1.Anticancer Treatment Influences TREM2 in Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Lung Cancer
Yoon Jin CHA ; Eun Hye LEE ; Chi Young KIM ; Yong Jun CHOI ; Min Kyung PARK ; Sang Hoon LEE ; Eun Young KIM ; Yoon Soo CHANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):465-480
Purpose:
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) creates an immunosuppressive environment, but the effects of anticancer treatment on TREM2 and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are not well established. This study investigates the impact of chemotherapy on TREM2-expressing macrophages within the lung adenocarcinoma TME.
Materials and Methods:
Using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of paired normal-appearing lung tissue (NL) and tumor (Tu), human and mouse lung cancer tissue, and THP-1 cells, we observed the effects of anticancer drugs on them.
Results:
Myeloid cells (MY) were the second-most abundant non-epithelial component in the Tu, though less prevalent than in NL. Specific MY subclusters abundant in Tu showed overexpression of TREM2. In lung cancer-induced Kras-G12D mice, M2 proportion increased in Tu compared to NL; cisplatin increased TREM2+ M2 proportion in Tu. TREM2+ cells in Tu showed interactions with cell clusters showing characteristics of interstitial macrophage such as mo-lineage, mono-Mc, and CD163/LGMN cells via FN:CD44 and MIF:CD74+CXCR4, suggesting that they influence the recruitment of those cells to Tu and TME reshape. In M0-state THP-1 cells, cisplatin and osimertinib treatments induced polarization towards M1 and M2 states and increased TREM2 expression. Cisplatin promoted uptake of phosphatidylserine-coated latex beads by M0 cells, whereas osimertinib reduced uptake by polarized macrophages. These findings suggest anticancer treatments impact the lung immune microenvironment by altering the TREM2+ cells.
Conclusion
Given TREM2’s central inhibitory role in the tumor immune environment, effects of chemotherapeutic agents should be considered in developing TREM2-targeting therapies.
2.Features of Lung Cyst in Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome from Patients with Multiple Lung Cysts
Yong Jun CHOI ; Hye Jung PARK ; Chi Young KIM ; Bo Mi JUNG ; Jae Hwa CHO ; Min Kwang BYUN
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(2):388-398
Background:
High-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) is a crucial assessment tool for diagnosing Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome. This study aimed to analyze differences of lung cysts between BHD and other cystic lung diseases.
Methods:
From January 2020 to December 2022, patients with multiple lung cysts who underwent chest CT at Gangnam Severance Hospital were included.
Results:
Over a 3-year period (from January 2020 to December 2022), out of 52,823 patients who underwent a chest CT scan, 301 (0.6%) patients with multiple lung cysts were enrolled in this study. Of enrolled patients, 24 (8.0%) were diagnosed with BHD. In patients with BHD, 95.8% exhibited bilateral cysts, and 83.3% showed basal predominance. The cysts’ maximal diameter averaged 32.1 mm (interquartile range, 26.5 to 43.5). Additionally, 95.8% of patients with BHD had diverse cyst sizes and morphologies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that bilateral cysts (odds ratio [OR], 12.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.613 to 274.682; p=0.038), basal predominance (OR, 8.511; 95% CI, 2.252 to 39.392; p=0.002), maximum diameter (OR, 1.053; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.108; p=0.032), and diversity of morphology (OR, 19.513; 95% CI, 2.833 to 398.119; p=0.010) were significant factors associated with BHD diagnosis. A multivariate prediction model for BHD diagnosis demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.83%, a specificity of 81.22%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.951 (95% CI, 0.914 to 0.987).
Conclusion
Distinguishing features of lung cysts from other cystic lung diseases include bilateral cysts, basal dominance, large size, and irregular shape.
3.The Survival and Financial Benefit of Investigator-Initiated Trials Conducted by Korean Cancer Study Group
Bum Jun KIM ; Chi Hoon MAENG ; Bhumsuk KEAM ; Young-Hyuck IM ; Jungsil RO ; Kyung Hae JUNG ; Seock-Ah IM ; Tae Won KIM ; Jae Lyun LEE ; Dae Seog HEO ; Sang-We KIM ; Keunchil PARK ; Myung-Ju AHN ; Byoung Chul CHO ; Hoon-Kyo KIM ; Yoon-Koo KANG ; Jae Yong CHO ; Hwan Jung YUN ; Byung-Ho NAM ; Dae Young ZANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):39-46
Purpose:
The Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) is a nationwide cancer clinical trial group dedicated to advancing investigator-initiated trials (IITs) by conducting and supporting clinical trials. This study aims to review IITs conducted by KCSG and quantitatively evaluate the survival and financial benefits of IITs for patients.
Materials and Methods:
We reviewed IITs conducted by KCSG from 1998 to 2023, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gains for participants. PFS and OS benefits were calculated as the difference in median survival times between the intervention and control groups, multiplied by the number of patients in the intervention group. Financial benefits were assessed based on the cost of investigational products provided.
Results:
From 1998 to 2023, KCSG conducted 310 IITs, with 133 completed and published. Of these, 21 were included in the survival analysis. The analysis revealed that 1,951 patients in the intervention groups gained a total of 2,558.4 months (213.2 years) of PFS and 2,501.6 months (208.5 years) of OS, with median gains of 1.31 months in PFS and 1.58 months in OS per patient. When analyzing only statistically significant results, PFS and OS gain per patients was 1.69 months and 3.02 months, respectively. Investigational drug cost analysis from six available IITs indicated that investigational products provided to 252 patients were valued at 10,400,077,294 won (approximately 8,046,481 US dollars), averaging about 41,270,148 won (approximately 31,930 US dollars) per patient.
Conclusion
Our findings, based on analysis of published research, suggest that IITs conducted by KCSG led to survival benefits for participants and, in some studies, may have provided financial benefits by providing investment drugs.
4.The Survival and Financial Benefit of Investigator-Initiated Trials Conducted by Korean Cancer Study Group
Bum Jun KIM ; Chi Hoon MAENG ; Bhumsuk KEAM ; Young-Hyuck IM ; Jungsil RO ; Kyung Hae JUNG ; Seock-Ah IM ; Tae Won KIM ; Jae Lyun LEE ; Dae Seog HEO ; Sang-We KIM ; Keunchil PARK ; Myung-Ju AHN ; Byoung Chul CHO ; Hoon-Kyo KIM ; Yoon-Koo KANG ; Jae Yong CHO ; Hwan Jung YUN ; Byung-Ho NAM ; Dae Young ZANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):39-46
Purpose:
The Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) is a nationwide cancer clinical trial group dedicated to advancing investigator-initiated trials (IITs) by conducting and supporting clinical trials. This study aims to review IITs conducted by KCSG and quantitatively evaluate the survival and financial benefits of IITs for patients.
Materials and Methods:
We reviewed IITs conducted by KCSG from 1998 to 2023, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gains for participants. PFS and OS benefits were calculated as the difference in median survival times between the intervention and control groups, multiplied by the number of patients in the intervention group. Financial benefits were assessed based on the cost of investigational products provided.
Results:
From 1998 to 2023, KCSG conducted 310 IITs, with 133 completed and published. Of these, 21 were included in the survival analysis. The analysis revealed that 1,951 patients in the intervention groups gained a total of 2,558.4 months (213.2 years) of PFS and 2,501.6 months (208.5 years) of OS, with median gains of 1.31 months in PFS and 1.58 months in OS per patient. When analyzing only statistically significant results, PFS and OS gain per patients was 1.69 months and 3.02 months, respectively. Investigational drug cost analysis from six available IITs indicated that investigational products provided to 252 patients were valued at 10,400,077,294 won (approximately 8,046,481 US dollars), averaging about 41,270,148 won (approximately 31,930 US dollars) per patient.
Conclusion
Our findings, based on analysis of published research, suggest that IITs conducted by KCSG led to survival benefits for participants and, in some studies, may have provided financial benefits by providing investment drugs.
5.Features of Lung Cyst in Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome from Patients with Multiple Lung Cysts
Yong Jun CHOI ; Hye Jung PARK ; Chi Young KIM ; Bo Mi JUNG ; Jae Hwa CHO ; Min Kwang BYUN
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(2):388-398
Background:
High-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) is a crucial assessment tool for diagnosing Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome. This study aimed to analyze differences of lung cysts between BHD and other cystic lung diseases.
Methods:
From January 2020 to December 2022, patients with multiple lung cysts who underwent chest CT at Gangnam Severance Hospital were included.
Results:
Over a 3-year period (from January 2020 to December 2022), out of 52,823 patients who underwent a chest CT scan, 301 (0.6%) patients with multiple lung cysts were enrolled in this study. Of enrolled patients, 24 (8.0%) were diagnosed with BHD. In patients with BHD, 95.8% exhibited bilateral cysts, and 83.3% showed basal predominance. The cysts’ maximal diameter averaged 32.1 mm (interquartile range, 26.5 to 43.5). Additionally, 95.8% of patients with BHD had diverse cyst sizes and morphologies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that bilateral cysts (odds ratio [OR], 12.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.613 to 274.682; p=0.038), basal predominance (OR, 8.511; 95% CI, 2.252 to 39.392; p=0.002), maximum diameter (OR, 1.053; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.108; p=0.032), and diversity of morphology (OR, 19.513; 95% CI, 2.833 to 398.119; p=0.010) were significant factors associated with BHD diagnosis. A multivariate prediction model for BHD diagnosis demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.83%, a specificity of 81.22%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.951 (95% CI, 0.914 to 0.987).
Conclusion
Distinguishing features of lung cysts from other cystic lung diseases include bilateral cysts, basal dominance, large size, and irregular shape.
6.The Survival and Financial Benefit of Investigator-Initiated Trials Conducted by Korean Cancer Study Group
Bum Jun KIM ; Chi Hoon MAENG ; Bhumsuk KEAM ; Young-Hyuck IM ; Jungsil RO ; Kyung Hae JUNG ; Seock-Ah IM ; Tae Won KIM ; Jae Lyun LEE ; Dae Seog HEO ; Sang-We KIM ; Keunchil PARK ; Myung-Ju AHN ; Byoung Chul CHO ; Hoon-Kyo KIM ; Yoon-Koo KANG ; Jae Yong CHO ; Hwan Jung YUN ; Byung-Ho NAM ; Dae Young ZANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):39-46
Purpose:
The Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) is a nationwide cancer clinical trial group dedicated to advancing investigator-initiated trials (IITs) by conducting and supporting clinical trials. This study aims to review IITs conducted by KCSG and quantitatively evaluate the survival and financial benefits of IITs for patients.
Materials and Methods:
We reviewed IITs conducted by KCSG from 1998 to 2023, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gains for participants. PFS and OS benefits were calculated as the difference in median survival times between the intervention and control groups, multiplied by the number of patients in the intervention group. Financial benefits were assessed based on the cost of investigational products provided.
Results:
From 1998 to 2023, KCSG conducted 310 IITs, with 133 completed and published. Of these, 21 were included in the survival analysis. The analysis revealed that 1,951 patients in the intervention groups gained a total of 2,558.4 months (213.2 years) of PFS and 2,501.6 months (208.5 years) of OS, with median gains of 1.31 months in PFS and 1.58 months in OS per patient. When analyzing only statistically significant results, PFS and OS gain per patients was 1.69 months and 3.02 months, respectively. Investigational drug cost analysis from six available IITs indicated that investigational products provided to 252 patients were valued at 10,400,077,294 won (approximately 8,046,481 US dollars), averaging about 41,270,148 won (approximately 31,930 US dollars) per patient.
Conclusion
Our findings, based on analysis of published research, suggest that IITs conducted by KCSG led to survival benefits for participants and, in some studies, may have provided financial benefits by providing investment drugs.
7.Features of Lung Cyst in Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome from Patients with Multiple Lung Cysts
Yong Jun CHOI ; Hye Jung PARK ; Chi Young KIM ; Bo Mi JUNG ; Jae Hwa CHO ; Min Kwang BYUN
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(2):388-398
Background:
High-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) is a crucial assessment tool for diagnosing Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome. This study aimed to analyze differences of lung cysts between BHD and other cystic lung diseases.
Methods:
From January 2020 to December 2022, patients with multiple lung cysts who underwent chest CT at Gangnam Severance Hospital were included.
Results:
Over a 3-year period (from January 2020 to December 2022), out of 52,823 patients who underwent a chest CT scan, 301 (0.6%) patients with multiple lung cysts were enrolled in this study. Of enrolled patients, 24 (8.0%) were diagnosed with BHD. In patients with BHD, 95.8% exhibited bilateral cysts, and 83.3% showed basal predominance. The cysts’ maximal diameter averaged 32.1 mm (interquartile range, 26.5 to 43.5). Additionally, 95.8% of patients with BHD had diverse cyst sizes and morphologies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that bilateral cysts (odds ratio [OR], 12.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.613 to 274.682; p=0.038), basal predominance (OR, 8.511; 95% CI, 2.252 to 39.392; p=0.002), maximum diameter (OR, 1.053; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.108; p=0.032), and diversity of morphology (OR, 19.513; 95% CI, 2.833 to 398.119; p=0.010) were significant factors associated with BHD diagnosis. A multivariate prediction model for BHD diagnosis demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.83%, a specificity of 81.22%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.951 (95% CI, 0.914 to 0.987).
Conclusion
Distinguishing features of lung cysts from other cystic lung diseases include bilateral cysts, basal dominance, large size, and irregular shape.
8.Features of Lung Cyst in Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome from Patients with Multiple Lung Cysts
Yong Jun CHOI ; Hye Jung PARK ; Chi Young KIM ; Bo Mi JUNG ; Jae Hwa CHO ; Min Kwang BYUN
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(2):388-398
Background:
High-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) is a crucial assessment tool for diagnosing Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome. This study aimed to analyze differences of lung cysts between BHD and other cystic lung diseases.
Methods:
From January 2020 to December 2022, patients with multiple lung cysts who underwent chest CT at Gangnam Severance Hospital were included.
Results:
Over a 3-year period (from January 2020 to December 2022), out of 52,823 patients who underwent a chest CT scan, 301 (0.6%) patients with multiple lung cysts were enrolled in this study. Of enrolled patients, 24 (8.0%) were diagnosed with BHD. In patients with BHD, 95.8% exhibited bilateral cysts, and 83.3% showed basal predominance. The cysts’ maximal diameter averaged 32.1 mm (interquartile range, 26.5 to 43.5). Additionally, 95.8% of patients with BHD had diverse cyst sizes and morphologies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that bilateral cysts (odds ratio [OR], 12.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.613 to 274.682; p=0.038), basal predominance (OR, 8.511; 95% CI, 2.252 to 39.392; p=0.002), maximum diameter (OR, 1.053; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.108; p=0.032), and diversity of morphology (OR, 19.513; 95% CI, 2.833 to 398.119; p=0.010) were significant factors associated with BHD diagnosis. A multivariate prediction model for BHD diagnosis demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.83%, a specificity of 81.22%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.951 (95% CI, 0.914 to 0.987).
Conclusion
Distinguishing features of lung cysts from other cystic lung diseases include bilateral cysts, basal dominance, large size, and irregular shape.
9.Features of Lung Cyst in Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome from Patients with Multiple Lung Cysts
Yong Jun CHOI ; Hye Jung PARK ; Chi Young KIM ; Bo Mi JUNG ; Jae Hwa CHO ; Min Kwang BYUN
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(2):388-398
Background:
High-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) is a crucial assessment tool for diagnosing Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome. This study aimed to analyze differences of lung cysts between BHD and other cystic lung diseases.
Methods:
From January 2020 to December 2022, patients with multiple lung cysts who underwent chest CT at Gangnam Severance Hospital were included.
Results:
Over a 3-year period (from January 2020 to December 2022), out of 52,823 patients who underwent a chest CT scan, 301 (0.6%) patients with multiple lung cysts were enrolled in this study. Of enrolled patients, 24 (8.0%) were diagnosed with BHD. In patients with BHD, 95.8% exhibited bilateral cysts, and 83.3% showed basal predominance. The cysts’ maximal diameter averaged 32.1 mm (interquartile range, 26.5 to 43.5). Additionally, 95.8% of patients with BHD had diverse cyst sizes and morphologies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that bilateral cysts (odds ratio [OR], 12.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.613 to 274.682; p=0.038), basal predominance (OR, 8.511; 95% CI, 2.252 to 39.392; p=0.002), maximum diameter (OR, 1.053; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.108; p=0.032), and diversity of morphology (OR, 19.513; 95% CI, 2.833 to 398.119; p=0.010) were significant factors associated with BHD diagnosis. A multivariate prediction model for BHD diagnosis demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.83%, a specificity of 81.22%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.951 (95% CI, 0.914 to 0.987).
Conclusion
Distinguishing features of lung cysts from other cystic lung diseases include bilateral cysts, basal dominance, large size, and irregular shape.
10.Bonding silica-containing CAD/CAM dental blocks to composite resin with universal adhesives
Chi-Yong PARK ; Minjeong SHIN ; Shin Hye CHUNG ; Young-Seok PARK ; Bum-Soon LIM
Korean Journal of Dental Materials 2024;51(1):63-84
The bond strength to the silicate-based CAD/CAM blocks may be affected by the composition and microstructure of the silicatebased blocks, surface treatment, and the properties of the applied adhesive. In this study, the shear bond strength to the silicate blocks with various universal adhesives after sandblasting or HF-treatment was measured, and the effects of the additional silane application after surface treatments are evaluated. Six silica-containing blocks and five universal adhesives currently used in dental clinics were selected. After polishing the silicate block surface, the specimens were divided into two groups. The first groups were HF-treated and the second groups were sandblasted with alumina, and the surface roughness, contact angle, and microstructure were analyzed by CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope), contact angle analyzer, and FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope).Composite resin (2 mm diameter) was bonded with universal adhesive to silicate blocks and stored in a 37 ℃ water bath for 24 hours, and the shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The measured values were statistically analyzed using the Tukey-multiple comparison test (α=0.05). For hybrid composite ceramics, there was no significant difference in bond strength between sandblasting or HF-treatment, and additional silane application may not be necessary when bonding with a universal adhesive, whereas for leucite-reinforced and lithium disilicate glass-ceramics, HF-treatment may be more favorable for adhesion than sandblasting, and additional silane application appears to be necessary even when applying a universal adhesive.

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