1.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.
2.Expert Consensus Study on the Redesign of the Sexually Transmitted Infection Surveillance System in Korea
Jin Bong CHOI ; Dong-Sook KIM ; Chae Eun SHIN ; Su-Yeon YU ; Kyu Won LEE ; Seung-Ju LEE
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2026;41(1):e18-
Background:
The management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the national level is necessary for the health and well-being of individuals in society. The purpose of this study was to propose a redesign of the STI surveillance system by collecting opinions from experts.
Methods:
After the major STIs were reviewed, 1) gonorrhea, 2) chancroid, 3) Mycoplasma genitalium infection, and 4) trichomoniasis were selected as diseases requiring a redesign of the surveillance system through the Delphi method, a technique for solving problems by collecting opinions from experts. The expert panel was selected from experts on STIs (n = 17) and included members of the Korean Association of Urogenital Tract Infection and Inflammation, the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, and the 3rd advisory committee on STIs.
Results:
The experts agreed upon the exclusion of surveillance for chancroid on the basis of the low incidence, with an agreement rate of 83%. The experts agreed upon the inclusion of M. genitalium in the surveillance system, with a high agreement rate of 88%. However, there was disagreement among the experts on whether to include trichomoniasis in the surveillance system and whether to switch to a mandatory surveillance system for gonorrhea.
Conclusion
Although a consensus was not reached in some of the surveys in this study, it involved the collection of various expert opinions. Therefore, policies should be promoted with a prioritized focus on items with high agreement, but items for which no consensus was reached need to be reviewed in greater depth through additional research and investigation.
3.Association between Bioelectrical Impedance Parameters, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Muscle Parameters, and Fatty Liver Severity in Children and Adolescents
Kyungchul SONG ; Eun Gyung SEOL ; Eunju LEE ; Hye Sun LEE ; Hana LEE ; Hyun Wook CHAE ; Hyun Joo SHIN
Gut and Liver 2025;19(1):108-115
Background/Aims:
To evaluate the associations between pediatric fatty liver severity, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and magnetic resonance imaging parameters, including total psoas muscle surface area (tPMSA) and paraspinal muscle fat (PMF).
Methods:
Children and adolescents who underwent BIA and liver magnetic resonance imaging between September 2022 and November 2023 were included. Linear regression analyses identified predictors of liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) including BIA parameters, tPMSA, and PMF. Ordinal logistic regression analysis identified the association between these parameters and fatty liver grades. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationships between tPMSA and muscle-related BIA parameters, and between PMF and fat-related BIA parameters.
Results:
Overall, 74 participants aged 8 to 16 years were included in the study. In the linear regression analyses, the percentage of body fat was positively associated with PDFF in all participants, whereas muscle-related BIA parameters were negatively associated with PDFF in participants with obesity. PMF and the PMF index were positively associated with PDFF in normalweight and overweight participants. In the ordinal logistic regression, percentage of body fat was positively associated with fatty liver grade in normal-weight and overweight participants and those with obesity, whereas muscle-related BIA parameters were negatively associated with fatty liver grade in participants with obesity. The PMF index was positively associated with fatty liver grade in normal/overweight participants. In the Pearson correlation analysis, muscle-related BIA parameters were correlated with tPMSA, and the fat-related BIA parameters were correlated with PMF.
Conclusions
BIA parameters and PMF are potential screening tools for assessing fatty liver in children.
4.Tanshinone, a Natural NADPH Oxidase Inhibitor, Mitigates Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss
Yeo Kyu HUR ; Jin Yeong CHAE ; Min Hye CHOI ; Kkotnara PARK ; Da-Woon BAE ; Soo-Bong PARK ; Sun-Shin CHA ; Hye Eun LEE ; In Hye LEE ; Yun Soo BAE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):210-220
Previous studies have shown that testosterone activates the GPRC6A-Duox1 axis, resulting in the production of H 2O 2 which leads to the apoptosis of keratinocytes and ultimately hair loss. Here, we elucidated a molecular mechanism by which the non-genomic action of testosterone regulates cellular redox status in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Building upon this molecular understanding, we conducted a high-throughput screening assay of Nox inhibitors from a natural compounds library. This screening identified diterpenoid compounds, specifically Tanshinone I, Tanshinone IIA, Tanshinone IIB, and Cryptotanshinone, derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. The IC50 values for Nox isozymes were found to be 2.6-12.9 μM for Tanshinone I, 1.9-7.2 μM for Tanshinone IIA, 5.2-11.9 μM for Tanshinone IIB, and 2.1-7.9 μM for Cryptotanshinone. Furthermore, 3D computational docking analysis confirmed the structural basis by which Tanshinone compounds inhibit Nox activity. These compounds were observed to substitute for NADPH at the π-π bond site between NADPH and FAD, leading to the suppression of Nox activity. Notably, Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA effectively inhibited Nox activity heightened by testosterone, consequently reducing the production of intracellular H2O2 and preventing cell apoptosis. In an animal study involving the application of testosterone to the back skin of 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice to inhibit hair growth, subsequent treatment with Tanshinone I or Tanshinone IIA alongside testosterone resulted in a substantial increase in hair follicle length compared to testosterone treatment alone. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA as therapeutic agents for AGA by inhibiting Nox activity.
5.Radiological Considerations in Diagnosing Angiosarcoma Associated With Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer Surgery
Eun Jung CHOI ; Gwang Min CHAE ; Jinyong SHIN ; Si-Gyun ROH ; Nae-Ho LEE
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):119-124
Angiosarcoma associated with lymphedema is a rare soft tissue malignancy that occurs owing to chronic lymphedema, primarily following breast cancer surgery. We present a case of an 83-year-old female who developed angiosarcoma 14 years after undergoing breast cancer surgery. Diagnosis was confirmed through excisional biopsy, histopathological evaluation, and imaging. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse dermal thickening with an enhanced subcutaneous nodular lesion on the right arm. This unusual case emphasizes the importance of vigilant monitoring in patients with chronic lymphedema post-breast cancer surgery, as early radiologic and clinical detection can facilitate timely intervention and improve outcomes.
6.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.
7.Erratum: Korean Gastric Cancer Association-Led Nationwide Survey on Surgically Treated Gastric Cancers in 2023
Dong Jin KIM ; Jeong Ho SONG ; Ji-Hyeon PARK ; Sojung KIM ; Sin Hye PARK ; Cheol Min SHIN ; Yoonjin KWAK ; Kyunghye BANG ; Chung-sik GONG ; Sung Eun OH ; Yoo Min KIM ; Young Suk PARK ; Jeesun KIM ; Ji Eun JUNG ; Mi Ran JUNG ; Bang Wool EOM ; Ki Bum PARK ; Jae Hun CHUNG ; Sang-Il LEE ; Young-Gil SON ; Dae Hoon KIM ; Sang Hyuk SEO ; Sejin LEE ; Won Jun SEO ; Dong Jin PARK ; Yoonhong KIM ; Jin-Jo KIM ; Ki Bum PARK ; In CHO ; Hye Seong AHN ; Sung Jin OH ; Ju-Hee LEE ; Hayemin LEE ; Seong Chan GONG ; Changin CHOI ; Ji-Ho PARK ; Eun Young KIM ; Chang Min LEE ; Jong Hyuk YUN ; Seung Jong OH ; Eunju LEE ; Seong-A JEONG ; Jung-Min BAE ; Jae-Seok MIN ; Hyun-dong CHAE ; Sung Gon KIM ; Daegeun PARK ; Dong Baek KANG ; Hogoon KIM ; Seung Soo LEE ; Sung Il CHOI ; Seong Ho HWANG ; Su-Mi KIM ; Moon Soo LEE ; Sang Hyun KIM ; Sang-Ho JEONG ; Yusung YANG ; Yonghae BAIK ; Sang Soo EOM ; Inho JEONG ; Yoon Ju JUNG ; Jong-Min PARK ; Jin Won LEE ; Jungjai PARK ; Ki Han KIM ; Kyung-Goo LEE ; Jeongyeon LEE ; Seongil OH ; Ji Hun PARK ; Jong Won KIM ;
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2025;25(2):400-402
8.Korean Gastric Cancer AssociationLed Nationwide Survey on Surgically Treated Gastric Cancers in 2023
Dong Jin KIM ; Jeong Ho SONG ; Ji-Hyeon PARK ; Sojung KIM ; Sin Hye PARK ; Cheol Min SHIN ; Yoonjin KWAK ; Kyunghye BANG ; Chung-sik GONG ; Sung Eun OH ; Yoo Min KIM ; Young Suk PARK ; Jeesun KIM ; Ji Eun JUNG ; Mi Ran JUNG ; Bang Wool EOM ; Ki Bum PARK ; Jae Hun CHUNG ; Sang-Il LEE ; Young-Gil SON ; Dae Hoon KIM ; Sang Hyuk SEO ; Sejin LEE ; Won Jun SEO ; Dong Jin PARK ; Yoonhong KIM ; Jin-Jo KIM ; Ki Bum PARK ; In CHO ; Hye Seong AHN ; Sung Jin OH ; Ju-Hee LEE ; Hayemin LEE ; Seong Chan GONG ; Changin CHOI ; Ji-Ho PARK ; Eun Young KIM ; Chang Min LEE ; Jong Hyuk YUN ; Seung Jong OH ; Eunju LEE ; Seong-A JEONG ; Jung-Min BAE ; Jae-Seok MIN ; Hyun-dong CHAE ; Sung Gon KIM ; Daegeun PARK ; Dong Baek KANG ; Hogoon KIM ; Seung Soo LEE ; Sung Il CHOI ; Seong Ho HWANG ; Su-Mi KIM ; Moon Soo LEE ; Sang Hyun KIM ; Sang-Ho JEONG ; Yusung YANG ; Yonghae BAIK ; Sang Soo EOM ; Inho JEONG ; Yoon Ju JUNG ; Jong-Min PARK ; Jin Won LEE ; Jungjai PARK ; Ki Han KIM ; Kyung-Goo LEE ; Jeongyeon LEE ; Seongil OH ; Ji Hun PARK ; Jong Won KIM ; The Information Committee of the Korean Gastric Cancer Association
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2025;25(1):115-132
Purpose:
Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023.
Materials and Methods:
The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form. Data were collected on 86 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. The results of the 2023 survey were compared with those of previous surveys.
Results:
Data from 12,751 cases were collected from 66 institutions. The mean patient age was 64.6 years, and the proportion of patients aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 31.7% in 2023. The proportion of upper-third tumors slightly decreased to 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2019. Early gastric cancer accounted for 63.1% of cases in 2023.Regarding operative procedures, a totally laparoscopic approach was most frequently applied (63.2%) in 2023, while robotic gastrectomy steadily increased to 9.5% from 2.1% in 2014.The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (48.8%) after distal gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction (51.9%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2023.However, the proportion of esophago-gastrostomy with anti-reflux procedures increased to 30.9%. The rates of post-operative mortality and overall complications were 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively.
Conclusions
The results of the 2023 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for future gastric cancer research.
9.Association between Bioelectrical Impedance Parameters, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Muscle Parameters, and Fatty Liver Severity in Children and Adolescents
Kyungchul SONG ; Eun Gyung SEOL ; Eunju LEE ; Hye Sun LEE ; Hana LEE ; Hyun Wook CHAE ; Hyun Joo SHIN
Gut and Liver 2025;19(1):108-115
Background/Aims:
To evaluate the associations between pediatric fatty liver severity, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and magnetic resonance imaging parameters, including total psoas muscle surface area (tPMSA) and paraspinal muscle fat (PMF).
Methods:
Children and adolescents who underwent BIA and liver magnetic resonance imaging between September 2022 and November 2023 were included. Linear regression analyses identified predictors of liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) including BIA parameters, tPMSA, and PMF. Ordinal logistic regression analysis identified the association between these parameters and fatty liver grades. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationships between tPMSA and muscle-related BIA parameters, and between PMF and fat-related BIA parameters.
Results:
Overall, 74 participants aged 8 to 16 years were included in the study. In the linear regression analyses, the percentage of body fat was positively associated with PDFF in all participants, whereas muscle-related BIA parameters were negatively associated with PDFF in participants with obesity. PMF and the PMF index were positively associated with PDFF in normalweight and overweight participants. In the ordinal logistic regression, percentage of body fat was positively associated with fatty liver grade in normal-weight and overweight participants and those with obesity, whereas muscle-related BIA parameters were negatively associated with fatty liver grade in participants with obesity. The PMF index was positively associated with fatty liver grade in normal/overweight participants. In the Pearson correlation analysis, muscle-related BIA parameters were correlated with tPMSA, and the fat-related BIA parameters were correlated with PMF.
Conclusions
BIA parameters and PMF are potential screening tools for assessing fatty liver in children.
10.Tanshinone, a Natural NADPH Oxidase Inhibitor, Mitigates Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss
Yeo Kyu HUR ; Jin Yeong CHAE ; Min Hye CHOI ; Kkotnara PARK ; Da-Woon BAE ; Soo-Bong PARK ; Sun-Shin CHA ; Hye Eun LEE ; In Hye LEE ; Yun Soo BAE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):210-220
Previous studies have shown that testosterone activates the GPRC6A-Duox1 axis, resulting in the production of H 2O 2 which leads to the apoptosis of keratinocytes and ultimately hair loss. Here, we elucidated a molecular mechanism by which the non-genomic action of testosterone regulates cellular redox status in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Building upon this molecular understanding, we conducted a high-throughput screening assay of Nox inhibitors from a natural compounds library. This screening identified diterpenoid compounds, specifically Tanshinone I, Tanshinone IIA, Tanshinone IIB, and Cryptotanshinone, derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. The IC50 values for Nox isozymes were found to be 2.6-12.9 μM for Tanshinone I, 1.9-7.2 μM for Tanshinone IIA, 5.2-11.9 μM for Tanshinone IIB, and 2.1-7.9 μM for Cryptotanshinone. Furthermore, 3D computational docking analysis confirmed the structural basis by which Tanshinone compounds inhibit Nox activity. These compounds were observed to substitute for NADPH at the π-π bond site between NADPH and FAD, leading to the suppression of Nox activity. Notably, Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA effectively inhibited Nox activity heightened by testosterone, consequently reducing the production of intracellular H2O2 and preventing cell apoptosis. In an animal study involving the application of testosterone to the back skin of 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice to inhibit hair growth, subsequent treatment with Tanshinone I or Tanshinone IIA alongside testosterone resulted in a substantial increase in hair follicle length compared to testosterone treatment alone. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA as therapeutic agents for AGA by inhibiting Nox activity.

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