1.Recent advances in single-port robotic thyroidectomy:evolution, techniques, and clinical outcomes
Jin Kyong KIM ; Dong Wook KIM ; Jae Sang RYU ; Sungkeun KANG ; Eun Jin KIM ; Sang-Wook KANG ; Jong Ju JEONG ; Kee-Hyun NAM ; Woong Youn CHUNG
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(1):3-11
Robotic thyroidectomy has progressed from multiport to single-port (SP) platforms to minimize invasiveness and improve cosmesis. The da Vinci SP system (Intuitive Surgical) combines a flexible 3-dimensional endoscope with 3 wristed instruments in a single 2.5-cm cannula-enabled concealed remote access route and mitigates external arm collisions.This review synthesized PubMed-indexed reports (2020–2025) on SP robotic thyroidectomy using the following approaches:transaxillary variants, SP areolar, retroauricular/facelift (SP-hairline variants), and transoral approach. We focused on technical refinement, learning curves, and clinical outcomes. We highlight technical refinements and clinical outcomes across access routes. Contemporary series indicate that SP thyroidectomy is feasible and safe in well-selected patients, with high cosmetic satisfaction and operative metrics comparable to those of multiport cohorts. Among the SP routes, transaxillary variants have the most mature peer-reviewed reporting and are therefore discussed in greater detail. Early applications of SP-assisted lateral neck dissection have also been described. The limitations of current SP platforms include constrained counter-traction, reduced internal workspace, and incomplete integration of advanced energy devices.Nonetheless, ongoing device innovations and the growing global experience suggest that SP systems will increasingly shape endocrine neck surgeries.
2.A Practical Immunohistochemistry-Based Model for Predicting Pathologic Complete Response in Estrogen Receptor-Strong Positive and HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
Su Min LEE ; Jeong Eon LEE ; Seok Jin NAM ; Seok Won KIM ; Jonghan YU ; Byung Joo CHAE ; Se Kyung LEE ; Jai Min RYU ; Eun Yoon CHO ; Hyunwoo LEE ; Woong Ki PARK
Journal of Breast Cancer 2026;29(2):128-140
Purpose:
While the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been established in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive and triple-negative breast cancers, its effectiveness in achieving pathological complete response (pCR) and optimal patient selection in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers remain less clearly defined. This study aimed to identify immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based predictors of pCR and to develop a scoring model for ER-strong positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.
Methods:
Data from a prospective cohort were retrospectively analyzed. We included 522 patients with ER-strong positive/HER2-negative tumors who received NAC and surgery between 2008 and 2021. IHC markers including progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), and p53 were evaluated to identify predictors of pCR. Independent predictors of pCR from multivariate logistic regression were used to develop a weighted 4-point model. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The prognostic impact of pCR was evaluated using KaplanMeier and Cox regression analyses.
Results:
Independent predictors of pCR included PR-negative status, positivity for basallike markers (EGFR or CK5/6), and Ki-67 ≥ 50%. The scoring model demonstrated good discrimination for pCR (area under the curve = 0.754). pCR rates increased stepwise, with scores of 4.9% (low), 10.7% (intermediate), and 36.2% (high). In the high-score group, pCR was significantly associated with improved disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.09; p = 0.023) and distant metastasis-free survival (HR, 0.11; p = 0.035), whereas no significant survival differences according to pCR status were observed in the low and intermediate score groups.
Conclusion
This IHC-based model predicts pCR and helps identify subgroups in which pCR is associated with meaningful survival benefit following NAC in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancers. High-scoring patients may benefit from NAC, while patients with low- or intermediatescores may be better managed with surgery and endocrine therapy. This model may support personalized treatment decisions regarding NAC.
3.Clinical Outcomes of Lobular Carcinoma In Situ: Risk of Invasive Cancer Development
Doyoun WOEN ; Ki Jo KIM ; Su Min LEE ; Seungah LEE ; Kawon OH ; Cho Eun LEE ; Seok Jin NAM ; Seok Won KIM ; Jeong Eon LEE ; Byung Joo CHAE ; Se Kyung LEE ; Jai Min RYU ; Woong Ki PARK ; Hyunwoo LEE ; Jonghan YU
Journal of Breast Cancer 2026;29(2):163-174
Purpose:
Lobular carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) is a noninvasive lesion associated with an increased risk of invasive cancer. Since its removal from the tumor, node, metastasis classification in the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guidelines, the clinical management of LCIS has shifted from surgery to surveillance. However, studies focusing on the risk and associated factors for invasive cancer development in pure LCIS without ductal carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) or invasive cancer remain limited.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 106 patients diagnosed with pure LCIS between 2008 and 2018. This study evaluated the effect of tamoxifen use and histologic type on the development of invasive cancer.
Results:
All 106 patients underwent surgery, and nine (8.5%) developed invasive cancer over a median follow-up of 67.5 months. The incidence of invasive cancer was lower in the tamoxifen group (6.3%, n = 4) than in the non-tamoxifen group (11.9%, n = 5), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.266). Pleomorphic LCIS had a significantly higher incidence of invasive cancer (30.0%, n = 3) than classic LCIS (6.3%, n = 6) (p = 0.045).Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed no significant difference in the risk of invasive cancer according to tamoxifen use (hazard ratio [HR], 2.031; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.544–7.579; p = 0.292). However, pleomorphic LCIS showed a trend toward an increased risk of invasive cancer compared to classic LCIS (HR, 3.856; 95% CI, 0.922–16.126; p = 0.064).
Conclusion
Postoperative tamoxifen did not significantly lower invasive cancer development in patients with pure LCIS. Pleomorphic LCIS may carry a higher risk than classic LCIS. These findings require tailored follow-up and treatment strategies based on the histologic subtype of LCIS.
4.Colon cancer: the 2023 Korean clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment
Hyo Seon RYU ; Hyun Jung KIM ; Woong Bae JI ; Byung Chang KIM ; Ji Hun KIM ; Sung Kyung MOON ; Sung Il KANG ; Han Deok KWAK ; Eun Sun KIM ; Chang Hyun KIM ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Gyoung Tae NOH ; Byung-Soo PARK ; Hyeung-Min PARK ; Jeong Mo BAE ; Jung Hoon BAE ; Ni Eun SEO ; Chang Hoon SONG ; Mi Sun AHN ; Jae Seon EO ; Young Chul YOON ; Joon-Kee YOON ; Kyung Ha LEE ; Kyung Hee LEE ; Kil-Yong LEE ; Myung Su LEE ; Sung Hak LEE ; Jong Min LEE ; Ji Eun LEE ; Han Hee LEE ; Myong Hoon IHN ; Je-Ho JANG ; Sun Kyung JEON ; Kum Ju CHAE ; Jin-Ho CHOI ; Dae Hee PYO ; Gi Won HA ; Kyung Su HAN ; Young Ki HONG ; Chang Won HONG ; Jung-Myun KWAK ;
Annals of Coloproctology 2024;40(2):89-113
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients’ values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.
5.Corrigendum to: Development and Verification of Time-Series Deep Learning for Drug-Induced Liver Injury Detection in Patients Taking Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: A Multicenter Distributed Research Network Approach
Suncheol HEO ; Jae Yong YU ; Eun Ae KANG ; Hyunah SHIN ; Kyeongmin RYU ; Chungsoo KIM ; Yebin CHEGA ; Hyojung JUNG ; Suehyun LEE ; Rae Woong PARK ; Kwangsoo KIM ; Yul HWANGBO ; Jae-Hyun LEE ; Yu Rang PARK
Healthcare Informatics Research 2024;30(2):168-168
6.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part III. Management of Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancers - Chapter 1-2. Locally Recurred/Persistent Thyroid Cancer Management Strategies 2024
Ho-Ryun WON ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Hyungju KWON ; Sun Wook KIM ; Won Woong KIM ; Jung-Han KIM ; Young Joo PARK ; Jun-Ook PARK ; Young Shin SONG ; Seung Hoon WOO ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Joon-Hyop LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Cho Rok LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Jae-Yol LIM ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Kyorim BACK ; Dong Gyu NA ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):147-152
These guidelines aim to establish the standard practice for diagnosing and treating patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Based on the Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) Guidelines on DTC management, the “Treatment of Advanced DTC” section was revised in 2024 and has been provided through this chapter. Especially, this chapter covers surgical and nonsurgical treatments for the local (previous surgery site) or regional (cervical lymph node metastasis) recurrences. After drafting the guidelines, it was finalized by collecting opinions from KTA members and related societies. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for local or regional recurrence of advanced DTC. If surgical resection is not possible, nonsurgical resection treatment under ultrasonography guidance may be considered as an alternative treatment for local or regional recurrence of DTC. Furthermore, if residual lesions are suspected even after surgical resection or respiratory-digestive organ invasion, additional radioactive iodine and external radiation treatments are considered.
7.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.
8.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Overview and Summary 2024
Young Joo PARK ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Young Shin SONG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Hyungju KWON ; Keunyoung KIM ; Mijin KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Won Gu KIM ; Won Bae KIM ; Won Woong KIM ; Jung-Han KIM ; Hee Kyung KIM ; Hee Young NA ; Shin Je MOON ; Jung-Eun MOON ; Sohyun PARK ; Jun-Ook PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Su-Jin SHIN ; Hwa Young AHN ; So Won OH ; Seung Hoon WOO ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Jee Hee YOON ; Ka Hee YI ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Seung Eun LEE ; Sihoon LEE ; Young Ah LEE ; Joon-Hyop LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Jieun LEE ; Cho Rok LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Jae-Yol LIM ; Yun Kyung JEON ; Kyong Yeun JUNG ; Ari CHONG ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Chan Kwon JUNG ; Kwanhoon JO ; Yoon Young CHO ; A Ram HONG ; Chae Moon HONG ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Sun Wook KIM ; Woong Youn CHUNG ; Do Joon PARK ; Dong Gyu NA ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):1-20
Differentiated thyroid cancer demonstrates a wide range of clinical presentations, from very indolent cases to those with an aggressive prognosis. Therefore, diagnosing and treating each cancer appropriately based on its risk status is important. The Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) has provided and amended the clinical guidelines for thyroid cancer management since 2007. The main changes in this revised 2024 guideline include 1) individualization of surgical extent according to pathological tests and clinical findings, 2) application of active surveillance in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, 3) indications for minimally invasive surgery, 4) adoption of World Health Organization pathological diagnostic criteria and definition of terminology in Korean, 5) update on literature evidence of recurrence risk for initial risk stratification, 6) addition of the role of molecular testing, 7) addition of definition of initial risk stratification and targeting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations according to ongoing risk stratification (ORS), 8) addition of treatment of perioperative hypoparathyroidism, 9) update on systemic chemotherapy, and 10) addition of treatment for pediatric patients with thyroid cancer.
9.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part I. Initial Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers - Chapter 2. Surgical Management of Thyroid Cancer 2024
Yoon Young CHO ; Cho Rok LEE ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Hyungju KWON ; Sun Wook KIM ; Won Woong KIM ; Jung-Han KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Young Joo PARK ; Kyorim BACK ; Young Shin SONG ; Seung Hoon WOO ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Jee Hee YOON ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Joon-Hyop LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Jae-Yol LIM ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Chan Kwon JUNG ; Jun-Ook PARK ; Hee Kyung KIM ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):30-52
The primary objective of initial treatment for thyroid cancer is minimizing treatment-related side effects and unnecessary interventions while improving patients’ overall and disease-specific survival rates, reducing the risk of disease persistence or recurrence, and conducting accurate staging and recurrence risk analysis. Appropriate surgical treatment is the most important requirement for this purpose, and additional treatments including radioactive iodine therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy are performed depending on the patients’ staging and recurrence risk. Diagnostic surgery may be considered when repeated pathologic tests yield nondiagnostic results (Bethesda category 1) or atypia of unknown significance (Bethesda category 3), depending on clinical risk factors, nodule size, ultrasound findings, and patient preference. If a follicular neoplasm (Bethesda category 4) is diagnosed pathologically, surgery is the preferred option. For suspicious papillary carcinoma (suspicious for malignancy, Bethesda category 5), surgery is considered similar to a diagnosis of malignancy (Bethesda category 6). As for the extent of surgery, if the cancer is ≤1 cm in size and clinically free of extrathyroidal extension (ETE) (cT1a), without evidence of cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis (cN0), and without obvious reason to resect the contralateral lobe, a lobectomy can be performed. If the cancer is 1-2 cm in size, clinically free of ETE (cT1b), and without evidence of cervical LN metastasis (cN0), lobectomy is the preferred option. For patients with clinically evident ETE to major organs (cT4) or with cervical LN metastasis (cN1) or distant metastasis (M1), regardless of the cancer size, total thyroidectomy and complete cancer removal should be performed at the time of initial surgery. Active surveillance may be considered for adult patients diagnosed with low-risk thyroid papillary microcarcinoma. Endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy may be performed for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer when indicated, based on patient preference.
10.Periorbital Skin Rejuvenation of Asian Skin Using Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency
Ko Eun KIM ; Jong Heon PARK ; Tae Woong SEUL ; Il-Hwan KIM ; Hwa Jung RYU
Annals of Dermatology 2023;35(5):360-366
Background:
The periorbital area plays an important role cosmetically. Periorbital wrinkles are attributed to long-term, repeated use of orbicularis oris muscles and UV-induced dermal collagen degeneration. Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (RF) treats scars and laxity by creating vertical channels of injury in the dermis, triggering a scarless healing cascade and neocollagenesis.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect and safety of a novel fractional microneedle RF device on periorbital wrinkles based on several objective indicators.
Methods:
Eleven healthy Korean patients aged 30 to 75 years with periorbital wrinkles were included in this study. Wrinkle grades were evaluated using the Fitzpatrick wrinkle assessment scale (WAS). The melanin and erythema index, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and three parameters for elasticity were recorded. Skin biopsies were obtained in patients who consented.
Results:
All patients exhibited wrinkle improvement in the lateral periorbital area, and two patients also showed efficacy in the lower eyelid area. There was a statistically significant decrease in WAS and a significant improvement in the melanin index of V4 and V5. TEWL also showed a considerable decline on V4 and V5, suggesting that the water content of the skin increased with repeated laser sessions. A peak increase in viscoelasticity and a decrease in retraction time following the first laser application were observed. In the histopathologic examination, the dermis had a denser collagen and elastin content.
Conclusion
Microneedle fractional RF resulted in statistically significant long-term clinical improvement of periorbital wrinkles and enhanced pigmentation and skin hydration.

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