1.Prevalence of HER2-ultralow breast cancer in South Korea: a multicenter study by reassessment of HER2-zero cases
Min Chong KIM ; Eun Yoon CHO ; Hee Jin LEE ; Ji Shin LEE ; Jee Yeon KIM ; Wan Seop KIM ; Chungyeul KIM ; Sun-Young JUN ; Hye Jeong CHOI ; So Mang LEE ; Ahrong KIM ; Ji-Young KIM ; Jeong Yun SHIM ; Gyungyub GONG ; Young Kyung BAE
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(2):184-192
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–ultralow breast cancer among cases initially classified as HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) 0 and assess interobserver variability in interpreting low-level HER2 expression. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, all invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed between January and December 2022 across 10 Korean institutions were retrieved. Institutional pathologists reexamined HER2 IHC slides originally reported as IHC 0 according to the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines and reclassified them as HER2-null (0), HER2-ultralow (0+), or HER2-low (1+). Slides from 10% of HER2-null and HER2-ultralow cases were digitized for central review and independently assessed by two pathologists, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Results: Among 8,026 cases, 2,836 cases (35.5%) were initially reported as IHC 0. Upon re-review, 1,673 (59.0%), 1,139 (40.2%), and 24 (0.8%) cases were reclassified as HER2-null, HER2-ultralow, and HER2-low, respectively. The prevalence of HER2-ultralow breast cancer varied considerably across institutions (23.7%–78.1%). Central review of 268 digitized cases showed concordance in 193 cases (72.0%). Among the 75 discordant cases, 54 tumors (72.0%) were upgraded from HER2-null to HER2-ultralow, and 18 (24.0%) tumors were upgraded from HER2-ultralow to HER2-low. Furthermore, two tumors (2.7%) were downgraded from HER2-ultralow to HER2-null. Conclusions: Approximately 40% of cases initially categorized as IHC 0 were reclassified as HER2-ultralow. The substantial inter-institutional variability observed in interpreting low-level HER2 expression highlights the need for standardized training and quality assurance to ensure accurate identification of patients eligible for HER2-targeted antibody–drug conjugates.
2.Endoscopic Surgery for Deeply Located Intracranial Cysts: Risk Factors for Re-Operation and Symptom Improvement
Jun Kyu HWANG ; Ju-Seong KIM ; Eun Kyung PARK ; Kyu Won SHIM ; Dong-Seok KIM
Yonsei Medical Journal 2025;66(2):87-93
Purpose:
We investigated the results of endoscopic fenestration for deeply located intracranial cysts (DLICs), risk factors for reoperation, and symptom improvement.
Materials and Methods:
We included 51 patients with DLICs who underwent endoscopic fenestration between November 2006 and October 2022. The median age was 5±20 years (6 days–67 years), and 36 (70.6%) patients were aged <20 years. The male-tofemale ratio was 1.3:1. The ventriculoscope was used to fenestrate the cysts, which had diameters under 4.5 mm. The volume of DLICs was measured separately on serial magnetic resonance imaging, and the patients were followed up for 32±40 months.
Results:
The mean preoperative volume of DLICs was 63.5±87.4 cm, 3 , which decreased to 23.7±56.2 cm 3postoperatively, with a 45.4%±32.1% decrease rate in 32 months. All DLICs were approached appropriately, avoiding the eloquent areas. Overall, 39 (76.5%) patients showed symptom improvement after a single operation, which was preserved without recurrence, whereas 12 (23.5%) underwent a second operation [shunting (17.6%) or repeating the endoscopic fenestration (5.9%)] owing to symptom aggravation and recurrent cysts. Patients aged <12 months showed 7.4 times more re-operation rate (p>0.046) and 7.4 times less symptom improvement (p=0.038) compared to those with older age. Females showed 6.5 times more re-operation rate (p=0.037) and 7.1 times less symptom improvement (p=0.027) than males. No patients experienced complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative hemorrhage, or infection.
Conclusion
Endoscopic surgery is feasible for the treatment of DLICs. Female sex and age <12 months are risk factors for re-operation and less symptom improvement.
3.Endoscopic Surgery for Deeply Located Intracranial Cysts: Risk Factors for Re-Operation and Symptom Improvement
Jun Kyu HWANG ; Ju-Seong KIM ; Eun Kyung PARK ; Kyu Won SHIM ; Dong-Seok KIM
Yonsei Medical Journal 2025;66(2):87-93
Purpose:
We investigated the results of endoscopic fenestration for deeply located intracranial cysts (DLICs), risk factors for reoperation, and symptom improvement.
Materials and Methods:
We included 51 patients with DLICs who underwent endoscopic fenestration between November 2006 and October 2022. The median age was 5±20 years (6 days–67 years), and 36 (70.6%) patients were aged <20 years. The male-tofemale ratio was 1.3:1. The ventriculoscope was used to fenestrate the cysts, which had diameters under 4.5 mm. The volume of DLICs was measured separately on serial magnetic resonance imaging, and the patients were followed up for 32±40 months.
Results:
The mean preoperative volume of DLICs was 63.5±87.4 cm, 3 , which decreased to 23.7±56.2 cm 3postoperatively, with a 45.4%±32.1% decrease rate in 32 months. All DLICs were approached appropriately, avoiding the eloquent areas. Overall, 39 (76.5%) patients showed symptom improvement after a single operation, which was preserved without recurrence, whereas 12 (23.5%) underwent a second operation [shunting (17.6%) or repeating the endoscopic fenestration (5.9%)] owing to symptom aggravation and recurrent cysts. Patients aged <12 months showed 7.4 times more re-operation rate (p>0.046) and 7.4 times less symptom improvement (p=0.038) compared to those with older age. Females showed 6.5 times more re-operation rate (p=0.037) and 7.1 times less symptom improvement (p=0.027) than males. No patients experienced complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative hemorrhage, or infection.
Conclusion
Endoscopic surgery is feasible for the treatment of DLICs. Female sex and age <12 months are risk factors for re-operation and less symptom improvement.
4.Endoscopic Surgery for Deeply Located Intracranial Cysts: Risk Factors for Re-Operation and Symptom Improvement
Jun Kyu HWANG ; Ju-Seong KIM ; Eun Kyung PARK ; Kyu Won SHIM ; Dong-Seok KIM
Yonsei Medical Journal 2025;66(2):87-93
Purpose:
We investigated the results of endoscopic fenestration for deeply located intracranial cysts (DLICs), risk factors for reoperation, and symptom improvement.
Materials and Methods:
We included 51 patients with DLICs who underwent endoscopic fenestration between November 2006 and October 2022. The median age was 5±20 years (6 days–67 years), and 36 (70.6%) patients were aged <20 years. The male-tofemale ratio was 1.3:1. The ventriculoscope was used to fenestrate the cysts, which had diameters under 4.5 mm. The volume of DLICs was measured separately on serial magnetic resonance imaging, and the patients were followed up for 32±40 months.
Results:
The mean preoperative volume of DLICs was 63.5±87.4 cm, 3 , which decreased to 23.7±56.2 cm 3postoperatively, with a 45.4%±32.1% decrease rate in 32 months. All DLICs were approached appropriately, avoiding the eloquent areas. Overall, 39 (76.5%) patients showed symptom improvement after a single operation, which was preserved without recurrence, whereas 12 (23.5%) underwent a second operation [shunting (17.6%) or repeating the endoscopic fenestration (5.9%)] owing to symptom aggravation and recurrent cysts. Patients aged <12 months showed 7.4 times more re-operation rate (p>0.046) and 7.4 times less symptom improvement (p=0.038) compared to those with older age. Females showed 6.5 times more re-operation rate (p=0.037) and 7.1 times less symptom improvement (p=0.027) than males. No patients experienced complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative hemorrhage, or infection.
Conclusion
Endoscopic surgery is feasible for the treatment of DLICs. Female sex and age <12 months are risk factors for re-operation and less symptom improvement.
5.Endoscopic Surgery for Deeply Located Intracranial Cysts: Risk Factors for Re-Operation and Symptom Improvement
Jun Kyu HWANG ; Ju-Seong KIM ; Eun Kyung PARK ; Kyu Won SHIM ; Dong-Seok KIM
Yonsei Medical Journal 2025;66(2):87-93
Purpose:
We investigated the results of endoscopic fenestration for deeply located intracranial cysts (DLICs), risk factors for reoperation, and symptom improvement.
Materials and Methods:
We included 51 patients with DLICs who underwent endoscopic fenestration between November 2006 and October 2022. The median age was 5±20 years (6 days–67 years), and 36 (70.6%) patients were aged <20 years. The male-tofemale ratio was 1.3:1. The ventriculoscope was used to fenestrate the cysts, which had diameters under 4.5 mm. The volume of DLICs was measured separately on serial magnetic resonance imaging, and the patients were followed up for 32±40 months.
Results:
The mean preoperative volume of DLICs was 63.5±87.4 cm, 3 , which decreased to 23.7±56.2 cm 3postoperatively, with a 45.4%±32.1% decrease rate in 32 months. All DLICs were approached appropriately, avoiding the eloquent areas. Overall, 39 (76.5%) patients showed symptom improvement after a single operation, which was preserved without recurrence, whereas 12 (23.5%) underwent a second operation [shunting (17.6%) or repeating the endoscopic fenestration (5.9%)] owing to symptom aggravation and recurrent cysts. Patients aged <12 months showed 7.4 times more re-operation rate (p>0.046) and 7.4 times less symptom improvement (p=0.038) compared to those with older age. Females showed 6.5 times more re-operation rate (p=0.037) and 7.1 times less symptom improvement (p=0.027) than males. No patients experienced complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative hemorrhage, or infection.
Conclusion
Endoscopic surgery is feasible for the treatment of DLICs. Female sex and age <12 months are risk factors for re-operation and less symptom improvement.
6.Endoscopic Surgery for Deeply Located Intracranial Cysts: Risk Factors for Re-Operation and Symptom Improvement
Jun Kyu HWANG ; Ju-Seong KIM ; Eun Kyung PARK ; Kyu Won SHIM ; Dong-Seok KIM
Yonsei Medical Journal 2025;66(2):87-93
Purpose:
We investigated the results of endoscopic fenestration for deeply located intracranial cysts (DLICs), risk factors for reoperation, and symptom improvement.
Materials and Methods:
We included 51 patients with DLICs who underwent endoscopic fenestration between November 2006 and October 2022. The median age was 5±20 years (6 days–67 years), and 36 (70.6%) patients were aged <20 years. The male-tofemale ratio was 1.3:1. The ventriculoscope was used to fenestrate the cysts, which had diameters under 4.5 mm. The volume of DLICs was measured separately on serial magnetic resonance imaging, and the patients were followed up for 32±40 months.
Results:
The mean preoperative volume of DLICs was 63.5±87.4 cm, 3 , which decreased to 23.7±56.2 cm 3postoperatively, with a 45.4%±32.1% decrease rate in 32 months. All DLICs were approached appropriately, avoiding the eloquent areas. Overall, 39 (76.5%) patients showed symptom improvement after a single operation, which was preserved without recurrence, whereas 12 (23.5%) underwent a second operation [shunting (17.6%) or repeating the endoscopic fenestration (5.9%)] owing to symptom aggravation and recurrent cysts. Patients aged <12 months showed 7.4 times more re-operation rate (p>0.046) and 7.4 times less symptom improvement (p=0.038) compared to those with older age. Females showed 6.5 times more re-operation rate (p=0.037) and 7.1 times less symptom improvement (p=0.027) than males. No patients experienced complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative hemorrhage, or infection.
Conclusion
Endoscopic surgery is feasible for the treatment of DLICs. Female sex and age <12 months are risk factors for re-operation and less symptom improvement.
7.Korean Medication Algorithm for Depressive Disorder 2025, Fifth Revision: An Executive Summary
Nak-Young KIM ; Jeong Seok SEO ; Won-Myong BAHK ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Sheng-Min WANG ; Young Sup WOO ; Won KIM ; Sung-Yong PARK ; Jung Goo LEE ; Chan-Mo YANG ; Sang-Yeol LEE ; Hyung Mo SUNG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Moon-Doo KIM ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Duk-In JON ; Bo-Hyun YOON ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Kyung Joon MIN
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(4):683-706
Objective:
Since its development in 2002 by the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology and the Korean Society for Affective Disorders, the Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Depressive Disorder (KMAP-DD) has undergone five revisions.
Methods:
To improve survey efficiency, reflect general clinical practice, and facilitate comparisons with previous KMAP-DD revisions, the overall structure of the questionnaire was retained. The six sections of the questionnaire were as follows:1) pharmacological treatment strategies for major depressive disorder with and without psychotic features; 2) pharmacological treatment strategies for persistent depressive disorder and other depressive disorder subtypes; 3) consensus on treatment-resistant depression; 4) selection of an antidepressant in consideration of safety, adverse effects, and comorbid physical conditions; 5) treatment strategies for special populations (children/adolescents, elderly, and women); and 6) non-pharmacological biological therapies. First-, second-, and third-line treatment recommendations were statistically derived.
Results:
Compared to KMAP-DD 2021, only minor changes were noted, due to the limited introduction of new medications or treatment modalities. Nonetheless, notable shifts included an increased preference for atypical antipsychotics (AAPs), and higher preference of combination strategies involving AAPs and mood stabilizers, indicating a more proactive and intensive treatment trend in Korea.
Conclusion
KMAP-DD is expected to serve as a valuable clinical resource by providing expert consensus-based recommendations on specific treatment strategies and pharmacological options for major depressive disorders, thereby supporting the integration of real-world clinical practice with evidence-based medicine.
8.Biocompatibility evaluation of titanium nitride coating for canine patellar groove implant
Yangwon CHAE ; Euisin YANG ; Taehwan KIM ; Hyunmin JO ; Dong-Hyun KIM ; Byeonghak KIM ; Kyung Mi SHIM ; Se Eun KIM ; Seong Soo KANG
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2025;26(4):107-122
Medial patellar luxation is a common orthopedic disorder in dogs, and advanced cases with severe skeletal deformities or femoropatellar osteoarthritis are often unresponsive to conventional techniques. Patellar groove replacement (PGR) has been proposed as an alternative surgical option; however, systematic comparisons of coating technologies for veterinary PGR implants remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, biological compatibility, and functional performance of a newly developed titanium nitride (TiN)–coated PGR system compared with a clinically available amorphous diamond-like carbon (ADLC)–coated device. TiN-coated prototypes were fabricated using Ti-6Al-4V alloy by injection molding combined with arc ion plating, which requires simpler equipment and lower production costs than the vacuum plasma deposition used for ADLC. Physicochemical evaluations, including corrosion resistance, hardness, surface roughness, and coating thickness, were conducted following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Korean Industrial Standards (KS) guidelines. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using MTT andcell adhesion assays with L-929 fibroblasts, while inflammatory cytokine profiling (interleukin [IL]-1β and IL-6) in a rat subcutaneous model was used to evaluate local tissue responses.Functional feasibility was examined in a canine femoral model bilaterally implanted with TiNor ADLC-coated PGR systems and monitored for one year through clinical, radiographic, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging , and micro-CT assessments. Both coatings demonstrated excellent corrosion resistance and absence of cytotoxicity. TiN-coated implants showed slightly greater hardness and coating thickness, with comparable surfaceroughness and biocompatibility. All implants maintained stable fixation, proper patellar tracking, and satisfactory bone–implant integration. These findings indicate that TiN-coated PGRimplants achieve biological and mechanical performance equivalent to ADLC devices while offering advantages in manufacturing simplicity, scalability, and cost-efficiency, supporting their clinical applicability in veterinary orthopedics.
9.Cohort profile: Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Rare Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases in Korea (OUTSPREAD study)
Yun Jeong LEE ; Chong Kun CHEON ; Junghwan SUH ; Jung-Eun MOON ; Moon Bae AHN ; Seong Hwan CHANG ; Jieun LEE ; Jin Ho CHOI ; Minsun KIM ; Han Hyuk LIM ; Jaehyun KIM ; Shin-Hye KIM ; Hae Sang LEE ; Yena LEE ; Eungu KANG ; Se Young KIM ; Yong Hee HONG ; Seung YANG ; Heon-Seok HAN ; Sochung CHUNG ; Won Kyoung CHO ; Eun Young KIM ; Jin Kyung KIM ; Kye Shik SHIM ; Eun-Gyong YOO ; Hae Soon KIM ; Aram YANG ; Sejin KIM ; Hyo-Kyoung NAM ; Sung Yoon CHO ; Young Ah LEE
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism 2024;29(6):349-355
Rare endocrine diseases are complex conditions that require lifelong specialized care due to their chronic nature and associated long-term complications. In Korea, a lack of nationwide data on clinical practice and outcomes has limited progress in patient care. Therefore, the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) study was initiated. This study involves 30 centers across Korea. The study aims to improve the long-term prognosis of Korean patients with rare endocrine diseases by collecting comprehensive clinical data, biospecimens, and patient-reported outcomes to identify complications and unmet needs in patient care. Patients with childhood-onset pituitary, adrenal, or gonadal disorders, such as craniopharyngioma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and Turner syndrome were prioritized. The planned enrollment is 1,300 patients during the first study phase (2022–2024). Clinical, biochemical, and imaging data from diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up during 1980–2023 were retrospectively reviewed. For patients who agreed to participate in the prospective cohort, clinical data and biospecimens will be prospectively collected to discover ideal biomarkers that predict the effectiveness of disease control measures and prognosis. Patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life and depression scales, will be evaluated to assess psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, a substudy on CAH patients will develop a steroid hormone profiling method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to improve diagnosis and monitoring of treatment outcomes. This study will address unmet clinical needs by discovering ideal biomarkers, introducing evidence-based treatment guidelines, and ultimately improving long-term outcomes in the areas of rare endocrine and metabolic diseases.
10.Long-term Outcomes of Protocol-Based Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Medulloblastoma
Won Kee AHN ; Seung Min HAHN ; Hong In YOON ; Jeongshim LEE ; Eun Kyung PARK ; Kyu Won SHIM ; Dong Seok KIM ; Chang-Ok SUH ; Se Hoon KIM ; Chuhl Joo LYU ; Jung Woo HAN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2024;56(2):652-664
Purpose:
The Korean Society of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (KSPNO) conducted treatment strategies for children with medulloblastoma (MB) by using alkylating agents for maintenance chemotherapy or tandem high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell rescue (ASCR) according to the risk stratification. The purpose of the study was to assess treatment outcomes and complications based on risk-adapted treatment and HDC.
Materials and Methods:
Fifty-nine patients diagnosed with MB were enrolled in this study. Patients in the standard-risk (SR) group received radiotherapy (RT) after surgery and chemotherapy using the KSPNO M051 regimen. Patients in the high-risk (HR) group received two and four chemotherapy cycles according to the KSPNO S081 protocol before and after reduced RT for age following surgery and two cycles of tandem HDC with ASCR consolidation treatment.
Results:
In the SR group, 24 patients showed 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) estimates of 86.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73.6 to 100) and 95.8% (95% CI, 88.2 to 100), respectively. In the HR group, more infectious complications and mortality occurred during the second HDC than during the first. In the HR group, the 5-year EFS and OS estimates were 65.5% (95% CI, 51.4 to 83.4) and 72.3% (95% CI, 58.4 to 89.6), respectively.
Conclusion
High intensity of alkylating agents for SR resulted in similar outcomes but with a high incidence of hematologic toxicity. Tandem HDC with ASCR for HR induced favorable EFS and OS estimates compared to those reported previously. However, infectious complications and treatment-related mortalities suggest that a reduced chemotherapy dose is necessary, especially for the second HDC.

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