1.A Practical Immunohistochemistry-Based Model for Predicting Pathologic Complete Response in Estrogen Receptor-Strong Positive and HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
Su Min LEE ; Jeong Eon LEE ; Seok Jin NAM ; Seok Won KIM ; Jonghan YU ; Byung Joo CHAE ; Se Kyung LEE ; Jai Min RYU ; Eun Yoon CHO ; Hyunwoo LEE ; Woong Ki PARK
Journal of Breast Cancer 2026;29(2):128-140
Purpose:
While the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been established in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive and triple-negative breast cancers, its effectiveness in achieving pathological complete response (pCR) and optimal patient selection in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers remain less clearly defined. This study aimed to identify immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based predictors of pCR and to develop a scoring model for ER-strong positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.
Methods:
Data from a prospective cohort were retrospectively analyzed. We included 522 patients with ER-strong positive/HER2-negative tumors who received NAC and surgery between 2008 and 2021. IHC markers including progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), and p53 were evaluated to identify predictors of pCR. Independent predictors of pCR from multivariate logistic regression were used to develop a weighted 4-point model. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The prognostic impact of pCR was evaluated using KaplanMeier and Cox regression analyses.
Results:
Independent predictors of pCR included PR-negative status, positivity for basallike markers (EGFR or CK5/6), and Ki-67 ≥ 50%. The scoring model demonstrated good discrimination for pCR (area under the curve = 0.754). pCR rates increased stepwise, with scores of 4.9% (low), 10.7% (intermediate), and 36.2% (high). In the high-score group, pCR was significantly associated with improved disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.09; p = 0.023) and distant metastasis-free survival (HR, 0.11; p = 0.035), whereas no significant survival differences according to pCR status were observed in the low and intermediate score groups.
Conclusion
This IHC-based model predicts pCR and helps identify subgroups in which pCR is associated with meaningful survival benefit following NAC in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancers. High-scoring patients may benefit from NAC, while patients with low- or intermediatescores may be better managed with surgery and endocrine therapy. This model may support personalized treatment decisions regarding NAC.
2.Clinical Outcomes of Lobular Carcinoma In Situ: Risk of Invasive Cancer Development
Doyoun WOEN ; Ki Jo KIM ; Su Min LEE ; Seungah LEE ; Kawon OH ; Cho Eun LEE ; Seok Jin NAM ; Seok Won KIM ; Jeong Eon LEE ; Byung Joo CHAE ; Se Kyung LEE ; Jai Min RYU ; Woong Ki PARK ; Hyunwoo LEE ; Jonghan YU
Journal of Breast Cancer 2026;29(2):163-174
Purpose:
Lobular carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) is a noninvasive lesion associated with an increased risk of invasive cancer. Since its removal from the tumor, node, metastasis classification in the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guidelines, the clinical management of LCIS has shifted from surgery to surveillance. However, studies focusing on the risk and associated factors for invasive cancer development in pure LCIS without ductal carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) or invasive cancer remain limited.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 106 patients diagnosed with pure LCIS between 2008 and 2018. This study evaluated the effect of tamoxifen use and histologic type on the development of invasive cancer.
Results:
All 106 patients underwent surgery, and nine (8.5%) developed invasive cancer over a median follow-up of 67.5 months. The incidence of invasive cancer was lower in the tamoxifen group (6.3%, n = 4) than in the non-tamoxifen group (11.9%, n = 5), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.266). Pleomorphic LCIS had a significantly higher incidence of invasive cancer (30.0%, n = 3) than classic LCIS (6.3%, n = 6) (p = 0.045).Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed no significant difference in the risk of invasive cancer according to tamoxifen use (hazard ratio [HR], 2.031; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.544–7.579; p = 0.292). However, pleomorphic LCIS showed a trend toward an increased risk of invasive cancer compared to classic LCIS (HR, 3.856; 95% CI, 0.922–16.126; p = 0.064).
Conclusion
Postoperative tamoxifen did not significantly lower invasive cancer development in patients with pure LCIS. Pleomorphic LCIS may carry a higher risk than classic LCIS. These findings require tailored follow-up and treatment strategies based on the histologic subtype of LCIS.
3.Long-Term Incidence of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Following Ischemic Stroke
Jun Yup KIM ; Beom Joon KIM ; Jihoon KANG ; Do Yeon KIM ; Moon-Ku HAN ; Seong-Eun KIM ; Heeyoung LEE ; Jong-Moo PARK ; Kyusik KANG ; Soo Joo LEE ; Jae Guk KIM ; Jae-Kwan CHA ; Dae-Hyun KIM ; Tai Hwan PARK ; Kyungbok LEE ; Hong-Kyun PARK ; Yong-Jin CHO ; Keun-Sik HONG ; Kang-Ho CHOI ; Joon-Tae KIM ; Dong-Eog KIM ; Jay Chol CHOI ; Mi-Sun OH ; Kyung-Ho YU ; Byung-Chul LEE ; Kwang-Yeol PARK ; Ji Sung LEE ; Sujung JANG ; Jae Eun CHAE ; Juneyoung LEE ; Min-Surk KYE ; Philip B. GORELICK ; Hee-Joon BAE ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):102-112
Background:
and Purpose Previous research on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has shown a 0.5% incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring blood transfusion during hospitalization. The existing literature has insufficiently explored the long-term incidence in this population despite the decremental impact of GIB on stroke outcomes.
Methods:
We analyzed the data from a cohort of patients with AIS admitted to 14 hospitals as part of a nationwide multicenter prospective stroke registry between 2011 and 2013. These patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The occurrence of major GIB events, defined as GIB necessitating at least two units of blood transfusion, was tracked using the National Health Insurance Service claims data.
Results:
Among 10,818 patients with AIS (male, 59%; mean age, 68±13 years), 947 (8.8%) experienced 1,224 episodes of major GIB over a median follow-up duration of 3.1 years. Remarkably, 20% of 947 patients experienced multiple episodes of major GIB. The incidence peaked in the first month after AIS, reaching 19.2 per 100 person-years, and gradually decreased to approximately one-sixth of this rate by the 2nd year with subsequent stabilization. Multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of major GIB: anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and a 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥4.
Conclusion
Patients with AIS are susceptible to major GIB, particularly in the first month after the onset of AIS, with the risk decreasing thereafter. Implementing preventive strategies may be important, especially for patients with anemia and impaired renal function at stroke onset and those with a disabling stroke.
4.The Incidence of Occult Malignancy in Contralateral Risk Reducing Mastectomy Among Affected Breast Cancer Gene Mutation Carriers in South Korea
Cho Eun LEE ; Dong Seung SHIN ; Ki Jo KIM ; Seok Jin NAM ; Seok Won KIM ; Jonghan YU ; Byung Joo CHAE ; Se Kyung LEE ; Jai Min RYU ; Goo-Hyun MUN ; Jai-Kyong PYON ; Byung-Joon JEON ; Kyongje WOO ; Jeong Eon LEE
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):1-10
Purpose:
Breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation is a well-known risk factor for breast cancer, and clinical interest in prophylactic mastectomy has increased in recent years.We investigated patients who were BRCA mutation carriers and underwent contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM), focusing on the incidence of occult malignancy after contralateral RRM.
Methods:
Prospectively collected data of patients with breast cancer treated at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent RRM with BRCA mutation who underwent RRM between January 2010 and November 2023 were included in this study.Among patients who underwent contralateral RRM, those with a primary cancer diagnosis were included, and those with occult malignancy on the contralateral RRM side were reviewed additionally. The demographics and pathologies of both primary breast cancer and occult malignancies were evaluated.
Results:
In our institution, 925 patients were identified as BRCA mutation carriers, and 320 patients underwent contralateral RRM along with primary breast cancer surgery. BRCA2 mutation occurred more frequently (54.8%) in the overall BRCA mutation cohort. Furthermore, we reviewed 320 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and detected as BRCA mutation carriers who underwent contralateral RRM; high proportion of them were BRCA1 mutation carriers.Interestingly, we found a low incidence of only seven patients (2.2%) with occult malignancy on contralateral RRM side, which is different from that reported in other nations.
Conclusion
The incidence of occult malignancy in the contralateral breast of breast cancer patients with breast cancer with BRCA mutation is significantly low, and may be influenced by several factors. Increased utilization of screening and advancements in diagnostic technologies in South Korea have reduced the chance of occult malignancy in RRM, and a variety of pathologic examination methods may affect the rate of incidence.
5.Phenotype of Relapsing Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease in Children
Ji Yeon HAN ; Soo Yeon KIM ; Woojoong KIM ; Hunmin KIM ; Anna CHO ; Jieun CHOI ; Jong-Hee CHAE ; Ki Joong KIM ; Young Se KWON ; Il Han YOO ; Byung Chan LIM
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;21(1):65-73
Background:
and Purpose To determine the clinical phenotypes, relapse timing, treatment responses, and outcomes of children with relapsing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).
Methods:
We collected the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of patients aged <18 years who had been diagnosed with MOGAD at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital between January 2010 and January 2022; 100 were identified as positive for MOG antibodies, 43 of whom experienced relapse.
Results:
The median age at onset was 7 years (range 2–16 years). The median number of relapses was 2 (range 1–8), and patients were followed up for a median of 65 months (range 5–214 months). The first relapse was experienced before 3 months from onset by 15 patients (34.9%). The most-common initial phenotypes were acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (n=17, 39.5%) and optic neuritis (ON; n=11, 25.6%). The most-common relapse phenotypes were neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (n=9, 20.9%), relapsing ON (n=6, 14.0%), and multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (n=6, 14.0%). Many of the patients (n=18, 41.9%) were not specifically categorized. A high proportion of these patients had non-acute disseminated encephalomyelitis encephalitis. Atypical phenotypes such as prolonged fever or hemiplegic migraine-like episodes were also noted. Mycophenolate mofetil and cyclic immunoglobulin treatment significantly reduced the annual relapse rates.
Conclusions
Our 43 pediatric patients with relapsing MOGAD showed a tendency toward early relapse and various relapse phenotypes. The overall prognoses of these patients were good regardless of phenotype or response to second-line immunosuppressant treatment.
6.Long-Term Incidence of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Following Ischemic Stroke
Jun Yup KIM ; Beom Joon KIM ; Jihoon KANG ; Do Yeon KIM ; Moon-Ku HAN ; Seong-Eun KIM ; Heeyoung LEE ; Jong-Moo PARK ; Kyusik KANG ; Soo Joo LEE ; Jae Guk KIM ; Jae-Kwan CHA ; Dae-Hyun KIM ; Tai Hwan PARK ; Kyungbok LEE ; Hong-Kyun PARK ; Yong-Jin CHO ; Keun-Sik HONG ; Kang-Ho CHOI ; Joon-Tae KIM ; Dong-Eog KIM ; Jay Chol CHOI ; Mi-Sun OH ; Kyung-Ho YU ; Byung-Chul LEE ; Kwang-Yeol PARK ; Ji Sung LEE ; Sujung JANG ; Jae Eun CHAE ; Juneyoung LEE ; Min-Surk KYE ; Philip B. GORELICK ; Hee-Joon BAE ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):102-112
Background:
and Purpose Previous research on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has shown a 0.5% incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring blood transfusion during hospitalization. The existing literature has insufficiently explored the long-term incidence in this population despite the decremental impact of GIB on stroke outcomes.
Methods:
We analyzed the data from a cohort of patients with AIS admitted to 14 hospitals as part of a nationwide multicenter prospective stroke registry between 2011 and 2013. These patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The occurrence of major GIB events, defined as GIB necessitating at least two units of blood transfusion, was tracked using the National Health Insurance Service claims data.
Results:
Among 10,818 patients with AIS (male, 59%; mean age, 68±13 years), 947 (8.8%) experienced 1,224 episodes of major GIB over a median follow-up duration of 3.1 years. Remarkably, 20% of 947 patients experienced multiple episodes of major GIB. The incidence peaked in the first month after AIS, reaching 19.2 per 100 person-years, and gradually decreased to approximately one-sixth of this rate by the 2nd year with subsequent stabilization. Multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of major GIB: anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and a 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥4.
Conclusion
Patients with AIS are susceptible to major GIB, particularly in the first month after the onset of AIS, with the risk decreasing thereafter. Implementing preventive strategies may be important, especially for patients with anemia and impaired renal function at stroke onset and those with a disabling stroke.
7.The Incidence of Occult Malignancy in Contralateral Risk Reducing Mastectomy Among Affected Breast Cancer Gene Mutation Carriers in South Korea
Cho Eun LEE ; Dong Seung SHIN ; Ki Jo KIM ; Seok Jin NAM ; Seok Won KIM ; Jonghan YU ; Byung Joo CHAE ; Se Kyung LEE ; Jai Min RYU ; Goo-Hyun MUN ; Jai-Kyong PYON ; Byung-Joon JEON ; Kyongje WOO ; Jeong Eon LEE
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):1-10
Purpose:
Breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation is a well-known risk factor for breast cancer, and clinical interest in prophylactic mastectomy has increased in recent years.We investigated patients who were BRCA mutation carriers and underwent contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM), focusing on the incidence of occult malignancy after contralateral RRM.
Methods:
Prospectively collected data of patients with breast cancer treated at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent RRM with BRCA mutation who underwent RRM between January 2010 and November 2023 were included in this study.Among patients who underwent contralateral RRM, those with a primary cancer diagnosis were included, and those with occult malignancy on the contralateral RRM side were reviewed additionally. The demographics and pathologies of both primary breast cancer and occult malignancies were evaluated.
Results:
In our institution, 925 patients were identified as BRCA mutation carriers, and 320 patients underwent contralateral RRM along with primary breast cancer surgery. BRCA2 mutation occurred more frequently (54.8%) in the overall BRCA mutation cohort. Furthermore, we reviewed 320 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and detected as BRCA mutation carriers who underwent contralateral RRM; high proportion of them were BRCA1 mutation carriers.Interestingly, we found a low incidence of only seven patients (2.2%) with occult malignancy on contralateral RRM side, which is different from that reported in other nations.
Conclusion
The incidence of occult malignancy in the contralateral breast of breast cancer patients with breast cancer with BRCA mutation is significantly low, and may be influenced by several factors. Increased utilization of screening and advancements in diagnostic technologies in South Korea have reduced the chance of occult malignancy in RRM, and a variety of pathologic examination methods may affect the rate of incidence.
8.Phenotype of Relapsing Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease in Children
Ji Yeon HAN ; Soo Yeon KIM ; Woojoong KIM ; Hunmin KIM ; Anna CHO ; Jieun CHOI ; Jong-Hee CHAE ; Ki Joong KIM ; Young Se KWON ; Il Han YOO ; Byung Chan LIM
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;21(1):65-73
Background:
and Purpose To determine the clinical phenotypes, relapse timing, treatment responses, and outcomes of children with relapsing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).
Methods:
We collected the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of patients aged <18 years who had been diagnosed with MOGAD at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital between January 2010 and January 2022; 100 were identified as positive for MOG antibodies, 43 of whom experienced relapse.
Results:
The median age at onset was 7 years (range 2–16 years). The median number of relapses was 2 (range 1–8), and patients were followed up for a median of 65 months (range 5–214 months). The first relapse was experienced before 3 months from onset by 15 patients (34.9%). The most-common initial phenotypes were acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (n=17, 39.5%) and optic neuritis (ON; n=11, 25.6%). The most-common relapse phenotypes were neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (n=9, 20.9%), relapsing ON (n=6, 14.0%), and multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (n=6, 14.0%). Many of the patients (n=18, 41.9%) were not specifically categorized. A high proportion of these patients had non-acute disseminated encephalomyelitis encephalitis. Atypical phenotypes such as prolonged fever or hemiplegic migraine-like episodes were also noted. Mycophenolate mofetil and cyclic immunoglobulin treatment significantly reduced the annual relapse rates.
Conclusions
Our 43 pediatric patients with relapsing MOGAD showed a tendency toward early relapse and various relapse phenotypes. The overall prognoses of these patients were good regardless of phenotype or response to second-line immunosuppressant treatment.
9.Long-Term Incidence of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Following Ischemic Stroke
Jun Yup KIM ; Beom Joon KIM ; Jihoon KANG ; Do Yeon KIM ; Moon-Ku HAN ; Seong-Eun KIM ; Heeyoung LEE ; Jong-Moo PARK ; Kyusik KANG ; Soo Joo LEE ; Jae Guk KIM ; Jae-Kwan CHA ; Dae-Hyun KIM ; Tai Hwan PARK ; Kyungbok LEE ; Hong-Kyun PARK ; Yong-Jin CHO ; Keun-Sik HONG ; Kang-Ho CHOI ; Joon-Tae KIM ; Dong-Eog KIM ; Jay Chol CHOI ; Mi-Sun OH ; Kyung-Ho YU ; Byung-Chul LEE ; Kwang-Yeol PARK ; Ji Sung LEE ; Sujung JANG ; Jae Eun CHAE ; Juneyoung LEE ; Min-Surk KYE ; Philip B. GORELICK ; Hee-Joon BAE ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):102-112
Background:
and Purpose Previous research on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has shown a 0.5% incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring blood transfusion during hospitalization. The existing literature has insufficiently explored the long-term incidence in this population despite the decremental impact of GIB on stroke outcomes.
Methods:
We analyzed the data from a cohort of patients with AIS admitted to 14 hospitals as part of a nationwide multicenter prospective stroke registry between 2011 and 2013. These patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The occurrence of major GIB events, defined as GIB necessitating at least two units of blood transfusion, was tracked using the National Health Insurance Service claims data.
Results:
Among 10,818 patients with AIS (male, 59%; mean age, 68±13 years), 947 (8.8%) experienced 1,224 episodes of major GIB over a median follow-up duration of 3.1 years. Remarkably, 20% of 947 patients experienced multiple episodes of major GIB. The incidence peaked in the first month after AIS, reaching 19.2 per 100 person-years, and gradually decreased to approximately one-sixth of this rate by the 2nd year with subsequent stabilization. Multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of major GIB: anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and a 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥4.
Conclusion
Patients with AIS are susceptible to major GIB, particularly in the first month after the onset of AIS, with the risk decreasing thereafter. Implementing preventive strategies may be important, especially for patients with anemia and impaired renal function at stroke onset and those with a disabling stroke.
10.The Incidence of Occult Malignancy in Contralateral Risk Reducing Mastectomy Among Affected Breast Cancer Gene Mutation Carriers in South Korea
Cho Eun LEE ; Dong Seung SHIN ; Ki Jo KIM ; Seok Jin NAM ; Seok Won KIM ; Jonghan YU ; Byung Joo CHAE ; Se Kyung LEE ; Jai Min RYU ; Goo-Hyun MUN ; Jai-Kyong PYON ; Byung-Joon JEON ; Kyongje WOO ; Jeong Eon LEE
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):1-10
Purpose:
Breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation is a well-known risk factor for breast cancer, and clinical interest in prophylactic mastectomy has increased in recent years.We investigated patients who were BRCA mutation carriers and underwent contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM), focusing on the incidence of occult malignancy after contralateral RRM.
Methods:
Prospectively collected data of patients with breast cancer treated at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent RRM with BRCA mutation who underwent RRM between January 2010 and November 2023 were included in this study.Among patients who underwent contralateral RRM, those with a primary cancer diagnosis were included, and those with occult malignancy on the contralateral RRM side were reviewed additionally. The demographics and pathologies of both primary breast cancer and occult malignancies were evaluated.
Results:
In our institution, 925 patients were identified as BRCA mutation carriers, and 320 patients underwent contralateral RRM along with primary breast cancer surgery. BRCA2 mutation occurred more frequently (54.8%) in the overall BRCA mutation cohort. Furthermore, we reviewed 320 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and detected as BRCA mutation carriers who underwent contralateral RRM; high proportion of them were BRCA1 mutation carriers.Interestingly, we found a low incidence of only seven patients (2.2%) with occult malignancy on contralateral RRM side, which is different from that reported in other nations.
Conclusion
The incidence of occult malignancy in the contralateral breast of breast cancer patients with breast cancer with BRCA mutation is significantly low, and may be influenced by several factors. Increased utilization of screening and advancements in diagnostic technologies in South Korea have reduced the chance of occult malignancy in RRM, and a variety of pathologic examination methods may affect the rate of incidence.

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