1.Adjuvant Pembrolizumab Versus Placebo for Renal Cell Carcinoma in the East Asian Subgroup of the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 Study
Se Hoon PARK ; Yen-Hwa CHANG ; Jae Lyun LEE ; Toni K. CHOUEIRI ; Go KIMURA ; Jinsoo CHUNG ; Naoya MASUMORI ; Kazuo NISHIMURA ; Minoru KATO ; Haruaki KATO ; Kazuyuki NUMAKURA ; Chao-Hsiang CHANG ; Satoshi ANAI ; Hiroyuki TSUNEMORI ; Chung-Hsin CHEN ; Jianxin LIN ; Aymen ELFIKY ; Joseph E. BURGENTS ; Hiroshi KITAMURA
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):613-621
Purpose:
Adjuvant pembrolizumab improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) versus placebo in participants with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at increased risk of recurrence after nephrectomy in the global phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 study. This post hoc subgroup analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of adjuvant pembrolizumab in East Asian (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan) participants enrolled in KEYNOTE-564.
Materials and Methods:
Eligible participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive adjuvant pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo intravenously every 3 weeks for ≤ 17 cycles. The primary endpoint was DFS by investigator assessment. OS was a key secondary endpoint. Safety was a secondary endpoint.
Results:
The East Asian subgroup included 126 participants (pembrolizumab, n=58; placebo, n=68). Median follow-up was 62.1 months (range, 49.6 to 73.0 months). Hazard ratio for DFS with pembrolizumab versus placebo was 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.41 to 1.20). Median DFS was not reached with pembrolizumab versus 58.8 months with placebo; estimated 48-month rate was 61.3% versus 51.2%. Hazard ratio for OS was 0.47 (95% confidence interval, 0.15 to 1.49). Median OS was not reached with pembrolizumab and placebo; estimated 48-month rate was 94.8% versus 91.2%. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 70.7% of participants (29.3% grade 3 or 4) receiving pembrolizumab and 36.8% of participants (0.0% grade 3 or 4) receiving placebo. No pembrolizumab-related deaths occurred.
Conclusion
In the KEYNOTE-564 East Asian subgroup, adjuvant pembrolizumab provided DFS and OS benefits versus placebo and had a safety profile consistent with the global results. These results further support pembrolizumab as adjuvant treatment for East Asian patients with RCC at increased risk of recurrence after nephrectomy.
2.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.
3.Efficacy of Sonic and Ultrasonic Irrigation Techniques in Calcium Hydroxide Paste Removal:A Micro-Computed Tomography Study
Hye-Won CHUNG ; Kun-Hwa SUNG ; Tae-Young PARK ; Ho-Keel HWANG ; Hyoung-Hoon JO
Journal of Korean Dental Science 2026;19(1):1-9
Purpose:
This study compared the efficacy of different irrigation methods for the removal of Ca(OH)2 paste from the root canal.
Materials and Methods:
The root canals of 75 human mandibular premolars with standardized 15-mm canal lengths were prepared using nickel-titanium rotary files. After drying, the canals were filled with Ca(OH)2 paste. The teeth were divided into five groups: Control group (Group C), conventional irrigation; Group EA, sonic activation (EndoActivator); Groups EQA and EQB, sonic activation (EQ-S with metal tips A and B, respectively); and Group EU, ultrasonic activation (EndoUltra).The Ca(OH)2 paste volume before and after irrigation was measured using micro-computed tomography (CT) images. One specimen from each group was bisected along the long axis, and the canal walls were evaluated at 100× magnification using a scanning electron microscope. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results:
Overall, Ca(OH)2 paste removal was higher in Group EQA than in Group C. In the coronal third, removal rate was higher in Group EQA than in Group C. In the middle third, Groups EQB and EU outperformed Group C. Removal from the apical third was higher in Group EQA than in Group C. All groups showed greater removal from the coronal and middle thirds than from the apical third.
Conclusion
Sonic and ultrasonic irrigation methods demonstrated higher efficacy than conventional irrigation method for the removal of Ca(OH)2 paste from the root canal. All groups demonstrated better effectiveness in removal from the coronal and middle thirds than from the apical third.
4.Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis and Non-Surgical Treatment of Primary Frozen Shoulder
Byung Chan LEE ; Gi-Wook KIM ; Keewon KIM ; Nackhwan KIM ; Dong Hwan KIM ; Doo Young KIM ; Du Hwan KIM ; Beom Suk KIM ; Seong Hun KIM ; In Jong KIM ; Hyun Jung KIM ; Yoonju NA ; Kyung Eun NAM ; Sung Gyu MOON ; Chang-Won MOON ; Kyunghoon MIN ; Donghwi PARK ; Myung Woo PARK ; Yong Bok PARK ; Jae Hyeon PARK ; Chul-Hyun PARK ; Hyeng-Kyu PARK ; Yunsoo SOH ; Jaeki AHN ; Seoyon YANG ; Kyeong Eun UHM ; Sun Jae WON ; Yu Hui WON ; Dong Hwan YUN ; Yu Sung YOON ; Jin A YOON ; Byeong-Ju LEE ; Woo Hyung LEE ; Yun Jung LEE ; Jae-Hyun LEE ; Jong Hwa LEE ; Yu Jin IM ; Jae-Young LIM ; Min Cheol CHANG ; Sung Joon CHUNG ; Il Young JUNG ; Sungju JEE ; Kyoung Hyo CHOI ; Jong-Moon HWANG ; Jae-Young HAN
Clinical Pain 2025;24(1):1-26
Objective:
Primary frozen shoulder causes significant pain and progressively restricts shoulder movements. Diagnosis is made clinically based on patient history and physical examination. Management is mainly non-invasive owing to its self-limiting clinical course. However, clinical practice guidelines for frozen shoulder have not yet been developed in Korea. The developed guidelines aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder.
Methods:
A guideline development committee reviewed the literature from four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KMbase). Using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) framework, the committee formulated two backgrounds and 16 key questions to address common clinical concerns. Recommendations were made using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.
Results:
Diabetes, thyroid disease, and dyslipidemia significantly increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder. Although frozen shoulder is often self-limiting, some patients may experience long-term functional disabilities. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging should be used as adjunctive tools alongside clinical diagnosis, and rather than as independent diagnostic methods. Noninvasive approaches, such as medications, physical modalities, exercises, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy, may reduce pain and improve shoulder function. Other noninvasive interventions have limited evidence, and their application should be based on clinical judgment. Intra-articular steroid injections are recommended for treatment, and physiotherapy or hydrodilation with steroid injections can also be beneficial.
Conclusion
These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating primary frozen shoulder.
5.Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of K-CAB (Tegoprazan) as Symptomatic Maintenance Therapy in Patients With NERD: A Multicenter, Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial
Yong Hwan KWON ; Joong Goo KWON ; June Hwa BAE ; Hyeong Ho JO ; Eun Young KIM ; Seong Woo JEON ; Yun Jin CHUNG ; Ju Yup LEE ; Kyung Sik PARK ; Si Hyung LEE ; Chang Hun YANG ;
The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research 2025;25(4):371-376
Objectives:
This preliminary, randomized, double-blind, multi-center study evaluated the efficacy of alternate-day tegoprazan (50 mg) versus daily lansoprazole (15 mg) as for maintenance therapy in patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD).
Methods:
Forty five participants were enrolled and treated for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of symptom-free days. The secondary endpoints were changes in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) scores.
Results:
It showed no significant difference between groups in the proportion of symptom-free days between both groups (tegoprazan: 60.4%±6.3%; lansoprazole: 74.0%±6.5%). The GSRS and GERD-HRQL score improvements were also comparable between both groups. Both treatments were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that alternate-day tegoprazan offers comparable efficacy and safety to daily lansoprazole therapy and may serve as a more flexible and patient-friendly maintenance option for NERD.
6.Clinical Features of Patients Treated With Hair Transplants in Female Pattern Hair Loss
Deakwan YUN ; Dongho KIM ; Chung JUHYUN ; Kyujin YEOM ; Myung Hwa KIM ; Mi Soo CHOI ; Geun PARK ; Jae Hyun PARK ; Jisup AHN ; Jinwook JUNG ; Hangrae CHO ; Sungjoo HWANG ; Byung Cheol PARK
Annals of Dermatology 2024;36(6):341-347
Background:
Hair transplantation (HT) has been reported to be effective for the treatment of female-pattern hair loss (FPHL). Few studies have investigated HT in FPHL.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical features of FPHL treated with HT and analyze the real-world results of HT.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 195 FPHL patients who underwent hair transplants. The patients’ demographics, clinical features, and clinical courses of HT were recorded.
Results:
The mean (±SD) age of patients was 49.1±11.9 years. Analysis of the severity of hair loss showed that 31.8%, 49.7%, and 18.5% of patients had F1, F2, and F3 types of hair loss (according to the BASP Classification); 88.2% of patients had more than 75% satisfaction with HT. The satisfaction level was significantly higher in the group that had the highest number of hairs implanted. Complications such as pain, facial edema, folliculitis, scar, paresthesia, telogen effluvium were found.
Conclusion
This study could provide substantial information of HT in FPHL. Clinicians could deliver more sufficient counsel to FPHL patients about HT.
7.Protecting our future: environmental hazards and children’s health in the face of environmental threats: a comprehensive overview
Jungha LEE ; Hyo-Bin KIM ; Hun-Jong JUNG ; Myunghee CHUNG ; So Eun PARK ; Kon-Hee LEE ; Won Seop KIM ; Jin-Hwa MOON ; Jung Won LEE ; Jae Won SHIM ; Sang Soo LEE ; Yunkoo KANG ; Young YOO ;
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2024;67(11):589-598
Children face the excitement of a changing world but also encounter environmental threats to their health that were neither known nor suspected several decades ago. Children are at particular risk of exposure to pollutants that are widely dispersed in the air, water, and food. Children and adolescents are exposed to chemical, physical, and biological risks at home, in school, and elsewhere. Actions are needed to reduce these risks for children exposed to a series of environmental hazards. Exposure to a number of persistent environmental pollutants including air pollutants, endocrine disruptors, noise, electromagnetic waves (EMWs), tobacco and other noxious substances, heavy metals, and microplastics, is linked to damage to the nervous and immune systems and affects reproductive function and development. Exposure to environmental hazards is responsible for several acute and chronic diseases that have replaced infectious diseases as the principal cause of illnesses and death during childhood. Children are disproportionately exposed to environmental toxicities. Children drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more frequently than adults. As a result, children have a substantially heavier exposure to toxins present in water, food, or air than adults. In addition, their hand-to-mouth behaviors and the fact that they live and play close to the ground make them more vulnerable than adults. Children undergo rapid growth and development processes that are easily disrupted. These systems are very delicate and cannot adequately repair thetional development in children’s environmental health was the Declaration of the Environment Leaders of the Eight on Children’s Environmental Health by the Group of Eight. In 2002, the World Health Organization launched an initiative to improve children’s environmental protection effort. Here, we review major environmental pollutants and related hazards among children and adolescents.
8.Protecting our future: environmental hazards and children’s health in the face of environmental threats: a comprehensive overview
Jungha LEE ; Hyo-Bin KIM ; Hun-Jong JUNG ; Myunghee CHUNG ; So Eun PARK ; Kon-Hee LEE ; Won Seop KIM ; Jin-Hwa MOON ; Jung Won LEE ; Jae Won SHIM ; Sang Soo LEE ; Yunkoo KANG ; Young YOO ;
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2024;67(11):589-598
Children face the excitement of a changing world but also encounter environmental threats to their health that were neither known nor suspected several decades ago. Children are at particular risk of exposure to pollutants that are widely dispersed in the air, water, and food. Children and adolescents are exposed to chemical, physical, and biological risks at home, in school, and elsewhere. Actions are needed to reduce these risks for children exposed to a series of environmental hazards. Exposure to a number of persistent environmental pollutants including air pollutants, endocrine disruptors, noise, electromagnetic waves (EMWs), tobacco and other noxious substances, heavy metals, and microplastics, is linked to damage to the nervous and immune systems and affects reproductive function and development. Exposure to environmental hazards is responsible for several acute and chronic diseases that have replaced infectious diseases as the principal cause of illnesses and death during childhood. Children are disproportionately exposed to environmental toxicities. Children drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more frequently than adults. As a result, children have a substantially heavier exposure to toxins present in water, food, or air than adults. In addition, their hand-to-mouth behaviors and the fact that they live and play close to the ground make them more vulnerable than adults. Children undergo rapid growth and development processes that are easily disrupted. These systems are very delicate and cannot adequately repair thetional development in children’s environmental health was the Declaration of the Environment Leaders of the Eight on Children’s Environmental Health by the Group of Eight. In 2002, the World Health Organization launched an initiative to improve children’s environmental protection effort. Here, we review major environmental pollutants and related hazards among children and adolescents.
9.Protecting our future: environmental hazards and children’s health in the face of environmental threats: a comprehensive overview
Jungha LEE ; Hyo-Bin KIM ; Hun-Jong JUNG ; Myunghee CHUNG ; So Eun PARK ; Kon-Hee LEE ; Won Seop KIM ; Jin-Hwa MOON ; Jung Won LEE ; Jae Won SHIM ; Sang Soo LEE ; Yunkoo KANG ; Young YOO ;
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2024;67(11):589-598
Children face the excitement of a changing world but also encounter environmental threats to their health that were neither known nor suspected several decades ago. Children are at particular risk of exposure to pollutants that are widely dispersed in the air, water, and food. Children and adolescents are exposed to chemical, physical, and biological risks at home, in school, and elsewhere. Actions are needed to reduce these risks for children exposed to a series of environmental hazards. Exposure to a number of persistent environmental pollutants including air pollutants, endocrine disruptors, noise, electromagnetic waves (EMWs), tobacco and other noxious substances, heavy metals, and microplastics, is linked to damage to the nervous and immune systems and affects reproductive function and development. Exposure to environmental hazards is responsible for several acute and chronic diseases that have replaced infectious diseases as the principal cause of illnesses and death during childhood. Children are disproportionately exposed to environmental toxicities. Children drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more frequently than adults. As a result, children have a substantially heavier exposure to toxins present in water, food, or air than adults. In addition, their hand-to-mouth behaviors and the fact that they live and play close to the ground make them more vulnerable than adults. Children undergo rapid growth and development processes that are easily disrupted. These systems are very delicate and cannot adequately repair thetional development in children’s environmental health was the Declaration of the Environment Leaders of the Eight on Children’s Environmental Health by the Group of Eight. In 2002, the World Health Organization launched an initiative to improve children’s environmental protection effort. Here, we review major environmental pollutants and related hazards among children and adolescents.
10.Protecting our future: environmental hazards and children’s health in the face of environmental threats: a comprehensive overview
Jungha LEE ; Hyo-Bin KIM ; Hun-Jong JUNG ; Myunghee CHUNG ; So Eun PARK ; Kon-Hee LEE ; Won Seop KIM ; Jin-Hwa MOON ; Jung Won LEE ; Jae Won SHIM ; Sang Soo LEE ; Yunkoo KANG ; Young YOO ;
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2024;67(11):589-598
Children face the excitement of a changing world but also encounter environmental threats to their health that were neither known nor suspected several decades ago. Children are at particular risk of exposure to pollutants that are widely dispersed in the air, water, and food. Children and adolescents are exposed to chemical, physical, and biological risks at home, in school, and elsewhere. Actions are needed to reduce these risks for children exposed to a series of environmental hazards. Exposure to a number of persistent environmental pollutants including air pollutants, endocrine disruptors, noise, electromagnetic waves (EMWs), tobacco and other noxious substances, heavy metals, and microplastics, is linked to damage to the nervous and immune systems and affects reproductive function and development. Exposure to environmental hazards is responsible for several acute and chronic diseases that have replaced infectious diseases as the principal cause of illnesses and death during childhood. Children are disproportionately exposed to environmental toxicities. Children drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more frequently than adults. As a result, children have a substantially heavier exposure to toxins present in water, food, or air than adults. In addition, their hand-to-mouth behaviors and the fact that they live and play close to the ground make them more vulnerable than adults. Children undergo rapid growth and development processes that are easily disrupted. These systems are very delicate and cannot adequately repair thetional development in children’s environmental health was the Declaration of the Environment Leaders of the Eight on Children’s Environmental Health by the Group of Eight. In 2002, the World Health Organization launched an initiative to improve children’s environmental protection effort. Here, we review major environmental pollutants and related hazards among children and adolescents.

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