ABSTRACT
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Korea and the world. Since 2004, this is the 4th gastric cancer guideline published in Korea which is the revised version of previous evidence-based approach in 2018. Current guideline is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary working group including experts in the field of gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and guideline development methodology. Total of 33 key questions were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group and 40 statements were developed according to the systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed database. The level of evidence and the grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation proposition. Evidence level, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability was considered as the significant factors for recommendation. The working group reviewed recommendations and discussed for consensus. In the earlier part, general consideration discusses screening, diagnosis and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. Flowchart is depicted with statements which is supported by meta-analysis and references. Since clinical trial and systematic review was not suitable for postoperative oncologic and nutritional follow-up, working group agreed to conduct a nationwide survey investigating the clinical practice of all tertiary or general hospitals in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information on follow up. Herein we present a multidisciplinary-evidence based gastric cancer guideline.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes with gemcitabine-carboplatin (GCb), the standard treatment for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-based regimens, in advanced UC patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 30 mL/min. @*Materials and Methods@#A retrospective cohort study involving GCb-treated advanced UC patients with GFR < 60 mL/min (n=89) was performed. Clinical outcomes were compared between subgroups with GFR < 30 mL/min and GFR ≥ 30 mL/min but < 60 mL/min. @*Results@#Most baseline characteristics were comparable between the two subgroups. Patients with GFR < 30 mL/min had a significantly lower objective response rate (12.5%) compared to those with higher GFR levels (56.7%) (p=0.004). The number of GCb cycles was significantly lower in patients with GFR < 30 mL/min (median 2 cycles) than in those with higher GFR levels (median 6 cycles) (p=0.002). Compared to those with GFR ≥ 30 mL/min but < 60 mL/min, patients with GFR < 30 mL/min showed significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001 for both). Further stratification of patient subgroups according to their GFR (i.e., GFR ≥ 45 mL/min but < 60 mL/min vs. GFR ≥ 30 mL/min but < 45 mL/min vs. GFR < 30 mL/min) revealed significantly different PFS and OS (p < 0.001 for both). @*Conclusion@#The use of GCb is discouraged in advanced UC patients with GFR < 30 mL/min. Alternative therapeutic approaches with better efficacy are warranted for these patients.
ABSTRACT
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is rarely associated with pancreatic pseudocysts. AIP-associated pseudocysts requiring drainage despite steroid therapy are rather rare. We report a case of AIP with an infected pseudocyst requiring drainage despite steroid therapy. A 68-year-old male was diagnosed with AIP via pancreatic imaging, a high serum immunoglobulin G4 level, and steroid responsiveness. The AIP was accompanied by a pancreatic pseudocyst. Steroid therapy was prescribed, but the pancreatic pseudocyst became aggravated during steroid tapering. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided cyst drainage was required; the pseudocyst then became completely resolved.