• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.238-246
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• 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome of high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy (IBT) in patients with oral cavity cancer. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with oral cavity cancer treated with HDR remote-control afterloading brachytherapy using $^{192}Ir$ between 2001 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Brachytherapy was administered in 11 patients as the primary treatment and in five patients as salvage treatment for recurrence after the initial surgery. In 12 patients, external beam radiotherapy (50-55 Gy/25 fractions) was combined with IBT of 21 Gy/7 fractions. In addition, IBT was administered as the sole treatment in three patients with a total dose of 50 Gy/10 fractions and as postoperative adjuvant treatment in one patient with a total of 35 Gy/7 fractions. Results: The 5-year overall survival of the entire group was 70%. The actuarial local control rate after 3 years was 84%. All five recurrent cases after initial surgery were successfully salvaged using IBT ${\pm}$ external beam radiotherapy. Two patients developed local recurrence at 3 and 5 months, respectively, after IBT. The acute complications were acceptable (${\leq}grade$ 2). Three patients developed major late complications, such as radio-osteonecrosis, in which one patient was treated by conservative therapy and two required surgical intervention. Conclusion: HDR IBT for oral cavity cancer was effective and acceptable in diverse clinical settings, such as in the cases of primary or salvage treatment.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe treatment patterns of radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer in Korea. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire about radiation treatment technique and principles in 2013 was sent to 83 radiation oncologists and data from 57 hospitals were collected analyzed to find patterns of RT for prostate cancer patients in Korea. Results: The number of patients with prostate cancer treated with definitive RT ranged from 1 to 72 per hospital in 2013. RT doses and target volumes increased according to risk groups but the range of radiation doses was wide (60 to 81.4 Gy) and the fraction size was diverse (1.8 to 5 Gy). Intensity-modulated radiation therapy was used for definitive treatment in 93.8% of hospitals. Hormonal therapy was integrated with radiation for intermediate (63.2%) and high risk patients (77.2%). Adjuvant RT after radical prostatectomy was performed in 46 hospitals (80.7%). Indications of adjuvant RT included positive resection margin, seminal vesicle invasion, and capsular invasion. The total dose for adjuvant RT ranged from 50 to 72 Gy in 24-39 fractions. Salvage RT was delivered with findings of consecutive elevations in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA level over 0.2 ng/mL, or clinical recurrence. The total radiation doses ranged from 50 to 80 Gy with a range of 1.8 to 2.5 Gy per fraction for salvage RT. Conclusion: This nationwide patterns of care study suggests that variable radiation techniques and a diverse range of dose fractionation schemes are applied for prostate cancer treatment in Korea. Standard guidelines for RT in prostate cancer need to be developed.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.96-106
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• 2004

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of limb salvage operation with recycled autogenous bone graft in musculoskeletal malignant tumors. Materials and Methods: Twenty nine cases, who underwent limb salvage operation with recycled autogenous bone graft for the treatment of musculoskeletal malignant tumor between February 1990 and January 2003, were included. There were 18 males and 11 females and the mean age was 33 years (range, 10 to 65 years). The mean follow-up period was 51.8 months (range, 18 to 117 months). The Enneking stage was IIA in 10 cases and IIB in 19 cases. The recycling method of autogenous bone was deep freezing in 6 cases, autoclaving in 11 cases, pasteurization in 7 cases and the composite of autoclaving and vascularized fibular graft in 5 cases. The union of junctional site was evaluated radiologically and the functional results was analyzed by the grading systems of the International Symposium On Limb Salvages (ISOLS). Results: The mean union time was 7.2 months (range, 3 to 15 months). The union took 5.8 months (range, 4 to 8 months) in deep freezing, 9.7 months (range, 6 to 15 months) in autoclaving, 5.9 months (range, 4 to 8 months) in pasteurization, and 5 months (range, 4 to 8 months) in the composite of autoclaving and vascularized fibular graft. The mean functional evaluation percentage was 76.8% (range, 40 to 90%). It was 65.8% (range, 40 to 85%) in deep freezing, 76.6% (range, 40 to 90%) in autoclaving, 81.6% (range, 70 to 90%) in pasteurization, and 83.4% (range, 75 to 90%) in the composite of autoclaving and vascularized fibular graft. There were 6 cases of complications including 1 case of local recurrence, lung metastasis, infection, fracture, respectively and 2 cases of nonunion. Conclusion: The limb salvage operation with recycled autogenous bone graft is a useful treatment method for the musculoskeletal malignant tumors. Particularly, autoclaving is the most reliable sterilization method. The vascularized fibular graft can compensate decreased osteoinductivity and mechanical strength of recycled bone. So, the composite of autoclaving and vascularized bone graft seems to be a favorable treatment method for high grade malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.192-199
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• 2018

Purpose: Use of radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy is increasing in hypopharyngeal cancer. However, many show residual tumor after radiotherapy. Timing for treatment evaluation and salvage therapy is essential. However, optimal timing for salvage surgery has not been suggested. In this study, we tried to evaluate optimal timing for salvage surgery. Methods and Materials: Patients who were diagnosed with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2006 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received definitive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Response of all treated patients were analyzed at 1, 3, and 6 months after radiotherapy. Any patients with progression before 6 months were excluded. Results: A total of 54 patients were analyzed. Complete remission (CR) rates at 1 month (CR₁), 3 months (CR₃) and 6 months (CR₆) were 66.7%, 81.5%, and 90.7%, respectively. Non-CR at 1 month (NCR₁), 3 months (NCR₃), and 6 months (NCR₆) showed poor locoregional recurrence-free survival rates (1-year rates of 63.7%, 66.7%, and 0.0%, respectively) compared to CR₁, CR₃, and CR₆ (1-year rates 94.3%, 88.0%, and 91.5%, respectively). Particularly significant differences were seen between CR₆ and NCR₆ (p < 0.001). Of 10 patients with NCR₃, 5 showed CR at 6 months (NCR₃/CR₆). There was no statistical difference in locoregional recurrence-free survival between CR₃ and NCR₃/CR₆ group (p = 0.990). Conclusion: Our data suggest half of patients who did not show CR at 3 months eventually achieved CR at 6 months. Waiting until 6 months after radiotherapy may be appropriate for avoiding additional salvage therapy.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.132-140
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• 2010

Purpose: Surgical treatment of massive rotator cuff tear is challenging and there are various surgical options. The purpose of this article is to describe arthroplasty for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tear. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all publications that focused on and/or mentioned arthroplasty as a treatment option for massive rotator cuff tear. Results: Arthroplasty can be used as primary treatment and represents a salvage option for irreparable rotator cuff tear. Hemi-arthroplasty can provide satisfactory results by Neer's limited goals criteria in patients with intact coracoacromial arch. In addition, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can be a salvage option for pain relief and restoration of active flexion in elderly patients with pseudoparalysis. Conclusion: In patients with massive rotator cuff tear, proper selection of arthroplasty can provide pain relief and restoration of functional range of motion in shoulder joints.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2017

Purpose: The outcomes and toxicities of locoregionally recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with curative radiotherapy were evaluated in the modern era. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven patients receiving radical radiotherapy for locoregionally recurrent NSCLC without distant metastasis after surgery from 2004 to 2014 were reviewed. Forty-two patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and 15 patients with radiotherapy alone. The median radiation dose was 66 Gy (range, 45 to 70 Gy). Lung function change after radiotherapy was evaluated by comparing pulmonary function tests before and at 1, 6, and 12 months after radiotherapy. Results: Median follow-up was 53.6 months (range, 12.0 to 107.5 months) among the survivors. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 54.8 months (range, 3.0 to 116.9 months) and 12.2 months (range, 0.8 to 100.2 months), respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that single locoregional recurrence focus and use of concurrent chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors for OS (p = 0.048 and p = 0.001, respectively) and PFS (p = 0.002 and p = 0.026, respectively). There was no significant change in predicted forced expiratory volume in one second after radiotherapy. Although diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide decreased significantly at 1 month after radiotherapy (p < 0.001), it recovered to pretreatment levels within 12 months. Acute grade 3 radiation pneumonitis and esophagitis were observed in 3 and 2 patients, respectively. There was no chronic complication observed in all patients. Conclusion: Salvage radiotherapy showed good survival outcomes without severe complications in postoperative locoregionally recurrent NSCLC patients. A single locoregional recurrent focus and the use of CCRT chemotherapy were associated with improved survival. CCRT should be considered as a salvage treatment in patients with good prognostic factors.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2019

Purpose: Penetrating vascular trauma though less common poses a challenge to all Surgeons. This study was designed to analyse the profile, management modalities of vascular trauma and the outcomes thereof at a Trauma Care Centre in a Tertiary care setting in hostile environment in India. Methods: A prospective review of all patients with arterial and venous injuries being transferred to the Trauma Center at out Tertiary Care Center between June 2015 and May 2018 was done. Demographics, admission data, treatment, and complications were reviewed. Results: There were a total of 46 patients with 65 vascular injuries, 39 arterial injuries and 26 venous injuries. The age range was 21 to 47 years. Nineteen patients had both arterial and venous injuries. A total of 42 cases presented within 12 hours of injury and complete arterial transections were found in 33 cases (80.49%). There were three mortalities (6.52%) and three amputations (8.33%). The overall limb salvage rate was 91.67% with popliteal artery being the commonest injured artery. Poor prognosticators for limb salvage were increasing time to present to the trauma centre, hypovolemic shock, multi-organ trauma and associated venous injuries. Conclusions: Penetrating missile trauma leading to vascular injuries has not been widely reported. Attempting limb salvage even in cases with delayed presentation should be weighed with the threat to life before revascularisation and should preferably be done at a centre with vascular expertise. A team approach with vascular, orthopaedic, general surgeons, and critical care anaesthesiologists all aboard improve the outcomes manifold. Use of tourniquets and early fasciotomies have been emphasized as is the use of native veins as the bypass conduit. This is probably the largest study on penetrating Vascular trauma in anti-terrorism ops from the Indian subcontinent. It highlights the significance of prompt recognition and availability of vascular expertise in optimally managing cases of vascular trauma.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.108-112
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• 2015

A 54-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer underwent a distal gastrectomy, D2 lymph node dissection, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. After a year, in a follow-up PET-CT, lymph node metastases were observed in the neck and abdomen, and therefore, the patient underwent chemotherapy. After treatment, the follow-up PET-CT revealed a growth of the posterior neck lymph node. Thus, an excisional biopsy was performed, and the growth was diagnosed as metastatic adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the patient received chemotherapy with FOLFIRI. Another follow-up PET-CT after chemotherapy revealed a growth in the right inguinal lymph node, and the patient underwent salvage radiotherapy for this lesion. The PET-CT taken for the response evaluation showed no evidence of further metastasis of the lymph node. We hereby report a case of advanced gastric cancer with neck and inguinal lymph node recurrence showing complete remission after palliative chemotherapy and salvage radiotherapy.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.76-79
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• 2014

In treatment of failure in ankle joint replacement therapy, talar avascular necrosis with massive bone defect, talus fracture with severe comminution and bone defect and ankle dislocation, treatment of large bone defects is considerably important for ankle joint stability and union, therefore, the choice of treatment for large bone defects is use of femoral head or iliac crest bone graft and rigid internal fixation. Because first generation total ankle arthroplasty performed for the first time using a cemented fixation technique requires a large amount of bone resection during re-surgery and there is some possibility of a larger bone defect after removal of implants, in cases where prosthesis for the defect is needed, performance of palliative femoral head or iliac crest bone graft and rigid internal fixation can be difficult. We report on a case of a 48-year-old woman who had experienced ankle pain for 25 years since undergoing total ankle arthroplasty. Because the patient had little ankle motion and rigid soft tissue despite a large bone defect caused by aseptic loosening, a good outcome was obtained only for the femoral cancellous bone graft using allo femoral head without internal fixation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2391-2395
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• 2015

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of response to continuous-infusion ifosfamide and doxorubicin combination as second-line chemotherapy for patients with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma. Materials and Methods: Eighteen recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma patients who were treated with continuous-infusion ifosfamide and doxorubicin combination between May 1999 and April 2011 were included in the analysis. Ifosfamide at $12g/m^2$ was administered by intravenous continuous infusion over 3 days, and doxorubicin $60mg/m^2$ was administered as an intravenous bolus injection on day 1. The combination therapy was repeated every 3 weeks. Treatment was continued until evidence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: The patients (ages 7-53 years) received a total of 42 cycles of chemotherapy (median: 2 courses; range: 2-5 courses). The overall response rate was 0% and the disease control rate was 22.3%, with four patients having stable disease. The median time to progression and overall survival time were 2 months (range: 2-5 months) and 9 months (range: 3-29 months), respectively. Major severe toxicities were leucopenia 7 (38.9%), nausea and vomiting 3 (16.7%) and alopecia 9 (50%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: In our experience, continuous-infusion ifosfamide and doxorubicin combination therapy at this dosage and schedule was found to be well tolerated and moderate effective, which could be considered as salvage therapy for patients with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma. Further assessment is necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of this treatment.