Objectives: . Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with chronic intermittent hypoxia and systemic inflammation, both of which contribute to vascular and metabolic complications. Monocytes, as key immune cells of innate immunity, have been implicated in this inflammatory state. However, the effect of OSA treatment on monocyte function and inflammatory phenotype remains poorly understood. Methods: . In this prospective cohort study, OSA patients were evaluated before and after 3 months of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Circulating monocytes were isolated, and inflammatory cytokine production (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6) was assessed at baseline and post-treatment, both at rest and after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Monocyte polarization (M1/M2-like marker expression) was measured by flow cytometry. Clinical severity parameters, including the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI), were correlated with immune changes. Results: . Following CPAP treatment, LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine secretion and LPS responsiveness, defined as the increase in cytokine levels upon stimulation, both declined after CPAP in proportion to baseline ODI, but not AHI. Apart from TNF-α, baseline IL-1β and IL-6 levels were below the quantifiable range of the assay, which precluded reliable comparison after treatment. This effect may be explained by a parallel post-treatment shift in monocyte phenotype toward an anti-inflammatory M2-like (CD163+CD206+) profile, as demonstrated by our flow cytometry data, which was also significantly associated with baseline ODI. Conclusion . CPAP alleviates systemic inflammation in OSA by reducing hypoxic burden and reprogramming monocytes toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. The magnitude of immune modulation was more closely linked to ODI than AHI, suggesting that oxygen desaturation burden serves as a meaningful adjunct to AHI in assessing monocyte-driven immune dysregulation in OSA.

Purpose: To develop the 2025 update to the Korean colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines by systematically evaluating recent evidence, integrating domestic data, and addressing changes since the 2015 guideline revision, thereby providing an evidence-based standard for clinicians and policymakers. Methods: A multidisciplinary committee developed the guidelines using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The process included formulation of three key questions addressing screening efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, and optimal screening age and interval. A systematic review of international guidelines and primary literature was conducted, yielding 327 eligible studies. In addition, a utility-based analysis using a Markov model was performed to determine optimal screening ages and intervals. Results: The evidence synthesis identified high-certainty evidence supporting the use of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for reducing CRC mortality and moderate-certainty evidence for colonoscopy. Evidence for computed tomographic colonography (CTC) and stool DNA testing was rated as very low certainty. Based on the evidence review and cost-utility analysis, the committee conditionally recommends CRC screening for asymptomatic, average-risk adults aged 45–74 years using either colonoscopy every 10 years or FIT every 1–2 years. CTC and stool DNA testing were not recommended owing to insufficient evidence. Conclusion The 2025 Korean Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening present updated, evidence-based recommendations tailored to the domestic healthcare context. By conditionally endorsing both colonoscopy and FIT for individuals aged 45–74 years, these guidelines aim to improve population-level screening effectiveness and reduce the burden of CRC in South Korea.

Background: Obesity and weight loss are associated with increased mortality. Understanding the association between weight change and mortality is critical and can help inform effective prevention and intervention strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between weight change and mortality based on body mass index (BMI) intervals using data from a 12-year follow-up survey in Korea. Methods: We used data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2018. Individuals aged 45–69 years without a history of malignancy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at baseline were selected. Cox regression analysis was used to compare mortality based on body mass index and weight change. Results: Compared with individuals with a body mass index of 20.0–25.0 kg/m2 and an increase in body weight of <5 kg, mortality was 3.8 times higher in the group with a body mass index of <20.0 kg/m2 and a weight loss of <5 kg, two times higher in the group with a body mass index of 20.0–25.0 kg/m2 and weight loss of >10 kg, and 4.3 times higher in the group with a body mass index of ≥25.0 kg/m2 and weight gain of ≥10 kg. Conclusions Weight loss in underweight or normal-weight individuals and weight gain in individuals with obesity increased the mortality rate compared with individuals with normal weight and less weight change. This suggests that body weight and the changes in the weight of individuals are crucial, and weight loss in patients with underweight and weight gain in patients with obesity are closely related to increased mortality.

Background/Aims: In Korea, the incidence of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) is increasing and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has improved the survival of younger patients. We explored our real-world experience with PCNSL at Asan Medical Center (AMC). Methods: We used the AMC lymphoma registry to collect patient data prospectively. We analyzed 279 patients diagnosed from 2002 until August 2019. Results: The PCNSL incidence at AMC increased progressively and comprised 7.4-8.9% of new non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients annually during the most recent 4 years. The median age was 60 years (range, 17-85) and males comprised 55%. Patients under 65 years of age (n = 183) had no significant differences in characteristics compared to those aged 65 years or over, with the exception of less occipital lobe involvement and lower beta-2 microglobulin levels. Rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) combination induction had the best overall response, of 95%. The median overall survival was 3.8 years with 5- and 10-year survival rates of 41.5% and 30.2%, respectively. Survival was better in younger patients and those treated with ASCT. Thiotepa, busulfan, and cytoxan (TBC) conditioning chemotherapy had better survival than other combinations. The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prognostic score systems were valid in this cohort. Age and performance status were independent prognostic factors. Exclusive extra-central nervous system failure occurred in six patients (5.6%) among 107 failures. Conclusions The incidence of PCNSL is rising. R-MPV induction therapy followed by ASCT with TBC has improved the survival of young, fit PCNSL patients.

Background: Obesity and weight loss are associated with increased mortality. Understanding the association between weight change and mortality is critical and can help inform effective prevention and intervention strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between weight change and mortality based on body mass index (BMI) intervals using data from a 12-year follow-up survey in Korea. Methods: We used data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2018. Individuals aged 45–69 years without a history of malignancy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at baseline were selected. Cox regression analysis was used to compare mortality based on body mass index and weight change. Results: Compared with individuals with a body mass index of 20.0–25.0 kg/m2 and an increase in body weight of <5 kg, mortality was 3.8 times higher in the group with a body mass index of <20.0 kg/m2 and a weight loss of <5 kg, two times higher in the group with a body mass index of 20.0–25.0 kg/m2 and weight loss of >10 kg, and 4.3 times higher in the group with a body mass index of ≥25.0 kg/m2 and weight gain of ≥10 kg. Conclusions Weight loss in underweight or normal-weight individuals and weight gain in individuals with obesity increased the mortality rate compared with individuals with normal weight and less weight change. This suggests that body weight and the changes in the weight of individuals are crucial, and weight loss in patients with underweight and weight gain in patients with obesity are closely related to increased mortality.

Background/Aims: In Korea, the incidence of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) is increasing and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has improved the survival of younger patients. We explored our real-world experience with PCNSL at Asan Medical Center (AMC). Methods: We used the AMC lymphoma registry to collect patient data prospectively. We analyzed 279 patients diagnosed from 2002 until August 2019. Results: The PCNSL incidence at AMC increased progressively and comprised 7.4-8.9% of new non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients annually during the most recent 4 years. The median age was 60 years (range, 17-85) and males comprised 55%. Patients under 65 years of age (n = 183) had no significant differences in characteristics compared to those aged 65 years or over, with the exception of less occipital lobe involvement and lower beta-2 microglobulin levels. Rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) combination induction had the best overall response, of 95%. The median overall survival was 3.8 years with 5- and 10-year survival rates of 41.5% and 30.2%, respectively. Survival was better in younger patients and those treated with ASCT. Thiotepa, busulfan, and cytoxan (TBC) conditioning chemotherapy had better survival than other combinations. The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prognostic score systems were valid in this cohort. Age and performance status were independent prognostic factors. Exclusive extra-central nervous system failure occurred in six patients (5.6%) among 107 failures. Conclusions The incidence of PCNSL is rising. R-MPV induction therapy followed by ASCT with TBC has improved the survival of young, fit PCNSL patients.

Background: Obesity and weight loss are associated with increased mortality. Understanding the association between weight change and mortality is critical and can help inform effective prevention and intervention strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between weight change and mortality based on body mass index (BMI) intervals using data from a 12-year follow-up survey in Korea. Methods: We used data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2018. Individuals aged 45–69 years without a history of malignancy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at baseline were selected. Cox regression analysis was used to compare mortality based on body mass index and weight change. Results: Compared with individuals with a body mass index of 20.0–25.0 kg/m2 and an increase in body weight of <5 kg, mortality was 3.8 times higher in the group with a body mass index of <20.0 kg/m2 and a weight loss of <5 kg, two times higher in the group with a body mass index of 20.0–25.0 kg/m2 and weight loss of >10 kg, and 4.3 times higher in the group with a body mass index of ≥25.0 kg/m2 and weight gain of ≥10 kg. Conclusions Weight loss in underweight or normal-weight individuals and weight gain in individuals with obesity increased the mortality rate compared with individuals with normal weight and less weight change. This suggests that body weight and the changes in the weight of individuals are crucial, and weight loss in patients with underweight and weight gain in patients with obesity are closely related to increased mortality.

Background/Aims: In Korea, the incidence of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) is increasing and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has improved the survival of younger patients. We explored our real-world experience with PCNSL at Asan Medical Center (AMC). Methods: We used the AMC lymphoma registry to collect patient data prospectively. We analyzed 279 patients diagnosed from 2002 until August 2019. Results: The PCNSL incidence at AMC increased progressively and comprised 7.4-8.9% of new non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients annually during the most recent 4 years. The median age was 60 years (range, 17-85) and males comprised 55%. Patients under 65 years of age (n = 183) had no significant differences in characteristics compared to those aged 65 years or over, with the exception of less occipital lobe involvement and lower beta-2 microglobulin levels. Rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) combination induction had the best overall response, of 95%. The median overall survival was 3.8 years with 5- and 10-year survival rates of 41.5% and 30.2%, respectively. Survival was better in younger patients and those treated with ASCT. Thiotepa, busulfan, and cytoxan (TBC) conditioning chemotherapy had better survival than other combinations. The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prognostic score systems were valid in this cohort. Age and performance status were independent prognostic factors. Exclusive extra-central nervous system failure occurred in six patients (5.6%) among 107 failures. Conclusions The incidence of PCNSL is rising. R-MPV induction therapy followed by ASCT with TBC has improved the survival of young, fit PCNSL patients.

Background: Obesity and weight loss are associated with increased mortality. Understanding the association between weight change and mortality is critical and can help inform effective prevention and intervention strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between weight change and mortality based on body mass index (BMI) intervals using data from a 12-year follow-up survey in Korea. Methods: We used data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2018. Individuals aged 45–69 years without a history of malignancy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at baseline were selected. Cox regression analysis was used to compare mortality based on body mass index and weight change. Results: Compared with individuals with a body mass index of 20.0–25.0 kg/m2 and an increase in body weight of <5 kg, mortality was 3.8 times higher in the group with a body mass index of <20.0 kg/m2 and a weight loss of <5 kg, two times higher in the group with a body mass index of 20.0–25.0 kg/m2 and weight loss of >10 kg, and 4.3 times higher in the group with a body mass index of ≥25.0 kg/m2 and weight gain of ≥10 kg. Conclusions Weight loss in underweight or normal-weight individuals and weight gain in individuals with obesity increased the mortality rate compared with individuals with normal weight and less weight change. This suggests that body weight and the changes in the weight of individuals are crucial, and weight loss in patients with underweight and weight gain in patients with obesity are closely related to increased mortality.

Background/Aims: In Korea, the incidence of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) is increasing and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has improved the survival of younger patients. We explored our real-world experience with PCNSL at Asan Medical Center (AMC). Methods: We used the AMC lymphoma registry to collect patient data prospectively. We analyzed 279 patients diagnosed from 2002 until August 2019. Results: The PCNSL incidence at AMC increased progressively and comprised 7.4-8.9% of new non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients annually during the most recent 4 years. The median age was 60 years (range, 17-85) and males comprised 55%. Patients under 65 years of age (n = 183) had no significant differences in characteristics compared to those aged 65 years or over, with the exception of less occipital lobe involvement and lower beta-2 microglobulin levels. Rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) combination induction had the best overall response, of 95%. The median overall survival was 3.8 years with 5- and 10-year survival rates of 41.5% and 30.2%, respectively. Survival was better in younger patients and those treated with ASCT. Thiotepa, busulfan, and cytoxan (TBC) conditioning chemotherapy had better survival than other combinations. The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prognostic score systems were valid in this cohort. Age and performance status were independent prognostic factors. Exclusive extra-central nervous system failure occurred in six patients (5.6%) among 107 failures. Conclusions The incidence of PCNSL is rising. R-MPV induction therapy followed by ASCT with TBC has improved the survival of young, fit PCNSL patients.