1.Real‑world Application of the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group Standardized Protocol and London Classification: A Multi‑country Cross‑sectional Survey of Anorectal Manometry Practice in Asia
Seon-Young PARK ; Kee Wook JUNG ; Myeongsook SEO ; Han Hee LEE ; Ju Yup LEE ; Soo In CHOI ; Jong Wook KIM ; Chong Il SOHN ; Suck Chei CHOI
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(2):267-275
Background/Aims:
The International Anorectal Physiology Working Group (IAPWG) has proposed a standardized protocol and the London classification to enhance the consistency and diagnostic accuracy of anorectal manometry (ARM). However, real-world adoption in Asian countries has not been systematically assessed. This study aims to evaluate current ARM practices and adherence to the IAPWG protocol across Asian centers.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, 50-item web-based survey was distributed to gastroenterologists and motility specialists practicing in Asian countries.
Results:
Thirty-one centers from 8 countries responded (20 in Korea, 3 in Japan, 2 in Taiwan, 1 in China, and 7 in other countries). High-resolution ARM was used in 80.6% of centers, primarily with solid-state catheters. While all centers performed rest and short squeeze maneuvers, only 58.1% conducted all maneuvers recommended by the IAPWG protocol.Considerable variation was observed in test methodology and interpretation, including definitions of resting pressure, squeeze duration, push maneuver repetition, and rectal balloon volume for rectoanal inhibitory reflex. For balloon expulsion and rectal sensory testing, centers differed in patient positioning, balloon type, inflation methods, and threshold definitions. Only 38.7% of centers reported having institutional normative values for test interpretation, and 64.5% applied the London classification.
Conclusions
Across Asian centers, ARM practice shows marked regional variation and incomplete implementation of the IAPWG standardized protocol and London classification, highlighting persistent gaps in standardization. Strengthening procedural guidance, regionally appropriate normative data, and interpretation criteria through coordinated education and international collaboration is needed to support more consistent and clinically meaningful use of ARM in routine practice.
2.Potential Role of Imaging in the Evaluation of Adiposity and Approval of Anti-Obesity Drugs
So Yeon KIM ; Sang Eun WON ; Hyo Jung PARK ; ChangYun WOO ; Dong Wook KIM ; Chong Hyun SUH ; Kyung Won KIM
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(1):48-62
The global increase in obesity highlights the need for accurate tools to assess body composition and monitor treatment efficacy.Traditional metrics, including body mass index and waist circumference, offer limited precision for fat quantification. Imagingbased techniques capable of visualizing internal structures are increasingly being recognized for their ability to provide comprehensive fat assessment. This review outlines the principles, strengths, and limitations of key modalities, including dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), CT, MRI, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). DXA is cost-effective and accessible for population-level screening, whereas CT and MRI offer higher precision, particularly for visceral fat assessment. BIA is a practical, low-cost alternative, but it is limited by variability and lack of standardization. Regulatory agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, are increasingly supporting imaging-based endpoints in clinical trials of anti-obesity drugs because these methods capture fat mass reduction beyond total weight loss. Recent phase III trials of semaglutide and tirzepatide have underscored the utility of DXA and CT in quantifying fat loss and preserving lean mass. Selecting appropriate imaging modalities based on technical capabilities and regulatory considerations can improve the evaluation of obesity treatments and strengthen the design of anti-obesity drug trials.
3.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.
4.Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities in Anti-Amyloid Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease:Expert Recommendation for Standard MRI Protocol
Jimin KIM ; Eunhee KIM ; Mina PARK ; Yun Jung BAE ; Chong Hyun SUH ; Sung-Hye YOU ; Younghee YIM ; Ho-Joon LEE ; Jin Wook CHOI ; Se Won OH ; Won-Jin MOON ;
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2025;86(1):34-44
The introduction of anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), such as lecanemab (Lequembi®), which was recently approved in Korea, necessitates careful monitoring for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) using brain MRI. To optimize ARIA monitoring in Korean clinical settings, the Korean Society of Neuroradiology (KSNR) and the Age and Neurodegeneration Imaging (ANDI) Study Group proposed MRI protocol recommendations on essential MR sequences, MRI acquisition parameters, timing and condition of MRI examinations, and essential details to provide a scientific basis for maximizing the safety and efficacy of AD treatment. A customized, standardized MRI protocol focusing on Korea’s healthcare environment can improve ARIA management and ensure patient safety through early detection of potential anti-amyloid therapy side effects, thereby enhancing treatment quality.
5.Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities in Anti-Amyloid Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease:Expert Recommendation for Standard MRI Protocol
Jimin KIM ; Eunhee KIM ; Mina PARK ; Yun Jung BAE ; Chong Hyun SUH ; Sung-Hye YOU ; Younghee YIM ; Ho-Joon LEE ; Jin Wook CHOI ; Se Won OH ; Won-Jin MOON ;
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2025;86(1):34-44
The introduction of anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), such as lecanemab (Lequembi®), which was recently approved in Korea, necessitates careful monitoring for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) using brain MRI. To optimize ARIA monitoring in Korean clinical settings, the Korean Society of Neuroradiology (KSNR) and the Age and Neurodegeneration Imaging (ANDI) Study Group proposed MRI protocol recommendations on essential MR sequences, MRI acquisition parameters, timing and condition of MRI examinations, and essential details to provide a scientific basis for maximizing the safety and efficacy of AD treatment. A customized, standardized MRI protocol focusing on Korea’s healthcare environment can improve ARIA management and ensure patient safety through early detection of potential anti-amyloid therapy side effects, thereby enhancing treatment quality.
6.Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities in Anti-Amyloid Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease:Expert Recommendation for Standard MRI Protocol
Jimin KIM ; Eunhee KIM ; Mina PARK ; Yun Jung BAE ; Chong Hyun SUH ; Sung-Hye YOU ; Younghee YIM ; Ho-Joon LEE ; Jin Wook CHOI ; Se Won OH ; Won-Jin MOON ;
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2025;86(1):34-44
The introduction of anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), such as lecanemab (Lequembi®), which was recently approved in Korea, necessitates careful monitoring for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) using brain MRI. To optimize ARIA monitoring in Korean clinical settings, the Korean Society of Neuroradiology (KSNR) and the Age and Neurodegeneration Imaging (ANDI) Study Group proposed MRI protocol recommendations on essential MR sequences, MRI acquisition parameters, timing and condition of MRI examinations, and essential details to provide a scientific basis for maximizing the safety and efficacy of AD treatment. A customized, standardized MRI protocol focusing on Korea’s healthcare environment can improve ARIA management and ensure patient safety through early detection of potential anti-amyloid therapy side effects, thereby enhancing treatment quality.
7.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part I. Initial Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers - Chapter 6. Radioactive Iodine Treatment after Thyroidectomy 2024
Sohyun PARK ; Ari CHONG ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Keunyoung KIM ; Sun Wook KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Young Joo PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Youngduk SEO ; Young Shin SONG ; So Won OH ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Chae Moon HONG ; Sang-Woo LEE ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):97-110
The initial treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer includes appropriate surgery and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, followed by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression therapy as long-term management to prevent recurrence. RAI therapy following thyroidectomy has the three main purposes: remnant ablation, adjuvant therapy, and therapy for known disease. To optimize the goals and targets of RAI therapy, postoperative disease assessment, determination of recurrence risk, and consideration of various individual factors are necessary. The objectives of RAI therapy are determined based on the individual’s recurrence risk, and the administered activity of RAI is then determined according to these treatment objectives. Adequate stimulation of serum TSH is necessary before RAI therapy, and recombinant human TSH is widely used because of its advantage in reducing the risk of exacerbation of comorbidities associated with levothyroxine discontinuation and improving patients’ quality of life. Additionally, reducing iodine intake through appropriate low-iodine diet is necessary. Whole-body scans are conducted to assess the disease status after RAI therapy. If planar whole-body scans are inconclusive, additional single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT imaging is recommended. Over the past decade, prospective randomized or retrospective clinical studies on the selection of candidates for RAI therapy, administered activity, methods of TSH stimulation, and advantages of SPECT/CT have been published. Based on these latest clinical research findings and recommendations from relevant overseas medical societies, this clinical practice guideline presents the indications and methods for administering RAI therapy after thyroidectomy.
8.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part II. Follow-up Surveillance after Initial Treatment 2024
Mijin KIM ; Ji-In BANG ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Sun Wook KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Young Joo PARK ; Youngduk SEO ; Young Shin SONG ; So Won OH ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Ari CHONG ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Chae Moon HONG ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Bo Hyun KIM ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):115-146
Based on the clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data of a patient with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), risk stratification based on their initial recurrence risk is a crucial follow-up (FU) strategy during the first 1–2 years after initial therapy. However, restratifiying the recurrence risk on the basis of current clinical data that becomes available after considering the response to treatment (ongoing risk stratification, ORS) provides a more accurate prediction of the status at the final FU and a more tailored management approach. Since the 2015 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Adult Patients with Thyroid Nodules and DTC, the latest guidelines that include the National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice and European Association for Medical Oncology guidelines have been updated to reflect several recent evidence in ORS and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression of DTC. The current clinical practice guideline was developed by extracting FU surveillance after the initial treatment section from the previous version of guidelines and updating it to reflect recent evidence. The current revised guideline includes recommendations for recent ORS, TSH target level based on risk stratification, FU tools for detection of recurrence and assessment of disease status, and long-term FU strategy for consideration of the disease status. These evidence-based recommendations are expected to avoid overtreatment and intensive FU of the majority of patients who will have a very good prognosis after the initial treatment of DTC patients, thereby ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment and FU options.
9.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part III. Management of Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancers - Chapter 3.Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Advanced Thyroid Cancer 2024
Keunyoung KIM ; Chae Moon HONG ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Sun Wook KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Sohyun PARK ; Young Joo PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Youngduk SEO ; Young Shin SONG ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Ari CHONG ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; So Won OH ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):153-167
Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy can effectively eliminate persistent or recurrent disease in patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), potentially improving progression-free, disease-specific, and overall survival rates. Repeated administration of RAI along with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression is the mainstay of treatment for patients with distant metastases. Remarkably, one in three patients with distant metastases can be cured using RAI therapy and experience a near-normal life expectancy. Patients with elevated serum thyroglobulin and a negative post-RAI scan may be considered for empiric RAI therapy in the absence of structurally evident disease. However, in some patients, the iodine uptake capacity of advanced lesions decreases over time, potentially resulting in RAI-refractory disease. RAI-administered dose can be either empirically fixed high activities or dosimetry-based individualized activities for treatment of known diseases. The preparation method (levothyroxine withdrawal vs. recombinant human TSH administration) should be individualized for each patient.RAI therapy is a reasonable and safe treatment for patients with advanced DTC. Despite the risk of radiation exposure, administration of low-activity RAI has not been associated with an increased risk of a secondary primary cancer (SPM), leukemia, infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, etc. However, depending on the cumulative dose, there is a risk of acute or delayed-onset adverse effects including salivary gland damage, dental caries, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and SPM. Therefore, as with any treatment, the expected benefit must justify the use of RAI in patients with advanced DTC.
10.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part V. Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Cancer 2024
Jung-Eun MOON ; So Won OH ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Keunyoung KIM ; Sun Wook KIM ; Won Woong KIM ; Jung-Han KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Sohyun PARK ; Young Joo PARK ; Jun-Ook PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Young Shin SONG ; Seung Hoon WOO ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Joon-Hyop LEE ; Jieun LEE ; Cho Rok LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Jae-Yol LIM ; Ari CHONG ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Chae Moon HONG ; Hyungju KWON ; Young Ah LEE ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):193-207
Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs), mostly papillary thyroid cancer (PTC, 80-90%), are diagnosed at more advanced stages with larger tumor sizes and higher rates of locoregional and/or lung metastasis. Despite the higher recurrence rates of pediatric cancers than of adult thyroid cancers, pediatric patients demonstrate a lower mortality rate and more favorable prognosis. Considering the more advanced stage at diagnosis in pediatric patients, preoperative evaluation is crucial to determine the extent of surgery required. Furthermore, if hereditary tumor syndrome is suspected, genetic testing is required. Recommendations for pediatric DTCs focus on the surgical principles, radioiodine therapy according to the postoperative risk level, treatment and follow-up of recurrent or persistent diseases, and treatment of patients with radioiodine-refractory PTCs on the basis of genetic drivers that are unique to pediatric patients.

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