSA/DRE findings. Results: A total of 1,521 males more than 50 years of age were assessed and screened after meeting the inclusion criteria. The vast majority of individuals, 1,452 (96.2%), had PSA ${\leq}4.0$ ng/ml. Abnormal PSA (>4 ng/ml) was found in 58 (3.8%). Abnormal DRE was found in 26 (1.72%). DRE and PSA were both abnormal in 26 (1.72%) individuals. On the basis of raised PSA or abnormal DRE 58 (3.84%) individuals were subjected to digitally guided trucut biopsy. Biopsy report revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia in 47 (3.11%) and adenocarcinoma prostate in 11 (0.73%). The specificity of DRE was 66.0%with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a positive predictive value of 38.5%. The sensitivity of PSA more than 4ng/ml in detecting carcinoma prostate was 100% and the positive predictive value for serum PSA was 19.0% Conclusions: The overall cancer detection rate in this study was 0.73% and those detected were locally advanced. Larger community-based studies are highly warranted specially among high-risk groups.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.129-133
• /
• 1986

To know the three questions about multiple primary cancers: 1) what are the characteristics of persons having multiple parimary cancer? 2) Does the presence of a single primary concer after the susceptability to multiple primary cancers? 3) Does the location of one multiple primary cancer influence the site of others?, we analysed 121 cases of multiple primary malignant neoplasms registered in Seoul National University Hospital during 8 years from July 1978 to August 1986. Of 121 cases, double primary malignant neoplasms were 119 cases and triples were 2 cases. The incidence of multiple primary malignant neoplasms was $0.7\%$. The metachronous tumor (>6 months) was found in 70 cases and the median time between the first and the second was 32 months. The most commonly associated tumors were stomach and primary liver carcinoma. Cervix and Lung cancer, Stomach and Rectal cancer, Stomach and Esophagus cancer were also commonly associated.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.444-450
• /
• 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of whole body positron emission tomography (PET) using $^{18}F-fluorodeoxyglucose$ ($^{18}F-FDG$) for cancer screening in asymptomatic subjects. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 1,762 men and 259 women who voluntarily underwent $^{18}F-FDG$ PET for cancer screening as a part of a routine health examination. Final diagnosis was decided by other diagnostic studies, pathological results or clinical follow-up for 1 year. Results: Of 2,021 subjects, 40 (2.0%) were finally proved to have cancer. Abnormal focal $^{18}F-FDG$ uptake suggesting malignancy was found in 102 subjects (5.0%). Among them, 21 subjects (1.0%) were proved to have cancer. Other tests in the routine health examination could not find 9 of 21 cancers (42.9%) detected by PET. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET for cancer screening were 52.5%, 95.9%, 20.6%, and 99.0%, respectively. Pathologies of cancers missed on PET were adenocarcinoma (n = 9; 3 colon cancers, 3 prostate cancers, 2 stomach cancers, and 1 rectal cancer), differentiated thyroid carcinoma (n = 6), bronchioalveolar cell carcinoma (n = 2), urinary bladder cancer (n = 1), and melanoma (n = 1). More than half of cancers which were not detected by PET were smaller than 1 cm in diameter. Conclusion: $^{18}F-FDG$ PET might be useful for cancer screening in asymptomatic subjects due to its high specificity and negative predictive value and playa supplementary role to the conventional health check-up, but it could not replace due to limited sensitivity for urological cancers, small-sized tumors and some hypometaboic cancers.