Efficacy and safety of cisplatin and weekly docetaxel in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND/AIMS@#We investigated the efficacy and toxicity of a weekly schedule of docetaxel and cisplatin as a first-line treatment in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC).@*METHODS@#In this study, 18 patients with previously diagnosed R/M HNSCC were treated with combination chemotherapy of weekly docetaxel 35 mg/m² (day 1 and 8) and cisplatin 70 mg/m² (day 1) as first-line chemotherapy, repeated every 3 weeks.@*RESULTS@#Partial response and stable disease were observed in six patients (33.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.1% to 55.6%) and six patients (33.3%; 95% CI, 11.1% to 55.6%), respectively. The median overall survival and progression-free survival were 11.26 months (95% CI, 8.87 to 15.83) and 5.68 months (95% CI, 4.80 to 6.51), respectively. The major toxicity was grade 1/2 anemia (50%). Grade 3/4 neutropenia was observed in one patient (5.6%). Among the non-hematologic toxicities, grade 1/2 hepatotoxicity was most common (22.2%), and grade 3/4 infection was observed in one patient (5.6%). There was no treatment-related mortality.@*CONCLUSIONS@#For patients with R/M HNSCC, a cisplatin and weekly docetaxel regimen showed high efficacy with tolerable toxicity as a first-line treatment.

Prevalence of and factors associated with anxiety and depression in Korean patients with newly diagnosed advanced gastrointestinal cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with anxiety and depression in Korean patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, advanced gastrointestinal cancer who were scheduled to receive palliative chemotherapy between July 2012 and June 2014 were enrolled in this observational prospective study. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (30.8%) had anxiety or depression with clinical significance according to HADS or PHQ-9. Multivariate analysis identified lower performance status (odds ratio [OR], 4.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 14.35; p = 0.023), gastric cancer (OR, 5.39; 95% CI, 0.37 to 78.23; p = 0.018), and knowledge of advanced cancer (OR, 15.07; 95% CI, 1.80 to 125.90; p = 0.012) as significantly associated with anxiety or depression. Twenty-one patients with anxiety or depression visited the psycho-oncologic clinic. In these patients, PHQ-9 score (p = 0.008), global health status (p = 0.023), fatigue (p = 0.047), and appetite loss (p = 0.006) improved from baseline to 3 months after study enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 30% of Korean patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer had anxiety or depression. The prevalence of anxiety or depression was higher in patients with poor performance status, gastric cancer, or knowledge of advanced cancer. Psychiatric interventions may be effective in reducing depression and improving quality of life in cancer patients with anxiety or depression.

A Pilot Study Evaluating Steroid-Induced Diabetes after Antiemetic Dexamethasone Therapy in Chemotherapy-Treated Cancer Patients / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Dexamethasone is a mainstay antiemetic regimen for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the incidence of and factors associated with steroid-induced diabetes in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with dexamethasone as an antiemetic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-diabetic patients with newly diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer who received at least three cycles of highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy with dexamethasone as an antiemetic were enrolled. Fasting plasma glucose levels, 2-hour postprandial glucose levels, and hemoglobin A1C tests for the diagnosis of diabetes were performed before chemotherapy and at 3 and 6 months after the start of chemotherapy. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used as an index for measurement of insulin resistance, defined as a HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5. RESULTS: Between January 2012 and November 2013, 101 patients with no history of diabetes underwent laboratory tests for assessment of eligibility; 77 of these patients were included in the analysis. Forty-five patients (58.4%) were insulin resistant and 17 (22.1%) developed steroid-induced diabetes at 3 or 6 months after the first chemotherapy, which included dexamethasone as an antiemetic. Multivariate analysis showed significant association of the incidence of steroid-induced diabetes with the cumulative dose of dexamethasone (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: We suggest that development of steroid-induced diabetes after antiemetic dexamethasone therapy occurs in approximately 20% of non-diabetic cancer patients; this is particularly significant for patients receiving high doses of dexamethasone.

Fibrous dysplasia of the maxilla in an elderly female: Case report on a 14-year quiescent phase

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is an uncommon skeletal disorder in which normal bone is replaced by abnormal fibro-osseous tissue. Mainly, FD is found in children, and by adulthood it usually becomes quiescent. Our case showed FD of more than 14-year duration in the left maxilla. Our evaluation was that growth ceased in adulthood and had achieved the static stage. Because FD cases in elderly patients are rarely reported, we hereby present a monostotic FD case in a 65-year-old female. We presented sequential radiographic images and scintigraphic images of this case, and combined them with a literature review that emphasized the progression of the disease.

Anti-diabetic effect of purple corn extract on C57BL/KsJ db/db mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, anthocyanins have been reported to have various biological activities. Furthermore, anthocyanin-rich purple corn extract (PCE) ameliorated insulin resistance and reduced diabetes-associated mesanginal fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting that it may have benefits for the prevention of diabetes and diabetes complications. In this study, we determined the anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin component of PCE by HPLC-ESI-MS and investigated its anti-diabetic activity and mechanisms using C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: The db/db mice were divided into four groups: diabetic control group (DC), 10 or 50 mg/kg PCE (PCE 10 or PCE 50), or 10 mg/kg pinitol (pinitol 10) and treated with drugs once per day for 8 weeks. During the experiment, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured every week. At the end of treatment, we measured several diabetic parameters. RESULTS: Compared to the DC group, Fasting blood glucose levels were 68% lower in PCE 50 group and 51% lower in the pinitol 10 group. Furthermore, the PCE 50 group showed 2- fold increased C-peptide and adiponectin levels and 20% decreased HbA1c levels, than in the DC group. In pancreatic islets morphology, the PCE- or pinitol-treated mice showed significant prevention of pancreatic beta-cell damage and higher insulin content. Microarray analyses results indicating that gene and protein expressions associated with glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism in liver and fat tissues. In addition, purple corn extract increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose 6-phosphatase (G6pase) genes in liver, and also increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expressions in skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that PCE exerted anti-diabetic effects through protection of pancreatic beta-cells, increase of insulin secretion and AMPK activation in the liver of C57BL/KsJ db/db mice.

Glandular odontogenic cyst mimicking ameloblastoma in a 78-year-old female: A case report

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare, potentially aggressive jaw lesion. The common radiographic features include a well-defined radiolucency with distinct borders, presenting a uni- or multilocular appearance. A cystic lesion in the posterior mandible of a 78-year-old female was incidentally found. Radiographs showed a unilocular lesion with a scalloped margin, external root resorption of the adjacent tooth, and cortical perforation. This lesion had changed from a small ovoid shape to a more expanded lesion in a period of four years. The small lesion showed unilocularity with a smooth margin and a well-defined border, but the expanded lesion produced cortical perforation and a lobulated margin. The provisional diagnosis was an ameloblastoma, whereas the histopathological examination revealed a GOC. This was a quite rare case, given that this radiographic change was observed in the posterior mandible of an elderly female. This case showed that a GOC can grow even in people in their seventies, changing from the unilocular form to an expanded, lobulated lesion. Here, we report a case of GOC with characteristic radiographic features.

Antidiabetic and Beta Cell-Protection Activities of Purple Corn Anthocyanins

Antidiabetic and beta cell-protection activities of purple corn anthocyanins (PCA) were examined in pancreatic beta cell culture and db/db mice. Only PCA among several plant anthocyanins and polyphenols showed insulin secretion activity in culture of HIT-T15 cells. PCA had excellent antihyperglycemic activity (in terms of blood glucose level and OGTT) and HbA1c-decreasing activity when compared with glimepiride, a sulfonylurea in db/db mice. In addition, PCA showed efficient protection activity of pancreatic beta cell from cell death in HIT-T15 cell culture and db/db mice. The result showed that PCA had antidiabetic and beta cell-protection activities in pancreatic beta cell culture and db/db mice.

Response: The Association between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Colorectal Cancer

No abstract available.

The Association between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND: There is a close connection between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the risk of cancers and related mortality. The principal objective of the present study was to explore the association between type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively compared 1111 subjects (age > or = 30 years) who were subjected to colonoscopies between June 2006 and June 2009. We evaluated the anthropometric data, presenting symptoms and signs, history of diabetes, laboratory data, colonoscopy findings and biopsy results. We analyzed the correlation between colorectal cancer and influencing factors, and compared the incidence rates of colorectal cancer in the type 2 diabetes and control groups. RESULTS: Four hundreds and seven of the subjects had diabetes mellitus. The incidence of colorectal cancer was increased significantly in type 2 diabetes relative to the control group (7.4% vs. 3.4%, P < 0.05). Colorectal cancer was correlated significantly with age, type 2 diabetes, constipation, anemia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Following logistic regression analysis, age and constipation were associated significantly with colorectal cancer. In the age below 65 years subgroup, the incidence of colorectal cancer was increased significantly in the type 2 diabetes group relative to the control group. CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetes was associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. This association was more definite in the subjects younger than 65 years.

Pilomatricoma of the Subauricular Region: Report of Case

Two cases report of Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

The calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is a rare disorder of the jaws and shows various radiographic features. The purpose of this study is to describe the different radiographic appearances of 2 cases of COC. Case 1 was located in the posterior maxilla extending into maxillary sinus, showing unilocular radiolucency with a well-defined margin. Cortical bone expansion and thinning were prominent. Root resorption of adjacent teeth was apparent. Case 2 showed unilocular radiolucency with a calcified material. Calcification was supposed to be dystrophic dental hard structures, detected at the periphery of the lesion. Ghost cell and proliferation of ameloblastoma-like tissues were common features for these two lesions on histopathological findings. This reports presented common and atypical radiographic features of the COC.

An clinical analysis on the dental emergency patients visiting the emergency room of Dental hospital of Won-kwang university

Delayed visual loss by indirect traumatic optic neuropathy related to panfacial fracture: A case report

A case of Rhizobium radiobacter bacteremia in a patient with lymphoma / 대한내과학회지

Rhizobium species, aerobic Gram-negative rods found in soils worldwide, are well-known tumor-inducing pathogens in plants. Since 1980, when the first case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Rhizobium radiobacter was reported, R. radiobacter has been recognized as an opportunistic human pathogen. In Korea, three cases of infection by this organism have been reported. Recently, we experienced a case of R. radiobacter bacteremia in a patient who underwent chemotherapy for lymphoma. Here, we report the case with a review of the literature.

Conservative Treatment of Chronic Suppurative Osteomyelitis on Mandibular Body to Condyle Area: A Case Report

These is a cases of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis occurred in the mandibular body to condyle of 48-year-old male patient. Extensive bone destruction was noted on the right mandibular body, angle, ascending ramus, mandibular notch and condylar region. We made a treatment plan that radicular mandibular resection from body to condyle and mandibular reconstruction with vascularized fibular flap at first time. But, we could observe marked bone regeneration with only mild curettage, local wound care and massive antibiotic therapy. So we preserved the anterior ramus portion of mandible. Defected mandibular condyle was reconstructed with costochondral graft. In this paper we present the case of a patient who has chronic osteomyelitis in mandibular area.

Mycobacterium intracellulare pulmonary infection accompanied with pleural effusion / 대한내과학회지

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection is rarely accompanied by pleural involvement. We report a very rare case of Mycobacterium intracellulare pulmonary disease accompanied with pleural effusion. A 76-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea. A chest radiograph and CT showed bilateral bronchiectasis and bronchopneumonia accompanied with right pleural effusion. The fluid was lymphocyte-dominant exudative effusion, and microbiological examinations of the effusion, including staining and culturing, proved negative. However, one month after admission, subsequent cultures of bronchial washing fluid revealed the presence of M. intracellulare. The patient's effusion was gradually resolved with antibiotic treatment, including clarithromycin.

Skeletal pattern analysis of facial asymmetry patient using three dimensional computed tomography

In orthognathic surgery, precise analysis and diagnosis are essential for successful results . In facial asymmetric patient, traditional 2D image analysis has been used by lateral and P-A Cephalometric view, Skull PA, Panorama, Submentovertex view etc. But clinicians sometimes misdiagnose because they cannot find exact landmark due to superimposition, moreover image can be magnified and distorted by projection technique or patient's skull position, when using these analysis and method. For overcome these defects, analysis by using of 3D CT has been introduced. In this way we can analysis precisely by getting the exact image free of artifact and finding exact landmark with no interruption of superimposition. So we want to review of relationship between various skeletal landmarks of mandible or cranial base and facial asymmetry by predictable analysis using 3D CT. We select the cases of the patients who visited our department for correction of facial asymmetry during 2003-2007 and who were taken image of 3D CT for diagnosis. 3D CT images were reconstructed to 3D image by using V-Work program (Cybermed Inc., Seoul, Korea). And we analysis the relationship between facial asymmetry and various affecting factor of skeletal pattern. The mandibular ramus hight difference between right and left was most affecting factor that express facial asymmetry. And in this research, there was no relationship between cranial base and facial asymmetry. The angulation between facial midline and mandibular ramus divergency has significant relationship with facial asymmetry

Er: YAG Laser Irradiated Implant Surface Observation with Scanning Electron Microscopy

Relapsed Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma in the Lungs

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is characterized by the preferential growth of malignant lymphocytes within blood vessels. Pulmonary presentation of IVL is uncommon, and only a few cases have been reported in Korea. Here, we report on a 59-year-old woman with relapsed intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in the lungs. She had been treated with 6 cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) combination chemotherapy for intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in the nasal cavity, and was followed up regularly with no evidence of disease recurrence. About 1 year later, her chest computed tomography showed extensive ground-glass opacity, suggesting interstitial lung disease and, interestingly, diffuse pulmonary fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake was observed in positron emission tomography (PET). We performed bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, and transbronchial lung biopsy. Pathology revealed relapsed intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in the lungs, and she commenced ifosfamide, methotrexate, etoposide, prednisolone (IMVP-16/PD) salvage chemotherapy. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, PET showed no abnormal FDG uptake. We suggest that a primary or relapsed pulmonary IVL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained interstitial lung disease and that PET appears be useful in evaluating pulmonary IVL.

TTP-HUS Associated with Sunitinib / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP-HUS) is a rare condition that is severe and may be fatal. Adverse reactions to drugs increasingly are reported as probable causes of TTP-HUS. Many chemotherapeutic agents have also been implicated in causing TTP-HUS. We reported a woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who presented with TTP- HUS associated with sunitinib. She had gross hematuria and generalized edema. The hemoglobin concentration was 8.9 g/dl and the platelet count was 46,000/mm3. Her reticulocyte count was increased to 4.1% and the peripheral blood smear revealed red blood cell fragmentation and spherocytes. The patient completely recovered after discontinuing the use of sunitinib and undergoing plasmapheresis. Because of the increasing use of sunitinib in the treatment of cancer patients, oncologists should be aware of the possibility of TTP-HUS related to sunitinib, as early recognition and prompt therapeutic intervention can be beneficial.