Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer 2022: An Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Approach

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Korea and the world. Since 2004, this is the 4th gastric cancer guideline published in Korea which is the revised version of previous evidence-based approach in 2018. Current guideline is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary working group including experts in the field of gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and guideline development methodology. Total of 33 key questions were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group and 40 statements were developed according to the systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed database. The level of evidence and the grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation proposition. Evidence level, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability was considered as the significant factors for recommendation. The working group reviewed recommendations and discussed for consensus. In the earlier part, general consideration discusses screening, diagnosis and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. Flowchart is depicted with statements which is supported by meta-analysis and references. Since clinical trial and systematic review was not suitable for postoperative oncologic and nutritional follow-up, working group agreed to conduct a nationwide survey investigating the clinical practice of all tertiary or general hospitals in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information on follow up. Herein we present a multidisciplinary-evidence based gastric cancer guideline.

Use of Gemcitabine plus Carboplatin is Associated with Poor Outcomes in Urothelial Carcinoma Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4-5 / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes with gemcitabine-carboplatin (GCb), the standard treatment for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-based regimens, in advanced UC patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 30 mL/min. @*Materials and Methods@#A retrospective cohort study involving GCb-treated advanced UC patients with GFR < 60 mL/min (n=89) was performed. Clinical outcomes were compared between subgroups with GFR < 30 mL/min and GFR ≥ 30 mL/min but < 60 mL/min. @*Results@#Most baseline characteristics were comparable between the two subgroups. Patients with GFR < 30 mL/min had a significantly lower objective response rate (12.5%) compared to those with higher GFR levels (56.7%) (p=0.004). The number of GCb cycles was significantly lower in patients with GFR < 30 mL/min (median 2 cycles) than in those with higher GFR levels (median 6 cycles) (p=0.002). Compared to those with GFR ≥ 30 mL/min but < 60 mL/min, patients with GFR < 30 mL/min showed significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001 for both). Further stratification of patient subgroups according to their GFR (i.e., GFR ≥ 45 mL/min but < 60 mL/min vs. GFR ≥ 30 mL/min but < 45 mL/min vs. GFR < 30 mL/min) revealed significantly different PFS and OS (p < 0.001 for both). @*Conclusion@#The use of GCb is discouraged in advanced UC patients with GFR < 30 mL/min. Alternative therapeutic approaches with better efficacy are warranted for these patients.

Autoimmune Pancreatitis Featuring a Pseudocyst Requiring Drainage despite Steroid Therapy / 대한내과학회지

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is rarely associated with pancreatic pseudocysts. AIP-associated pseudocysts requiring drainage despite steroid therapy are rather rare. We report a case of AIP with an infected pseudocyst requiring drainage despite steroid therapy. A 68-year-old male was diagnosed with AIP via pancreatic imaging, a high serum immunoglobulin G4 level, and steroid responsiveness. The AIP was accompanied by a pancreatic pseudocyst. Steroid therapy was prescribed, but the pancreatic pseudocyst became aggravated during steroid tapering. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided cyst drainage was required; the pseudocyst then became completely resolved.

Validation of fetus aneuploidy in 221 Korean clinical samples using noninvasive chromosome examination: Clinical laboratory improvement amendments-certified noninvasive prenatal test

PURPOSE: We developed and validated a fetal trisomy detection method for use as a noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT) including a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified bioinformatics pipeline on a cloud-based computing system using both Illumina and Life Technology sequencing platforms for 221 Korean clinical samples. We determined the necessary proportions of the fetal fraction in the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sample for NIPT of trisomies 13, 18, and 21 through a limit of quantification (LOQ) test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Next-generation sequencing libraries from 221 clinical samples and three positive controls were generated using Illumina and Life Technology chemistries. Sequencing results were uploaded to a cloud and mapped on the human reference genome (GRCh37/hg19) using bioinformatics tools. Based on Z-scores calculated by normalization of the mapped read counts, final aneuploidy reports were automatically generated for fetal aneuploidy determination. RESULTS: We identified in total 29 aneuploid samples, and additional analytical methods performed to confirm the results showed that one of these was a false-positive. The LOQ test showed that the proportion of fetal fraction in the cfDNA sample would affect the interpretation of the aneuploidy results. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive chromosome examination (NICE), a CLIA-certified NIPT with a cloud-based bioinformatics platform, showed unambiguous success in fetus aneuploidy detection.

Acute Pancreatitis Caused by Dyslipidemia / 이화의대지

Hyperlipidemia can be a cause of acute pancreatitis. For example, dyslipidemia classified Fredrickson/WHO classification type I, V can induce acute pancreatitis spontaneously. Secondary hyperlipidemia (DM, alcohol, estrogen, etc.) also can induce acute pancreatitis. High serum amylase level and triglyceride level are hall markers of diagnosis. But lactescent serum interferes with accurate laboratory analysis of amylase. Serum amylase was normal or low in 50% of cases. Clinical course and treatment are similar with other causes of acute pancreatitis. Lipoprotein electrophoresis helps classify dyslipidemia by Fredrickson/WHO classification. In some cases, to prevent hyperlipidemic pancreatitis, serum triglyceride should be lower than 500 mg/dl. We report two cases of acute pancreatitis caused by dyslipidemia.

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Originating in the Short-term after Excision

MFH is rare with just a few thousand cases diagnosed each year. We report a case of right flank malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) in the short-term after tumor excision. A 47-year-old woman visited hospital after being diagnosed with MFH. Resection margin was positive, so we planned for wide excision. While awaiting surgery, 1.5 cm sized new mass occurred adjacent to the incision site. The patient underwent wide excision. Postoperative pathologic findings observed a 1.0 cm diameter mass with infiltrative borders in the subcutaneous fat. It was composed of spindle or epithelial cell showing severe polymorphism. Many mitotic cells were observed including atypia. In immunohistochemical study, tumor cells were negative for smooth muscle actin, desmin, myoglobin, S100, cytokeratin, and positive for CD68, and thus diagnosed as pleomorphic MFH. With the purpose of improving local tumor control, radiation therapy was performed after wide excision.

Hope, Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Chronic Mental Illness Patients / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between hope, depression and suicidal ideation in patient with chronic mental illness patients. METHODS: The subjects were 188 patient with chronic mental illness in a Community Mental Health Center. The data were collected from July 27 2009 to August 21, 2009. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: There was found significant and negative correlation among hope and suicidal ideation; significant and positive correlation was found between depression and suicidal ideation; a significant and negative correlation among hope, depression and suicidal ideation. Depression was a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: Hope, depression and suicidal ideation in chronic mental illness patients, and significant correlations between their relationships. Based on the outcomes of this study, it is necessary to design an intervention program that emphasizes increasing the hope and decreasing depress in order to decrease suicidal ideation.

Prognostic Significance of the Circumferential Resection Margin in Invasive T3 Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Because depth of invasion by T3 rectal cancer can vary according to the extent of mesorectal invasion, the prognosis for invasive T3 rectal cancer is reported to be very different from that for minimal invasive cancer. Recently, with more emphasis on circumferential resection margin (CRM) status, the T stage, rather than the N stage, seems to be a more valuable prognostic marker in rectal cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the prognostic significance of the CRM in invasive T3 rectal cancer. METHODS: Through reviewing 324 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent a curative resection between January 1995 and December 2002 at Busan Paik hospital, 195 patients with invasive T3 rectal cancer, who had not received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy were selected. The patients were classified into a negative CRM group (negative group, n=173) or a positive CRM group (positive group, n=22), and the patients were subgrouped according to the presence of lymph-node (LN) metastasis and CRM status as negative LN and negative CRM (L-/CM-), negative LN and positive CRM (L-/CM+), positive LN and negative CRM (L+/CM-) and positive LN and positive CRM (L+/CM+). All pathological specimens were re-reviewed by a single pathologist, and the distance between the most advanced edge and the outermost aspect of the specimen was re-measured by using a microscope. Local relapse rates, disease free survival, and overall survival were compared using the Kaplan- Meier method. Multivariate analyses to identify independent prognostic factors were performed using the logistic regression model. RESULTS: Local recurrence rates in the positive group and the negative group were 38.6% and 15.3%, respectively (P=0.004, log-rank test). The multiple logistic regression model demonstrated positive CRM (hazard ratio 4.4, P=0.0007) and N2 nodal status (hazard ratio 2.4, P=0.02) as predictors of local recurrence. In the subgroup analysis, the overall recurrence rates and survival rates were, respectively, 12.3% and 86.5% in the L-/CM- subgroup, 53.1% and 50.3% in the L-/CM+ subgroup, 52.7% and 50.0% in the L+/ CM- subgroup, and 58.7 % and 33.8% in the L+/CM+ subgroup (log rank test for trend; P=0.0001 and P=0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the event of predicted CRM involvement in invasive T3 rectal cancer, adjuvant therapy should be performed to improve local control. Also, larger prospective studies are needed to clarify the prognostic role of the CRM in invasive T3 rectal cancer because the number of cases in this study was small, especially in the number of CRM positive cases.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene C677T Mutation and Apolipoprotein E Gene Mutation in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is usually the earliest sign of Behcet's disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia can damage endothelial cells and progress to obstructive vascular disease. It has been reported that hyperhomocysteinemia is a marker of activation in Behcet's disease. Enzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase may be one of the main factors that regulates plasma homocysteine levels. Homozygosity for the C677T (MTHFR C677T) mutation is associated with reduced activity of this enzyme and considered the most common genetic cause of elevated serum homocyteine levels. However its relationship to vascular injury in Behcet's disease remains controversial, and its relationship to RAS is unknown. Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) has both immunoregulatory and anti-infective features. Search for Apo E polymorphism and lipid composition in RAS patients might be a clue to pathogenesis of RAS. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship of MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism, several epidemiologic factors such as age and sex, smoking, lipid composition and Apo E polymorphism to vasculitis in RAS, we assessed the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism, Apo E polymorphism and lipid composition in RAS and normal population. METHODS: We analyzed data from the General Health survey conducted on 1,243 participants (M:F=281:962) over a 20 year-old in Incheon city. Medical interview and laboratory test for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism, apolipoprotein E polymorphism were completed. Statistical significance was analyzed by chi-square test and multistep logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among normal population over the age of twenty, a total of 34.2% (426/1,243) had RAS. Female predominance (4.5:1, p=0.003) was noted. The incidence of RAS in age group 20 to 39 year old is higher than the over 40 age group. The incidence is higher in smoking group compared to the nonsmoking group in multistepwise logistic regression analysis. Frequency of the MTHFR C677T genotypes was highest at CT compared to CC and TT homozygous genotype in normal and RAS patients group. There was no significant statistical differences in MTHFR genotypes in RAS patients compared to the control group. Similarly, Apo E genotype analysis revealed no significant statistical differences either. Apo E genotype and total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride level didn't show any associations. CONCLUSION: This study revealed insignificant association between the MTHFR C677T mutation and RAS. Apo E genotype didn't show a significant statistical difference in RAS patients compared to normal controls.

The Impact of Peripheral Arterial Disease on the Treatment and Amputation of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

PURPOSE: Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most important complications of patients with diabetes for their quality of life. Yet the data on factors that affect the treatment outcome and the guidelines for a multidisciplinary approach are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics that affect healing of diabetic foot ulcers, and especially when this is associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic data of 112 patients who were admitted for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers from May 2004 to December 2007 at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital. The patient's demography and co-morbidities, the laboratory and radiological details, the surgical data and the treatment outcomes were evaluated and analyzed according to the presence of PAD. RESULT: The mean age of the patients was 66 years old and the male to female ratio was 2.3:1. Except for simple dressing of the ulcers, skin graft, amputation or revascularization were performed for 77 patients. Ulcers healed in 74 patients (66.1%) and recurrence was observed in 42 patients (37.5%). Major amputation was performed on 11 patients (9.8%). The non-healing group had a higher incidence of male gender (P=0.049), end stage renal disease (P=0.038), coronary arterial disease (P=0.018), the presence of PAD (P=0.034) and a higher level of cholesterol (P=0.011) and triglyceride (P=0.039). Patients with PAD had a lower ankle-brachial index (P<0.001) and a higher rate of undergoing revascularization (P<0.001), overall amputation (P=0.003), non-healing (P=0.034) and recurrence (P<0.001). After revascularization, the rate of major amputation was not reduced (P=0.915). CONCLUSION: The risk of non-healing, overall amputation and recurrence is increased in the presence of PAD. Evaluating the PAD status and multidisciplinary treatment strategies are needed to treat these patients with diabetic foot ulcer.

MRI Findings of Cavernous Hemangioma of the Uterus: A Case Report

Hemangioma is the most common soft tissue tumor in the body. Though it may occur anywhere in the body, hemangioma of the uterus is a very rare tumor. Hemangioma is almost asymptomatic, but it is sometimes clinically important because it can cause massive hemorrhage and this is a life-threatening condition. We report here on the magnetic resonance imaging and pathologic findings of cavernous hemangioma of the uterus in a 32-year-woman with menorrhagia.

Effects of Assertive Training on Interpersonal Relations, Social Behavior, and Psychiatric Symptoms in Patients with a Mental Disorder / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the effects of an assertive training program on interpersonal relations, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with a mental disorder. METHOD: The study employed a quasi experimental design. The subjects included44 patients with a mental disorder, 20 in the experimental group, and 24 in the control group. Data was collected using structured questionnaires over a 3 month period. RESULTS: There were greater significant increases in scores of interpersonal relations and content of communication in the experimental group than the control group. Also, there was a greater significant decrease in the score of psychiatric symptoms in the experimental group than the control group. CONCLUSION: Assertive training has an effect on increasing content of communication and decreasing psychiatric symptoms.

Micrometastasis of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: A lymph node metastasis is one of most important prognostic factors of a malignancy. There is a growing interest in the role of the sentinel node (SN) in the detection of lymph node metastasis. However, the high false negative rate of a sentinel lymph node biopsy limits its utility. The aim of this study is to evaluate a micrometastasis of a gastric cancer to the histologically negative sentinel lymph nodes using the usual stains. METHODS: The SN in 44 out of 57 patients revealed no lymph node metastasis with usual hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Those nodes were embedded in paraffin and 4-micrometer-thick sections underwent, H&E staining, and cytokeratin immunohisto-chemical (IHC) staining between March 2002 and December 2002. RESULTS: Micrometastases were detected in 3 of the 44 patients without a SN metastasis. All micrometastases were detected in the patients who had metastases to the non-SN without a SN metastasis (3 of 5, 60%). Micrometastases to the SN were significantly frequent in those patients with a metastasis to the non-SN than those without a metastasis (P<0.001). From the detection of micrometastases, the sensitivity and false-negative rate of a sentinel lymph node biopsy ranged from 72.2% (13/18) to 88.9% (16/18), and from 12.8% (5/39) to 4.9% (2/41), respectively. CONCLUSION: 3 cases of micrometastasis of the SN without a metastasis were detected, and this increased the sensitivity and decreased the false negative rate of a SN biopsy. Micrometastases of the SNs were detected only in patients with a skip metastasis of the lymph nodes in this study.

Iron Nutritional Status of Female college Students Residing in the Kyungin Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to assess the iron nutritional status of college women residing in the Kyungin area. The anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake, and biochemical status of iron were measured for 102 college women. The mean height and weight were 160.3 cm and 52.4 kg, respectively. The proportion of subjects whose BMI was less than 20 was 41.3%. The proportion of subjects assessed as overweight(25 or =25%) assessed by the fat percent(FP) was 53.9%. The mean daily intake of iron was 13.90mg(77.1% of RDA), composed of 0.97mg of heme iron and 12.93mg of nonheme iron. the iron intake computed with the chemical analysis of food was 12.44mg(69.0% of RDA). When the sources of iron were grouped as rice(including bread), noodle, soup, side dish, and snack, noodle provided, 3.95mg of iron regarded as the highest amount. Subjects were taking 6.72mg(51.4% of RDA) of iron per day from main dishes(rice, bread and noddle). The fifty percent of the subjects showed iron depletion(serum ferritin<20ng/ml) and 33.4% showed suppressed erythropoiesis with iron deficiency(serum ferritin<10ng/ml). The anemic subjects assessed with transferrin saturation(<155) represented 33.3% of the test population, whereas 11.8% of the subjects possessed less than 12g/dl of hemoglobin. Subjects not satisfed with their body shape were having significantly lower amount of energy intake(p<0.05) than the subjects satisfied with their body shape. College women having mothers who graduated from university had a significantly decreased amount of energy, carbohydrates, fat and vitamin C(p<0.05). The mean RBC and serum iron of the subjects who were on a diet more than one mouth were lower than those of the subjects who were not on a diet(p<0.05).

A Case of Coronary Artery Fistula Diagnosed by Echocardiography

In a 21-year-old man who complained of chest tightness was evaluated due to continuous murmur at the left midsternal border radiating to the right. Coronary artery fistula was diagnosed by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. This anomaly was corfirmed by selective angiography. In the case, coronary artery fistula was acurately diagnosed by echocardiography including fistula opening, feeding artery and drainin site.

A case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Recently we experienced a case of mucinous prostatic adenocarcinoma treated with radical prostatectomy. The needle biopsy of indurated both lateral lobes showed prostatic adenocarcinoma. But the radical prostatectomy specimen showing a prostatic adenocarcinoma of which 90% was mucinour component.

A case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Recently we experienced a case of mucinous prostatic adenocarcinoma treated with radical prostatectomy. The needle biopsy of indurated both lateral lobes showed prostatic adenocarcinoma. But the radical prostatectomy specimen showing a prostatic adenocarcinoma of which 90% was mucinour component.