This research group (forensic research via omics markers in environmental health vulnerable areas: FROM) aimed to develop biomarkers for exposure to environmental hazards and diseases, assess environmental diseases, and apply and verify these biomarkers in environmentally vulnerable areas. Environmentally vulnerable areas—including refineries, abandoned metal mines, coal-fired power plants, waste incinerators, cement factories, and areas with high exposure to particulate matter—along with control areas, were selected for epidemiological investigations. A total of 1,157 adults, who had resided in these areas for over 10 years, were recruited between June 2021 and September 2023. Personal characteristics of the study participants were gathered through a survey. Biological samples, specifically blood and urine, were collected during the field investigations, separated under refrigerated conditions, and then transported to the laboratory for biomarker analysis. Analyses of heavy metals, environmental hazards, and adducts were conducted on these blood and urine samples. Additionally, omics analyses of epigenomes, proteomes, and metabolomes were performed using the blood samples. The biomarkers identified in this study will be utilized to assess the risk of environmental disease occurrence and to evaluate the impact on the health of residents in environmentally vulnerable areas, following the validation of diagnostic accuracy for these diseases.

This research group (forensic research via omics markers in environmental health vulnerable areas: FROM) aimed to develop biomarkers for exposure to environmental hazards and diseases, assess environmental diseases, and apply and verify these biomarkers in environmentally vulnerable areas. Environmentally vulnerable areas—including refineries, abandoned metal mines, coal-fired power plants, waste incinerators, cement factories, and areas with high exposure to particulate matter—along with control areas, were selected for epidemiological investigations. A total of 1,157 adults, who had resided in these areas for over 10 years, were recruited between June 2021 and September 2023. Personal characteristics of the study participants were gathered through a survey. Biological samples, specifically blood and urine, were collected during the field investigations, separated under refrigerated conditions, and then transported to the laboratory for biomarker analysis. Analyses of heavy metals, environmental hazards, and adducts were conducted on these blood and urine samples. Additionally, omics analyses of epigenomes, proteomes, and metabolomes were performed using the blood samples. The biomarkers identified in this study will be utilized to assess the risk of environmental disease occurrence and to evaluate the impact on the health of residents in environmentally vulnerable areas, following the validation of diagnostic accuracy for these diseases.

This research group (forensic research via omics markers in environmental health vulnerable areas: FROM) aimed to develop biomarkers for exposure to environmental hazards and diseases, assess environmental diseases, and apply and verify these biomarkers in environmentally vulnerable areas. Environmentally vulnerable areas—including refineries, abandoned metal mines, coal-fired power plants, waste incinerators, cement factories, and areas with high exposure to particulate matter—along with control areas, were selected for epidemiological investigations. A total of 1,157 adults, who had resided in these areas for over 10 years, were recruited between June 2021 and September 2023. Personal characteristics of the study participants were gathered through a survey. Biological samples, specifically blood and urine, were collected during the field investigations, separated under refrigerated conditions, and then transported to the laboratory for biomarker analysis. Analyses of heavy metals, environmental hazards, and adducts were conducted on these blood and urine samples. Additionally, omics analyses of epigenomes, proteomes, and metabolomes were performed using the blood samples. The biomarkers identified in this study will be utilized to assess the risk of environmental disease occurrence and to evaluate the impact on the health of residents in environmentally vulnerable areas, following the validation of diagnostic accuracy for these diseases.

This research group (forensic research via omics markers in environmental health vulnerable areas: FROM) aimed to develop biomarkers for exposure to environmental hazards and diseases, assess environmental diseases, and apply and verify these biomarkers in environmentally vulnerable areas. Environmentally vulnerable areas—including refineries, abandoned metal mines, coal-fired power plants, waste incinerators, cement factories, and areas with high exposure to particulate matter—along with control areas, were selected for epidemiological investigations. A total of 1,157 adults, who had resided in these areas for over 10 years, were recruited between June 2021 and September 2023. Personal characteristics of the study participants were gathered through a survey. Biological samples, specifically blood and urine, were collected during the field investigations, separated under refrigerated conditions, and then transported to the laboratory for biomarker analysis. Analyses of heavy metals, environmental hazards, and adducts were conducted on these blood and urine samples. Additionally, omics analyses of epigenomes, proteomes, and metabolomes were performed using the blood samples. The biomarkers identified in this study will be utilized to assess the risk of environmental disease occurrence and to evaluate the impact on the health of residents in environmentally vulnerable areas, following the validation of diagnostic accuracy for these diseases.

Purpose: This subgroup analysis of the Korean subset of patients in the phase 3 LASER301 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of lazertinib versus gefitinib as first-line therapy for epidermal growth factor receptor mutated (EGFRm) non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC were randomized 1:1 to lazertinib (240 mg/day) or gefitinib (250 mg/day). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Results: In total, 172 Korean patients were enrolled (lazertinib, n=87; gefitinib, n=85). Baseline characteristics were balanced between the treatment groups. One-third of patients had brain metastases (BM) at baseline. Median PFS was 20.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.7 to 26.1) for lazertinib and 9.6 months (95% CI, 8.2 to 12.3) for gefitinib (hazard ratio [HR], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.60). This was supported by PFS analysis based on blinded independent central review. Significant PFS benefit with lazertinib was consistently observed across predefined subgroups, including patients with BM (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.53) and those with L858R mutations (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.63). Lazertinib safety data were consistent with its previously reported safety profile. Common adverse events (AEs) in both groups included rash, pruritus, and diarrhoea. Numerically fewer severe AEs and severe treatment–related AEs occurred with lazertinib than gefitinib. Conclusion Consistent with results for the overall LASER301 population, this analysis showed significant PFS benefit with lazertinib versus gefitinib with comparable safety in Korean patients with untreated EGFRm NSCLC, supporting lazertinib as a new potential treatment option for this patient population.

Purpose: Certain patient subgroups who do not respond to induction chemotherapy (IC) show inherent chemoresistance in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC). This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of IC, and role of IC in guiding the selection of a definitive locoregional therapy. Materials and Methods: Out of the 445 patients in multi-institutional LA-HNSCC cohort, 158 (36%) receiving IC were enrolled. The study outcome was to assess overall survival (OS) through IC responsiveness and its role to select subsequent treatments. Results: Among 135 patients who completed subsequent treatment following IC, 74% responded to IC (complete response in 17% and partial response in 58%). IC-non-responders showed 4.5 times higher risk of mortality than IC-responders (hazard ratio, 4.52; 95% confidence interval, 2.32 to 8.81; p < 0.001). Among IC-responders, 84% subsequently received definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and OS was not differed by surgery or CCRT (p=0.960). Regarding IC-non-responders, 54% received CCRT and 46% underwent surgery, and OS was poor in CCRT (24-month survival rate of 38%) or surgery (24-month survival rate of 63%). Conclusion Response to IC is a favorable prognostic factor. For IC-responders, either surgery or CCRT achieved similar survival probabilities. For IC-non-responder, multidisciplinary approach was warranted reflecting patients’ preference, morbidity, and prognosis.

Background/Aims: Treatment decisions for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) are complicated, and multi-modal treatments are usually indicated. However, it is challenging for older patients to complete treatments. Thus, we investigated disease characteristics, real-world treatment, and outcomes in older LA-HNSCC patients. Methods: Older patients (aged ≥ 70 years) were selected from a large nationwide cohort that included 445 patients with stage III–IVB LA-HNSCC from January 2005 to December 2015. Their data were retrospectively analyzed and compared with those of younger patients. Results: Older patients accounted for 18.7% (83/445) of all patients with median age was 73 years (range, 70 to 89). Proportions of primary tumors in the hypopharynx and larynx were higher in older patients and older patients had a more advanced T stage and worse performance status. Regarding treatment strategies of older patients, 44.5% of patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), 41.0% underwent surgery, and 14.5% did not complete the planned treatment. Induction chemotherapy (IC) was administered to 27.7% (23/83) of older patients; the preferred regimen for IC was fluorouracil and cisplatin (47.9%). For CCRT, weekly cisplatin was prescribed 3.3 times more often than 3-weekly cisplatin (62.2% vs. 18.9%). Older patients had a 60% higher risk of death than younger patients (hazard ratio, 1.6; p = 0.035). Oral cavity cancer patients had the worst survival probability. Conclusions Older LA-HNSCC patients had aggressive tumor characteristics and received less intensive treatment, resulting in poor survival. Further research focusing on the older population is necessary.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of the transradial artery approach (TRA) for treating malfunctioning arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in patients on hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in this single-center study of TRA endovascular procedures in 73 patients (43 male and 30 female; mean age of 67.4 years (range, 42–92 years) with malfunctioning AVFs, between January 2008 and April 2019. Patients’ baseline and lesion characteristics, technical and clinical success, and complications were evaluated, and functional patency was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Radial artery approaches were successful in all patients. Angioplasty performed using the TRA achieved technical and clinical success rates of 98.6%(72/73) and 91.7%(67/73), respectively. The median primary patency time was 18.8 ± 15.9 months. The primary functional patency rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 82.1%, 68.6%, and 63.9%, respectively. There were no major complications or adverse events, such as hand ischemia, related to the radial artery approach. Conclusion In selected cases, the TRA can be used complementary to the transvenous approach to treat malfunctioning AVFs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of multiphasic CT and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT for the differentiation of combined hepatocellular carcinomacholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: From January 2007 to April 2016, 93 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC (n = 84) or cHCC-CCA (n = 9) underwent CT and PET/CT imaging. Contrast enhancement patterns were divided into three types based on the attenuation of the surrounding liver parenchyma: type I (early arterial enhancement with delayed washout), type II (early arterial enhancement without delayed washout), and type III (early hypovascular, infiltrative appearance, or peripheral rim enhancement). Results: cHCC-CCAs (89%) had a higher PET/CT positive rate than did HCCs (61%), but the PET/ CT positive rate did not differ significantly (p = 0.095). Among the 19 cases of the type II enhancement pattern, 3 (21%) of 14 HCCs and 4 (80%) of 5 cHCC-CCAs were PET/CT positive. cHCC-CCAs had a significantly higher PET/CT positive rate (p = 0.020) in the type II enhancement pattern. Conclusion The PET/CT positive rate of cHCC-CCA was significantly higher than that of HCC in lesions with a type II enhancement pattern. The 18 F-FDG PET/CT can be useful for the differentiation of cHCCCCA from HCC in lesions with a type II enhancement pattern on multiphasic CT.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of multiphasic CT and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT for the differentiation of combined hepatocellular carcinomacholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: From January 2007 to April 2016, 93 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC (n = 84) or cHCC-CCA (n = 9) underwent CT and PET/CT imaging. Contrast enhancement patterns were divided into three types based on the attenuation of the surrounding liver parenchyma: type I (early arterial enhancement with delayed washout), type II (early arterial enhancement without delayed washout), and type III (early hypovascular, infiltrative appearance, or peripheral rim enhancement). Results: cHCC-CCAs (89%) had a higher PET/CT positive rate than did HCCs (61%), but the PET/ CT positive rate did not differ significantly (p = 0.095). Among the 19 cases of the type II enhancement pattern, 3 (21%) of 14 HCCs and 4 (80%) of 5 cHCC-CCAs were PET/CT positive. cHCC-CCAs had a significantly higher PET/CT positive rate (p = 0.020) in the type II enhancement pattern. Conclusion The PET/CT positive rate of cHCC-CCA was significantly higher than that of HCC in lesions with a type II enhancement pattern. The 18 F-FDG PET/CT can be useful for the differentiation of cHCCCCA from HCC in lesions with a type II enhancement pattern on multiphasic CT.