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Purpose@#Most rotator cuff repairs are performed under general anesthesia, and the shoulder muscles undergo exertion during the patient’s awakening. These may lead to subsequent retear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of shoulder muscle contraction during awakening from general anesthesia after rotator cuff repair. @*Methods@#Twenty patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Surface electromyography was used to investigate the amplitude of shoulder (upper trapezius [UT] and biceps brachii [BB]) and body (rectus femoris, RF) muscles during awakening in the operating room and resting in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). @*Results@#The mean maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the UT, BB, and RF during awakening were 28.00%, 27.84%, and 35.65%, and the mean durations of activation were 3.98, 2.50, and 2.71 seconds. In the PACU, the mean MVIC of the UT, BB, and RF were 27.18%, 25.03%, and 27.20%, and the mean durations were 2.72, 0.26, and 0.67 seconds. No correlation between muscle contraction and postoperative pain was identified. @*Conclusion@#Less than 10% of the involuntary muscle contractions of the UT and BB measured in this study exceeded 20% of the MVIC and the contractions lasted less than 4 seconds. As the percentage of the MVIC of the rotator cuff is typically lower than that of the UT and BB, strong contractions of the rotator cuff muscle with detrimental effects occur at a low frequency and short duration. Therefore, retear due to muscle contraction during awakening is unlikely.
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Background@#Lung cancer is associated with significant psychological distress, including fear of progression (FoP). Because insomnia and depression are highly prevalent and associated with FoP, we examined the association between FoP, insomnia, and depression in cancer patients. Furthermore, we tested the mediation effect of cancer-related dysfunctional beliefs about sleep (C-DBS) on this association. @*Methods@#We analyzed data collected from patients with surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer from a single-center randomized controlled study investigating digital healthcare applications. Baseline demographic and clinical variables were collected. In addition, selfreported questionnaires including the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Patients Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), Insomnia Severity Index, and C-DBS were administered. @*Results@#Among the 320 enrolled patients with lung cancer, a regression model showed that FoP was predicted by age (β = −0.13, P = 0.007), PHQ-9 (β = 0.35, P < 0.001), and C-DBS (β = 0.28, P < 0.001). Insomnia did not directly influence FoP, but C-DBS mediated the association. Depression directly influenced FoP, but C-DBS did not mediate this association. @*Conclusion@#Among patients with surgically resected lung cancer, C-DBS mediated the effects of severity of insomnia on FoP. Depression directly influenced FoP, but C-DBS did not influence this association. To reduce FoP among patients with lung cancer, C-DBS should be addressed in the cognitive behavioral therapy module.
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Purpose@#This study aimed to analyze the waiting time for initial treatment after breast cancer diagnosis and determine the factors influencing treatment delay in South Korea. @*Methods@#This nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment data. The participants were classified according to the regions where their biopsy and treatment were performed (Seoul-Seoul, Metro-Metro, OtherOther, Metro-Seoul, Other-Seoul). Waiting time was analyzed according to regional subgroup, year of diagnosis, and type of treatment. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify the factors associated with treatment delay (after 30 days of diagnosis). @*Results@#A total of 133,514 participants newly diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2017 were included in the study. The median waiting time for initial treatment in the total population increased from 8 days, in 2010, to 14 days, in 2017. In the Seoul-Seoul group, the waiting time increased from 10 days, in 2010, to 16 days, in 2017. Although the median waiting time was approximately 10 days in the Metro-Metro and Other-Other groups, it was 27 and 24 days, in the Metro-Seoul and Other-Seoul group, respectively, in 2017. The proportion of delayed upfront surgery by more than 30 days was higher in the Metro-Seoul (odds ratio [OR], 8.088; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.357–8.893; p < 0.001) and OtherSeoul (OR, 6.210; 95% CI, 5.717–6.750; p < 0.001) groups than in the Metro-Metro (OR, 1.468; 95% CI, 1.352–1.594; p < 0.001) and Other-Other (reference) groups. Previous medical history and treatment at tertiary hospital were observed as factors related to delayed surgery. @*Conclusion@#Waiting times for breast cancer surgery have increased across all regions of Korea, with those traveling to Seoul experiencing particularly long wait times.
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Background@#Purse-string suture is a simple technique to reduce wound size and to achieve complete or partial closure of skin defects. @*Objective@#To classify situations in which purse-string sutures can be utilized and to assess the long-term size reduction and cosmetic outcome of the final scar. @*Methods@#Patients (93 from Severance hospital and 12 from Gangnam Severance hospital) in whom purse-string sutures were used between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Wound site, final reconstruction method, repair duration, final wound size, and Vancouver scar scale were assessed. @*Results@#A total of 105 patients were reviewed. Lesions were located on the trunk (48 [45.7%]), limbs (32 [30.5%]), and face (25 [23.8%]). Mean ratio of wound length/primary defect length was 0.79±0.30. Multilayered purse-string suture showed the shortest duration from excision to final repair (p<0.001) and most effectively minimized the scar size (scar to defect size ratio 0.67±0.23, p=0.002). The average Vancouver scar scale measured at the latest followup visit at least 6 months postoperatively was 1.62, and the risk of hypertrophic scarring was 8.6%. There was no significant difference in the Vancouver scar scale and the risk of hypertrophic scarring between the different surgical method groups. @*Conclusion@#Purse-string sutures can be utilized in many stages of reconstruction to effectively reduce scar size without compromising the final cosmetic outcome.
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Purpose@#This study was conducted to investigate the trend of domestic medical travel from non-Seoul areas to Seoul for initial breast cancer treatment, and identify factors associated with medical travel in breast cancer patients. @*Methods@#A nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment data of South Korea. Patients were classified according to the regions in which they underwent breast biopsy (Seoul vs.metropolitan cities vs. other regions). Frequencies of biopsy, diagnosis, treatment, and domestic medical travel were analyzed according to regions, and factors associated with medical travel were investigated. @*Results@#A total of 150,709 breast cancer survivors who were diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2017 were included. The total rate of medical travel from non-Seoul regions to Seoul had increased from 14.2% (1,161 of 8,150) in 2010 to 19.8% (2,762 of 13,964) in 2017. Approximately a quarter of patients from other regions traveled to Seoul, and over 40% of patients from Chungbuk, Gyeongbuk, and Jeju regions traveled to Seoul for initial treatment in 2017. The difference in the annual frequencies of upfront surgery between Seoul and non-Seoul regions increased over time. Younger age and regions other than metropolitan cities were significantly related to medical travel. Patients covered by medical aid or past medical histories were significantly less likely to travel to Seoul for initial breast cancer treatment. @*Conclusion@#Medical travel to Seoul for upfront breast cancer surgery is increasing. Policies for appropriate healthcare delivery need to be established in the near future.
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Purpose@#K-MASTER project is a Korean national precision medicine platform that screened actionable mutations by analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) of solid tumor patients. We compared gene analyses between NGS panel from the K-MASTER project and orthogonal methods. @*Materials and Methods@#Colorectal, breast, non–small cell lung, and gastric cancer patients were included. We compared NGS results from K-MASTER projects with those of non-NGS orthogonal methods (KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer [CRC]; epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK] fusion, and reactive oxygen species 1 [ROS1] fusion in non–small cell lung cancer [NSCLC], and Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) positivity in breast and gastric cancers). @*Results@#In the CRC cohort (n=225), the sensitivity and specificity of NGS were 87.4% and 79.3% (KRAS); 88.9% and 98.9% (NRAS); and 77.8% and 100.0% (BRAF), respectively. In the NSCLC cohort (n=109), the sensitivity and specificity of NGS for EGFR were 86.2% and 97.5%, respectively. The concordance rate for ALK fusion was 100%, but ROS1 fusion was positive in only one of three cases that were positive in orthogonal tests. In the breast cancer cohort (n=260), ERBB2 amplification was detected in 45 by NGS. Compared with orthogonal methods that integrated immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, sensitivity and specificity were 53.7% and 99.4%, respectively. In the gastric cancer cohort (n=64), ERBB2 amplification was detected in six by NGS. Compared with orthogonal methods, sensitivity and specificity were 62.5% and 98.2%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#The results of the K-MASTER NGS panel and orthogonal methods showed a different degree of agreement for each genetic alteration, but generally showed a high agreement rate.
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Background@#The morphology of hair regrowth in alopecia areata (AA) patches could be classified into four types, namely diffuse, irregular, marginal, and targetoid patterns, according to the DIMT classification. However, factors affecting hair regrowth patterns have not been investigated. @*Objective@#We investigated whether the DIMT-classified hair regrowth patterns of AA patches are associated with treatment modality and patch size. @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 152 AA patches with hair regrowth. @*Results@#The associations between the diffuse pattern and patch size >2 cm (p=0.006;odds ratio [OR]: 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17~0.74), between the irregular pattern and triamcinolone acetonide intralesional injection (p2 cm (p=0.028; OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.10~5.68) were statistically significant. @*Conclusion@#Treatment modalities and patch size are the factors affecting hair regrowth patterns in AA patches.
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Objectives@#This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Health-Related Quality of Life Instrument with 8 Items (HINT-8) in postoperative breast cancer patients in South Korea. @*Methods@#The study included 300 breast cancer patients visiting a tertiary hospital. We measured health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the HINT-8, the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Discriminatory ability, known-group validity, and convergent validity were assessed. Reliability was evaluated with the Cohen kappa, weighted kappa, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). @*Results@#The EQ-5D-5L indexes (p<0.001) and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (p<0.001) were significantly higher in subjects with no problems in each item of the HINT-8 than in those with problems. The FACT-B total scores were also higher in subjects without problems on the HINT-8. Older age, lower education level, and comorbidities were associated with a lower HINT-8 index. The HINT-8 index was correlated with the EQ-5D-5L index and the EQ VAS, with correlation coefficients of 0.671 (p<0.001) and 0.577 (p<0.001), respectively. The correlation coefficients between the HINT-8 and the FACT-B ranged from 0.390 to 0.714. The ICC was 0.690 (95% confidence interval, 0.580–0.780). @*Conclusion@#The HINT-8 showed appropriate validity for capturing HRQoL in postoperative breast cancer patients.
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Background@#Th17 cytokines such as interleukin-17 and interleukin-22 are expressed in atopic dermatitis lesions. Previous studies have reported increased levels of interleukin-17A, -17E, and -17F in patients with atopic dermatitis.As interleukin-17A, -17E and -17F act through a common receptor composed of interleukin-17RA, it is speculated that interleukin-17RA gene (IL17RA) mutation could affect the clinical characteristics of atopic dermatitis. @*Objective@#This study aimed to characterize the clinical features of atopic dermatitis according to the presence of an IL17RA mutation in patients with atopic dermatitis. @*Methods@#We performed reverse blot hybridization assay to detect IL17RA mutations in Korean patients with atopic dermatitis. The clinical features of atopic dermatitis were compared between atopic dermatitis patients with and without IL17RA mutation. @*Results@#Of 332 patients with atopic dermatitis, 27 (8.1%) were found to have IL17RA mutation compared to 8 of 245 controls without atopic diseases (3.27%), which was statistically significant. Furthermore, 272 of atopic dermatitis patients (81.9%) had extrinsic type atopic dermatitis and 60 (18.1%) had intrinsic type. All patients with IL17RA mutations had extrinsic type. In addition, atopic dermatitis with IL17RA mutation was associated with longer disease duration, more frequent keratosis pilaris, higher blood eosinophil count, higher serum total immunoglobulin E level, higher house dust mite allergen-specific immunoglobulin E levels, and more need for systemic treatment than that in patients without IL17RA mutation. @*Conclusion@#IL17RA mutation is associated with the more severe extrinsic type atopic dermatitis. So, it may predict the progress to severe atopic dermatitis.
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Purpose@#Physicians' awareness of their cancer patients' unmet needs is an essential element for providing effective treatment. This study investigated the accuracy of physicians' awareness of breast cancer survivors' unmet needs in Korea. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 106 physicians and 320 Korean breast cancer survivors. The Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool was administered to physicians and cancer survivors after obtaining their written informed consent to participate. Data were analyzed using t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. @*Results@#The level of unmet needs was highest in the hospital service domain (mean ± standard deviation: 2.19 ± 0.82), and the top-ranked unmet need item was “wished my doctor to be easy, specific, and honest in his/her explanation” (2.44 ± 0.93). Higher unmet needs were correlated with the presence of a genetic counseling clinic. They were not associated with age, sex, marital status, religion, department, working period, type of institution, number of staff, and number of operations. In multiple regression analysis, the presence of a genetic counseling clinic was associated with a higher level of recognition for psychological problems, social support, hospital service, and information and education needs. Physicians overestimated breast cancer survivors' unmet needs in all domains, compared to their selfreported unmet needs. The discordance in the perceived unmet needs was highest in the ‘family/personal relationship problems’ domain. @*Conclusions@#Physicians who treat Korean breast cancer survivors rated the level of unmet needs of breast cancer survivors as highest in the hospital service domain. The presence of a genetic counseling clinic in physicians' institutions was associated with a higher perception of survivors' unmet needs. Physicians overestimated the level of unmet needs in Korean breast cancer survivors. Efforts to reduce these discordances are needed to implement optimal survivorship care.
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Purpose@#As the survival rates of cancer patients have been increasing due to early diagnosis and technological advances in treatment, their caregiver burden has also emerged as an important issue. In view of this situation, this study aims to investigate the unmet needs and quality of life of caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. @*Methods@#A multicenter cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 160 caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. Caregivers who gave written informed consent to participate completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers and EuroQol-5 Dimensions. @*Results@#The mean age of the caregivers was 46.4 years, 44.4% (71 of 160) were spouses of patients, and 52.5% (84 of 160) were personally taking care of cancer survivors. Unmet needs were highest in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain and the item with the highest level of unmet needs was ‘needed information about the current status of the patient’s illness and its future courses.’ Poorer quality of life was closely related to higher levels of unmet needs. In multiple regression analysis, older age, employment, the presence of religion, and higher levels of stress and despair in daily life were associated with higher levels of unmet needs. @*Conclusion@#The most prevalent unmet need in Korean breast cancer caregivers was found in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain, and their quality of life was closely related to unmet needs. Therefore, healthcare staff is required to make efforts to accurately identify breast cancer caregivers vulnerable in terms of unmet needs and address their unmet needs.
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Objectives@#This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Health-Related Quality of Life Instrument with 8 Items (HINT-8) in postoperative breast cancer patients in South Korea. @*Methods@#The study included 300 breast cancer patients visiting a tertiary hospital. We measured health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the HINT-8, the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Discriminatory ability, known-group validity, and convergent validity were assessed. Reliability was evaluated with the Cohen kappa, weighted kappa, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). @*Results@#The EQ-5D-5L indexes (p<0.001) and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (p<0.001) were significantly higher in subjects with no problems in each item of the HINT-8 than in those with problems. The FACT-B total scores were also higher in subjects without problems on the HINT-8. Older age, lower education level, and comorbidities were associated with a lower HINT-8 index. The HINT-8 index was correlated with the EQ-5D-5L index and the EQ VAS, with correlation coefficients of 0.671 (p<0.001) and 0.577 (p<0.001), respectively. The correlation coefficients between the HINT-8 and the FACT-B ranged from 0.390 to 0.714. The ICC was 0.690 (95% confidence interval, 0.580–0.780). @*Conclusion@#The HINT-8 showed appropriate validity for capturing HRQoL in postoperative breast cancer patients.
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Background@#Th17 cytokines such as interleukin-17 and interleukin-22 are expressed in atopic dermatitis lesions. Previous studies have reported increased levels of interleukin-17A, -17E, and -17F in patients with atopic dermatitis.As interleukin-17A, -17E and -17F act through a common receptor composed of interleukin-17RA, it is speculated that interleukin-17RA gene (IL17RA) mutation could affect the clinical characteristics of atopic dermatitis. @*Objective@#This study aimed to characterize the clinical features of atopic dermatitis according to the presence of an IL17RA mutation in patients with atopic dermatitis. @*Methods@#We performed reverse blot hybridization assay to detect IL17RA mutations in Korean patients with atopic dermatitis. The clinical features of atopic dermatitis were compared between atopic dermatitis patients with and without IL17RA mutation. @*Results@#Of 332 patients with atopic dermatitis, 27 (8.1%) were found to have IL17RA mutation compared to 8 of 245 controls without atopic diseases (3.27%), which was statistically significant. Furthermore, 272 of atopic dermatitis patients (81.9%) had extrinsic type atopic dermatitis and 60 (18.1%) had intrinsic type. All patients with IL17RA mutations had extrinsic type. In addition, atopic dermatitis with IL17RA mutation was associated with longer disease duration, more frequent keratosis pilaris, higher blood eosinophil count, higher serum total immunoglobulin E level, higher house dust mite allergen-specific immunoglobulin E levels, and more need for systemic treatment than that in patients without IL17RA mutation. @*Conclusion@#IL17RA mutation is associated with the more severe extrinsic type atopic dermatitis. So, it may predict the progress to severe atopic dermatitis.
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Purpose@#Physicians' awareness of their cancer patients' unmet needs is an essential element for providing effective treatment. This study investigated the accuracy of physicians' awareness of breast cancer survivors' unmet needs in Korea. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 106 physicians and 320 Korean breast cancer survivors. The Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool was administered to physicians and cancer survivors after obtaining their written informed consent to participate. Data were analyzed using t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. @*Results@#The level of unmet needs was highest in the hospital service domain (mean ± standard deviation: 2.19 ± 0.82), and the top-ranked unmet need item was “wished my doctor to be easy, specific, and honest in his/her explanation” (2.44 ± 0.93). Higher unmet needs were correlated with the presence of a genetic counseling clinic. They were not associated with age, sex, marital status, religion, department, working period, type of institution, number of staff, and number of operations. In multiple regression analysis, the presence of a genetic counseling clinic was associated with a higher level of recognition for psychological problems, social support, hospital service, and information and education needs. Physicians overestimated breast cancer survivors' unmet needs in all domains, compared to their selfreported unmet needs. The discordance in the perceived unmet needs was highest in the ‘family/personal relationship problems’ domain. @*Conclusions@#Physicians who treat Korean breast cancer survivors rated the level of unmet needs of breast cancer survivors as highest in the hospital service domain. The presence of a genetic counseling clinic in physicians' institutions was associated with a higher perception of survivors' unmet needs. Physicians overestimated the level of unmet needs in Korean breast cancer survivors. Efforts to reduce these discordances are needed to implement optimal survivorship care.
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Purpose@#As the survival rates of cancer patients have been increasing due to early diagnosis and technological advances in treatment, their caregiver burden has also emerged as an important issue. In view of this situation, this study aims to investigate the unmet needs and quality of life of caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. @*Methods@#A multicenter cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 160 caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. Caregivers who gave written informed consent to participate completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers and EuroQol-5 Dimensions. @*Results@#The mean age of the caregivers was 46.4 years, 44.4% (71 of 160) were spouses of patients, and 52.5% (84 of 160) were personally taking care of cancer survivors. Unmet needs were highest in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain and the item with the highest level of unmet needs was ‘needed information about the current status of the patient’s illness and its future courses.’ Poorer quality of life was closely related to higher levels of unmet needs. In multiple regression analysis, older age, employment, the presence of religion, and higher levels of stress and despair in daily life were associated with higher levels of unmet needs. @*Conclusion@#The most prevalent unmet need in Korean breast cancer caregivers was found in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain, and their quality of life was closely related to unmet needs. Therefore, healthcare staff is required to make efforts to accurately identify breast cancer caregivers vulnerable in terms of unmet needs and address their unmet needs.
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Purpose@#To construct a urologic cancer database using a standardized, reproducible method, and to assess preliminary characteristics of this cohort. @*Materials and Methods@#Patients with prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers who were enrolled with diagnostic codes in the electronic medical record (EMR) at Asan Medical Center from 2007–2016 were included. Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) was used to design the Asan Medical Center-Urologic Cancer Database (AMC-UCD). The process included developing a data dictionary, applying branching logic, mapping clinical data warehouse structures, alpha testing, clinical record summary testing, creating “standards of procedure,” importing data, and entering data. Descriptive statistics were used to identify rates of surgeries and numbers of patients. @*Results@#Clinical variables (n=407) were selected to develop a data dictionary from REDCap. In total, 20,198 urologic cancer patients visited our institution from 2007–2016 (bladder cancer, 4,616; kidney cancer, 5,750; prostate cancer, 10,330). The overall numbers of patients and surgeries increased over time, with robotic surgeries rapidly growing over a decade. The most common treatment for urologic cancer was surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. @*Conclusions@#Using a standardized method, the AMC-UCD fosters multidisciplinary research. This constructed database provides access to clinical statistics to effectively assist research. Preliminary data should be refined through EMR chart review. The successful organization of data from 2007–2016 provides a framework for future periods of investigation and prospective models.
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This study evaluated the incidence, the survival outcomes and its prognostic factors for male breast cancer (MBC) in Korea. Using the National Health Insurance Service database of Korea, we identified MBC patients who had the new claim code of C50. Medical records including type of surgeries and radiotherapy within one year of the first claim and death records were reviewed. Between 2005 and 2016, 838 newly diagnosed MBC patients were included (median follow-up, 1,769 days). The 70–74-year age group had the highest incidence of MBC. The 5-year survival rate was 73.7%. Age > 65 years, low income, no surgical intervention, no tamoxifen use, and > 2 comorbidities correlated with a worse outcome. MBC incidence has increased over time, and its peak is noted at age > 70 years. Age > 65 years, > 2 comorbidities, no surgical intervention, and no tamoxifen use correlate to poor prognosis.
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We report a case of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which had a history of spontaneous resorption of late seroma before diagnosis. A 47-year-old woman with a history of augmentation mammoplasty with round textured implants in January 2013 presented with a swelling on her right breast 6 years later, which was diagnosed as late seroma with suspected intracapsular rupture using ultrasonography (USG). Although aspiration was not done at the time of the initial USG, the seroma resolved spontaneously within weeks. A further workup proceeded with USG-guided aspiration followed by magnetic resonance imaging. Cytology of the aspirated fluid showed atypical cells. Cell block cytology and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL. En bloc resection with total capsulectomy and explantation was performed as curative surgery. Pathologic stage pT2N0M0 was confirmed and the patient was followed up without further treatment. Although the classic presentation of BIA-ALCL is known as late persistent seroma, an atypical manifestation such as spontaneous resorption may occur, as in the current case. A high level of suspicion and a thorough investigation with appropriate modalities will make it possible to detect this rare and potentially devastating disease.
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Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate and analyze the current fertility-related practices for breast cancer patients; the results are intended to help improve the quality of life of young patients and survivors. @*Methods@#This study collected voluntary responses to a questionnaire that was used to survey Korean breast cancer specialists. The questionnaire consisted of five categories: knowledge, practice behaviors regarding fertility preservation, barriers to discussing fertility preservation, attitude toward fertility issues, and demographics and medical background. @*Results@#A total of 120 copies of the questionnaire were distributed; the response rate was 89%. The section of the questionnaire regarding knowledge indicated that most respondents had adequate fertility preservation knowledge for cancer patients. However, 13.1% of the respondents indicated that they thought pregnancy increased the cancer recurrence risk. Respondents’ knowledge and attitudes about fertility preservation were not correlated with actual practice. The absence of patient’s expressions (24.30%), high recurrence risk (27.10%), insufficient time in the clinic (21.50%), and hospital conditions such as no reproductive specialists or infertility clinic (16.82%), were considered major barriers to discussing fertility issues. @*Conclusion@#Although more than 50% of the respondents thought that cancer treatment is more important than fertility preservation and it is complex and difficult, the Korean breast surgical oncologists were generally encouraging when discussing fertility issues with young breast cancer patients. Hence, breast clinicians should share with young patients the updated evidence regarding the feasibility and safety of pregnancy after cancer treatment and the available options so that the best decisions can be made.
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The combination of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs (LHRHa) with tamoxifen is used as a standard postoperative adjuvant therapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive/premenopausal breast cancer. Long-acting LHRHa formulations offer advantages in terms of patient convenience. However, data on the effectiveness of the 3-month (3M) acting formulation are still insufficient. This study was performed on patients who received the 3M LHRHa after surgery. The serum estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were measured before surgery, and periodically after surgery. In total, 318 patients were included in the study and analyzed. The mean E2 level before surgery was 63.7 pg/mL, while the mean E2 level during the administration of 3M LHRHa was 4.9 pg/mL.None of the patients were menstruating and had E2 values above 30.0 pg/mL. It is thought that the 3M LHRHa formulation can suppress the ovarian function effectively and be safely used to improve compliance.