Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic implications of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with residual triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed 152 patients with residual TNBC who underwent breast-conserving surgery after NAC between December 2008 and December 2017. Most patients (n = 133; 87.5%) received taxane-based chemotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was administered at a total dose of 45–65 Gy in 15–30 fractions to the whole breast, with some patients also receiving RT to regional nodes. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors influencing survival were analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Results: During a median follow-up of 66 months (range, 9 to 179 months), the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 68.0%. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival rates were 83.6%, 72.6%, and 78.7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the cN stage, ypT stage, ypN stage, axillary operation type, and RT field were associated with DFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher ypT stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–3.82; p = 0.049) and ypN stage (HR = 4.7; 95% CI 1.57–14.24; p = 0.006) were associated with inferior DFS. Among clinically node-positive patients, those who received RT to the breast only had a 5-year DFS of 73.7%, whereas those who received RNI achieved a DFS of 59.6% (p = 0.164). There were no differences between the DFS and RNI. Conclusion In patients with residual TNBC, higher ypT and ypN stages were associated with poorer outcomes after NAC. RNI did not appear to improve DFS. More intensive treatments incorporating systemic therapy and RT should be considered for these patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic implications of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with residual triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed 152 patients with residual TNBC who underwent breast-conserving surgery after NAC between December 2008 and December 2017. Most patients (n = 133; 87.5%) received taxane-based chemotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was administered at a total dose of 45–65 Gy in 15–30 fractions to the whole breast, with some patients also receiving RT to regional nodes. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors influencing survival were analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Results: During a median follow-up of 66 months (range, 9 to 179 months), the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 68.0%. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival rates were 83.6%, 72.6%, and 78.7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the cN stage, ypT stage, ypN stage, axillary operation type, and RT field were associated with DFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher ypT stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–3.82; p = 0.049) and ypN stage (HR = 4.7; 95% CI 1.57–14.24; p = 0.006) were associated with inferior DFS. Among clinically node-positive patients, those who received RT to the breast only had a 5-year DFS of 73.7%, whereas those who received RNI achieved a DFS of 59.6% (p = 0.164). There were no differences between the DFS and RNI. Conclusion In patients with residual TNBC, higher ypT and ypN stages were associated with poorer outcomes after NAC. RNI did not appear to improve DFS. More intensive treatments incorporating systemic therapy and RT should be considered for these patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic implications of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with residual triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed 152 patients with residual TNBC who underwent breast-conserving surgery after NAC between December 2008 and December 2017. Most patients (n = 133; 87.5%) received taxane-based chemotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was administered at a total dose of 45–65 Gy in 15–30 fractions to the whole breast, with some patients also receiving RT to regional nodes. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors influencing survival were analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Results: During a median follow-up of 66 months (range, 9 to 179 months), the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 68.0%. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival rates were 83.6%, 72.6%, and 78.7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the cN stage, ypT stage, ypN stage, axillary operation type, and RT field were associated with DFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher ypT stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–3.82; p = 0.049) and ypN stage (HR = 4.7; 95% CI 1.57–14.24; p = 0.006) were associated with inferior DFS. Among clinically node-positive patients, those who received RT to the breast only had a 5-year DFS of 73.7%, whereas those who received RNI achieved a DFS of 59.6% (p = 0.164). There were no differences between the DFS and RNI. Conclusion In patients with residual TNBC, higher ypT and ypN stages were associated with poorer outcomes after NAC. RNI did not appear to improve DFS. More intensive treatments incorporating systemic therapy and RT should be considered for these patients.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Background: Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution is linked to a higher risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. However, the association between pregnancy complications and exposure to indoor air pollution remains unclear. The Air Pollution on Pregnancy Outcomes research is a hospital-based prospective cohort research created to look into the effects of aerodynamically exposed particulate matter (PM) 10 and PM 2.5 on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This prospective multicenter observational cohort study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2023. A total of 662 women with singleton pregnancies enrolled in this study. An AirguardK ® air sensor was installed inside the homes of the participants to measure the individual PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels in the living environment. The time–activity patterns and PM 100 and PM 2.5 , determined as concentrations from the time-weighted average model, were applied to determine the anticipated exposure levels to air pollution of each pregnant woman. The relationship between air pollution exposure and pregnancy outcomes was assessed using logistic and linear regression analyses. Results: Exposure to elevated levels of PM 10 throughout the first, second, and third trimesters as well as throughout pregnancy was strongly correlated with the risk of pregnancy problems according to multiple logistic regression models adjusted for variables. Except for in the third trimester of pregnancy, women exposed to high levels of PM 2.5 had a high risk of pregnancy complications. During the second trimester and entire pregnancy, the risk of preterm birth (PTB) increased by 24% and 27%, respectively, for each 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 10. Exposure to high PM 10 levels during the second trimester increased the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by 30%. The risk of GDM increased by 15% for each 5 μg/m 3 increase in PM2.5 during the second trimester and overall pregnancy, respectively. Exposure to high PM 10 and PM 2.5 during the first trimester of pregnancy increased the risk of delivering small for gestational age (SGA) infants by 96% and 26%, respectively. Conclusion Exposure to high concentrations of PM 10 and PM 2.5 is strongly correlated with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Exposure to high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 during the second trimester and entire pregnancy, respectively, significantly increased the risk of PTB and GDM. Exposure to high levels of PM 10 and PM2.5 during the first trimester of pregnancy considerably increased the risk of having SGA infants. Our findings highlight the need to measure individual particulate levels during pregnancy and the importance of managing air quality in residential environment.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic implications of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with residual triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed 152 patients with residual TNBC who underwent breast-conserving surgery after NAC between December 2008 and December 2017. Most patients (n = 133; 87.5%) received taxane-based chemotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was administered at a total dose of 45–65 Gy in 15–30 fractions to the whole breast, with some patients also receiving RT to regional nodes. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors influencing survival were analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Results: During a median follow-up of 66 months (range, 9 to 179 months), the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 68.0%. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival rates were 83.6%, 72.6%, and 78.7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the cN stage, ypT stage, ypN stage, axillary operation type, and RT field were associated with DFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher ypT stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–3.82; p = 0.049) and ypN stage (HR = 4.7; 95% CI 1.57–14.24; p = 0.006) were associated with inferior DFS. Among clinically node-positive patients, those who received RT to the breast only had a 5-year DFS of 73.7%, whereas those who received RNI achieved a DFS of 59.6% (p = 0.164). There were no differences between the DFS and RNI. Conclusion In patients with residual TNBC, higher ypT and ypN stages were associated with poorer outcomes after NAC. RNI did not appear to improve DFS. More intensive treatments incorporating systemic therapy and RT should be considered for these patients.