1.Applying National Whole-genome Sequencing Findings for Rare Diseases in Clinical Practice: The Imperative of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Kyung Sun PARK ; Sunghwan SHIN ; Jong-Ho PARK ; Young-Eun KIM ; Won Kyung KWON ; Min-Kyung SO ; Changhee HA ; Ja-Hyun JANG ; Taeheon LEE ; Chang-Seok KI ; Yoonjung KIM ; Kyung-A LEE ; Inho PARK ; Sejoon LEE ; Hong-Hee WON ; ; Jong-Won KIM
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(1):94-103
Background:
As nationwide government-led whole-genome sequencing (WGS) projects progress, optimizing the clinical integration of large-scale WGS results is crucial. We explored how the initial analysis from Korea’s First WGS Pilot Study for Rare Diseases was applied in clinical practice, and then we reanalyzed the data comprehensively at Samsung Medical Center (SMC) Seoul, Korea.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study designed to collect WGS data under a Korean national initiative was conducted from August 2020 to December 2021. We focused on patients with rare diseases recruited from 16 university hospitals. The participants included 5,000 individuals (2,200 probands and 2,800 family members). The initial WGS data and diagnostic reference reports (from 682 probands and 484 family members), generated based on the First Korean WGS Pilot Study for Rare Diseases, were subsequently reanalyzed by SMC.
Results:
The initial analysis of the First Korean WGS Pilot Study data revealed a diagnostic rate of 17%. Upon receiving these results, the SMC conducted two rounds of reanalysis, increasing the diagnostic rate from 15% in the first analysis, to 18% in the second, and finally to 24% in the third (P = 1.6 × 10 −5 ). Key factors in improving the genetic diagnosis included increased detection of novel (likely) pathogenic variants (P = 1.0 × 10 −4 ), improved diagnostic rates with larger family recruitment (P = 0.004), and refined clinical information for more precise genotype–phenotype correlation analysis (40%).
Conclusions
Although national WGS projects lay a foundation for rare disease diagnosis, hospital-level reanalysis and multidisciplinary collaborations are crucial for optimizing diagnostic outcomes.
2.Development of an artificial intelligence-based prediction platform for early recurrence of resectable pancreatic cancer after curative surgery–toward future use as an indication for neoadjuvant treatment: a retrospective multicenter cohort study
So Jeong YOON ; Sung Hyun KIM ; Hongbeom KIM ; Sang Hyun SHIN ; Jin Seok HEO ; Seung Soo HONG ; Chang Moo KANG ; Kyung Sik KIM ; Ho Kyoung HWANG ; In Woong HAN
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(2):76-83
Purpose:
Neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) is now the standard for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC) and is being considered for RPC. Early recurrence after curative surgery in RPC is often seen as a treatment failure, prompting considerations for NAT. Our goal was to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictive model utilizing preoperatively available factors to forecast early recurrences of resected RPC.
Methods:
This study included 469 patients who underwent surgery for RPC between 2011 and 2019. Clinicopathologic and oncologic data were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative variables, including laboratory data and imaging findings, were collected. Early recurrence was defined as recurrence occurring within a year after surgery. Deep neural networks were then used to select variables by assessing their importance. A new model predicting early recurrence of RPC was subsequently developed.
Results:
Of the patients evaluated, 199 (42.4%) experienced early recurrence. The predictive model included 14 preoperative variables: CA 19-9, preoperative pancreatitis, serum albumin, platelet count, lymphocyte count, the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, tumor size, monocyte count, age, body mass index, CRP, hemoglobin, WBC count, and CEA. The area under the curve for the model was 0.786 in the training set and 0.734 in the test set.
Conclusion
We developed an AI-based model to predict the early recurrence of RPC using preoperative parameters. By identifying patients at risk of early recurrence, optimal individualized treatments such as NAT can be considered. Future prospective studies are crucial to establish clear indications for NAT in RPC.
3.Survival Rates of Patients with Gastric Cancer According to Age and Sex: A Large-Scale Study Using Data from 14,739 Patients
Yonghoon CHOI ; Nayoung KIM ; Ji Hyun KIM ; Hyeong Ho JO ; Hyeon Jeong OH ; Hye Seung LEE ; Yu Kyung JUN ; Hyuk YOON ; Cheol Min SHIN ; Young Soo PARK ; Dong Ho LEE ; So Hyun KANG ; Young Suk PARK ; Sang-Hoon AHN ; Yun-Suhk SUH ; Do Joong PARK ; Hyung Ho KIM ; Ji-Won KIM ; Jin Won KIM ; Keun-Wook LEE ; Won CHANG ; Yoon Jin LEE ; Kyoung Ho LEE ; Young Hoon KIM
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):252-263
Purpose:
The male predominance in the incidence of gastric cancer (GC) is established; however, sex differences in the prognosis of GC remain controversial. As such, this study analyzed the prognosis of patients with GC based on age and sex.
Materials and Methods:
Data from 14,739 patients diagnosed with GC at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2003 and 2023 were analyzed. Baseline characteristics, histological types of GC, overall and GC-specific survival rates (age and stage stratification), and associated risk factors were analyzed.
Results:
Females were significantly younger (p < 0.001) and exhibited more gastric body cancers (p < 0.001) and tumors with diffuse-type or poorly differentiated histology (p < 0.001) than males. Females exhibited an advantage over males in terms of overall survival (p=0.004), but not in GC-specific survival. However, age stratification revealed significant sex differences, that females < 50 years of age exhibited survival disadvantages (p < 0.001); however, this trend was reversed with age, and females > 60 years exhibited survival advantages (p < 0.001) for both overall and GC-specific survival. This may be explained by the lower ratio of diffuse-type GC as females age. Furthermore, in the analysis according to stage, females with stage IV disease exhibited significant survival disadvantages, with significantly younger age and a higher proportion of diffuse-type GC which exhibits aggressive features, resulting in poorer survival than in males.
Conclusion
Age and stage stratification revealed significant differences in survival between the sexes, which can be helpful for public health strategies.
4.Prosthetic rehabilitation of traumatized maxillary anterior teeth using a digital workflow: a case report
Jong-Hyun SHIN ; Sang-Ah LEE ; Lee-Ra CHO ; Chan-Jin PARK ; Kyung-Ho KO ; Yoon-Hyuk HUH
The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics 2026;64(1):84-94
The maxillary anterior region is critical for esthetics and function, requiring precise analysis and restoration when damaged by trauma. This case report presents the restorative process using a digital workflow for a patient with anterior trauma. A 22-year-old female exhibited fractures and extrusive luxation of maxillary central incisors, diagnosed with pulp necrosis. After endodontic treatment, intraoral and facial scans were performed, and provisional and definitive restorations were digitally designed. Various shade-matching techniques were employed to achieve natural esthetics. The definitive prosthesis improved harmony between the incisal edge and lower lip, as well as tooth axis, length, and zenith position, fulfilling the patient’s esthetic demands. This case suggests that combining digital technology and gingivectomy with a minimally invasive approach enables esthetic and functional restoration of the maxillary anterior region.
5.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part II. Follow-up Surveillance after Initial Treatment 2026
Eun Kyung LEE ; Seung Heon KANG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Mijin KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Sohyun PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Young-Ik SON ; Young Shin SONG ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Jong-Hyuk AHN ; Hwa Young AHN ; So Won OH ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Won Sang YOO ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Jeongmin LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Ki-Wook CHUNG ; Ari CHONG ; Jin Hyang JUNG ; Sun Wook CHO ; Yoon Young CHO ; Chae Moon HONG ; Young Joo PARK ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):1-40
In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.
6.Erratum: A Multicenter Retrospective Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Elderly Korean Patients Aged 65 Years and Older with Chronic Pruritus
Yu Jin LEE ; Byeol HAN ; Chan Ho NA ; Jun Ho KWAK ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jua LEE ; Ji Young AHN ; Hoeun GWAG ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Seung Soo LEE ; Tae Young HAN
Korean Journal of Dermatology 2026;64(1):46-46
7.Psychometric Properties of the Mixed State Severity Index for Patients With Mood Disorder
Woojae MYUNG ; Hyeona YU ; Hyo Shin KANG ; Daseul LEE ; Junwoo JANG ; Jakyung LEE ; Joohyun YOON ; Yun Seong PARK ; Hyun A RYOO ; Ye Rim KIM ; Kwang Ho PARK ; Chan Woo LEE ; Yoonjeong JANG ; Kimyoung KIM ; Nara LEE ; Sanghoon HONG ; Hong-Hee WON ; Tae Hyon HA ; Jungkyu PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2026;23(1):106-117
Objective:
This study aimed to develop a reliable and valid Mixed State Severity Index (MSSI) to assess mood instability in patients with mood disorders and determine cutoff scores.
Methods:
Twenty-one items were selected based on Koukopoulos’ criteria for mixed depressive episode, historically referred to as agitated depression, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision mixed features criteria. The MSSI was administered to 242 patients (major depressive disorder [n=92], bipolar disorder [BD] I [n=78], and BD II [n=72]) and 726 controls.
Results:
The MSSI demonstrated high internal consistency (α=0.78–0.90). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a stable four-factor structure. Based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, optimal cutoff scores were identified to distinguish mood disorder groups from controls, ranging from 19.5 to 27.5 depending on diagnosis.
Conclusion
The MSSI is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the severity of mixed features in patients with mood disorders. The established cutoff scores enhance its clinical utility, providing robust diagnosis and treatment planning support.
8.Primary Cutaneous CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorders in South Korea: A Nationwide, Multi-Center, Retrospective, Clinical, and Prognostic Study
Woo Jin LEE ; Sook Jung YUN ; Joon Min JUNG ; Joo Yeon KO ; Kwang Ho KIM ; Dong Hyun KIM ; Myung Hwa KIM ; You Chan KIM ; Jung Eun KIM ; Chan-Ho NA ; Je-Ho MUN ; Jong Bin PARK ; Ji-Hye PARK ; Hai-Jin PARK ; Dong Hoon SHIN ; Jeonghyun SHIN ; Sang Ho OH ; Seok-Kweon YUN ; Dongyoun LEE ; Seok-Jong LEE ; Seung Ho LEE ; Young Bok LEE ; Soyun CHO ; Sooyeon CHOI ; Jae Eun CHOI ; Mi Woo LEE ; On behalf of The Korean Society of Dermatopathology
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(2):75-85
Background:
Primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders (pcCD30-LPDs) are a diseases with various clinical and prognostic characteristics.
Objective:
Increasing our knowledge of the clinical characteristics of pcCD30-LPDs and identifying potential prognostic variables in an Asian population.
Methods:
Clinicopathological features and survival data of pcCD30-LPD cases obtained from 22 hospitals in South Korea were examined.
Results:
A total of 413 cases of pcCD30-LPDs (lymphomatoid papulosis [LYP], n=237; primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma [C-ALCL], n=176) were included. Ninety percent of LYP patients and roughly 50% of C-ALCL patients presented with multiple skin lesions. Both LYP and C-ALCL affected the lower limbs most frequently. Multiplicity and advanced T stage of LYP lesions were associated with a chronic course longer than 6 months. Clinical morphology with patch lesions and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase were significantly associated with LPDs during follow-up in LYP patients. Extracutaneous involvement of C-ALCL occurred in 13.2% of patients. Lesions larger than 5 cm and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase were associated with a poor prognosis in C-ALCL. The survival of patients with C-ALCL was unaffected by the anatomical locations of skin lesions or other pathological factors.
Conclusion
The multiplicity or size of skin lesions was associated with a chronic course of LYP and survival among patients with C-ALCL.
9.Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part II): Biologics and JAK inhibitors
Hyun-Chang KO ; Yu Ri WOO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Youin BAE ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jiyoung AHN ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Ju Hee HAN ; Tae Young HAN ; Sang Wook SON ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):216-227
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed.
Objective:
This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based recommendations.
Methods:
The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved.
Results:
This guideline provides treatment guidance on advanced systemic treatment modalities for AD. In particular, the guideline offers up-to-date treatment recommendations for biologics and Janus-kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD.It also provides guidance on other therapies for AD, along with tailored recommendations for children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Conclusion
KADA’s updated AD treatment guidelines incorporate the latest evidence and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive approach to AD treatment. The guidelines will help clinicians optimize patient-specific therapies.
10.Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part I): Basic Therapy, Topical Therapy, and Conventional Systemic Therapy
Hyun-Chang KO ; Yu Ri WOO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Youin BAE ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jiyoung AHN ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Ju Hee HAN ; Tae Young HAN ; Sang Wook SON ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):201-215
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed.
Objective:
This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based practices.
Methods:
The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved.
Results:
The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on foundational therapies, including the use of moisturizers, cleansing and bathing practices, allergen avoidance, and patient education. Guidance on topical therapies, such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, is also provided to help manage inflammation and maintain skin barrier function in patients with AD. Additionally, recommendations on conventional systemic therapies, including corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate, are provided for managing moderate to severe AD.
Conclusion
KADA’s updated AD guidelines offer clinicians evidence-based strategies focused on basic therapies, topical therapies, and conventional systemic therapies, equipping them to enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes in AD management.

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