• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.202-208
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• 2002

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the monitor unit obtained from various methods for the treatment of superficial cancers using electron beams. Thirty-three breast cancer patients who were treated in our institution with 6, 9, and 12 MeV electron beams, were selected for this study. For each patient, irregularly shaped treatment blocks were drawn on simulation film and constructed. Using the irregular blocks, monitor units to deliver 100 cGy to the dose maximum (dmax) were calculated from measurement and three-dimensional radiation treatment planning (3D RTP) system (PINNACLE 6.0, ADAC Laboratories, Milpitas CA) Measurements were made in solid water phantom with plane parallel (PP) chamber (Roos, OTW Germany) at 100 cm source-to surface distances. CT data was used to investigate the effect of heterogeneity. Monitor units were calculated by overriding CT values with 1 g/㎤ and in the presence of heterogeneity. The monitor unit values obtained by the above methods were compared. The dose, obtained from measurement in solid water phantom was higher than that of RTP values for irregularly shaped blocks. The maximum differences between monitor unit calculated in flat water phantom at gantry zero position were 4% for 6 MeV and 2% for 9 and 12 MeV electrons. When CT data was used at a various gantry angle the agreement between the TPS data with and without density correction was within 3% for all energies. These results indicate that there are no significant difference in terms of monitor unit when density is corrected for the treatment of breast cancer patients with electrons.

• Journal of Bone Metabolism
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.195-211
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• 2018

Background: To develop guidelines and recommendations to prevent and treat glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in Korea. Methods: The Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research and the Korean College of Rheumatology have developed this guideline based on Guidance for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines ver. 1.0 established by the National Evidence-Based Healthcare Collaborating Agency. This guideline was developed by adapting previously published guidelines, and a systematic review and quality assessment were performed. Results: This guideline applies to adults aged ${\geq}19years$ who are using or plan to use GCs. It does not include children and adolescents. An initial assessment of fracture risk should be performed within 6 months of initial GC use. Fracture risk should be estimated using the fracture-risk assessment tool (FRAX) after adjustments for GC dose, history of osteoporotic fractures, and bone mineral density (BMD) results. All patients administered with prednisolone or an equivalent medication at a dose ${\geq}2.5mg/day$ for ${\geq}3months$ are recommended to use adequate calcium and vitamin D during treatment. Patients showing a moderate-to-high fracture risk should be treated with additional medication for osteoporosis. All patients continuing GC therapy should undergo annual BMD testing, vertebral X-ray, and fracture risk assessment using FRAX. When treatment failure is suspected, switching to another drug should be considered. Conclusions: This guideline is intended to guide clinicians in the prevention and treatment of GIOP.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.369-376
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• 1993

226 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated with curative radiation therapy at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Dongsan hospital, Keimyung university, School of medicine, from July,1988 to May,1991 were evaluated. The patients with all stages of the disease were included in this study. The maximum and mean follow up durations were 60 and 43 months. The radiation therapy consisted of external irradiation to the whole pelvis (2700~4500 cGy) and boost parametrial doses (for a total of 4500~6300 cGy)with midline shild $(4{\times}10\;cm),$ and combined with intracavitary irradiation (5700~7500 cGy to point A). The distribution of patients according to the stage was as follows: stage IB 37 $(16.4\%),$ stage IIA 91 $(40.3\%),$ stage IIB 58 $(25.7\%),$ stage III 32 $(13.8\%),$ stage IV 8 $(3.5\%).$ The overall failure rate was $23.9\%$ (54 patients). The failure rate increased as a function of stage from $13.5\%$ in stage IB to $15.4\%$ in stage IIA, $25.9\%$ in stage IIB, $46.9\%$ in stage III, and $62.5\%$ in stage UV. The pelvic failure alone were 32 patients and 11 patients were as a components of other failure, and remaining 11 patients had distant metastasis only. Among the 43 patients of locoregional failure,28 patients were not controlled initially and in other words nearly half of total failures were due to residual tumor. The mean medial paracervical (point A) doses were 6700 cGy in stage IIB,7200 cGy in stage IIA,7450 cGy in stage IIB,7600 cGy in stage III and 8100 cGy in stage IV. The medial paracervical doses showed some correlation with tumor control rate in early stage of disease (stage Ib, IIA), but there were higher central failure rate in advanced stage in spite of higher paracervical doses. In advanced stage, failure were not reduced by simple increment of paracervical doses. To improve a locoregional control rate in advanced stages, it is necessary to give additional treatment such as concomitant chemoradiation.

• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2015

Lutetium-177 ($T_{1/2}=6.71day$) is an adequate radionuclide for therapy, which has both beta emission ($E_{max}=497keV$) for therapeutic effect and gamma emission (113 and 208 keV) for imaging. $^{177}Lu$ labeled ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis (methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP) and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraaminomethylenephosphonate (DOTMP) have been proposed as radiopharmaceuticals for bone pain palliation. In this study, we compared radiochemistry and biodistribution of $^{177}Lu$-EDTMP and $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP. EDTMP and DOTMP were synthesized, and 1 mg of each was labeled with $^{177}Lu$ at pH 7~8 with high efficiency (>98%). For comparative biodistribution studies, $^{177}Lu$-EDTMP or $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP were injected into ICR-mice through tail vein, and then biodistribution data were obtained as percentages of injected dose per gram of tissue (% ID/g). Urine excretions of both agents in mice were checked for 7 days. Rat images were also obtained after injection of $^{177}Lu$-EDTMP or $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP. $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP (100% at 1 min) showed faster labeling than $^{177}Lu$-EDTMP (100% at 30 min). Both of them were stable at least for 21 days at room temperature. High bone uptakes were found for both $^{177}Lu$-EDTMP and $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP: 38.0 and 34.1% ID/g at 3 hr, respectively; and 33.2 and 18.8% ID/g at 7 day, respectively. Rapid excretions to urine were found for both agents ($^{177}Lu$-EDTMP: 56%, $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP: 63% at 1 day). Other organs showed very low uptakes. Rat images of both $^{177}Lu$-EDTMP and $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP showed high bone uptakes and low soft tissue uptakes. In conclusion, both $^{177}Lu$-EDTMP and $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP showed high potential as bone pain palliation agents. $^{177}Lu$-EDTMP showed higher bone uptake and slower bone clearance in mice than those of $^{177}Lu$-DOTMP.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.12 s.269
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• pp.913-919
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• 2006

Background: Vasodilatory shock has been implicated in life-threatening complications after open heart surgery, where the systemic inflammatory reaction is attributed to the cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). The secretion of arginine vasopressin(AVP) has been found to be defective in a variety of vasodilatory shock states and administration of AVP markedly improves vasomotor tone and blood pressure. So we reviewed our experience of AVP therapy in patients with vasodilatory shock following heart surgery using CPB. Material and Method: From January 2004 to July 2006, we reviewed the records of patients who received AVP therapy for vasodilatory shock following heart surgery using CPB. Vasodilatory shock was defined as a mean arterial pressure lower(MAP) than 70 mmHg, a cardiac index greater than 2.5 $L/min/m^2$, peripheral vascular resistance lower than 800 $dyn/s/cm^5$, and vasopressor requirements. The hemodynamic responses of patients who received AVP therapy for vasodilatory shock after cardiac surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Result: One hundred ninety nine open cardiac surgery patients were consecutively included in this study. Twenty two patients(11.1%) met criteria for vasodilatory shock. Despite the administration of high dose catecholamine vasopressor, all patients were hypotensive with a mean arterial pressure less than 70 mmHg. AVP therapy increased MAP from $53.3{\pm}7.4\;to\;82.0{\pm}12.0$ mmHg at 1 hour (p<0.001) and decreased other vasopressor requirements from $25{\pm}7\;to\;18{\pm}6$ at 1 hour(p<0.001) and individually maintained it for 12 hours. Conclusion: Our date suggest that AVP may be a safe and an effective vasopressor in patients with vasodilatory shock. In patients exhibiting vasodilatory shock after heart surgery, replacement of AVP increases blood pressure and reduces catecholamine vasopressor requirements.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2004

Purpose : Children with nephrotic syndrome(NS) are under high risk for metabolic bone disease(MBD) as a complication of long-term glucocorticoid therapy. We prospectively evaluated the effect of oral bisphosphonate(alendronate) therapy in children with NS, which has proven efficacy in adult patients with glucocorticoid induced MBD. Methods : Among 58 children with NS, aged 5 to 8 years and haying a disease duration of more than 2 years, 30(51.7%) were enrolled to meet the selection criteria, less than -1.0 Z-scores of lumbar spine bone mineral density(BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). These 30 children were divided into three groups and each were assigned to receive alendronate, calcitriol, and no-medication, respectively for one year. Lumbar spine BMD was followed up every 6 months and the biochemical indexes were measured before and 1 year after the treatment. There were no significant difference among groups with respect to the average age, the initial BMD, and the cumulative steroid doses. Analysis of the treatment efficacy was done by the % change of BMD and by the changes in Z-scores of lumbar spine BMD. Results : Mean age and disease duration of patients at the initial lumbar spine BMD evaluation was $7.4{\pm}1.7$ years and $2.2{\pm}1.2$ years, respectively. Twenty-three of 30 children(76%) had osteopenia, and seven(23%) had osteoporosis. There was no difference in the biochemical values among the groups, before and 1 year after the treatment(P<0.05). Twenty two children(73.3%) with frequent relapsing or steroid dependant NS had more frequent MBD, compared to the 8 children(26.6%) with infrequent relapsing NS. The one year % changes of BMD were 8.56 in alendronate group, 5.79 in calcitriol group, and 1.9 in no-medication group. The changes in Z-score of lumbar spine BMD increased in the alendronate group and the calcitriol group, but not in the no-medication group. One year % changes of BMD were different among groups(P=0.0002). Significant differences were found between the alendronate and the no-medication group, and between the calcitriol and the no-medication group(P<0.05). There was no difference between the alendronate and the calcitriol group. No serious adverse effect was observed in the alendronate group. Conclusion : Children with NS receiving high dose steroids are under the high risk of BMD and should undergo regular BMD evaluation. Z-score of lumbar spine BMD was a useful parameter in diagnosing low bone mass in children. Alendronate weekly oral therapy was effective and relatively safe in increasing the lumbar spine BMD in children with NS having steroid induced MBD.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.343-352
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• 2002

Purpose : Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality for uterine cervix cancer. Since the rectum is in the radiation target volume, rectal bleeding is a common late side effect. This study evaluates the risk factors of radiation induced rectal bleeding and discusses its optimal management. Materials and Methods : total of 213 patients who completed external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intracavitary radiation (ICR) between September 1994 and December 1999 were included in this study. No patient had undergone concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Ninety patients received radiotherapy according to a modified hyperfractionated schedule. A midline block was placed at a pelvic dose of between 30.6 Gy to 39.6 Gy. The total parametrial dose from the EBRT was 51 to 59 Gy depending on the extent of their disease. The Point A dose from the HDR brachytherapy was 28 Gy to 30 Gy $(4\;Gy\times7,\;or\;5\;Gy\times6)$. The rectal point dose was calculated either by the ICRU 38 guideline, or by anterior rectal wall point seen on radiographs, with barium contrast. Rectal bleeding was scored by the LENT/SOMA criteria. For the management of rectal bleeding, we opted for observation, sucralfate enema or coagulation based on the frequency or amount of bleeding. The median follow-up period was 39 months $(12\~86\;months)$. Results : The incidence of rectal bleeding was $12.7\%$ (27/213); graded as 1 in 9 patients, grade 2 in 16 and grade 3 in 2. The overall moderate and severe rectal complication rate was $8.5\%$. Most complications $(92.6\%)$ developed within 2 years following completion of radiotherapy (median 16 months). No patient progressed to rectal fistula or obstruction during the follow-up period. In the univariate analysis, three factors correlated with a high incidence of bleeding an icruCRBED greater than 100 Gy $(19.7\%\;vs.\;4.2\%)$, an EBRT dose to the parametrium over 55 Gy $(22.1\%\;vs.\;5.1\%)$ and higher stages of III and IV $(31.8\%\;vs.\;10.5\%)$. In the multivariate analysis, the icruCRBED was the only significant factor (p>0.0432). The total parametrial dose from the EBRT had borderline significance (p=0.0546). Grade 1 bleeding was controlled without further management (3 patients), or with sucralfate enema 1 to 2 months after treatment. For grade 2 bleeding, sucralfate enema for 1 to 2 months reduced the frequency or amount of bleeding but for residual bleeding, additional coagulation was peformed, where immediate cessation of bleeding was achieved (symptom duration of 3 to 10 months). Grade 3 bleeding lasted for 1 year even with multiple transfusions and coagulations. Conclusion : Moderate and several rectal bleeding occurred in $8.5\%$ of patients, which is comparable with other reports. The most significant risk factor for rectal bleeding was the accumulated dose to the rectum (icruCRBED), which corrected with consideration to biological equivalence. Prompt management of rectal bleeding, with a combination of sucralfate enema and coagulation, reduced the duration of the symptom, and minimized the anxiety/discomfort of patients.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.285-290
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• 2008

In this study, we have fabricated a one-dimensional fiber-optic dosimeter for electron beam therapy dosimetry. Each fiber-optic dosimeter has an organic scintillator with a plastic optical fiber and it is embedded and arrayed in the plastic phantom to measure one-dimensional high energy electron beam profile of clinical linear accelerator. The scintillating lights generated from each sensor probe are guided by plastic optical fibers to the multi-channel photodiode amplifier system. We have measured one-dimensional electron beam profiles in a PMMA phantom according to different field sizes and energies of electron beam. Also, the isodose and three-dimensional percent depth dose curves in a PMMA phantom are obtained using a one-dimensional fiber-optic dosimeter with different electron beam energies.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.173-177
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• 2019

Objective: We investigated the clinical characteristics of men with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)-induced hypogonadism and its effect on assisted reproductive technology (ART) in infertile couples. Methods: This study examined the records of 20 consecutive male patients diagnosed with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (< 5 × 10⁶/mL) who visited a single infertility center from January 2008 to July 2018. All patients were treated at a primary clinic for erectile dysfunction or androgen deficiency symptoms combined with low serum testosterone. All men received a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor and TRT with testosterone undecanoate (Nebido^®) or testosterone enanthate (Jenasteron^®). Patients older than 50 years or with a chronic medical disease such as diabetes were excluded. Results: The mean age of patients was 37 years and the mean duration of infertility was 16.3 ± 11.6 months. At the initial presentation, eight patients had azoospermia, nine had cryptozoospermia, and three had severe oligozoospermia. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels were below 1.0 mIU/mL in most patients. Three ongoing ART programs with female factor infertility were cancelled due to male spermatogenic dysfunction; two of these men had normal semen parameters in the previous cycle. After withholding TRT, serum hormone levels and sperm concentrations returned to normal range after a median duration of 8 months. Conclusion: TRT with high-dose testosterone can cause spermatogenic dysfunction due to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, with adverse effects on infertility treatment programs. TRT is therefore contraindicated for infertile couples attempting to conceive, and the patient's desire for fertility must be considered before initiation of TRT in a hypogonadal man.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.55-62
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• 1986

From Nov. 1983 through Jan. 1986, 43 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer were treated by radiation therapy at Inje Medical College Paik Hospital. 38 patients were available for the analysis of this study. 33 patients received definite irradiation with curative intent, while 5 patients received postoperative irradiation. Chemotherapy was added in 12 patients before, during and after radio-therapy. 28 patients were squamous cell carcinoma and 10 patients were adenocarcinoma. There were 29 men and 9 women (median age, 50 years; range 34 to 74 years). Stage 1 was 1 patient, Stage 11,7 patient, and Stage 111,30 patients. Among 33 patients who received radiotherapy with curative intent, follow up radiological study revealed complete response in 12 patients $(36\%)$, partial response, in 9 patients $(27\%)$, and minimal response, in 5 patients $(15\%)$, while 7 patients $(21\%)$ were nonresponders. Median survival for all patients was 6.9 months; squamous cell carcinoma, 7.3 months, adenocarcinoma, 5.9 months. Responders survived median 7 months, while nonresponders survived median 1.9 months. Improved complete response rate and survival were shown in high radiation dose group. As prognostic factors, age, initial performance status, sex, histology and tumor location were evaluated.