• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.429-435
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of preoperative FDG-PET in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with hepatic metastasis (HM). Materials and Methods: 24 CRC patients (M:F=14:10; age, $63{\pm}10$ yrs) with HM who had undergone preoperative FDG PET were included. Cure-intent surgery was performed in all the patients and HMs were controlled using resection (n=13), radio-frequency ablation (RFA) (n=7), and resection plus RFA (n=4). Potential prognostic markers tested were maxSUV of primary tumor, maxSUV of HM, maxSUV ratio of HM over primary tumor (M/P ratio), histologic grade, CEA level, venous/lymphatic/nerve invasion, T stage, N stage, no. of HM, no. of lymph node metastasis, and treatment modality of HM. Results: 14 CRC patients developed a recurrence with a median follow-up duration of 244 days, whereas 10 patients did not develop recurrence with a median follow-up duration of 504 days. M/P ratios but other potential prognostic markers were significantly higher in the recurrent patients ($0.72{\pm}0.14$) than recurrence-free patients ($0.54{\pm}0.23$) (p=0.038). M/P ratio only was found to predict recurrence by Cox multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 37.7, 95% confidence interval 2.01-706.1, p=0.016). The 11 patients with lower M/P ratio of <0.61 had significantly better disease-free survival rate than the 13 patients with higher M/P ratio (${\geq}0.61$) (p=0.026). Conclusion: maxSUV ratio of HM over primary tumor (M/P ratio) may be useful for prognosis prediction of CRC patients with HM. Higher FDG uptake of HM than that of primary tumor may indicate a more advanced status in stage IV CRC.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.40-50
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• 2004

Background : Radiation pneumonitis(RP) is the major serious complication of thoracic irradiation treatment. In this study, we attempted to retrospectively evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients who experienced acute RP and to identify factor that might allow prediction of RP. Methods : Of the 114 lung cancer patients who underwent thoracic radiotherapy between December 2000 and December 2002, We performed analysis using a database of 90 patients who were capable of being evaluated. Results : Of the 44 patients(48.9%) who experienced clinical RP in this study, the RP was mild in 33(36.6%) and severe in 11(12.3%). All of severe RP were treated with corticosteroids. The median starting corticosteroids dose was 34 mg(30~40) and median treatment duration was 68 days(8~97). The median survival time of the 11 patients who experienced severe RP was significantly poorer than the mild RP group. (p=0.046) The higher total radiation dose(${\geq}60Gy$) was significantly associated with developing in RP.(p=0.001) The incidence of RP did not correlate with any of the ECOG performance, pulmonary function test, age, cell type, history of smoking, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, once-daily radiotherapy dose fraction. Also, serum albumin level, uric acid level at onset of RP did not influence the risk of severe RP in our study. Conclusion : Only the higher total radiation dose(${\geq}60Gy$) was a significant risk factor predictive of RP. Also severe RP was an adverse prognostic factor.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.447-456
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• 2008

Background: Caspase-3 is a cysteine protease that plays a major role in the process of apoptotic cell death. The dysregulated expression of c-myc contributes to the tumorigenesis in a variety of human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of caspase-3 and c-myc and their significances as prognosis markers in patients with completely resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Material and Method: A total 130 consecutive patients who had undergone complete resection without pre-operative radio-therapy or chemotherapy between May 1996 and December 2003 for NSCLC were retrospectively reviewed. The median follow-up period of the patients was 50 months (range: $3{\sim}128$ months). The expressions of caspase-3 and c-myc were immuno-histochemically examined, and these were correlated with the clinico-pathologic data. Result: The prevalence of caspase-3 and c-myc expressions in the patients was 68% (88/130) and 59% (77/130), respectively. Significant association was found between the frequency of the expressions of caspase-3 and c-myc (p=0.025). The caspase-3 and c-myc expressions were not significantly associated with the prognosis in all the patients. However, according to stages, a positive caspase-3 expression was significantly correlated with a favorable prognosis for patients with stage IIIa disease (median survival period: 35 months vs. 10 months, p=0.021). Multivariate analysis showed the pathologic stage to be significantly correlated with a good prognosis in all the patients (p=0.024), and with a positive caspase-3 expression, well differentiated tumor and negative neuronal invasion in the patients with stage llla disease (p=0.005, p=0.003, p=0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Caspase-3 and c-myc were frequently expressed in NSCLC, suggesting its possible involvement in tumor development. The caspase-3 expression, as determined with performing immunohistochemical staining, may be a favorable prognostic indicator in patients with completely resected NSCLC an advanced stage (IIIa).

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.276-283
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• 2015

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of repeated high dose 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Between 1998 and 2011, 45 patients received hepatic re-irradiation with high dose 3D-CRT in Samsung Medical Center. After excluding two ineligible patients, 43 patients were retrospectively reviewed. RT was delivered with palliative or salvage intent, and equivalent dose of 2 Gy fractions for ${\alpha}/{\beta}=10Gy$ ranged from $31.25Gy_{10}$ to $93.75Gy_{10}$ (median, $44Gy_{10}$). Tumor response and toxicity were evaluated based on the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) ver. 4.0. Results: The median follow-up duration was 11.2 months (range, 4.1 to 58.3 months). An objective tumor response rate was 62.8%. The tumor response rates were 81.0% and 45.5% in patients receiving ${\geq}45Gy_{10}$ and $<45Gy_{10}$, respectively (p = 0.016). The median overall survival (OS) of all patients was 11.2 months. The OS was significantly affected by the Child-Pugh class as 14.2 months vs. 6.1 months (Child-Pugh A vs. B, p < 0.001), and modified Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) T stage as 15.6 months vs. 8.3 months (T1-3 vs. T4, p = 0.004), respectively. Grade III toxicities were developed in two patients, both of whom received ${\geq}50Gy_{10}$. Conclusion: Hepatic re-irradiation may be an effective and tolerable treatment for patients who are not eligible for further local treatment modalities, especially in patients with Child-Pugh A and T1-3.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.41-51
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• 2008

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumor which compromises about 6$\sim$8% of all tumors followed by the adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and adenocarcinoma. Most deaths from salivary carcinomas are caused by recurrent or metastatic lesions that are resistant to conventional therapy. Therefore, knowledge of cellular properties and tumor-host interactions that influence the vascular metastasis is important for the design of more effective therapy of salivary carcinomas. Neoangiogenesis is essential for tumor growth, which is postulated to be fundamentally dependent on the induction of stromal neovascularization. However, how neovascularization takes place in live tissue has not been fully established, especially in recruitment and differentiation of endothelial cells in the salivary gland tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a heparin-binding, dimeric polypeptide growth factor known to exert its mitogenic activity specifically on endothelial cells. VEGF has been shown th be directly involved in angiogenesis, which in essential for the pathogenesis of many solid tumors. von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a large multimeric protein synthesized by megakaryocytes and endothelial cells that enable platelets to adhere to exposed subendothelium and, as well, to respond to changes in the blood flow. Recent studies suggest that increased levels of vWF correlate with progression of disease, metastasis, or survival time and thus may have a prognostic significance. vWF is explained as an acute phase proteins which is increased in cancer or as a result of increased endothelial cell synthesis associated with tumor-induced angiogenesis. Due to adhesive properties of vWF, its increased concentrations may also contribute metastasis of tumor. In this study, we determined the mRNA expression of VEGF and vWF in salivary ACC, MEC and pleomorphic adenoma by in situ hybridization. As a result, stronger expression of VEGF and vWF was seen in salivary ACC and MEC which has more invasive nature than the salivary benign tumor.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.315-321
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• 1996

Bronchoplastlc procedures including sleeve lobectomy were initially introduced for patients whose pulmonary function was insufficient to tolerate pneumonectomy In more recent years, sleeve lobectomy has evolved as an alternative to pneumonectomy in carefully selected cases of bronchogenic carcinoma, especially for centrally located lesions. Between 1992 and 1995, bronchoplastic procedures for bronchogenic carcinoma were performed in 15 patients and the majority of operative procedures were sleeve lobectomy (W: 12). All procedures were considered as complete and potentially curative. Mean age was 62.3 years (range 46 to 70 years) and there were 12 males and 3 females. Of 15 patiients, 7 underwent right upper sleeve, 2 underwent right lower sleeve, 5 underwent left upper sleeve, and 1 underwent right sleeve pneumonectomy. Postoperative staging was , stage I in 3, stage ll in 8, stage llla in 3 and stage lII in 1. The postoperative complications included anastomosis site obstruction due to granulation tissue in 1, local recurrence in 3, and wound infection in 1 There were 1 operative death due to sepsis and 2 late deaths. The three-year survival rate was 80%. The significant correlation was observed (r=0.11) between the predicted FEVI (1.851 L) and measured FEVI (1 762L). In conclusion, bronchoplastic procedure will have better prognosis than pneumonectomy in selected lung cancer patients because of preserving good function in remnant lung.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.36-40
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• 2002

Background and Objectives: To determine if laser endoscopic microsurgery is a reliable and appropriate approach in the treatment of laryngeal carcinomas. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of 62 patients treated with CO2 laser from June 1988 to November 2000 at Seoul National University Hospital for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. All patients were treated with curative intention. Fifty three untreated patients with laryngeal carcinoma (39 glottic and 14 supraglottic carcinoma patients) had primary carbon dioxide laser microsurgery. Nine radiation failure patients were treated. Postoperative radiotheray was done for 17 patients. Neck dissection was performed simultaneously for 4 supraglottic cases with cervical nodal metastasis. Mean follow-up duration was 40 months. Results: In primary laser surgery group, distribution of tumors (American Joint Committee on Cancer, 1997) were 38 cases with Tl, 13 cases with T2, 2 cases with T3. Cure rate was 88.7%(47/53) and local control rate was 92.5%(49/53). Larynx was preserved in 94%(50/53) of patients. The overall 5-year survival rate(Kaplan-Meier) was 81.5%. In radiation failure group, 56% of patients were recurred after laser surgery. Conclusion: Laser surgery could be a better treatment modality for early laryngeal cancers and selected advanced cases. Additional radiation therapy should be considered if resection margin is not satisfactory.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.198-207
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• 2007

[ $^{18}F$ ]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET) scan has been found to reflect tumor aggressiveness and prognosis in various types of cancer. In this study, the gene expression profiles of glial tumors were evaluated to determine whether glial tumors with high $^{18}F$-FDG uptake have more aggressive biological potential than with low uptake. Surgical specimens were obtained from the 12 patients with glial tumors (4 males and 8 females, age range 42-68 years). The tumor samples were divided into two groups based on the $^{18}F$-FDG uptake PET scan findings: high $^{18}F$-FDG uptake (n=4) and low $^{18}F$-FDG uptake (n=8). The pathological tumor grade was closely correlated with the $^{18}F$-FDG uptake pattern: Glial tumors with high $^{18}F$-FDG uptake were pathologically Edmondson-Steiner grade III, while those with low uptake were grade II. The total RNA was extracted from the frozen tissues of all glial tumors (n=12), and adjacent non-cancerous tissue (n=3). The gene expression profiles were evaluated using cDNA microarray. The glial tumors with high $^{18}F$-FDG uptake showed increase expression of 15 genes compared to those with low uptake (P<0.005). Nine genes were down-regulated. Gene expression is closely related to cell survival, cell-to-cell adhesion or cell spreading; therefore, glial tumors with high $^{18}F$-FDG uptake appear to have more aggressive biological properties than those with low uptake.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.363-367
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• 1993

A retrospective analysis was peformed on 42 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix who were treated with external beam (EB) radiation therapy alone at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital from March 1979 to December 1988. After whole pelvic field irradiation of 50Gy, all the patients received additional booster dose of 12-22Gy to the primary tumor Thirty one received EB radiotherapy alone because of poor geometry for intracavitary application,5 because of medical problems and 6 because of other reasons. Five year locoregional control rate and five year survival rate were $34.5\%\;and\;35.4\%,$ respectively. Five year survivals were $66.7\%,\;36.4%,\;32.8\%\;and\;25.0\%$ for stage IIA, IIB, IIIB and IVA, respectively. The response one month after treatment well correlated with prognosis. The incidence of grade 2 and 3 complication was $12\%\;and\;10\%,$ respectively. There was tendency of increased complication with advanced stage.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.157-162
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• 1995

Lung cancer study group at Asan Medical Center has conducted the second prospective study to determine the efficacy and feasibility of MVP chemotherapy with concurrent hyperfractionated radiotherapy for Patients with stage III unresectable non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). All eligible Patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC were treated with hyperfractionated radiotherapy(120 cGy/fx BID. 6480 cGy/54fx) and concurrent 2 cycles of MVP(Mitomycin C $6mg/m^2,$ d2 & d29.Vinblastine $6mg/m^2,$ d2 & d29, Cisplatin $60mg/m^2,$ dl & d28) chemotherapy. Between Aug. 1993 and Nov. 1994, 62 patients entered this study; $6(10\%)$ had advanced stage IIIa and $56(90\%)$ had IIIb disease including 11 with pleural effusion and 10 with supraclavicular metastases. Among 62 patients, $48(77\%)$ completed planned therapy. Fourteen patients refused further treatment during chemoradiotherapy. Of 46 patients evaluable for response, $34(74\%)$ showed major response including $10(22\%)$ with complete and $24(52\%)$ with partial responses. Of 48 patients evaluable for toxicity, $13(27\%)$ showed grade IV hematologic toxicity but treatment delay did not exceed 5 days Two patients died of sepsis during chemoradiotherapy. Severe weight loss(more than $10\%)$ occurred in 9 patients$(19\%)$ during treatment. Nine patients$(19\%)$ developed radiation pneumonitis Six of these patients had grade 1 (mild) Pneumonitis with radiographic changes within the treatment fields Three other patients had grade 11 Pneumonitis, but none of these patients had continuous symptoms after steroid treatment. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC was well tolerated with acceptable toxicity and achieved higher response rates than the first study, but rather low compliance $rate(77\%)$ in this study is worrisome. We need to improve nutritional support during treatment and to use G-CSF to improve leukopenia and if necessary. supportive care will be given as in patients, Longer follow-up and larger sample size is needed to observe survival advantage.