Prostate cancer has long been considered a disease with a heterogeneous phenotype. The intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) may affect diverse phenotypes such as treatment response, drug resistance, and overall clinical outcomes. Despite technical advances over the past decade, we have an incomplete understanding of the extent and effects of ITH in prostate cancer progression. We present here a comprehensive review of the various studies dealing with ITH in prostate cancer. We discuss the advanced next-generation sequencing analyses including single cell sequencing and circulating cell-free DNA sequencing that have the impact of heterogeneity on clinical decision making.

Prostate cancer has long been considered a disease with a heterogeneous phenotype. The intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) may affect diverse phenotypes such as treatment response, drug resistance, and overall clinical outcomes. Despite technical advances over the past decade, we have an incomplete understanding of the extent and effects of ITH in prostate cancer progression. We present here a comprehensive review of the various studies dealing with ITH in prostate cancer. We discuss the advanced next-generation sequencing analyses including single cell sequencing and circulating cell-free DNA sequencing that have the impact of heterogeneity on clinical decision making.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the symptoms and interference of activities of daily living (ADL) of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in patients receiving taxane and platinums. METHODS: 141 cancer patients were recruited in the cross-sectional survey design. The instruments used in the study was the Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool (CIPNAT) developed by Tofthagen and colleagues. RESULTS: The patients experienced the symptom and interference of ADL of CIPN moderately. The most common symptom was nerve pain (70.2%) and the patients with high cumulative doses showed a significant of tingling sensation in the feet. Symptom severity increased substantially with cumulative dose of chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy increase due to repeated chemotherapy and nursing intervention is necessary to reduce symptom severity and interference of ADL of CIPN.
Activities of Daily Living* ; Bridged Compounds ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Drug Therapy ; Foot ; Humans ; Neuralgia ; Nursing ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* ; Platinum* ; Sensation ; Taxoids*

PURPOSE: Nationwide database regarding stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is important for evaluating treatment patterns for SUI and for establishing appropriate national policies regarding SUI management. The purpose of this present study was to investigate surgical treatment patterns for women with SUI and analyze the current status of SUI management in Korea by using a nationwide database. METHODS: Data used for investigating the surgical trends and changes in Korea were retrieved from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service from 2008 to 2011. RESULTS: The number of surgical cases of SUI decreased continuously from 2008 to 2011. The proportion of transvaginal surgery using a midurethral sling increased continuously. Sling procedures were most commonly performed for women in their 40s followed by women in their 50s. Transvaginal surgery using a single sling or a readjustable sling was performed from 5.6% to 6.1%, which showed no significant change in the number of surgical cases. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing need for an appropriate national welfare policy and budget to care for aged and super-aged women in Korea. The early detection and intervention of silent SUI should be actively considered as an important preventive strategy to improve the quality of life in younger women.
Budgets ; Female ; Humans ; Insurance, Health ; Korea ; Quality of Life ; Suburethral Slings ; Urinary Incontinence*

The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), as members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, not only control bone formation, but also regulate multiple key steps during embryonic development and differentiation. Furthermore, BMPs play critical roles in maintaining the homeostasis of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, reproductive, urogenital, and nervous systems in adult life. Like all members of the TGF-beta superfamily, BMP signaling is mediated through a heteromeric complex of type I and type II transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors. The subsequent signal transduction cascade includes either the canonical Smad-dependent or non-canonical Smad-independent pathways. Reflecting the critical function of BMPs, BMP signaling is tightly regulated at multiple steps by various mechanisms including extracellular endogenous antagonists, neutralizing antibodies/extracellular soluble receptor domains, small molecule inhibitors, cytoplasmic inhibitory Smads, and transcriptional co-repressors. Recently, dorsomorphin, the first small molecule inhibitor of BMP signaling, was identified and suggested as a useful tool for dissecting the mechanisms of signaling pathways and for developing novel therapeutics for diverse human diseases that are related to the BMP signaling pathways. In this article, we discuss various mechanisms involved in regulating BMP signaling pathways and their implications for urology.
Adult ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; Co-Repressor Proteins ; Cytoplasm ; Embryonic Development ; Female ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Nervous System ; Osteogenesis ; Phosphotransferases ; Pregnancy ; Pyrazoles ; Pyrimidines ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Transforming Growth Factors ; Urology

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in relation to prostate size and urodynamic parameters, including bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), presence of detrusor overactivity, and detrusor contractility, and to investigate factors predictive of HoLEP success. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of prospective data included 174 consecutive patients treated with HoLEP at Samsung Medical Center from 2009 to 2013. Prostate-specific antigen, prostate size, urodynamic parameters, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)/quality of life (QoL) were evaluated preoperatively, while prostate-specific antigen, uroflowmetry/postvoid residual (PVR) urine, and IPSS were measured six months after HoLEP. Two definitions of treatment success were established based on the following three variables: IPSS, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and QoL index. Factors predictive of HoLEP success were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: IPSS/QoL, Qmax, and PVR improved significantly following HoLEP. Improvements in IPSS and PVR were more significant in the BOOI> or =40 group compared to the BOOI<40 group, with overall success rates of 93.7% and 73.6%, respectively. Thus, the BOOI> or =40 group had a significantly higher success rate, and BOOI> or =40 was a significant predictor of HoLEP success based on the multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We found good surgical outcomes after HoLEP, and specifically patients with a higher BOOI had a greater chance of surgical success.
Holmium* ; Humans ; Lasers, Solid-State* ; Logistic Models ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prospective Studies ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; Retrospective Studies ; Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive ; Urodynamics

Purpose: To investigate growth response in children with either idiopathic short stature (ISS) or growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD). Methods: The data of prepubertal GHD or ISS children treated using recombinant human GH were obtained from the LG Growth Study database. GHD children were further divided into partial and complete GHD groups. Growth response and factors predicting growth response after 1 and 2 years of GH treatment were investigated. Results: This study included 692 children (98 with ISS, 443 partial GHD, and 151 complete GHD). After 1 year, changes in height standard deviation score (ΔHt-SDS) were 0.78, 0.83, and 0.96 in ISS, partial GHD, and complete GHD, respectively. Height velocity (HV) was 8.72, 9.04, and 9.52 cm/yr in ISS, partial GHD, and complete GHD, respectively. ΔHt-SDS and HV did not differ among the 3 groups. Higher initial body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) and midparental height standard deviation score (MPH-SDS) were predictors for better growth response after 1 year in ISS and the partial GHD group, respectively. In the complete GHD group, higher Ht-SDS and BMI-SDS predicted better growth response after 1 year. After 2 years of GH treatment, higher BMI-SDS and MPH-SDS predicted a better growth outcome in the partial GHD group, and higher MPH-SDS was a predictor of good growth response in complete GHD. Conclusion Clinical characteristics and growth response did not differ among groups. Predictors of growth response differed among the 3 groups, and even in the same group, a higher GH dose would be required when poor response is predicted.

Purpose: This aim of this study was to demonstrate growth factors that differentiate human mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes and to evaluate cell proliferation enhancement by needle size differences. Materials and Methods: Human mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in chondrogenic medium supplemented with BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, BMP-13, FGF-2, FGF-18, IGF-1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 and without growth factors for 14, 21, and 28 days. Then, the expression levels of SOX-5, SOX-6, SOX-9 and FOXO1A were comparatively analyzed. Human mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated into culture dishes using 18, 21, and 26 gauge (G) needles, and cell proliferation was measured after 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Results: In addition to the previously known FGF, IGF-1, and TGFβ1,the BMP family growth factors such as BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, and BMP-7 increased the expression of chondrocyte differentiation genes SOX-5, SOX-6, SOX-9, and FOXO1A. At 48 hours, the 26G group, the smallest needle, showed significant cell proliferation improvement compared to the control group and the 18G group. At 72 hours, the 26G group, the smallest needle, showed significant increase in cell proliferation compared to the control group. Conclusion Through this study, growth factors with the ability to induce chondrocyte differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells were investigated, and cell proliferation changes by needle size differences were determined.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive practical guide for enteral nutrition (EN) designed to enhance patient safety and reduce complications in Korea. Under the leadership of the Korean Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (KSPEN), the initiative sought to standardize EN procedures, improve decision-making, and promote effective multidisciplinary communication. Methods: The KSPEN EN committee identified key questions related to EN practices and organized them into seven sections such as prescribing, delivery route selection, formula preparation, administration, and quality management. Twenty-one experts, selected based on their expertise, conducted a thorough literature review to formulate evidence-based recommendations. Drafts underwent peer review both within and across disciplines, with final revisions completed by the KSPEN Guideline Committee. The guide, which will be published in three installments, addresses critical elements of EN therapy and safety protocols. Results: The practical guide recommends that EN orders include detailed elements and advocates the use of electronic medical records for communication. Standardized prescription forms and supplementary safety measures are outlined. Review frequency is adjusted according to patient condition—daily for critically ill or unstable patients and as dictated by institutional protocols for stable patients. Evidence indicates that adherence to these protocols reduces mortality, complications, and prescription errors. Conclusion The KSPEN practical guide offers a robust framework for the safe delivery of EN tailored to Korea’s healthcare context. It emphasizes standardized protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve nutritional outcomes, patient safety, and operational efficiency. Rigorous implementation and monitoring of adherence are critical for its success.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive practical guide for enteral nutrition (EN) designed to enhance patient safety and reduce complications in Korea. Under the leadership of the Korean Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (KSPEN), the initiative sought to standardize EN procedures, improve decision-making, and promote effective multidisciplinary communication. Methods: The KSPEN EN committee identified key questions related to EN practices and organized them into seven sections such as prescribing, delivery route selection, formula preparation, administration, and quality management. Twenty-one experts, selected based on their expertise, conducted a thorough literature review to formulate evidence-based recommendations. Drafts underwent peer review both within and across disciplines, with final revisions completed by the KSPEN Guideline Committee. The guide, which will be published in three installments, addresses critical elements of EN therapy and safety protocols. Results: The practical guide recommends that EN orders include detailed elements and advocates the use of electronic medical records for communication. Standardized prescription forms and supplementary safety measures are outlined. Review frequency is adjusted according to patient condition—daily for critically ill or unstable patients and as dictated by institutional protocols for stable patients. Evidence indicates that adherence to these protocols reduces mortality, complications, and prescription errors. Conclusion The KSPEN practical guide offers a robust framework for the safe delivery of EN tailored to Korea’s healthcare context. It emphasizes standardized protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve nutritional outcomes, patient safety, and operational efficiency. Rigorous implementation and monitoring of adherence are critical for its success.