Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Measured by Non-Contact Tonometer, Rebound Tonometer, Tono-Pen, and Goldmann Applanation Tonometer

PURPOSE: To compare the level of accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements attained by non-contact tonometer (NCT), rebound tonometer (RT) Icare(R), and Tono-Pen (TONO-PEN AVIA(R)), using Goldmann Applanation tonometer (GAT) as a reference value and to explore their clinical usefulness. METHODS: In a prospective study of 71 normal eyes, IOP was measured with NCT, RT, Tono-Pen and GAT. The IOP values of were then compared between the eyes. RESULTS: RT showed statistically most significant agreement with the GAT [ICC 0.811, 95%CI 0.712-0.878]. In analysis of Bland-Altman plots, NCT showed the smallest mean bias (+0.2 mm Hg) and widest CI (95%CI; +/-5.05 mm Hg), RT showed relatively small mean bias (-0.7 mm Hg) and narrowest CI (95%CI; +/-3.75 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant agreement between the RT and the GAT measurements. We expect RT to be considered as a reliable alternative when IOP measurement with GAT is not feasible.

Changes in Optic Nerve Parameter Measurements on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography, after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To assess changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve head parameters after cataract surgery by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Twenty-nine eyes of 26 patients, who underwent cataract surgery, were imaged with spectral-domain OCT before and after surgery to measure peripapillary RNFL thickness and optic nerve head parameters, signal strength (SS), quadrant, 12 clock-hour RNFL thickness, rim area, disc area, cup/disc area ratio, vertical cup/disc ratio, and cup volume. RESULTS: The postoperative RNFL thickness and SS were higher than before surgery (p < 0.05). Regarding optic nerve head parameters, rim area was 0.07 +/- 0.10 mm2 higher than before surgery and disc area, cup/disc area ratio, vertical cup/disc ratio, cup volume were 0.07 +/- 0.15 mm2, 0.04 +/- 0.04, 0.03 +/- 0.05, 0.04 +/- 0.06 mm3, respectively, lower than before surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cataracts may decrease peripapillary RNFL thickness measurement and SS on OCT scans and change other optic nerve head parameters. Peripapillary RNFL thickness and optic nerve head parameter measurements should be interpreted with caution in eyes with significant cataracts.

The Importance of Clinical Indicators for Detecting Postoperative Complications Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE: The significant drastic complications of performing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in morbidly obese patients are gastric staple line leakage and bleeding. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of the clinical data for detecting postoperative complications after LSG. METHODS: The study enrolled 150 consecutive patients who underwent LSG from January 2003 to July 2006. When abnormal data (heart rate > or = 10/min, or temperature > or = 7.5degrees C) was detected on postoperative day 1, then laboratory tests (blood, urine, chest X-ray and abdominal sonogram) and water soluble gastrografin UGIS were performed to detect the postoperative complications after LSG (group A). The patients who had normal postoperative clinical data (group B) were compared with group A. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients who underwent LSG, 9 patients (6%) had postoperative complications. Two patients had major complications: 1 case of leakage (0.6%) and 1 case of delayed bleeding (0.6%), and 4 patients had minor complications in group A. But no major complications were detected in group B (P 39degrees C). CONCLUSION: Evidence of tachycardia or a high body temperature may be useful to detect major complications after LSG. We also recommend performing laboratory test and UGIS when clinically indicated.

Adult Onset Still's Disease Misunderstood as Sepsis with Bile Peritonitis

Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder of an unknown etiology, and its major clinical manifestations include high spiking fever, polyarthralgia, salmon-colored evanescent rash and neutrophilic leukocytosis. We describe here a 41 year old woman with AOSD who presented with non-remitting high fever, polyarthralgia, sore throat, skin rash, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, hyperferritinemia and coagulopathy with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The patient had a history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to acalculous cholecystitis prior to admission. We suspected sepsis due to bile peritonitis after the previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Yet we could not detect infectious organisms on the cultures or serologic studies. Finally, we suspected AOSD-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HS). So, intravenous immunoglobulin and pulse methylprednisolone treatment brought about transient improvement of the fever and the neutrophilic leukocytosis, but the disease progressed and the patient expired due to acute renal failure. HS is a fatal cause of AOSD. If a patient has DIC and sepsis and these fail to respond to conservative treatment, then AOSD should be added to the differential diagnosis of sepsis and DIC.

Is Mammotome Excision Feasible for Benign Breast Mass Bigger than 3 cm in Greatest Dimension?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate that a surgeon can safely remove all sonographic evidence of masses in the breast grater than 3.0 cm in greatest dimension using the 8 g hand held Mammotome (MT). METHODS: From Jan. 2003 to Mar. 2005, a total of 1,368 US-guided MT excision were performed in 1,112 patients at Kangnam Cha hospital. Of these 1,368 lesions 28 lesions with BI-RADS category 3 features by ultrasonography were included in this study. Ultrasonographic follow-up were performed on 3~6 months later to assess residual tissue and scarring. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 32.0 years (range 20~55 years). The average size of lesion was 3.5 cm (SD+-0.43 cm). All of the lesions were palpable and all of the specimens were benign. Most common pathologic features were fibroadenoma (75.0%) and breast abscess (14.3%). Mean time required to perform mammotome procedures was 12.2+/-8.2 minutes and mean number of cores removed were 35.1+/-30.2 pieces. No bleeding or infections occurred postoperatively and most complications were mild and anticipated. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that percutaneous removal of big breast benign mass above 3 cm in diameter using The MT system is feasible, effective and safe method for the therapeutic management with minimal morbidity without any additional procedures.

A Case of Primary Pancreatic T-cell Lymphoma

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare extranodal manifestation of any histopathologic subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that predominantly involves the pancreas, and it comprises less than 0.5% of all pancreatic malignancies. Histopathologically, most primary pancreatic lymphomas are the B-cell phenotypes, and T-cell lymphomas are extremely rare. We describe here the ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) findings of a pathologically confirmed pancreatic T-cell lymphoma in a 37-year-old female patient. Ultrasonography showed diffuse pancreatic enlargement and a slightly bulging mass in the head and tail of pancreas that had markedly heterogeneous echogeneity. The lesion abutted onto the adjacent vessels, but there was no evidence of luminal narrowing or obstruction. The CT scan showed diffuse enlargement of the pancreas and the bulging contoured mass at the pancreatic head and tail with inhomogeneous enhancement, including multiple hypodense areas. It also showed the patent peripancreatic vessels and multiple LN enlargements around the pancreas.

A Case of Primary Pancreatic T-cell Lymphoma

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare extranodal manifestation of any histopathologic subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that predominantly involves the pancreas, and it comprises less than 0.5% of all pancreatic malignancies. Histopathologically, most primary pancreatic lymphomas are the B-cell phenotypes, and T-cell lymphomas are extremely rare. We describe here the ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) findings of a pathologically confirmed pancreatic T-cell lymphoma in a 37-year-old female patient. Ultrasonography showed diffuse pancreatic enlargement and a slightly bulging mass in the head and tail of pancreas that had markedly heterogeneous echogeneity. The lesion abutted onto the adjacent vessels, but there was no evidence of luminal narrowing or obstruction. The CT scan showed diffuse enlargement of the pancreas and the bulging contoured mass at the pancreatic head and tail with inhomogeneous enhancement, including multiple hypodense areas. It also showed the patent peripancreatic vessels and multiple LN enlargements around the pancreas.

Excision of benign breast tumor by an Ultrasound-Guided hand held Mammotome biopsy device / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The mammotome (MMT) biopsy is a new surgical technique that is a minimally invasive, image guided procedure, and it requires just one small incision and there is no need for multiple insertions in the breast. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of the MMT biopsy device for percutaneous removal of breast masses with using ultrasound guidance. METHODS: From Jan. 2003 to Mar. 2005, a total of 1368 US-guided excisional MMT biopsies were performed in 1112 patients at Kangnam Cha Hospital. Those lesions with BI-RADS category 3 and 4a features by USG examination were included in this study. Lesions below 1.0 cm were removed by an 11 G probe, and lesions above 1.0cm were removed by an 8 G probe. Ultrasonographic follow-ups were performed 3-6 months later to assess the residual tissue and scarring. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 36 (range: 14-76) years. The average size of lesion was 1.14 cm (SD = 0.63 cm). Among the patients, 67.3% had nonpalpable lesion and 32.7% had palpable tumor. The majority of the specimens (98.3%) were benign. Most of benign specimens (77.7%) consisted of fibroadenoma and fibrocystic changes, although 23 lesions (1.7%) were malignant. The mean MMT procedure time was 6.2+/-3.9 minutes and the mean number of cores removed was 14.8+/-9.8. No serious bleeding or infection occurred postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that percutaneous breast biopsy using the MMT system may be feasible and effective method for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of benign breast lesions with minimal morbidity. Complete MMT excision may be safely performed for the lesions those are less than 3 cm in size. A breast surgeon can use MMT instead of open or core needle biopsy for the initial biopsy of breast lesions.

Excision of Benign Breast Disease by Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum Assisted Biopsy Device (Mammotome)

PURPOSE: The mammotome biopsy is a new surgical technique that is a minimally invasive, image guided procedure, requiring just one small incision and without the need for multiple insertions in the breast. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of mammotome biopsy device in the percutaneous removal of breast masses using ultrasound guidance. METHODS: From Jan. 2003 to sept. 2004, a total of 1003 US-guided excisional mammotome biopsy were performed in 827 patients at Kangnam Cha hospital. Lesions with BI-RADS category 3 and 4a features by ultrasonography were included in this study. Lesions below 1.0 cm were removed by 11 gauge probe, and lesions above 1.0 cm were removed by 8 gauge probe. Ultrasonographic follow-up were performed on 3~6 months later to assess residual tissue and scarring. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 36.2 years(range 14-75 years). The average size of lesion was 1.21cm (SD+- 0.43cm). The majority of lesions, 63.5%, were nonpalpable and 36.5% were palpable. The majority of specimens (99.2) were benign. Most of benign specimens (75.7) consisted of fibroadenoma and fibrocystic changes. 8 lesions (0.8%) were malignant. Mean time required to perform mammotome procedures was 6.4+/-3.9 minutes and mean number of cores removed were 14.2+/-7.9 pieces. No bleeding or infections occurred postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that percutaneous breast biopsy using mammotome system is feasible, effective and safe method for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of benign breast lesions with minimal morbidity. And it allows for the complete excision of the lesions less than 3 cm in size. A breast surgeon can use Mammotome to replace open biopsy and core needle procedure for the initial biopsy of breast lesions.

Infected Urachal Remnants with Symtoms of the Acute Abdomen: The Differential Diagnosis & Proper Management

PURPOSE: Urachal anomalies are rare, but often give rise to a number of problems, such as infection, rupture, sepsis and malignant change. The abdominal manifestation of urachal remnants often prompts referral to general or urologic surgeons. Herein, our clinical experiences were analyzed and guide lines for the preoperative diagnosis and proper management of complicated urachal anomalies suggested. METHODS: Twelve cases of urachal cyst, who visited the surgery department of Pochon CHA university hospital between April 1, 1995 and December 10, 2002, were studied. Clinical data, including clinical manifestations, diagnostic modalities and treatment methods were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the twelve cases reviewed, nine were males and three were females with a mean age of 33.6 years. The most common clinical manifestation was abdominal pain (58%), followed by a palpable mass (25%). The accuracies of the diagnostic modalities were 60 and 37% for abdominopelvic computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography, respectively. The preoperative diagnosis rate was 50%, with one case not even diagnosed during surgery. CONCLUSION: Persistent urachal remnants can present at any age, with a variety of clinical manifestations. Abdominal computed tomography is a reliable diagnostic tool, and additional diagnostic studies are not generally warranted. The early surgical treatment seems to be the best solution prior to the onset of complications that would expose patients to difficult surgical operations and protract hospitalization.

The Impact of Patient Age upon Locoregional and Systemic Failures after Breast Conservation Therapy: Comparison of the Results from the Groups above and below 35 Years / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: It has long been controversial whether breast cancer of the younger women is more aggressive than that of older women and remains unclear whether the dismal outcome seen in the younger age group is a reflection of more advanced disease at the time of diagnosis or whether it is due to a difference in the underlying tumor biology. To investigate the outcome of primary breast cancers treated with breast conservation surgery according to the patient's age, we undertook this study. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-five patients with breast carcinoma, that underwent breast conservation surgery at the Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, during the period between July 1988 and December 1996, were divided into two groups on the basis of age 35 (patient group: age 35 or younger, and control group: over 35 years of age). Tumor stage by the American Joint of Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification, histologic grade, adjuvant therapy, and the incidence of local or systemic recurrences were analyzed. Finally 10-year loco-regional recurrence free, distant relapse free (DRFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimates determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Among 185 patients, 42 women (22.7%) were included in the patient young group and the other 143 in the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the distribution of T stages, N stages, histologic subtypes, hormonal receptor expressions, and mean follow-up duration. The younger group had higher 10-year local recurrence (14.3%) and systemic recurrence (28.6%) rates than the control group (4.2% and 12.6%), respectively (p<0.05). The younger group also had a significantly worse 10-year overall survival rate of 78.6% (p<0.01). CONCLUSION:These results indicate that breast cancer patients younger than 35 years of age have higher local and systemic recurrences and poorer DRFS and OS than their older counterparts. These differences may reflect difference in tumor biology and imply that younger patients with breast cancer need both more aggressive and adequate systemic treatment after surgery.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of early gastric cancer in Korea

Gastric cancer is the most common cause of cancer related death in Korea. Early gastric cancer (EGC), confined to mucosa or submucosa, regardless of lymph node metastasis, is known to have a favorable prognosis. From 1976 to 1995, four thousand nine hundred and twenty eight gastric cancer patients underwent operation at the Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. Of these, 1,117 patients (22.6%) were diagnosed as EGC and underwent curative operation. Clinicopathologic characteristics were reviewed and survival data was analyzed. The proportion of EGC has increased during the last two decades, from 14.9% during 1976-1985 to 25.8% for 1986-1995. EGC has a wide age distribution range from the thirties to the sixties, with highest incidence in the sixties. The male to female ratio is 1.8:1, without any significant change in last two decades. Most lesions are located in the lower third of stomach (52.3%), and the lesser curvature (52.2%) was the most frequent site in the transverse axis. Macroscopically, the depressed type was the most common (66.1%) followed by the elevated, flat and mixed types, in that order. Tumor confined to the mucosa layer was seen in 52.5%, and lymph node involvement in 11.7%. The depth of tumor invasion correlated with tumor size and regional lymph node involvement. On histopathologic examination, signet ring cell type accounted for 29.6% of all EGCs. Overall 5-year survival rate was 92.7% and the presence of lymph node metastasis significantly affected survival (84.6% versus 96.2%) (p<0.05). In conclusion, the proportion of EGC, in terms of the gastric cancers operated upon, has been increasing in Korea over the last two decades. The introduction of active diagnostic approaches and diagnostic modalities could improve early diagnosis and the cure rate of gastric cancer in Korea.

GEnetic Change in Transforming Growth Factor-B (TGF-B) Receptor Type I and Type II Genes with Resistance to TGF-B of Human Breast Cancer Cells / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Transforming growth factor-Bs (TGF-Bs) are prototypic multifunctional negative growth factors that inhibit the growth of many cell types. TGF-B type I and II receptors(RI, RII) are transmembrane receptors containing cytoplasmic serine/ threonine kinase domain and have been implicated in mediating TGF-B activity. Because a heteromeric complex of RI and RII is required for TGF-B signal transduction, cancer cells may reduce the expression of either RI or RII to escape from growth inhibition of TGF-B. We examined the correlation between the growth inhibitory activity of TGF-B1 and the genetic expression of RI &RII genes in human breast cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the growth inhibitory activity of TGF-B1 in 5 breast cancer cell lines by incorporation of [3H] thymidine. To investigate the correlation between TGF-B1 insensitivity and genetic change of TGF-B receptor genes (RI, RII), Southem blot analysis, Northern blot analysis, and Western blot analysis were performed. We also examined whether microsatellite instability(RER) was associated with RII mutation. RESULTS: We found that 3 breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, YCC-B101, YCC-B151) were resistant to growth inhibitory effect of TGF-B1. MCF-7 cell line expressed no detectable RII mRNA and RII protein, but showed normal structure of RII gene and normal expression of RI gene. And we did not find any abnormal expression of mRNA, protein, and genetic structure of RI &RII in YCC-B101 and YCC-B151. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that aquired resistance to the growth inhibitory effect of TGF-B1> could be transcription regulation system of RII in MCF-7 cell line, and could be postreceptor signal transduction pathway in YCC-B101 and YCC-B151 cell lines.

Insulinoma of the Pancreas

Insulinoma is the most common functioning tumor of pancreas even though its prevalence is rare. The diagnosis and the treatment of insulinoma is very important because the tumor can induce critical and permanent neurologic deficit. We experienced ten patients with insulinoma and treated by surgical interventions at the Department of Surgery, Yonsei university college of medicine from 1983 to 1996. All the data were analysed retrospectively. The mean age of patient was 45 years (range: 17 to 69) and the sex ratio of male to female was 1:2.3. The most common clinical manifestation was weakness. The preoperative mean levels of fasting blood sugar, plasma insulin, C-peptide, insulin to glucose ratio were 41(mg/dl), 40.07(U/ml), 4.03(ng/ml), 1.51, respectively. The detection rates of localizing tools on our cases were showed as follows: THPVS(100% in 5 cases), EUS(67% in 3 cases), MRI(33% in 3 cases), CT scan(33% in 9 cases), angiography(33% in 6 cases) and US (20% in 10 cases). The intraoperative ultrasound(IOUS) was performed in the last three cases to try to find occult insulinoma and the relationship with main duct of pancreas in operative field. The types of surgical interventions were enucleation in 5 patients, distal pancreatectomy in 4 patients, pancreatoduodenectomy in 1 patient. The tumors were located in nearly equal frequencies over the entire pancreas: head(30%), neck & body (30%), tail(40%). All of the tumors were single and 90% of them were solid and benign. The mean diameter of the tumors was 1.5cm. Symptoms of hypoglycemia and laboratory values such as fasting blood sugar, plasma insulin, C-peptide, insulin glucose ratio were improved in all the patient after operation. We suggest that the THPVS is the most sensitive preoperative test for localizing insulinomas and recommend the IOUS as a tool for detecting occult or multiple insulinoma and identifing the relationship with main duct of pancreas in operative field.

Two Cases of the Hepatocellular Cancinoma in Pregnancy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during pregnancy is a rare event and reports are isolated and highly scattered. HCC during pregnancy carries a poor prognosis because of difficulty in diagnosis due to the fetus. The impact of pregnancy on the prognosis of patients with HCC and the risk factors of developing HCC during pregnancy remains controversial. At present, the screening of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) in the second trimester of pregnancy is a standard procedure for detection of fetal malformation. An elevated maternal serum AFP level may not always be of fetal origin and some maternal diseases could present an elevated maternal serum AFP. The ultrasonography for abdomen has been accepted as a simple and safe method for this group. We have experienced two cases of HCC during pregnancy over the last 5 years. One was diagnosed with a palpble abdominal mass which was revealed to be HCC at 12 weeks of pregnancy and died 2 months after the diagnosis without treatmemt. The second was incidentally found to have abnormal serum AFP at 17 weeks of pregnancy and underwent the extended right hepatic lobectomy without complication. We suggest that careful physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography seems to be the best screening tools for early diagnosis of HCC in pregnancies with high serum AFP level.

Detection of Interleukin 2 Receptor and EBV Antibody in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is highly prevalent among southeastern Chinese,and not rare in Korea. Due to NPC usually spreads submucosally and complexity of anatomy in the nasopharynx, we have difficulty in determining the exact extent of tumor. If we know the parameters that represent tumor burden and prognosis, it is very helpful to decide planning of treatment. NPC is etiologically related to Epstein Barr Virus(EBV), and many studies have been reported dealing with EBV and its relationships to the clinical course of NPC. Interleukin 2 receptor(IL-2R) are released from activated human T lymphocyte and marked elevated levels of serum IL-2R have been reported in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders such as leukemia,lymphoma. Histologicallly NPC is associated with T lymphocyte infiltration and it was also reported that the serum levels of IL-2R represents a good marker of tumor burden in NPC. The purpose of this papers was to detect the levels of IL-2R , viral capsid antigen(VCA) IgA and early antigen(EA) IgG in the serum of 19 NPC patients and analyzed the relationships those values and clinical courses, for its usefulness in estimating the tumor burden and predicting the response to therapy and prognosis, who diagnosed as NPC in Kang Nam St. Mary Hospital from June 1993 to November 1995. The results were as follows. 1) Serum IL-2R levels of NPC was not higher than that of controls and showed no relationships with the stage of the NPC. 2) Serum IL-2R levels of recurrent group were higher than that of remission groups(p=0.019). 3) Titers of VCA(IgA), EA(IgG) were higher than that of controls(p=0.0009) and showed no relatiohships with the stage of NPC. 4) There is no differences in the titer of antibodies to EBV according to histological types of NPC. 5) The titers of EA(IgA) had relationship to clinical results(p=0.0286). Above results suggested that higher levels of IL-2R and titers of EBV antibody after therapy, detailed examination should be done for the detection of possible recurrent and remained disease with close follow up.

Evaluation of thyroid function after bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' disease: a long term follow up of 100 patients

One hundred patients who underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' disease between January 1980 and September 1984 have been evaluated. The observation period ranged from 5 to 9 years, the average being 6.2 years. Postoperative thyroid function was evaluated with T3, T4 and TSH and compared with their clinical manifestations. Eighty-two patients became euthyroid, 14 patients had recurrence and 4 patients developed hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormone level of euthyroid patients were in an unstable state up to 5 years after the operation. Sixteen variables which might influence the postoperative recurrence and hypothyroidism were analyzed but no statistically significant factors were determined, although recurrences were found frequently in patients over 30 years, the patients with lower infiltration of lymphocytes and absent of fibrosis of thyroid tissue. The results obtained in the present study suggest that mean 6.0 gm of remnant thyroid is suitable for maintaining euthyroidism postoperatively in a majority of patients. In addition, patients should be followed closely for many years and should undergo hormonal determination periodically because recurrence and hypothyroidism can occur at 5 years or more after the operation.

Conservative Surgery and Primary Radiotherapy for Early Breast Cancer; Yonsei Cancer Center Experience / 대한치료방사선과학회지

Breast conserving surgery and irradiation is now accepted as preferable treatment method for the patients with stage I and II breast cancer. Our institution activated team approach for breast conservation 1991 and treated on hundred and forty patients during the next three years. PURPOSE: To present our early experience with eligibility criteria, treatment techniques, and the morbidities of primary radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty four patients with early stage breast cancer who received breast conserving treatment between January 1991 and December 1992 were evaluated. All patients received partial mastectomy(wide excision to quadrantectomy) and axillary node dissection followed by radiotherapy. Total dose of 4500-5040 cGy in 5-5 1/2 weeks was given to entire involved breast and boost dose of 1000-2000 cGy in 1-2 weeks was given to the primary tumor site. Linac 4 MV X-ray was used for breast irradiation and electron beam was used for boost. Thirty five patients received chemotherapy before or after radiotherapy. Patients characteristics, treatment techniques, and treatment related morbidities were analyzed. RESULTS: Age distribution was ranged from 23 to 59 year old with median age of 40. Twenty-seven patients had T1 lesions and 34 patients had T2 lesions. In three patients, pathologic diagnosis was ductal carcinoma in situ. Thirty-seven patients were N0 and 27 patients were N1. There were three recurrences, one in the breast and two distant metastases during follow-up period(6-30 months, median 14 months). Only one breast recurrence occurred at undetected separate lesion with microcalcifications on initial mammogram. There was no serious side reaction which interrupted treatment courses or severe late complication. Only one symptomatic radiation pneumonitis and one asymptomatic radiation peumonitis were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative surgery and primary radiotherapy for early breast cancer in proven to be safe and comfortable treatment method without any major complication. Long-term follow up is needed to evaluate our treatment results in terms of loco-regional control rate, survival rate, and cosmetic effect.

The Results of Radiation Therapy of Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer / 대한치료방사선과학회지

A retrospective analysis of various characteristics in 32 limited stage small cell lung cancer patients treated at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology in Kangnam ST. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College from April 1983 to September 1991, was carried out to identify factors which had prognostic signficance for survival from intiation of radiation therapy. There were 26 men and 6 women. Median age was 63 years )range:24-78 years). The follow up duration was 1.5 to 44 months(median:9 months). External radiation therapy was done with daily 160-180 cGy, 5 fraction/week, total of 1000-6660 cGy (median: 4500 cGy) to the mediatinum by 6 MY linear accelerator. Of 32 patients, 27 (84.4%) patients were treated with combined modality (chemotheraphy plus radiation therapy), and 5 (15.6%) patients were treated with radiation theraphy only. Complete responders were 12 patients (37.5%), partial responders were 11(34.4%), and no responders were 9(28.1%). Karnofsky performance status over 70(p< 0.007), chemotherapy regimen (CAV, PV, and CAV+PV) (p<0.04), 6 or more cycles of chemotherapy (p<0.007), radiation therapy over 4500 cGy (p<0.03), and radiation therapy responder (CR+PR) (p<0.003) showed a significantly favorable influence on 1 year survival rate. Age (p=0.545), sex (p=0.666), presence of superior vena cava syndrome (p=0.719), prophylactic cranial irradiation (p=0.217), and radiation therapy duration (p=0.491) had no effect on survival. Radiation induced side effects were transient esophagitis in 11(34%), general weakness in 9(28%), gastrointestianl sysptoms in terms of nausea, vomiting and indigestion in 5(15%) and leukopenia in 1(3%).

Effects of verapamil, tamoxifen and cyclosporin A for the modulation of multidrug resistance in human lung cancer lines / 대한암학회지

No abstract available.