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.Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation of Infantile Hemangiomas Treated with Oral Propranolol Solution: 5 Years of Experience in a Single Institution
Ajin LEE ; Hye Lim JUNG ; Eun Sil KIM ; Soo Yeon LIM ; Aram YANG ; Deok Soo KIM ; Jung Yeon SHIM ; Jae Won SHIM ; Ji Na KIM ; Hee Jin PARK
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2025;32(1):1-9
Background:
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor that occurs during infancy. Oral propranolol is used as a first-line treatment. However, standardized guidelines for evaluating treatment efficacy, particularly the appropriate timing and parameters for Doppler ultrasound (US), have not been established. This study reports on the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of oral propranolol solution in IH patients using Doppler US, and aims to propose the appropriate timing and parameters for using Doppler US based on this experience.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with IH who were treated with oral propranolol solution and maintained for over 6 months from May 2017 to April 2023. Doppler US evaluation of IH was performed at diagnosis, 1-2 and 6-12 months after treatment initiation, and 6 months post-therapy cessation. A complete response (CR) was identified as a reduction in vascularity along with a decrease in longest diameter (LD) or thickness of 50% or more. Recurrence was evaluated based on increased vascularity or size 6 months after treatment discontinuation.
Results:
Of 120 patients with IH, 82 females and 38 males were analyzed. IH was first detected at a median age of 12 days (range, 1-240 days), and treatment began at 76 days (range, 27-570 days), continuing for an average of 10.4 months (range, 5-24 months). Initial Doppler US measurements showed an LD of 2.65±1.52 cm and a thickness of 0.79±0.55 cm, with prominent vascularity. After 1-2 months of treatment, LD and thickness decreased by 12.9% and 25.9%, respectively. By 6-12 months, reductions reached 37.2% and 53.6%. CR occurred in 77 patients (64.2%) after 6-12 months of treatment. Eleven patients (9.2%) experienced a recurrence.
Conclusion
Doppler US is a valuable modality for evaluating the characteristics, treatment response, and recurrence of IH treated with oral propranolol.
3.Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation of Infantile Hemangiomas Treated with Oral Propranolol Solution: 5 Years of Experience in a Single Institution
Ajin LEE ; Hye Lim JUNG ; Eun Sil KIM ; Soo Yeon LIM ; Aram YANG ; Deok Soo KIM ; Jung Yeon SHIM ; Jae Won SHIM ; Ji Na KIM ; Hee Jin PARK
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2025;32(1):1-9
Background:
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor that occurs during infancy. Oral propranolol is used as a first-line treatment. However, standardized guidelines for evaluating treatment efficacy, particularly the appropriate timing and parameters for Doppler ultrasound (US), have not been established. This study reports on the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of oral propranolol solution in IH patients using Doppler US, and aims to propose the appropriate timing and parameters for using Doppler US based on this experience.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with IH who were treated with oral propranolol solution and maintained for over 6 months from May 2017 to April 2023. Doppler US evaluation of IH was performed at diagnosis, 1-2 and 6-12 months after treatment initiation, and 6 months post-therapy cessation. A complete response (CR) was identified as a reduction in vascularity along with a decrease in longest diameter (LD) or thickness of 50% or more. Recurrence was evaluated based on increased vascularity or size 6 months after treatment discontinuation.
Results:
Of 120 patients with IH, 82 females and 38 males were analyzed. IH was first detected at a median age of 12 days (range, 1-240 days), and treatment began at 76 days (range, 27-570 days), continuing for an average of 10.4 months (range, 5-24 months). Initial Doppler US measurements showed an LD of 2.65±1.52 cm and a thickness of 0.79±0.55 cm, with prominent vascularity. After 1-2 months of treatment, LD and thickness decreased by 12.9% and 25.9%, respectively. By 6-12 months, reductions reached 37.2% and 53.6%. CR occurred in 77 patients (64.2%) after 6-12 months of treatment. Eleven patients (9.2%) experienced a recurrence.
Conclusion
Doppler US is a valuable modality for evaluating the characteristics, treatment response, and recurrence of IH treated with oral propranolol.
4.Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation of Infantile Hemangiomas Treated with Oral Propranolol Solution: 5 Years of Experience in a Single Institution
Ajin LEE ; Hye Lim JUNG ; Eun Sil KIM ; Soo Yeon LIM ; Aram YANG ; Deok Soo KIM ; Jung Yeon SHIM ; Jae Won SHIM ; Ji Na KIM ; Hee Jin PARK
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2025;32(1):1-9
Background:
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor that occurs during infancy. Oral propranolol is used as a first-line treatment. However, standardized guidelines for evaluating treatment efficacy, particularly the appropriate timing and parameters for Doppler ultrasound (US), have not been established. This study reports on the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of oral propranolol solution in IH patients using Doppler US, and aims to propose the appropriate timing and parameters for using Doppler US based on this experience.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with IH who were treated with oral propranolol solution and maintained for over 6 months from May 2017 to April 2023. Doppler US evaluation of IH was performed at diagnosis, 1-2 and 6-12 months after treatment initiation, and 6 months post-therapy cessation. A complete response (CR) was identified as a reduction in vascularity along with a decrease in longest diameter (LD) or thickness of 50% or more. Recurrence was evaluated based on increased vascularity or size 6 months after treatment discontinuation.
Results:
Of 120 patients with IH, 82 females and 38 males were analyzed. IH was first detected at a median age of 12 days (range, 1-240 days), and treatment began at 76 days (range, 27-570 days), continuing for an average of 10.4 months (range, 5-24 months). Initial Doppler US measurements showed an LD of 2.65±1.52 cm and a thickness of 0.79±0.55 cm, with prominent vascularity. After 1-2 months of treatment, LD and thickness decreased by 12.9% and 25.9%, respectively. By 6-12 months, reductions reached 37.2% and 53.6%. CR occurred in 77 patients (64.2%) after 6-12 months of treatment. Eleven patients (9.2%) experienced a recurrence.
Conclusion
Doppler US is a valuable modality for evaluating the characteristics, treatment response, and recurrence of IH treated with oral propranolol.
5.Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation of Infantile Hemangiomas Treated with Oral Propranolol Solution: 5 Years of Experience in a Single Institution
Ajin LEE ; Hye Lim JUNG ; Eun Sil KIM ; Soo Yeon LIM ; Aram YANG ; Deok Soo KIM ; Jung Yeon SHIM ; Jae Won SHIM ; Ji Na KIM ; Hee Jin PARK
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2025;32(1):1-9
Background:
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor that occurs during infancy. Oral propranolol is used as a first-line treatment. However, standardized guidelines for evaluating treatment efficacy, particularly the appropriate timing and parameters for Doppler ultrasound (US), have not been established. This study reports on the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of oral propranolol solution in IH patients using Doppler US, and aims to propose the appropriate timing and parameters for using Doppler US based on this experience.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with IH who were treated with oral propranolol solution and maintained for over 6 months from May 2017 to April 2023. Doppler US evaluation of IH was performed at diagnosis, 1-2 and 6-12 months after treatment initiation, and 6 months post-therapy cessation. A complete response (CR) was identified as a reduction in vascularity along with a decrease in longest diameter (LD) or thickness of 50% or more. Recurrence was evaluated based on increased vascularity or size 6 months after treatment discontinuation.
Results:
Of 120 patients with IH, 82 females and 38 males were analyzed. IH was first detected at a median age of 12 days (range, 1-240 days), and treatment began at 76 days (range, 27-570 days), continuing for an average of 10.4 months (range, 5-24 months). Initial Doppler US measurements showed an LD of 2.65±1.52 cm and a thickness of 0.79±0.55 cm, with prominent vascularity. After 1-2 months of treatment, LD and thickness decreased by 12.9% and 25.9%, respectively. By 6-12 months, reductions reached 37.2% and 53.6%. CR occurred in 77 patients (64.2%) after 6-12 months of treatment. Eleven patients (9.2%) experienced a recurrence.
Conclusion
Doppler US is a valuable modality for evaluating the characteristics, treatment response, and recurrence of IH treated with oral propranolol.
6.A Clinicopathologic Feature and Survival Analysis of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma: A Single Tertiary Center Study
Yeon Joo JUNG ; Joonho SHIM ; Se Jin OH ; Jong Hee LEE ; Dong-Youn LEE ; Jihye PARK
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(2):68-74
Background:
Cutaneous angiosarcoma, a rare malignant tumor, is associated with high mortality and poor prognosis.
Objective:
This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathologic features of cutaneous angiosarcoma and identify the prognostic factors influencing survival.
Methods:
Medical records of patients diagnosed with cutaneous angiosarcoma between January 1995 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, clinicopathologic features, and treatment modalities were analyzed to evaluate the correlation with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 70 patients were included in the study.
Results:
Their mean age at diagnosis was 71 years (range, 41–91 years). Of them, 57 (81.4%) were males. Five-year OS and PFS rates were 29.0% and 10.7%, respectively. In univariate analysis, a mass in the frontal area of the scalp showed significant associations with poorer PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–3.55; p=0.029) and poorer OS (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.22–4.80; p=0.011). Mass size exceeding 3 cm had a notable impact on PFS (HR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.32–8.82; p=0.011) and remained a significant independent adverse prognosticator in multivariate analysis (HR, 4.55; 95% CI, 1.22–16.99; p=0.024).
Conclusion
Cutaneous angiosarcoma is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis, with a larger mass size identified as an independent prognostic factor.
7.Effects of Three Kinds of Kombucha on the Surface of Composite Resin for Dental Restoration
Ye-Won SONG ; Sun-Young PARK ; Ye-Eun KIM ; Hye-Won LEE ; Jung-Yeon JAE ; Hyeon-Ji SHIM ; Hee-Jung LIM ; Im-Hee JUNG ; Do-Seon LIM
Journal of Dental Hygiene Science 2024;24(4):289-298
Background:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kombucha on the surface of composite resins and to examine thedegradation-inhibiting effect of adding calcium to kombucha.
Methods:
Six experimental groups were established, with three types of liquid kombucha: one with 3% added calcium,carbonated water as a positive control, and mineral water as a negative control. The pH and titratable acidity values of the experimental groups were measured. The samples were filled with condensed composite resin and placed in the experimental drinks for 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The Vickers microhardness of the surface was measured before and after immersion, and the changes were compared.
Results:
The pH values of the experimental group were I’m alive (2.87±0.02), Hollys (2.95±0.01), Ediya (2.99±0.01), I’m alive +3% Ca (4.09±0.01), carbonated water (4.66±0.01), and mineral water (7.67±0.02). I’m alive (–12.35) showed the largest reduction in surface hardness, followed by Hollys (–9.78), carbonated water (–7.97), I’m alive +3% Ca (–7.82), Ediya (–7.60), and mineral water (–1.56). In the Vickers microhardness measurements, all experimental groups, except for the mineral water group, showed significant differences (p<0.05). The scanning electron microscope results showed that the experimental group and positive control had rough surfaces and micropores.
Conclusion
The surface hardness was significantly reduced in all experimental groups except for water. In particular, in the caseof kombucha with low pH, the reduction rate increased, weakening the physical properties of the material. In addition, the reduction rate of surface hardness was lower in kombucha with added calcium, and it is believed that drinking kombucha containing calcium can minimize the erosion of dental materials.
8.Lymphadenectomy in clinically early epithelial ovarian cancer and survival analysis (LILAC): a Gynecologic Oncology Research Investigators Collaboration (GORILLA-3002) retrospective study
Eun Jung YANG ; A Jin LEE ; Woo Yeon HWANG ; Suk-Joon CHANG ; Hee Seung KIM ; Nam Kyeong KIM ; Yeorae KIM ; Tae Wook KONG ; Eun Ji LEE ; Soo Jin PARK ; Joo-Hyuk SON ; Dong Hoon SUH ; Dong Hee SON ; Seung-Hyuk SHIM
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(4):e75-
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy in patients surgically treated for clinically early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
Methods:
This retrospective, multicenter study included patients with clinically earlystage EOC based on preoperative abdominal-pelvic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging findings between 2007 and 2021. Oncologic outcomes and perioperative complications were compared between the lymphadenectomy and non-lymphadenectomy groups. Independent prognostic factors were determined using Cox regression analysis.Disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary outcome. Overall survival (OS) and perioperative outcomes were the secondary outcomes.
Results:
In total, 586 patients (lymphadenectomy group, n=453 [77.3%]; nonlymphadenectomy groups, n=133 [22.7%]) were eligible. After surgical staging, upstaging was identified based on the presence of lymph node metastasis in 14 (3.1%) of 453 patients.No significant difference was found in the 5-year DFS (88.9% vs. 83.4%, p=0.203) and 5-year OS (97.2% vs. 97.7%, p=0.895) between the two groups. Using multivariable analysis, lymphadenectomy was not significantly associated with DFS or OS. However, using subgroup analysis, the lymphadenectomy group with serous histology had higher 5-year DFS rates than did the non-lymphadenectomy group (86.5% vs. 74.4%, p=0.048; adjusted hazard ratio=0.281; 95% confidence interval=0.107–0.735; p=0.010). The lymphadenectomy group had longer operating time (p<0.001), higher estimated blood loss (p<0.001), and higher perioperative complication rate (p=0.004) than did the non-lymphadenectomy group.
Conclusion
In patients with clinically early-stage EOC with serous histology, lymphadenectomy was associated with survival benefits. Considering its potential harm,
9.Effects of Three Kinds of Kombucha on the Surface of Composite Resin for Dental Restoration
Ye-Won SONG ; Sun-Young PARK ; Ye-Eun KIM ; Hye-Won LEE ; Jung-Yeon JAE ; Hyeon-Ji SHIM ; Hee-Jung LIM ; Im-Hee JUNG ; Do-Seon LIM
Journal of Dental Hygiene Science 2024;24(4):289-298
Background:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kombucha on the surface of composite resins and to examine thedegradation-inhibiting effect of adding calcium to kombucha.
Methods:
Six experimental groups were established, with three types of liquid kombucha: one with 3% added calcium,carbonated water as a positive control, and mineral water as a negative control. The pH and titratable acidity values of the experimental groups were measured. The samples were filled with condensed composite resin and placed in the experimental drinks for 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The Vickers microhardness of the surface was measured before and after immersion, and the changes were compared.
Results:
The pH values of the experimental group were I’m alive (2.87±0.02), Hollys (2.95±0.01), Ediya (2.99±0.01), I’m alive +3% Ca (4.09±0.01), carbonated water (4.66±0.01), and mineral water (7.67±0.02). I’m alive (–12.35) showed the largest reduction in surface hardness, followed by Hollys (–9.78), carbonated water (–7.97), I’m alive +3% Ca (–7.82), Ediya (–7.60), and mineral water (–1.56). In the Vickers microhardness measurements, all experimental groups, except for the mineral water group, showed significant differences (p<0.05). The scanning electron microscope results showed that the experimental group and positive control had rough surfaces and micropores.
Conclusion
The surface hardness was significantly reduced in all experimental groups except for water. In particular, in the caseof kombucha with low pH, the reduction rate increased, weakening the physical properties of the material. In addition, the reduction rate of surface hardness was lower in kombucha with added calcium, and it is believed that drinking kombucha containing calcium can minimize the erosion of dental materials.
10.Lymphadenectomy in clinically early epithelial ovarian cancer and survival analysis (LILAC): a Gynecologic Oncology Research Investigators Collaboration (GORILLA-3002) retrospective study
Eun Jung YANG ; A Jin LEE ; Woo Yeon HWANG ; Suk-Joon CHANG ; Hee Seung KIM ; Nam Kyeong KIM ; Yeorae KIM ; Tae Wook KONG ; Eun Ji LEE ; Soo Jin PARK ; Joo-Hyuk SON ; Dong Hoon SUH ; Dong Hee SON ; Seung-Hyuk SHIM
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(4):e75-
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy in patients surgically treated for clinically early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
Methods:
This retrospective, multicenter study included patients with clinically earlystage EOC based on preoperative abdominal-pelvic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging findings between 2007 and 2021. Oncologic outcomes and perioperative complications were compared between the lymphadenectomy and non-lymphadenectomy groups. Independent prognostic factors were determined using Cox regression analysis.Disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary outcome. Overall survival (OS) and perioperative outcomes were the secondary outcomes.
Results:
In total, 586 patients (lymphadenectomy group, n=453 [77.3%]; nonlymphadenectomy groups, n=133 [22.7%]) were eligible. After surgical staging, upstaging was identified based on the presence of lymph node metastasis in 14 (3.1%) of 453 patients.No significant difference was found in the 5-year DFS (88.9% vs. 83.4%, p=0.203) and 5-year OS (97.2% vs. 97.7%, p=0.895) between the two groups. Using multivariable analysis, lymphadenectomy was not significantly associated with DFS or OS. However, using subgroup analysis, the lymphadenectomy group with serous histology had higher 5-year DFS rates than did the non-lymphadenectomy group (86.5% vs. 74.4%, p=0.048; adjusted hazard ratio=0.281; 95% confidence interval=0.107–0.735; p=0.010). The lymphadenectomy group had longer operating time (p<0.001), higher estimated blood loss (p<0.001), and higher perioperative complication rate (p=0.004) than did the non-lymphadenectomy group.
Conclusion
In patients with clinically early-stage EOC with serous histology, lymphadenectomy was associated with survival benefits. Considering its potential harm,

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