Experience with Analyzing Patient Safety Incident Reports and Applying Corrective Action in a Blood Bank / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND@#Blood transfusion poses high risks and has a high probability of error because of the complexity and involvement of several people in the process. The purpose of this study was to share our experience in classifying reports related to blood transfusions. We included patient safety reports that were prepared over a 10-year period that began from the opening of the hospital. We then analyzed the causes and the corrective actions.@*METHODS@#We analyzed 125 reports related to blood transfusions, and these reports were included in the patient safety reports received from November 2008 to December 2018. The events were categorized as sampling error, inspection error, testing error, issue error, disposal error, transfusing blood components error, or others error, depending on the stage of the blood transfusion process. Regardless of the cause, the event that led to an inappropriate transfusion was classified as a transfusion incident.@*RESULTS@#The number of blood transfusions per year increased, and the rate of blood transfusion accidents ranged from 0.00% to 0.05% per year. A total of 125 reports were prepared over a 10-year period, and these included 8 blood sampling errors, 11 testing errors, 2 issuing errors, 94 disposal errors, 3 others errors, and 7 errors associated with the transfusing of blood components. After the transfusion incident, PDA was applied as a solution. Transfusing the wrong blood components did not occur, and the incidence of taking blood from the wrong patients was decreased.@*CONCLUSION@#We applied corrective actions according to the cause of the event and we confirmed that the blood transfusion incidents decreased.

Erratum: Fate and Transport of Mercury in Environmental Media and Human Exposure / 예방의학회지

This article was initially published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2012;45(6):335-343, with an error in the footnote of Table 2.

Fate and Transport of Mercury in Environmental Media and Human Exposure / 예방의학회지

Mercury is emitted to the atmosphere from various natural and anthropogenic sources, and degrades with difficulty in the environment. Mercury exists as various species, mainly elemental (Hg0) and divalent (Hg2+) mercury depending on its oxidation states in air and water. Mercury emitted to the atmosphere can be deposited into aqueous environments by wet and dry depositions, and some can be re-emitted into the atmosphere. The deposited mercury species, mainly Hg2+, can react with various organic compounds in water and sediment by biotic reactions mediated by sulfur-reducing bacteria, and abiotic reactions mediated by sunlight photolysis, resulting in conversion into organic mercury such as methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg can be bioaccumulated through the food web in the ecosystem, finally exposing humans who consume fish. For a better understanding of how humans are exposed to mercury in the environment, this review paper summarizes the mechanisms of emission, fate and transport, speciation chemistry, bioaccumulation, levels of contamination in environmental media, and finally exposure assessment of humans.

Metastatic Skin Lesions on Lower Extremities in a Patient with Recurrent Serous Papillary Ovarian Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Clinical observation of skin metastasis in ovarian cancer cases is relatively uncommon. And distant metastatic skin lesions including the extremities are much rarer still as most metastatic skin lesions are located in the skin in the abdominal wall adjacent to where the primary ovarian tumors exist. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman who presented skin lesions on both lower extremities as a consequence of the metastasis of serous papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary. She presented with erythematous and painful cutaneous nodules on both upper legs and in the inguinal area 42 months after initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Skin biopsy revealed metastasis of adenocarcinoma in the dermis. She was treated with surgical excision and systemic chemotherapy. Literature review has suggested that a combined modality approach including surgical excision and chemotherapy may be useful in the management of skin metastases due to ovarian cancer.

A case of robotic laparoscopic radical trachelectomy / 대한산부인과학회지

To present a case of successful robotic assisted radical trachelectomy. A nulliparous woman with early cervical cancer underwent a laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with the da Vinci robot (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). After the pelvic lymph nodes were found negative on frozen section, the parametria, paracolpia and uterosacral ligaments were dissected transabdominally sparing the ascending branches of the uterine arteries. Cervical transection and vaginal closure were performed transvaginally. Surgical time was 450 min. No perioperative complications were noted. Robotic laparoscopic radical trachelectomy may bridge the gap between laparotomy and laparoscopy for radical trachelectomy.

Analysis of the Inter- and Intra-treatment Isocenter Deviations in Pelvic Radiotherapy With Small Bowel Displacement System / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the extent and frequency of the inter- and intra-treatment isocenter deviations of the whole pelvis radiation field in using small bowel displacement system (SBDS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Using electronic portal imaging device (EPID), 302 postero-anterior (PA) and 232 lateral portal images were prospectively collected from 11 patients who received pelvic radiation therapy (7 with cervix cancer and 4 with rectal cancer). All patients were treated in prone position with SBDS under the lower abdomen. Five metallic fiducial markers were placed on the image detection unit for the recognition of the isocenter and magnification. After aligning the bony landmarks of the EPID images on those of the reference image, the deviations of the isocenter were measured in right-left (RL), cranio-caudal (CC), and PA directions. RESULTS: The mean inter-treatment deviation of the isocenter in each RL, CC, and PA direction was 1.2 mm (+/-1.6 mm), 1.0 mm (+/-3.0 mm), and 0.9 mm (+/-4.4 mm), respectively. Inter-treatment isocenter deviations over 5 mm and 10 mm in RL, CC, and PA direction were 2, 12, 24%, and 0, 0, 5%, respectively. Maximal deviation was detected in PA direction, and was 11.5 mm. The mean intra- treatment deviation of the isocenter in RL, CC, and PA direction was 0 mm (+/-0.9 mm), 0.1 mm (+/-1.9 mm), and 0 mm (+/-1.6 mm), respectively. All intra-treatment isocenter deviations over 5 mm in each direction were 0, 1, 1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: As the greatest and the most frequent inter-treatment deviation of the isocenter was along the PA direction, it is recommended to put more generous safety margin toward the PA direction on the lateral fields if clinically acceptable in pelvic radiotherapy with SBDD.

Radiation Oncology Digital Image Chart and Digital Radiotherapy Record System at Samsung Medical Center / 대한방사선종양학회지

BACKGROUND: The authors have developed a Digital image chart(DIC) and digital Radiotherapy Record System (DRRS). We have evaluated the DIC and DRRS for reliability, usefulness, ease of use, and efficiency. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The basic design o f the DIC and DRRS was to build an digital image database of radiation therapy patient records for a more efficient and timely flow of critical image in formation throughout the department. This system is a subunit of comprehensive radiation oncology managemert system (C-ROMS) and composed of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), radiotherapy information database, and a radiotherapy imaging database. The DIC and DRRS were programmed using Delphi under a Windows 95 environment and is capable of displaying the digital images of patients identification photos, simulation films, radiotherapy setup, diagnostic radiology image... Gross lesion photos, and radiotherapy planning isodose charts with beam arrangements. Twenty-three clients in the department are connected by Ethernet (10 Mbps) to the central image server (Sun Ultra-sparc 1 workstation). RESULTS: From the introduction of this system in February 1998 through December 1999, we have accumulated a total of 15,732 individual images for 2,556 patients. We can organize radiation therapy in; paperless environment in 120 patients with breast cancer. Using this system, we have succeeded in the prompt, accurate, and simultaneous access to patient care information from multiple locations throughout the department. This coordination has resulted in improved operational efficiency within the department. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that the DIC and DRRS has contributed to the improvement of radiation oncology department efficacy as well as to time and resource savings by providing necessary visual information throughout the department conveniently and simultaneously. As a result, we can also achieve the paperless and filmless practice of radiation oncology with this system.

Preliminary Results of Postoperative Radiotherapy after Breast Conserving Surgery in Early Breast Cancer / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment results of breast conserving surgery and radiation therapy including survival rates, patterns of failure, and complication and to analyze prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was carried out for 111 (112 cases) consecutive patients with breast cancer treated by radiation therapy after breast conserving surgery from October 1994 to April 1997. The median follow up was 45 months (range 10~66). AJCC staging was as follows: 16 cases (14%) for ductal carcinoma in situ, 46 cases (41%) for stage I, 33 cases (30%) for stage IIa, and 17 cases (15%) for stage IIb. Radiation therapy after breast conserving surgery was delivered to whole breast with 50.4 Gy and additional 10 Gy electron beam boost to tumor bed. Adjuvant CMF or CAF chemotherapy was performed in 61 patients. RESULTS: Overall three- and five-year survivals were 99% and 95%, and progression-free survival were 93%, 87%, respectively. Treatment failure occurred in 11 cases (10%); loco-regional recur rence in six; distant metastasis in five. Univariate analysis showed prognostic factor affecting survival was only T-stage. Acute radiation dermatitis were found in five cases (4%), and chronic complications were found in five (4%); one case with amputation of nipple, two cases with lymphedema requiring rehabilitation therapy and two cases with symptomatic radiation pneu monitis requiring steroid therapy. CONCLUSION: Breast conserving therapy of early breast cancer including ductal carcinoma in situ showed high survival rates and low complications, and T stage was prognostic factor for survival. But further follow-up should be needed.

Pre-operative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Stage IIIA (N2) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: This is to evaluate the acute complication, resection rate, and tumor down-staging after pre-operative concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage IIIA (N2) non-small cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with non-small cell lung cancer were enrolled in this study from May 1997 to June 1998 in Samsung Medical Center. The median age of the patients was 61 (range, 45~67) years and male to female ratio was 12:3. Pathologic types were squamous cell carcinoma (11) and adenocarcinoma (4). Pre-operative clinical tumor stages were cT1 in 2 patients, cT2 in 12, and cT3 in 1 and all were N2. Ten patients were proved to be N2 with mediastinoscopic biopsy and five had clinically evident mediastinal lymph node metastases on the chest CT scans. Pre-operative radiation therapy field included the primary tumor, the ipsilateral hilum, and the mediastinum. Total radiation dose was 45 Gy over 5 weeks with daily dose of 1.8 Gy. Pre-operative concurrent chemotherapy consisted of two cycles of intravenous cis-Platin (100 mg/m2) on day 1 and oral Etoposide (50 mg/m2/day) on days 1 through 14 with 4 weeks' interval. Surgery was followed after the pre-operative re-evaluation including chest CT scan in 3 weeks of the completion of the concurrent chemoradiotherapy if there was no evidence of disease progression. RESULTS: Full dose radiation therapy was administered to all the 15 patients. Planned two cycles of chemotherapy was completed in 11 patients and one cycle was given to four. One treatment related death of acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 15 days of surgery. Hospital admission was required in three patients including one with radiation pneumonitis and two with neutropenic fever. Hematologic complications and other acute complications including esophagitis were tolerable. Resection rate was 92.3% (12/13) in 13 patients excluding two patients who refused surgery. Pleural seeding was found in one patient after thoracotomy and tumor resection was not feasible. Post-operative tumor stagings were pT0 in 3 patients, pT1 in 6, and pT2 in 3. Lymph node status findings were pN0 in 8 patients, pN1 in 1, and pN2 in 3. Pathologic tumor down-staging was 61.5% (8/13) including complete response in three patients (23.7%). Tumor stage was unchanged in four patients (30.8%) and progression was in one (7.7%). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative concurrent chemoradiotherapy for Stage IIIA (N2) non-small cell lung cancer demonstrated satisfactory results with no increased severe acute complications. This treatment scheme deserves more patient accrual with long-term follow-up.

Combined Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy in Limited Disease Small-Cell Lung Cancer / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: This is a retrospective study to evaluate the response rate, acute toxicity, and survival rate of a combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy in limited disease small cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients with limited disease small-cell lung cancer who underwent combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy between October 1994 and April 1998 were evaluated. Six cycles of chemotherapy were planned either using a VIP regimen (etoposide, ifosfamide, and cis-platin) or a EP regimen (etoposide and cis-platin). Thoracic radiation therapy was planned to deliver 44 Gy using 10MV X-ray, starting concurrently with chemotherapy. Response was evaluated 4 weeks after the completion of the planned chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and the prophylactic cranial irradiation was planned only for the patients with complete responses. Acute toxicity was evaluated using the SWOG toxicity criteria, and the overall survival and disease-free survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier Method. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 16 months (range : 2 to 41 months). Complete response was achieved in 30 (65%) patients, of which 22 patients received prophylactic cranial irradiations. Acute toxicities over grade III were granulocytopenia in 23 (50%), anemia in 17 (37%), thrombocytopenia in nine (20%), alopecia in nine (20%), nausea/vomiting in five (11%), and peripheral neuropathy in one (2%). Chemotherapy was delayed in one patient, and the chemotherapy doses were reduced in 58 (24%) out of the total 246 cycles. No radiation esophagitis over grade III was observed, while interruption during radiation therapy for a mean of 8.3 days occurred in 21 patients. The local recurrences were observed in 8 patients and local progressions were in 6 patients, and the distant metastases in 17 patients. Among these, four patients had both the local relapse and the distant metastasis. Brain was the most common metastatic site (10 patients), followed by the liver as the next common site (4 patients). The overall and progression-free survival rates were 79% and 55% in 1 year, and 45% and 32% in 2 years, respectively, and the median survival was 23 months. CONCLUSION: Relatively satisfactory local control and survival rates were achieved after the combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy with mild to moderate acute morbidities in limited disease small cell lung cancer.

p 53 Expression in Non - Small Cell Lung Cancer: Its relationship to the clinical prognostic factor and smoking history / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: p53 mutations are one of the most common genetic alterations in human lung cancer. Although the prognostic value of mutant p53 is still debated, it is widely accepted as a relatively early genetic event in the development and progression of lung cancer. Moreover, there are growing reports about an association between smoking and p53 mutation, suggesting that the p53 gene could be a target of the smoking associated carcino- genesis in the lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgically resected 89 primary non-small cell lung cancers were obtained from May of 1995 to May of 1997. p53 expression and Ki-67 expression were measured by immunohistochemistry, and each p53 expression and smoking amount were compared with Ki-67 expression and other clinical prognostic factors. RESULTS: Positive p53 expressions were found in 52 (58%) specimens, including 38 (69%) squamous cell carcinomas, 11 (39%) adenocarcinomas, and 3 (50%) large cell carcinomas, and closely associated with male and squamous cell carcinoma. Also close correlation was observed between smoking amount and p53 expression by the regression analysis. But p53 and Ki-67 expression showed no associations in pathologic stage and survival, and there was no association between p53 expression and survival after adjuvant radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Smoking seems to affect p53 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer, and additional efforts are needed to evaluate the carcinogesis of lung cancer.

Physical Characteristics Comparison of Virtual Wedge Device With Physical Wedge / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: We have compared the characteristics of Siemens virtual wedge device with physical wedges for clinical application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the characteristics and physical wedges for various wedge angles (15,30,45,and 60 degrees)using 6- and 15MV photon beams. Wedge factors were measured in water using an ion chamber for various field sizes and depths. In case of virtual wedge device, as upper jaw moves during irradiation, wedge angles were estimated by accumulated doses. These measurements were performed at off-axis points perpendicular to beam central axis in water for a 15Cm x20Cm radiation field size at the depth of 10Cm. Surface doses without and with virtual or physical wedges were measured using a parallel plate ion chamber at surface. Field size was15Cmx20Cm and a polystyrene phantom was used. RESULT: For various field sizes, virtual and physical wedge factors were changed by maximum 2.1%and 3.9%, respectively. For various depths, virtual and physical wedge factors were changed by maximum 1.9% and 2.9%, respectively. No major difference was found between the virtual and physical wedge angles and the difference was within 0.5 degrees. Surface dose with physical wedge was reduced by maximum 20% (x-ray beam : 6 MV, Wedge angle: 45 degrees, SSD; 80 Cm) relative to one with virtual wedge or without wedge. CONCLUSION: comparison of the characteristics of Siemens virtual wedge device with physical wedges was performed.Depth dependence of virtual wedge factor was smaller than of physical wedge factor. Virtual and physical wedge factors were nearly independent of field size. The accuracy of virtual and physical wedge angles was excellent. Surface dose was found to be reduced using physical wedge.

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Intracranial Benign Tumor: Preliminary Results of Clinical Application / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: With the development of stereotactic immobilization systems capable of reliable serial repositioning, fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) offers the potential for an improved treatment outcome by excellent dose delivery, and dose distribution characteristics with the favorable radiobiological properties of fractionated irradiation. We describe our initial experience using FSRT for the treatment of intracranial benign tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 1995 and December 1996, 15 patients (7 males and 8 females aged 6-70 years) were treated with FSRT. The patients had the following diagnosis : pituitary adenoma (10) including one patient who previously had received radiotherapy, craniopharyngioma (2), acoustic neurinoma (1), meningioma (2). Using the Gill-Thomas-Cosman relocatable head frame and multiple non-coplanar therapy, the daily dose of 2Gy was irradiated at 90% to 100% isodose surface of the isocenter. The collimator sizes ranged from 26mm to 70mm. RESULTS: In all patients except one follow-up lost, disease was well- controlled. Acute complication was negligible and no patient experienced cranial nerve neuropathies and radiation necrosis. In overall patient setup with scalp measurements, reproducibility was found to have mean of 1.1+/-0.6mm from the baseline reading. CONCLUSION: Relocatable stereotactic system for FSRT is highly reproducible and comfortable. Although the follow-up period was relatively short, FSRT is considered to be a safe and effective radiation technique as the treatment of intracranial tumor. But the fractionation schedule (fraction size, overall treatment time and total dose) still remains to be solved by further clinical trials.

Limb - Conserving Surgery and Interstitial Brachytherapy Plus External Radiation Therapy in Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: In order to avoid functional disability that may be caused by radical excision or amputation in extremity soft tissue sarcomas, authors employed limb-conserving surgery together with extemal radiation therapy plus interstitial brachytherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1995 to Febrary 1997, 10 extremity soft tissue sarcoma patients were treated with limb-conserving surgery and external radiation therapy plus interstitial brachytherapy. In six patients, whose histologic diagnoses were made at the time of surgery, wide or marginal excision and interstitial brachytherapy was done 4 weeks before postoperative external radiation therapy. In four patients whose histologic confinnations were done before definitive treatment, preoperative external radiation therapy was given 4 weeks before surgery and interstitial brachytherapy. The types of surgery were wide excision in five patients, and marginal excision in five patients. Gross or microscopic residual was left at the surgical resection margins in four patients. The brachytherapy dose ranged from 17.5 Gy to 24 Gy and external beam radiation did from 40 Gy to 45 Gy. RESULTS: With the median follow-up duration of 21.5 months(range: 13 to 29 months); one local recurrence, and three new distant metastases were observed. There were three patients with wound complications attributable to the current treatment regimen. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory local tumor control may be achievable with limb-conserving surgery and external radiation therapy plus brachytherapy in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas, while more caution should be used to avoid wound problems.

Efficacy of Small Bowel Displacement System in Post-Operative Pelvic Radiation Therapy of Rectal Cancer / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: This study is to evaluate the efficacy of small bowel displacement system (SBDS) in post-operative pelvic radiation therapy (RT) of rectal cancer patients by measurement of small bowel volume included in the radiation fields receiving therapeutic dose. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Ten consecutive new rectal cancer patients referred to the department of Radiation Oncology of Samsung Medical Center in May of 1997 were included in this study. All patients were asked to drink Gastrographin before simulation and were laid prone for conventional simulation and CT scans with and without SBDS. The volume of opacified small bowel on CT scans, which was to be included in the radiation fields receiving therapeutic dose, was measured using picture archiving and communication system (PACS). RESULTS: The average small bowel volumes with and without SBDS were 176.0ml (5.2- 415.6ml) and 185.1ml (54.5- 434.2ml), respectively. The changes of small bowel volume with SBDS compared to those without SBDS were more than 10% decrease in three, less than 10% decreaseintwo,lessthan10%increaseinthree,andmorethan10%increaseintwopatients. CONCLUSION: No significant advantage of using SBDS in post-operative pelvic RT for rectal cancer patients has been shown by small bowel volume measurement using CT scan considering additional effort and time needed for simulation and treatment setup.

Excellent Local Tumor Response after Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Locally Recurrent Nasopharynx Cancer / 대한치료방사선과학회지

PURPOSE: This study is to report experience with Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (FSRT) for locally recurrent nasopharynx cancer after curative conventional radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three patients with locally recurrent and symptomatic nasopharynx cancer were given FSRT as reirradiation method between the period of September of 1995 and August of 1996. For two patients, application of FSRT is their third radiation therapy directed to the nasopharynx. Two patients were given low dose chemotherapy as radiation sensitizer concurrently with FSRT. Authors used 3-dimensional coordinate system by individually made, relocatable Gill-Thomas-Cosman (GTC) stereotactic frame and multiple non-coplanar arc therapy dose planning was done using XKnife-3. Total of 45 Gy/18 fractions or 50 Gy/20 fractions were given. RESULTS: Authors observed satisfactory symptomatic improvement and remarkable objective tumor size decrease by follow-up MR images taken 1 month post-FSRT in all three patients, while no neurologic side effect attributable to reirradiation was noticed. Two died at 7 and 9 months with loco-regional and distant seeding outside FSRT field, while one patient is living for 4 month. CONCLUSION: Authors experienced satisfactory therapeutic effectiveness and safety of FSRT as reirradiation method for locally recurrent nasopharynx cancer. Development of more effective systemic chemotherapeutic regimen is desired for distant metastasis.

Minimization of Small Bowel Volume within Treatment Fields Using Customized Small Bowel Displacement System (SBDS) / 대한치료방사선과학회지

PURPOSE: Authors designed a customized Small Bowel Displacement System (SBDS) to displace the small bowel from the pelvic radiation fields and minimize treatment-related bowel morbidities. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From August 1995 to May 1996, 55 consecutive patients who received pelvic radiation therapy with the SBDS were included in this study. The SBDS consists of a customized styrofoam compression device which can displace the small bowel from the radiation fields and an individualized immobilization abdominal board for easy daily setup in prone position. After opacifying the small bowel with Barium , the patients were laid prone and posterior-anterior (PA) and lateral (LAT) simulation films were taken with and without the SBDS. The areas of the small bowel included in the radiation fields with and without the SBDS were compared. RESULTS: Using the SBDS, the mean small bowel area was reduced by 59% on PA and 51% on LAT films (P=0.0001). In six patients (6/55, 11%), it was possible that no small bowel was included within the treatment fields. The mean upward displacement of the most caudal small bowel was 4.8 cm using the SBDS. Only 15% (8/55) of patients treated with the SBDS manifested diarrhea requiring medication. CONCLUSION: The SBDS is a novel method that can be used to displace the small bowel away from the treatment portal effectively and reduce the radiation therapy morbidities. Compliance with setup is excellent when the SBDS is used.

Short-term Results of Endobronchial Brachytherapy for Malignant Airway Obstructions / 대한치료방사선과학회지

PURPOSE: Respiratory symptoms related with malignant airway disease have been the main causes of lowered quality of life and also sometimes may be life-threatening if not properly amanged. He authors report the short-term experiences of endobronchial brachytherapy for symptomatic malignant airway obstruction using high dose rate after-loading brachytherapy unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with symptomatic malignant airway obstruction were treated with endobronchial brachytherapy between the period of December 1994 and March 1996 at Department of Radiation Oncology of Samsung Medical Center. Twenty-one(84%) were patients with non-small cell lung cancer, three with tracheal malignancies, and one with recurrence of esophageal cancer. Twenty patients were given elective external beam radiation therapy, while six were given endobronchial laser evaporation therapy on emergency bases in addition to endobronchial brachytherapy. Three procedures for each patients were planned and total of 70 procedures were completed. RESULTS: Improvement rates of major respiratory symptoms after endobronchial brachytherapy procedures were 88%(22/25), 96%(22/23)m 100%(15/15), and 100%(9/9) for cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis and obstructive pneumonia, respectively. ECOG Performance scores were improved in 56% of total patients group, while there was no case with worsened ECOG score. Fifteen patients died and the median interval from the start of treatment to death was 4 months (range : 1~17 months), while that of ten survivors was 9 months (range:5~19 months). There were five patients with controlled intrathoracic disease, who have survived over one year. All deaths were associated with uncontrolled local and/or distant disease. Four patients died of massive fatal hemoptysis, three of who received emergency endobrronchial laser evaporation therapy before the start of endobronchial brachytherapy. CONCLUSION: Endobronchial brachytherapy has been confirmed as an excellent palliative treatment modality improving respiratory symptoms as well as patients' general performance status. Based on the current observations, use of endobronchial brachytherapy in curative setting as a boost technique may be warranted.