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Frequent screening for thyroid cancer has been suggested as a probable explanation for the observed high risk of thyroid cancer in nuclear power plant (NPP) areas. We aimed to compare thyroid cancer screening rates of residents living near NPPs to those of the general population. This study utilized data from two national survey-based studies in 2016 and in 2014, respectively, for residents (n = 1,200) living in administrative districts within 5 km of NPP sites as the interest group, and the general population (n = 228,712) including distantliving residents (n = 19,100) in administrative districts within 30 km of NPP sites as reference groups. We observed an increase in screening rates in residents near NPPs, which may lead to a higher possibility of thyroid cancer detection. Therefore, further epidemiological studies investigating radiation-induced thyroid cancer risk among residents near NPPs should be carefully designed and interpreted considering possible detection bias.
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Objective: To explore the possible neuroprotective activities of Humulus japonicus extract against Parkinson's disease (PD) in a cellular model. Methods: PD was modeled in PC12 cells using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The cell activity, intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects, and other related indicators and related signaling pathways were evaluated to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of Humulus japonicus extract. Results: Humulus japonicus extract exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects in 6-OHDA-stimulated PC12 cells. It also reduced oxidative stress-induced ROS accumulation; upregulated antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione, catalase, heme oxidase-1, and 8-oxguanine glycosylase 1; promoted cell survival by decreasing BAX and increasing Bcl-2 and sirtuin 1 expression via the MAPK and/or Nrf2 signaling pathways. Conclusions: Humulus japonicus extract has antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects and could be developed as a promising candidate for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Objective: To explore the possible neuroprotective activities of Humulus japonicus extract against Parkinson's disease (PD) in a cellular model. Methods: PD was modeled in PC12 cells using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The cell activity, intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects, and other related indicators and related signaling pathways were evaluated to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of Humulus japonicus extract. Results: Humulus japonicus extract exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects in 6-OHDA-stimulated PC12 cells. It also reduced oxidative stress-induced ROS accumulation; upregulated antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione, catalase, heme oxidase-1, and 8-oxguanine glycosylase 1; promoted cell survival by decreasing BAX and increasing Bcl-2 and sirtuin 1 expression via the MAPK and/or Nrf2 signaling pathways. Conclusions: Humulus japonicus extract has antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects and could be developed as a promising candidate for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Purpose@#This study aimed to evaluate the clinical infrastructure and utilization of radiotherapy (RT) services in Korea between 2017 and 2019. @*Materials and Methods@#We extracted the data of patients who underwent RT between 2017 and 2019 from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. We further analyzed this data according to the diagnosis and treatment modalities of patients diagnosed with International Classification of Disease 10 (ICD-10) diagnostic codes C00–C97 and D00–D48. In addition, we collected statistics on RT facilities in Korea using a nationwide survey. @*Results@#The total number of patients who received RT in 2017, 2018, and 2019 were 77,901, 81,849, and 87,460, respectively. The number of patients diagnosed with ICD 10 C- and D-codes in 2019 was 86,339, of whom 39,467 were men and 46,872 women. The rate of utilization of RT among cancer patients was 30.4% in 2017 and 2018 and 30.9% in 2019. In 2019, the most common types of cancers treated with RT were breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers. Regarding the RT infrastructure in Korea, there were 95 radiation oncology centers, 237 megavoltage (MV) teletherapy units, 35 brachytherapy units, and two proton accelerators in 2019. There were 4.5 MV teletherapy machines per million. @*Conclusion@#The number of patients treated with RT has increased consistently from 2017 to 2019. As the number of patients with cancer increases, it is expected that the RT infrastructure will be further expanded in Korea.
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Vaccination against Newcastle disease (ND) is the most effective means of controlling the disease, and these vaccines are commercialized only after their safety and effectiveness have been verified through tests that comply with Korean Standards of National Lot Release for Veterinary Biologics. This study investigated whether a relatively convenient and safe serological test can be used in place of the challenge test using highly virulent ND virus. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were considered positive of log2 2 or more and cutoff value of 200 or more, respectively, in both live and inactivated vaccines. However, when the antibody levels of the live and inactivated vaccines induced using the Ulster 2C, KBNP-C4152R2L, and K148/08 strains were compared, the antibody titers for inactivated vaccines were significantly higher than those for live vaccines in both the HI assay and ELISA. A strong positive correlation was observed between HI and ELISA antibody titers. The live vaccines corresponded to a survival rates of ≥ 80% and the inactivated vaccines corresponded to 100% survival rates. This study confirmed that standard efficacy tests can serve as serological tests, and can replace the challenge test and that the vaccine approval process can be improved.
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We experienced an extremely rare case of proximal epithelioid sarcoma (PES) of the vulva in a 77-year-old woman. After history taking and physical examination, the patient was tentatively diagnosed as having Bartholin’s cyst in the right labium. Based on histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) findings, however, a final diagnosis of PES of the vulva was made. After receiving CyberKnife treatment, the patient survived but with recurrent episodes and poor prognosis. In conclusion, our case indicates that patients with PES of the vulva should be appropriately managed with radiotherapy after a differential diagnosis based on histopathological and IHC findings.
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We experienced an extremely rare case of proximal epithelioid sarcoma (PES) of the vulva in a 77-year-old woman. After history taking and physical examination, the patient was tentatively diagnosed as having Bartholin’s cyst in the right labium. Based on histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) findings, however, a final diagnosis of PES of the vulva was made. After receiving CyberKnife treatment, the patient survived but with recurrent episodes and poor prognosis. In conclusion, our case indicates that patients with PES of the vulva should be appropriately managed with radiotherapy after a differential diagnosis based on histopathological and IHC findings.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) has become an increasingly popular method of establishing an airway for patients in need of chronic ventilator assistance. The aim of this study is to assess and compare two main strategies for doing tracheostomy: traditional open surgical tracheostomy (ST) and PDT.MATERIALS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 43 patients who underwent tracheostomy between the years 2016 and 2017. All patients were under intensive care unit (ICU) care and referred to the department of otolaryngology for tracheostomy. All tracheostomies were performed at the bedside using either percutaneous dilatational technique or open surgical technique by a single surgeon. In cases of PDT, either blind puncture technique without any guidance or laryngoscopy-guided puncture technique was used. Demographic and procedural variables and complications were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#PDT was performed in 29 patients and ST in 14 patients. Of those who underwent PDT, 15 patients received the blind puncture technique and 14 patients laryngoscopy-guided puncture technique. The cricosternal distance was longer and the amount of blood loss and duration of the procedure was lesser in the PDT group. In the PDT group, there was no difference in blood loss nor in the duration of the procedure according to the puncture technique, whereas critical complications occurred more frequently when the blind technique was used. Subjective difficulty of the procedure is predictive of complications.@*CONCLUSION@#The study show that PDT is a useful and safe procedure for ICU patients. Also, guidance on using the flexible laryngoscopy during PDT can prevent severe complications.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) has become an increasingly popular method of establishing an airway for patients in need of chronic ventilator assistance. The aim of this study is to assess and compare two main strategies for doing tracheostomy: traditional open surgical tracheostomy (ST) and PDT. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 43 patients who underwent tracheostomy between the years 2016 and 2017. All patients were under intensive care unit (ICU) care and referred to the department of otolaryngology for tracheostomy. All tracheostomies were performed at the bedside using either percutaneous dilatational technique or open surgical technique by a single surgeon. In cases of PDT, either blind puncture technique without any guidance or laryngoscopy-guided puncture technique was used. Demographic and procedural variables and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: PDT was performed in 29 patients and ST in 14 patients. Of those who underwent PDT, 15 patients received the blind puncture technique and 14 patients laryngoscopy-guided puncture technique. The cricosternal distance was longer and the amount of blood loss and duration of the procedure was lesser in the PDT group. In the PDT group, there was no difference in blood loss nor in the duration of the procedure according to the puncture technique, whereas critical complications occurred more frequently when the blind technique was used. Subjective difficulty of the procedure is predictive of complications. CONCLUSION: The study show that PDT is a useful and safe procedure for ICU patients. Also, guidance on using the flexible laryngoscopy during PDT can prevent severe complications.
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Humans , Critical Care , Intensive Care Units , Laryngoscopy , Medical Records , Methods , Otolaryngology , Punctures , Retrospective Studies , Tracheostomy , Ventilators, MechanicalABSTRACT
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity level can be used as a diagnostic marker for anticholinesterase pesticide poisoning. In this study, we aimed to establish a baseline level of normal brain AChE activity in wild birds. AChE activity was measured in the brains of 87dead wild birds (26 species). The level of AChE activity ranged from 6.40 to 15.9 µmol/min/g of brain tissue in normal wild birds. However, the brain tissue AChE activity level in wild birds exposed to organophosphate (OP) pesticide was 48.0%–96.3% of that in the normal birds. These results may serve as reference values to facilitate routine diagnosis and monitoring of OP-poisoned wild birds.
Subject(s)
Acetylcholinesterase , Birds , Brain , Diagnosis , Organophosphates , Poisoning , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the clinical utilization of radiation therapy (RT) in Korea between 2011 and 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service to estimate the clinical utilization of RT. The source population consisted of all patients who had any of the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision cancer diagnoses (C00-C97) and those with diagnostic codes D00-D48, who were also associated with at least one of the procedure codes related to RT. RESULTS: The total number of patients who received RT in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 were 54,810, 59,435, 61,839, 64,062, and 66,183, respectively. Among them, the total numbers of male and female patients were 24,946/29,864 in 2011, 27,211/32,224 in 2012, 28,111/33,728 in 2013, 29,312/34,750 in 2014, and 30,266/35,917 in 2015. The utilization rate of RT in cancer patients has also increased steadily over the same period from 25% to 30%. The five cancers that were most frequently treated with RT between 2011 and 2012 were breast, lung, colorectal, liver, and uterine cervical cancers. However, the fifth most common cancer treated with RT that replaced uterine cervical cancer in 2013 was prostate cancer. More than half of cancer patients (64%) were treated with RT in the capital area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon). CONCLUSION: The total number of patients who underwent RT increased steadily from 2011 to 2015 in Korea. The utilization rate of RT in cancer patients is also increasing.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Breast , Diagnosis , Insurance, Health , International Classification of Diseases , Korea , Liver , Lung , Prostatic Neoplasms , Radiotherapy , Uterine Cervical NeoplasmsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is very complex and has not yet been clearly understood. To date, various factors have been researched to have relations with the pathogenesis of CRS, such as superantigens and biofilms. Recently, we found an unusual pathological finding in patients with CRS, and we called this new entity as bacteria ball (or bioball). In this study, we analyze the clinical characteristics of bacteria ball occurred in CRS. METHODS: This study enrolled consecutive 247 patients with CRS who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery from January 2015 to August 2016. The diagnosis of bacterial ball was made when negative in Gomori-methenamine-silver stain and positive in Gram stain. Histologically, bacterial ball was defined as acellular mucous materials with bacterial colonies and inflammatory cell infiltrates. We compared clinical data and computed tomography (CT) findings between fungal and bacterial balls. RESULTS: Six cases (2.4%) of CRS were confirmed histologically as bacterial ball. Most of them were found in the maxillary sinus of CRS without nasal polyposis (66.7%). Bacterial ball was green or brown colored materials similar to fungal ball which was harder and tightly adherent to the antral mucosa. Compared to fungal ball, patients with bacterial ball showed significantly less peripheral eosinophils (P=0.011) and calcification in CT scans (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Bacterial ball is unusual findings occurred in patient with CRS which is different from fungal ball and biofilm. For diagnosis of bacterial ball, Gram stain is essentially required to identify bacterial colonies. Bacterial ball might appear to be evidence of a new strategy for living in the paranasal sinuses.
Subject(s)
Humans , Bacteria , Biofilms , Diagnosis , Eosinophils , Fungi , Maxillary Sinus , Mucous Membrane , Paranasal Sinuses , Sinusitis , Superantigens , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the technical feasibility of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with the major portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). METHODS: Ten institutions affiliated with the Korean Stereotactic Radiosurgery Group were provided the contours of four cases: the first case was the first branch PVTT with sufficient normal liver volume (NLV), the second was the first branch PVTT with insufficient NLV, the third was the main trunk PVTT at confluence level, and the fourth was the main trunk PVTT with entire length. The institutions were asked to make SBRT plans according to their current treatment protocols and to complete facility questionnaires. RESULTS: Based on institutional protocols, SBRT was feasible in nine institutions for the first case (32–60 Gy in 3–5 fractions), in eight institutions for the second case (32–50 Gy in 3–5 fractions), in seven institutions for the third case (35–60 Gy in 3–5 fractions), and in four institutions for the fourth case (35–42 Gy in 4–5 fractions). The other institutions recommended hypo- or conventional fractionation due to insufficient NLV or gastrointestinal organ proximity. With analysis of the SBRT dose to the central hepatobiliary tract, the major PVTT could theoretically be associated with a high risk of hepatobiliary toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Although SBRT is a technically feasible option for HCC with the major PVTT, there was a variability among the participating institutions. Therefore, further studies will be necessary to standardize the practice of SBRT for the major PVTT.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Clinical Protocols , Liver , Portal Vein , Radiosurgery , ThrombosisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with maxillomandibular setback is often accompanied by changes in airway space. We analyzed the changes in airway space before and after surgery and assessed their association with obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: This study is based on the cohort of 13 adult patients (9 males, 4 females, average age 23.85 years) who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with maxillomandibular setback. We performed computed tomography and portable polysomnography before and after the surgery to assess changes in airway space and Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) values (total, supine, non-supine). RESULTS: The oropharyngeal airway volume decreased by 29% after the surgery, which was statistically significant (p < .05). The upper airway volume and hypopharyngeal airway volume were decreased, but not significantly (4 and 19%, respectively). The changes in airway surface area were statistically significant at all levels examined (p < .05). Changes in the maximum anteroposterior width of the airway were also significant at all levels (p < .05). However, the changes in maximum lateral width were only statistically significant at C2 level (p < .05). AHI values were increased after the surgery but not significantly at any position. CONCLUSIONS: Although bimaxillary surgery with maxillomandibular setback significantly reduces the airway space, it does not affect AHI values or induce obstructive sleep apnea.
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Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Cohort Studies , Orthognathic Surgery , Polysomnography , Sleep Apnea, ObstructiveABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of the standard total knee arthroplasty without internal fixation or extended long stem in tibial bone defect with severe varus deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2012 and April 2014, 32 patients (45 cases; 4 men and 41 women with a mean age of 74.2 years) who underwent total knee arthroplasty with autologous bone grafting were enrolled for analysis. The mean follow-up period was 34.4 months. The cancellous bone defect site was exposed, and a longitudinal sulcus was made. Subsequently, a premolded bone graft was inserted in the sulcus at 45°. The defect size was measured, and the radiological and clinical results were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean defect size according to the radiograph was found to be 15.31×30.36 mm in the frontal view and 15.46×45.98 mm in the sagittal view. The mean defect size of depth during the operation was found to be 8.38 mm. The preoperative mean varus angle was 14.1° (4.0°–26.9°), and the follow-up mean valgus angle was 5.4° (0.5°–10.5°). The implant position was α=95.7°, β=90.4°, γ=2.1°, δ=89.1° on the follow-up. No implant loosening was observed, and the mean bone union period was 4.3 months. The Hospital for Special Surgery score was improved from a preoperative mean of 50.1 to a postoperative mean of 90.4. CONCLUSION: Standard total knee arthroplasty using autologous structural bone grafting without internal fixation in a tibial bone defect demonstrated a rapid, stable bone healing and excellent radiological and clinical results. Thus the index procedure was considered to be simple, and effective for bone grafting.
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Female , Humans , Male , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Bone Transplantation , Congenital Abnormalities , Follow-Up Studies , TransplantsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients with liver oligo-recurrence and oligo-progression from various primary tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2013, 72 patients with liver oligo-recurrence (oligo-metastasis with a controlled primary tumor) and oligo-progression (contradictory progression of a few sites of disease despite an overall tumor burden response to therapy) underwent SBRT. Of these, 9 and 8 patients with uncontrollable distant metastases and patients immediate loss to follow-up, respectively, were excluded. The total planning target volume was used to select the SBRT dose (median, 48 Gy; range, 30 to 60 Gy, 3–4 fractions). Toxicity was evaluated using the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. RESULTS: We evaluated 55 patients (77 lesions) treated with SBRT for liver metastases. All patients had controlled primary lesions, and 28 patients had stable lesions at another site (oligo-progression). The most common primary site was the colon (36 patients), followed by the stomach (6 patients) and other sites (13 patients). The 2-year local control and progression-free survival rates were 68% and 22%, respectively. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 56% and 20%, respectively. The most common adverse events were grade 1–2 fatigue, nausea, and vomiting; no grade ≥3 toxicities were observed. Univariate analysis revealed that oligo-progression associated with poor survival. CONCLUSION: SBRT for liver oligo-recurrence and oligo-progression appears safe, with similar local control rates. For liver oligo-progression, criteria are needed to select patients in whom improved overall survival can be expected through SBRT.
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Humans , Colon , Disease-Free Survival , Fatigue , Follow-Up Studies , Liver , Nausea , Neoplasm Metastasis , Stomach , Survival Rate , Tumor Burden , VomitingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We conducted a study on patients who underwent hip joint arthroplasty because of unstable femur intertrochanteric fractures with greater trochanter bony fragments. After dividing patients into three groups depending on their fracture patterns, we evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of different operation methods applied to each of these groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Evan's classification, we defined an unstable intertrochanteric fracture as those characterized as stage 4 or 5. Of the 137 patients presenting with an intertrochanteric fracture with osteoporosis (bone mineral density, <−2.5) between March 2014 and October 2015, 63 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study. Next, patients were divided into three groups based on their greater trochanter fracture patterns (discerned with three-dimensional computed tomography images); different fixation methods were applied to each group by a single orthopaedic surgeon. RESULTS: Taken as a whole, 50 out of 63 patients experienced no reduction in walking distance in their daily lives. Harris hip score increased from 74.8 to 85.7 point and we considered this a relatively good result. Radiologically, we observed complete bone union in 62 cases (98.4%); the lone exception was in a patient who experienced osteolysis. There were also 3 cases who removed greater trochanter reattachment device due to broken implant and 1 case of dislocation. CONCLUSION: The different fixation methods applied to three distinct groups with varying fractures patterns were successful in achieving proper reduction and fixation of greater trochanteric fractures. We also observed reduced bone union periods when arthroplasty was performed in patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Lastly, we believe these approaches may also aid in achieving early ambulation and early rehabilitations.
Subject(s)
Humans , Arthroplasty , Classification , Joint Dislocations , Early Ambulation , Femur , Hip , Hip Fractures , Hip Joint , Methods , Miners , Osteolysis , Osteoporosis , WalkingABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of three major ginsenosides from mountain ginseng as anticancer substance and explore the underlying mechanism involved in lung cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The inhibitory proliferation of lung cancer by major five ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rg1, Rc, and Re) was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Calculated 50% inhibition (IC50) values of five ginsenosides were determined and compared each other. Apoptosis by the treatment of single ginsenoside was performed by fluorescence-assisted cytometric spectroscopy. The alterations of apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The abundance of ginsenosides in butanol extract of mountain ginseng (BX-MG) was revealed in the order of Rb1, Rg1, Re, Rc and Rb2. Among them, Rb1 was the most effective to lung cancer cell, followed by Rb2 and Rg1 on the basis of relative IC50 values of IMR90 versus A549 cell. The alterations of apoptotic proteins were confirmed in lung cancer A549 cells according to the administration of Rb1, Rb2 and Rg1. The expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 were increased upon the treatment of three ginsenosides, however, the levels of caspase-9 and anti-apoptotic protein Bax were not changed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Major ginsenosides such as Rb1, Rb2 and Rg1 comprising BX-MG induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells via extrinsic apoptotic pathway rather than intrinsic mitochondrial pathway.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , A549 Cells , Apoptosis , Blotting, Western , Butanols , Cell Proliferation , Cell Shape , Cell Survival , Flow Cytometry , Ginsenosides , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Inhibitory Concentration 50 , Lung Neoplasms , Drug Therapy , Pathology , Panax , Chemistry , Plant Extracts , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Staining and LabelingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The molecular subtype of breast cancer is an important predictive factor. Therefore, we investigated the effects of concurrent or serial radiotherapy and systemic therapy on metastatic brain lesions according to the molecular subtype of breast cancer. METHODS: The present retrospective study examined data from 66 patients with breast cancer and metastatic brain lesions, who were treated using radiotherapy between January 1990 and July 2014. Patients were classified into the following three subtypes based on their hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status: HR+/HER2− (luminal A, 13 patients), HR+/HER2+ (luminal B, 21 patients), HR−/HER2+ (HER2, 22 patients), or HR−/HER2− (triple negative, 10 patients). The brain lesions and their responses to treatment were evaluated using brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Progression of brain disease was defined by a ≥20% increase in the sum of the lesion's diameters or the development of a new brain lesion. Progression-free survival was calculated from the initiation of radiotherapy to the first instance of brain disease progression or last follow-up. RESULTS: Patients in the HER2 group who had received concur-rent radiotherapy and systemic therapy (mainly HER2-targeted therapy) exhibited significantly better progression-free survival than did patients who had received radiotherapy followed by systemic therapy (p=0.037). However, concurrent radiotherapy and systemic therapy did not significantly improve progression-free survival in the luminal A (p=0.527), luminal B (p=0.462), or triple negative (p=0.558) groups. CONCLUSION: Concurrent radiotherapy and mainly HER2-targeted systemic therapy significantly prolonged progression-free survival in the HER2 group.
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PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to estimate the clinical status of radiation therapy (RT) in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed open claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). The subjects were patients with malignant neoplasms who had procedure codes concerning RT in 2009 and 2013. RESULTS: The total numbers of patients who underwent RT in 2009 and 2013 were 42,483 and 56,850, respectively. The numbers of men and women were 20,012 and 22,471 in 2009 and 26,936 and 29,914 in 2013, respectively. The five most frequent RT sites were metastatic, breast, gastrointestinal, thoracic, and gynecologic cancers in 2009, and metastatic, breast, gastrointestinal, thoracic and head and neck cancers in 2013. The three leading types of cancer among men were metastatic, gastrointestinal, and thoracic, and breast, metastatic, and gynecologic among women. According to age, the most common treatment site was the central nervous system for those aged 20 years or less, the breast for those in their 30s to 50s, and metastatic sites for those in their 60s or older. CONCLUSION: Data from this study provide an overview of the clinical status of RT in Korea.