1.Transformation of Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma with Germline ATM Mutation into a SMARCB1-Deficient Rhabdoid Tumor: A Case Report
Hyeonseung LEE ; Hyun Jin PARK ; Bo Kyung KIM ; Kyung Taek HONG ; Hyoung Jin KANG ; Sung-Hye PARK ; Ji Hoon PHI ; June-Young KOH ; Jung Yoon CHOI
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2026;33(1):34-38
Secondary rhabdoid tumors (RTs) with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor-like features rarely arise from, or coexist with, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs), and their clinicopathological and molecular characteristics remain poorly understood. We report a 17-year-old girl with a temporal lobe mass that, upon gross total resection, pathologically contained both RT and PXA components. Immunohistochemistry revealed loss of INI1 expression restricted to the RT component, while the PXA area retained INI1. Next-generation sequencing identified a shared BRAF::TRIM24 fusion and homozygous deletion of CDKN2A/2B in both components, indicating a shared clonal origin. Additionally, a germline ATM frameshift mutation (c.5288_5289insGA) was identified in both tumor components, making the first such report in central nervous system tumors. SMARCB1 loss was confined to the RT component, further supporting the hypotheses of clonal evolution and secondary transformation. Despite gross total resection, craniospinal irradiation, and chemotherapy, the patient developed rapid leptomeningeal dissemination and died 5 months after surgery. This case provides clinicopathological and molecular evidence for clonal evolution and secondary transformation of PXA into an RT. The presence of germline ATM mutation may have therapeutic and biological relevance. Further studies are required to clarify the pathogenesis and optimal management of these rare and aggressive tumors.
2.A Protocol of Korean JOint RegistrY for ALZheimer’s Treatment and Diagnostics (JOY-ALZ)
Geon Ha KIM ; Jung-Min PYUN ; Danbee KANG ; Sung Hoon KANG ; Seong-Ho KOH ; Jae Seung KIM ; So Young MOON ; Won-Jin MOON ; Young Ho PARK ; YongSoo SHIM ; Dong Won YANG ; Young Chul YOUN ; Young Hee JUNG ; Hanna CHO ; Hojin CHOI ; Jae-Sung LIM ; Kee Hyung PARK ; Seong Hye CHOI
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2026;25(1):25-41
Background:
and Purpose: To assess the long-term effectiveness, safety, and economic viability of recently approved Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapies, as well as to evaluate the real-world application of novel diagnostics among AD patients with diverse comorbidities, comprehensive real-world data (RWD) analysis is essential. The Korean JOint RegistrY for ALZheimer’s Treatment and Diagnostics (JOY-ALZ) endeavors to create a registry of RWD derived from clinical practice on new diagnostic methods and therapeutic agents for AD introduced in Korea since 2021.
Methods:
Participants must fulfill all the following: 1) be at least 19 years old; 2) be actively receiving, scheduled to initiate, or undergoing evaluation for any AD disease-modifying treatment; 3) have completed amyloid positron emission tomography or cerebrospinal fluid AD immunoassay (a positive result is not essential for participation); 4) have a clinical classification of cognitively unimpaired, mild cognitive impairment, or probable AD dementia. Data generated during routine care is segmented into a minimum dataset, extended dataset, and research-only dataset requiring extra consent. Assessments encompass clinical, cognitive, functional, neurobehavioral, neuroimaging, and biomarker evaluations, in addition to systematic monitoring of new AD treatments and their safety.Data are collected and monitored at baseline, at semiannual intervals during the initial 2 years, and then annually up to 2034. To date, 46 medical centers will participate in JOY-ALZ.
Conclusions
JOY-ALZ is expected to promote understanding of the long-term clinical outcomes, safety, and cost-effectiveness of recently introduced diagnostics and treatments for AD, thereby supporting the progress of precision medicine in AD care and diagnosis.
3.Enavogliflozin, an SGLT2 Inhibitor, Improves Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Induced by High-Fat, High-Cholesterol Diet
Phuc Thi Minh PHAM ; Giang NGUYEN ; So Young PARK ; Thuy Linh LAI ; Dae-Hee CHOI ; Jeana HONG ; Seon Mee KANG ; Eun-Hee CHO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):165-177
Background:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a progressive condition caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver, begins with simple steatosis and can potentially progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in the presence of inflammation and fibrosis, ultimately leading to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence indicates that sodiumglucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors effectively alleviate MASH in mouse models. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of enavogliflozin on liver disease. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on MASH induced by a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet in mice.
Methods:
Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet, HFHC diet, or HFHC diet with enavogliflozin for 12 weeks. LX-2 and HepG2 cells were treated with enavogliflozin in the presence of various pathological stimuli.
Results:
The HFHC diet induced excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and severe fibrosis. Administration of enavogliflozin not only ameliorated hepatic steatosis and fibrotic conditions but also suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines. Positive outcomes were also observed in in vitro experiments, where enavogliflozin demonstrated the ability to impede the activation of hepatic stellate cells and alleviate lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. The potential pathway through which enavogliflozin attenuated liver fibrosis development may be associated with the transforming growth factor β1/Smad signaling pathway.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that enavogliflozin is effective in a mouse model of MASH by attenuating hepatic steatosis, suppressing inflammation, and improving liver fibrosis.
4.Structured Integration of an Artificial Intelligence-Based System for the Optical Diagnosis of Colorectal Polyps
Hae Yeon KANG ; Soonwhan KANG ; Goh Eun CHUNG ; Dong Hoon BAEK ; Hong Sub LEE ; Jinbae PARK ; Sun Young YANG ; Seon Hee LIM ; Ji Min CHOI ; Jung KIM ; Jung Ho BAE
Gut and Liver 2026;20(1):86-96
Background/Aims:
Recent advances in computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) systems have demonstrated expert-level accuracy in the optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps. High-confidence (HC) diagnoses have been defined as those made within 3 seconds without hesitation, and these systems have been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy. We aimed to evaluate the performance of endoscopists with varying levels of experience in diagnosing colorectal polyps with the assistance of a new CADx system applying the 3-second rule and without artificial intelligence assistance.
Methods:
In this multicenter ex vivo study, 35 endoscopists assessed 100 polyps (51 adenomas, 39 hyperplastic polyps, 10 sessile serrated lesions) using narrow-band imaging video clips on an online platform. Assessments consisted of individual endoscopist diagnosis and CADx-assisted diagnosis. HC assignments followed the 3-second rule in both phases. Performance metrics included HC accuracy, HC rate, and adherence to the Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) and Simple Optical Diagnosis Accuracy (SODA) thresholds.
Results:
HC diagnostic accuracy improved from 78.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.6% to 80.0%) to 89.8% (95% CI, 88.6% to 90.9%) with CADx assistance (p<0.001). The proportion of HC predictions increased from 64.2% to 75.4% (p<0.001). Novice endoscopists showed marked improvement with CADx (74.1% vs 88.8%; p<0.001). CADx-assisted diagnoses nearly met SODA and PIVI thresholds under the 3-second rule. Additional analysis demonstrated that CADx assistance significantly improved interobserver agreement and ground truth, particularly for novices (κ=0.37 to κ=0.65; p<0.001).
Conclusions
Integrating CADx with the 3-second rule significantly enhances the performance of endoscopists in the optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps, with the greatest benefit observed among novice endoscopists.
5.Optimal use and cycling strategies of Janus kinase inhibitors in ulcerative colitis: current evidence and clinical implications from the KASID Guidelines Task Force Team
Seung Min HONG ; Dong Hyun KIM ; June Hwa BAE ; Seung Yong SHIN ; Eun Mi SONG ; Ji Eun KIM ; Young Joo YANG ; Jiyoung YOON ; Sang-Bum KANG ; Eun Soo KIM ; Seong-Eun KIM ; Seong-Jung KIM ; Jun LEE ; Soo-Young NA ; Soo Jung PARK ; Sang Hyoung PARK ; Miyoung CHOI ; Myung Ha KIM ; Won MOON ; Sung-Ae JUNG ;
Intestinal Research 2026;24(1):27-37
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are an important treatment option for ulcerative colitis, providing rapid onset of action, oral administration, and efficacy even after biologic failure. The 3 approved agents—tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib—differ in JAK isoform selectivity, leading to clinically meaningful differences in efficacy and safety. Evidence from network meta-analyses, clinical trials, and real-world studies consistently shows that upadacitinib provides the highest efficacy for induction and maintenance of remission, whereas filgotinib demonstrates the most favorable safety profile. The strong efficacy of upadacitinib and tofacitinib is particularly relevant in patients with severe disease, including acute severe ulcerative colitis, and upadacitinib maintains high efficacy regardless of prior advanced therapy exposure. JAK inhibitors also benefit extraintestinal manifestations. Although risks such as herpes zoster, serious infection, thromboembolism, and major cardiovascular events differ among agents, long-term data suggest generally acceptable safety when used appropriately. Intraclass JAK-to-JAK cycling is feasible, with about half of patients achieving steroid-free clinical remission in retrospective cohorts. Based on mechanistic, clinical, and real-world evidence, filgotinib may be a first-line option for patients with lower disease activity or when safety is a priority, whereas upadacitinib or tofacitinib may be preferred in higher disease activity. Strategically selecting agents may improve durability and outcomes.
6.Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Digital Cognitive Training in Parkinson’s Disease With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
Dongje LEE ; Hang-Rai KIM ; Yu Jeong PARK ; Yisuh AHN ; Daeho LEE ; Jungyeun LEE ; Su Jin CHUNG ; Seung Yeon KIM ; Yeji HWANG ; Ji Young YUN ; Jin Whan CHO ; Kyum-Yil KWON ; Seong-Beom KOH ; Sung Hoon KANG
Journal of Movement Disorders 2026;19(1):76-80
Objective:
Cognitive impairment is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and few pharmacological options are available for treating this condition. We evaluated the effects of a digital cognitive training program (SUPERBRAIN), which was previously shown to be effective in populations at risk of Alzheimer’s disease, on cognitive function in individuals with PD.
Methods:
Twenty-three individuals with PD and mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) from four clinics were randomized to the intervention (n=16) or control (n=7) groups. The intervention group completed a 12-week, home-based, tablet-based cognitive training program (25–30 min/day, 7 days/week). Cognitive outcomes were assessed using the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery pre- and post-intervention.
Results:
The adherence rate was 79.36%. The intervention group showed significant improvements in the Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT) delayed recall and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test, while no changes were observed in the control group. Analysis of covariance confirmed greater SVLT improvement in the intervention group (F statistic=7.15, p=0.015, partial η2=0.28).
Conclusion
SUPERBRAIN is feasible and can improve cognitive function in individuals with PD-MCI.
7.Molecular determinants of outcome to gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nab-paclitaxel in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer
Daeseong KIM ; Nam Suk SIM ; Seonjeong WOO ; Min Hwan KIM ; Choong-kun LEE ; Seung Soo HONG ; Sung Hyun KIM ; Ho Kyoung HWANG ; Chang Moo KANG ; Woo Jung LEE ; Jung Hyun JO ; Taek CHUNG ; Sohyun HWANG ; Beodeul KANG ; Jung Sun KIM ; Chang-Il KWON ; Sangwoo KIM ; Hong Jae CHON ; Chang Gon KIM ; Young Nyun PARK ; Hye Jin CHOI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):721-736
Background/Aims:
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis. We investigated genomic determinants of clinical benefit from gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nab-paclitaxel (GAP) versus gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) in advanced BTC.
Methods:
Clinical and genomic data using TruSight Oncology 500 were analyzed from patients treated with GAP (N=198) or GC (N=89) as first-line therapy.
Results:
With a median follow-up of 33.0 months, GAP modestly improved progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.764; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.591–0.989) without significant overall survival (OS) difference compared to GC. Genomic profiling revealed frequent alterations in TP53 (35.2%), KRAS (16.4%), SMAD4 (10.5%), and TNFRSF14 (10.5%), involving RTK/RAS (44.3%), TP53 (41.8%), and PI3K (20.2%) pathways. Single-gene mutations did not predict treatment benefit. However, pathway-level analysis identified PI3K pathway activation as significantly associated with inferior PFS (HR 2.148; 95% CI 1.478–3.124) and OS (HR 2.096; 95% CI 1.413–3.109) in patients receiving GAP, an effect not observed with GC. Importantly, GAP conferred clinical benefit only in patients without PI3K pathway activation, while no survival advantage was seen in those with such alterations (Pinteraction=0.023 for PFS, Pinteraction=0.003 for OS). Similar results were obtained in the independent validation cohort treated with GAP (N=103) or GC (N=64) for BTC.
Conclusions
Genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing identified PI3K pathway activation as key molecular determinant that differentiates patient outcomes between GAP and GC treatments in advanced BTC.
8.Donor-to-recipient sex match status has no prognostic effect on long-term survival following liver transplantation:a retrospective observational study
Woo-Hyoung KANG ; I-Ji JEONG ; Shin HWANG ; Chul-Soo AHN ; Deok-Bog MOON ; Tae-Yong HA ; Gi-Won SONG ; Dong-Hwan JUNG ; Gil-Chun PARK ; Young-In YOON ; Sung-Gyu LEE
Clinical Transplantation and Research 2026;40(1):76-86
Background:
Studies on whether donor-to-recipient sex match status affects long-term survival after liver transplantation (LT) have yielded contradictory results. This study evaluated whether donor-to-recipient sex match status influenced long-term survival after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) or deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) at a high-volume center.
Methods:
The study included 6,664 patients who underwent primary LT between January 2000 and December 2022 at our institution. Patients were divided into four groups according to donor-to-recipient sex match status: male-to-male (n=3,427 [51.4%]), male-to-female (n=1,152 [17.3%]), female-to-male (n=1,385 [20.8%]), and female-to-female (n=700 [10.5%]).
Results:
Regarding clinical characteristics, the four groups differed significantly regarding background liver disease (P<0.001), model for end-stage liver disease score (P<0.001), serum protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II level (P=0.003), presence of concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; P<0.001), and type of LT (P=0.003). Overall survival (OS) of all LT recipients did not differ significantly among the groups (P=0.377). Donor-to-recipient sex match status did not affect long-term OS in either LDLT (P=0.176) or DDLT (P=0.220) groups. In addition, sex match status did not significantly influence posttransplant OS among patients who underwent LDLT without HCC (P=0.464), LDLT with HCC (P=0.236), DDLT without HCC (P=0.338), or DDLT with HCC (P=0.818).
Conclusions
Donor-to-recipient sex match status does not significantly affect posttransplant patient survival or HCC prognosis after LDLT or DDLT.
9.Acute Heart Failure Across the Ejection Fraction Spectrum: Phenotypes, Management, and Outcomes From Nationwide KorHF III Registry
Huijin LEE ; Eung Ju KIM ; Seong Woo HAN ; Seong-Mi PARK ; Hyung-Seop KIM ; Myung-Chan CHO ; Hyo-Suk AHN ; Mi-Seung SHIN ; Seok-Jae HWANG ; Jin-Ok JEONG ; Dong Heon YANG ; Junho HYUN ; Jin Oh CHOI ; Hae-Young LEE ; Byung-Su YOO ; Seok-Min KANG ; Dong-Ju CHOI ; Hyun-Jai CHO ;
International Journal of Heart Failure 2026;8(1):43-55
Background and Objectives:
Clinical characteristics and outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) vary by phenotype. We assessed phenotype-specific features, treatment patterns, and outcomes in a nationwide Korean cohort.
Methods:
The Korean Heart Failure III registry prospectively enrolled 7,351 AHF admissions at 47 hospitals. Among 6,777 patients with available left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), phenotypes were defined as heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF, ≤40%), mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF,41–49%), or preserved EF (HFpEF, ≥50%). The primary endpoint was a 12-month composite of all-cause death or heart transplantation, evaluated from index admission and, among hospital survivors, from discharge. We used inverse probability weighting (multinomial generalized boosted models with stabilized, trimmed weights) and weighted Cox proportional-hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).
Results:
Phenotype distribution was 58.9% HFrEF, 13.6% HFmrEF, and 27.5% HFpEF. Crude 12-month composite rates from index admission were 13.4% (HFrEF), 12.7% (HFmrEF), and 16.8% (HFpEF). After weighting, from index admission, HFmrEF (HR, 0.892; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.731–1.088) and HFpEF (HR, 1.101; 95% CI, 0.939–1.291) did not differ from HFrEF; from discharge, HFpEF had modestly higher risk (HR, 1.207; 95% CI, 1.008–1.445) whereas HFmrEF did not (HR, 1.039; 95% CI, 0.844–1.279). Hyponatremia and chronic kidney disease were consistent adverse markers, while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/ angiotensin II receptor blocker use at discharge was protective.
Conclusions
Across the EF spectrum, phenotypes showed distinct profiles and risk. Postdischarge risk was modestly higher in HFpEF, supporting phenotype-tailored care and systematic discharge optimization in Korean patients with AHF.
10.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part II. Follow-up Surveillance after Initial Treatment 2026
Eun Kyung LEE ; Seung Heon KANG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Mijin KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Sohyun PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Young-Ik SON ; Young Shin SONG ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Jong-Hyuk AHN ; Hwa Young AHN ; So Won OH ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Won Sang YOO ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Jeongmin LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Ki-Wook CHUNG ; Ari CHONG ; Jin Hyang JUNG ; Sun Wook CHO ; Yoon Young CHO ; Chae Moon HONG ; Young Joo PARK ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):1-40
In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.

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