• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권2호
• /
• pp.737-740
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The study aim was to assess factors that impact on the outcome of radioiodine therapy in patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on 256 patients with DTC who underwent thyroidectomy and received radioiodine therapy during December 2003 to January 2012. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. They were considered diseasefree by the criteria of the revised American Thyroid Association Management Guideline for Patients with Thyroid nodules and DTC (ATA guideline 2009). Results: On Cox univariate analysis, factors associated with disease-free status were age<45, stage I tumor, low risk group by histopathology, unifocal tumor involvement, stimulated serum Tg level at 1st dose of radioiodine therapy and no distant metastasis from 1st post-treatment WBS (post RxWBS). On multivariate analysis, stage I tumor and stimulated serum Tg level at 1st dose of radioiodine therapy < 30 ng/mL were the significant prognostic factors that increased disease-free rate by 1.73 times and 2.60 times, respectively (P-value <0.05). Conclusions: Factors affecting the outcome of radioiodine therapy in our study were age, stage, risk of recurrence by histopathology, unifocal tumor involvement and 1st postRxWBS findings. From these factors, stage I tumor and stimulated serum Tg level at 1st dose of radioiodine therapy were independent prognostic factors that substantial increase the disease-free rate.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제35권3호
• /
• pp.332-351
• /
• 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of living condition and aging on food intake in Korea. 98 free-meal receivers and 81 members in well-being center for the aged were asked about their food frequency and food consumption and their socioeconomic status by a questionnaire. All data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences) 10.0 program. There were statistical differences of living condition, marital status, former job and teeth status between free-meal receivers and people with stable lives. Moreover, all age groups of free-meal receivers had lower income, living expenses, educational period and frequency of physical activity than those of people with stable lives. But smoking and drinking was much higher in free-meal receivers. Arthritis was the most prevalent disease in both groups. And free-meal receivers had higher blood pressure and lower Body Mass Index than people with stable lives. Food consumption of free-meal receivers was definitely lower than that of people with stable lives in terms of food frequency and standard amount of food eaten. But noodles, bean sprouts and eggs were very important foods for free-meal receives. Food consumption of the aged was affected by age, educational period, income, blood pressure, duration after retirement, frequency of physical activity and Body Mass Index. Therefore, as various socioeconomic status affects on food intakes of the aged, more effective and practical nutritional programs which consider the receivers'socioeconomic status are needed for the nutritionally at-risk groups like the aging free-meal receivers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제15권2호
• /
• pp.807-812
• /
• 2014

Background: The clinical course of the neoplasm may vary due to both patient and tumor cell characteristics. Aim: The aim of this study was to research the influence of certain clinical and pathological features on the prognosis of early stage breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This study included 117 women that were treated and followed-up in between the years 2001-2011. The demographic, clinical and histopathological features of the cases were reviewed retrospectively. Statistical analysis: In categorical comparisons between groups, cross-tab statistics were provided and significance levels were estimated using chi-square test. Cox regression analysis, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests, and the Kaplan-Meier test were also used. Results: With an average of 35-months follow-up, the mean disease-free survival of patients was 91 months and the mean overall survival time was 132 months. In the whole study group, the disease-free survival rates were 88, 84, 83 and 52%, while the overall survival rates 95, 94, 83, and 83% within the first, third, fifth and tenth years, respectively. The disease-free and overall survival rates were decreased with increasing tumor grades, though this was not statistically significant. The presence of lymphovascular invasion, positive staining with Ki67 and postmenopausal status were associated with shorter disease-free and overall survival times. In multivariate analysis, only age and Her2/neu receptor status influenced the prognosis significantly. Conclusions: In parallel to clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical prognostic features in breast cancer, in this study positive Her2/neu receptor status, a previously accepted poor prognostic factor, was found to have positive influence after trastuzumab treatment.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제41권4호
• /
• pp.307-316
• /
• 2008

The purpose of the study was to investigate nutritional status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and to find out the differences according to the stages of disease. From March to October, 2006, 41 stable male patients of mild to severe COPD patients were recruited from Seoul National University hospital. The patients' of body weight and fat free mass were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The nutritional status of the patients was also assessed by 3-day recall, index of nutritional quality (INQ), dietary diversity score (DDS), dietary variety score (DVS), food group index pattern and dietary quality index (DQI). The total of 41 patients were classified into three groups, stage I, stage II and stage III groups according to the classification of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) standard. The mean age of the patients in each stage were 67.2-66.9 years showing no significant difference. The ratio of $FEV_1$/FVC were $57.5{\pm}7.3$, $46.9{\pm}7.6$ and $38.2{\pm}6.8%$, respectively showing significant differences according to the stages of disease. The fat free mass of the stage II ($48.2{\pm}4.7kg$) and III ($47.3{\pm}4.5kg$) was significantly lower than that of stage I ($53.1{\pm}6.9kg$) patients. There were significant correlation of fat free mass with $FEV_{1}$, and BMI (body mass index) with $FEV_{1}$/FVC ratio (p < 0.05). COPD patients showed the diet-related clinical symptoms of anorexia, dyspnea, dyspepsia, and chewing difficulty. Daily intakes of calorie, K, vitamin $B_2$ and folate of the patients were very low ($83.8{\pm}20.7%$, $58.9{\pm}14.4%$, $70.7{\pm}19.6%$ and $74.4{\pm}10.2%$, respectively) however, they did not significantly different according to the stages of disease. Daily intake of calcium was significantly lower in the stage III patients (p < 0.05). The mean scores of dietary variety score was significantly lower in the stage III patients (p < 0.001). Dietary quality index of the patients were not different among the stages of disease and the scores indicated poor quality of diet. As a summary, we found that body fat free mass, regularity of exercise, frequency of having snacks and dietary variety score were significantly associated with the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제40권3호
• /
• pp.164-168
• /
• 2006

Objective : The goal of treatment for spinal cord ependymoma is complete removal without postoperative neurological deficit. The authors analyzed the surgical results and factors influencing the postoperative prognosis. Methods : Fifty-one cases of primary spinal cord ependymoma, surgically treated between 1979 and 2003, were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 44 months. Results : Gross total removal was achieved in 42 patients and incomplete removal in nine. The proportion of complete surgical removals was influenced by tumor location and histology. Disease progression was observed in five cases [9.8%], the mean progression free interval after surgical removal was 48 months and the 5-year progression free rate was 68%. Disease progression was found in none of the 42 cases who underwent complete removal, and in 5 of 9 cases who hadincomplete removal group [P<0.001]. Statistically significant disease-progression factors by multivariate analysis were the surgical extent of removal [P=0.012]. preoperative functional status [P=0.032] the presence of intratumoral cysts [P=0.007] and postoperative radiation therapy [P=0042]. Of those patients who underwent incomplete removal, radiation therapy was found to significantly improve the clinical result [P=0042]. Conclusion : In the surgical treatment of spinal cord ependymoma, preoperative functional status, the presence of intratumoral cysts, the extent of removal, and postoperative radiation therapy were found to be significant prognostic factors of postoperative outcome.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권17호
• /
• pp.7463-7466
• /
• 2015

Aims: To analyse the predictors of recurrence, disease free survival and overall survival in cases with endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 152 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer were screened using a prospectively collected database including age, smoking history, menopausal status, body mass index, CA125, systemic disorders, tumor histology, tumor grade, lymphovascular space invasion, tumor diameter, cervical involvement, myometrial invasion, adnexal metastases, positive cytology, serosal involvement, other pelvic metastases, type of surgery, fertility sparing approach to assess their ability to predict recurrence, disease free survival and overall survival. Results: In ROC analyses tumor diameter was a significant predictor of recurrence (AUC:0.771, P<0.001). The optimal cut off value was 3.75 with 82% sensitivity and 63% specificity. In correlation analyses tumor grade (r=0.267, p=0.001), tumor diameter (r=0.297, p<0.001) and the serosal involvement (r=0.464, p<0.001) were found to significantly correlate with the recurrence. In Cox regression analyses when some different combinations of variables included in the model which are found to be significantly associated with the presence of recurrence, tumor diameter was found to be a significant confounder for disease free survival (OR=1.2(95 CI,1.016-1.394, P=0.031). On Cox regression for overall survival only serosal involvement was found to be a significant predictor (OR=20.8 (95 % CI 2.4-179.2, P=0.006). In univariate analysis of tumor diameter > 3.75 cm and the recurrence, there was 14 (21.9 %) cases with recurrence in group with high tumor diameter where as only 3 (3.4 %) cases group with smaller tumor size (Odds ratio:7.9 (95 %CI 2.2-28.9, p<0.001). Conclusions: Although most of the significantly correlated variables are part of the FIGO staging, tumor diameter was also found to be predictor for recurrence with higher values than generally accepted.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• 제18권3호
• /
• pp.149-159
• /
• 2015

Crohn's disease is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease of the intestines characterized by frequent relapse and remission. It often develops in children and adolescents, who are vulnerable to repeated exposure to ionizing radiations. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is an increasingly important radiation-free imaging modality that is used to evaluate pediatric patients with Crohn's disease. MRE can evaluate extraluminal and extraintestinal abnormalities as well as the status of the bowel wall. In addition, MRE has an advantage in the evaluation of the small bowel involvement. MRE can be used for the initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease, and can aid in the assessment of disease activity and complications such as penetrating and fibrostenotic diseases. The aims of this article are to review the MRE technique for obtaining diagnostic and high-quality images and to discuss interpretations of imaging findings in patients with Crohn's disease.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권1호
• /
• pp.253-258
• /
• 2015

Background: Development of squamous cell cancer of head and neck (SCCHN) is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which in turn is closely related with expression of $p16^{INK4A}$. Loss of $p16^{INK4A}$ expression by deletion, mutation, or hypermethylation is common in SCCHN. We here evaluated $p16^{INK4A}$ as a prognostic marker of treatment response and survival in our SCCHN patients with laryngeal, hypopharyngeal or nasopharyngeal cancers. Materials and Methods: 131 patients diagnosed with SCCHN between January 2,2006 and July 17, 2010 were examined for $p16^{INK4A}$. The median age was 60 years (15-82 years). Fifty one patients were stage I-II and 80 were stage III-IV. Immunohistochemical expression of $p16^{INK4A}$ was analyzed in pretreatment paraffin-embedded tumor blocks. The influence of $p16^{INK4A}$ status on disease-free survival, and overall survival after treatment was evaluated. Results: $p16^{INK4A}$ positivity was found in 58 patients (44%). Tumor-positivity for$ p16^{INK4A}$ was correlated with improved disease free survival (70.1 months vs 59 months) and improved overall survival (2, 3 and 5-year values; 77% vs 72%, 70% vs 63% and, 63% vs 55%; respectively). On multivariate analysis, stage was determined as independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. Conclusions: Stage was the major prognostic factor on treatment response and survival in our patients. $p16^{INK4A}$ status predicts better outcome in laryngeal, hypopharyngeal or nasopharyngeal cancer cases treated with surgery plus adjuvant radiochemotherapy as well as with definitive radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제62권1호
• /
• pp.10-26
• /
• 2019

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an emerging new technology with considerable potential to treat various neurological diseases. With refinement of ultrasound transducer technology and integration with magnetic resonance imaging guidance, transcranial sonication of precise cerebral targets has become a therapeutic option. Intensity is a key determinant of ultrasound effects. High-intensity focused ultrasound can produce targeted lesions via thermal ablation of tissue. MRgFUS-mediated stereotactic ablation is non-invasive, incision-free, and confers immediate therapeutic effects. Since the US Food and Drug Administration approval of MRgFUS in 2016 for unilateral thalamotomy in medication-refractory essential tremor, studies on novel indications such as Parkinson's disease, psychiatric disease, and brain tumors are underway. MRgFUS is also used in the context of blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening at low intensities, in combination with intravenously-administered microbubbles. Preclinical studies show that MRgFUS-mediated BBB opening safely enhances the delivery of targeted chemotherapeutic agents to the brain and improves tumor control as well as survival. In addition, BBB opening has been shown to activate the innate immune system in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid plaque clearance and promotion of neurogenesis in these studies suggest that MRgFUS-mediated BBB opening may be a new paradigm for neurodegenerative disease treatment in the future. Here, we review the current status of preclinical and clinical trials of MRgFUS-mediated thermal ablation and BBB opening, described their mechanisms of action, and discuss future prospects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권3호
• /
• pp.1007-1010
• /
• 2015

Background: The clinical significance of bilateral breast cancer is unclear and its influence on prognosis is controversial. Materials and Methods: Between 2005 and 2009 we identified 110 cases of bilateral breast cancer (BBC) ; 49 patients had synchronous (duration between the occurrence of carcinoma in both breasts was less than 12 months) and 61 had metachronous (duration was more than one year with no ipsilateral local recurrence). We compared the patient characteristics including age, menopausal status, clinical stage, tumor size, histological classification, lymph node status, and hormone receptor and Her-2 status. We also compared the treatment given and overall and disease free survival (DFS) of both groups. Results: Synchronous cases tend to present more aggressively than metachronous cases and age at first presentation adversely affects survival. The 5 year overall survival was 78.7% for metachronous and 60% for synchronous. Patients with positive hormonal status had better five year disease free survival in metachronous compared to synchronous cases, at 76% and 63%, respectively. Age at first presentation >45years had better DFS (65%) compared to those with age ${\leq}45$ years (52%) at 5 years follow up. Conclusions: Patients with synchronous breast cancer may have worse prognosis. Young age and hormone receptor negative were risk factors in our study. Close follow up and early detection of contralateral breast cancer is mandatory.