Purpose: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a standard minimally invasive treatment for selected patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). This study presents the first nationwide survey of patients with EGC treated with ESD in 2023, conducted by the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research. Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from participating referral centers across Korea using a standardized case report form covering patient characteristics, tumor features, procedural details, histopathological findings, and clinical outcomes.Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted to summarize nationwide ESD practice patterns and outcomes. Results: Data from 5,460 ESD cases from 5,250 patients across 27 institutions were analyzed. The mean age was 67.4 years, with 74.1% males. Multiple synchronous lesions were identified in 3.7%. Most lesions were located in the lower third of the stomach (64.0%), and differentiated-type adenocarcinomas accounted for 87.8%. The en bloc and complete resection rates were 99.2% and 91.4%, respectively. Curative resection was achieved in 80.5%, whereas local non-curative resection (L-NCR) and surgical non-curative resection (S-NCR) were identified in 2.8% and 16.7%, respectively. Additional surgery was performed more frequently in patients with S-NCR than in those with L-NCR (59.3% vs. 24.7%). The bleeding and perforation rates were 3.6% and 0.9%, respectively, and were mostly managed conservatively or endoscopically. The median length of hospitalization was 4.0 days. Conclusions This first nationwide survey provides a comprehensive overview of the current practice of EGC treatment using ESD in Korea, demonstrating high technical success and safety, and establishing a baseline dataset for future longitudinal research.

Objectives: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a standard minimally invasive treatment for selected patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). This study presents the first nationwide survey of patients with EGC treated with ESD in 2023, conducted by the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from participating referral centers across Korea using a standardized case report form covering patient characteristics, tumor features, procedural details, histopathological findings, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted to summarize nationwide ESD practice patterns and outcomes. Results: Data from 5460 ESD cases from 5250 patients across 27 institutions were analyzed. The mean age was 67.4 years, with 74.1% males. Multiple synchronous lesions were identified in 3.7%. Most lesions were located in the lower third of the stomach (64.0%), and differentiated-type adenocarcinomas accounted for 87.8%. The en bloc and complete resection rates were 99.2% and 91.4%, respectively. Curative resection was achieved in 80.5%, whereas local non-curative resection (L-NCR) and surgical non-curative resection (S-NCR) were identified in 2.8% and 16.7%, respectively. Additional surgery was performed more frequently in patients with S-NCR than in those with L-NCR (59.3% vs. 24.7%). The bleeding and perforation rates were 3.6% and 0.9%, respectively, and were mostly managed conservatively or endoscopically. The median length of hospitalization was 4.0 days. Conclusions This first nationwide survey provides a comprehensive overview of the current practice of EGC treatment using ESD in Korea, demonstrating high technical success and safety, and establishing a baseline dataset for future longitudinal research.

Purpose: Non-operative management (NOM) has emerged as a promising organ-preserving strategy for patients with rectal cancer who achieve a clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). However, no standardized treatment protocol has been established for watch-and-wait strategies. Materials and Methods: This prospective study evaluated oncological outcomes of NOM combined with 4 months of adjuvant capecitabine. Patients with resectable rectal cancer (≤ 8 cm from the anal verge, cT2-4 or N+) underwent CRT (50-54 Gy in 25-27 fractions with capecitabine). Eight weeks post-CRT, a multidisciplinary team assessed cCR. Patients achieving cCR received six cycles of capecitabine (2 weeks on/1 week off) and were actively monitored. Results: Among 89 patients receiving CRT (2018-2023), 17 (19.1%) achieved cCR and were included. The median age was 65 years, and 64.7% were male. Eleven (64.7%) completed all six cycles of adjuvant therapy. After a median follow-up of 31.4 months, 11 patients (64.7%) remained disease-free. Local regrowth occurred in six patients (35.3%) with 2- and 4-year rates of 34.5% and 47.6%, respectively. Five underwent radical surgery, and one received transanal excision with systemic chemotherapy. At the time of assessment, 15 patients (88.2%) showed no evidence of disease, while two (11.8%) received palliative chemotherapy. All patients were alive. Conclusion NOM with adjuvant capecitabine showed promising oncological outcomes, offering an alternative to passive watch-and-wait approaches. Further refinement through multidisciplinary strategies is warranted.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the detection ability of quality of life (QoL) changes and responsiveness of the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS)-40 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ). Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate QoL changes after various gastrectomies between January 2021 and April 2022. Participants were instructed to complete the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. QoL changes over time and QoL responsiveness were assessed for each questionnaire. Results: Data from 491 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 22 institutions were analyzed. The summary scores of the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-STO22 showed significant differences between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.044 and p=0.038, respectively), but no difference was observed for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Dysphagia on the KOQUSS-40 was significantly different between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.031); however, dysphagia on the EORTC QLQ-STO22 did not differ. The responsiveness of the KOQUSS-40 was similar to that of the EORTC QLQ in patients who experienced ≥ 10% body weight loss, but approximately 10% less in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy than the EORTC QLQ. Conclusion KOQUSS-40 has several advantages over EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 when comparing QoL between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups. The findings provide information for researchers investigating the QoL of patients who have undergone curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Objective:   This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed. Results: At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to analyze postoperative performance and mapping characteristics of cochlear implants (CIs) by comparing patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to those without ASD, and to suggest CI mapping solutions in patients with ASD.Subjects and Method This retrospective study enrolled 10 children with ASD and hearing disabilities, who received simultaneous bilateral CI (ASD group), and 20 children with bilateral hearing disabilities, who received simultaneous bilateral CI at the same age (control group). CI performance was analyzed using speech perception tests (categorical auditory performance score and monosyllable, bisyllable, and Ling’s 6 tests) and a sound field test. The mapping characteristics focused on variables related to stimulus intensity and fine-tuning. Results: The performance of the ASD group was significantly poorer than that of the control group in all speech perception and sound field tests. At the comfortable (C) and threshold (T) levels, the ASD group scored significantly lower than the control group. The dynamic range of ASD group was significantly narrower than the control group. The ASD group had significantly lower pulse width, sensitivity, and volume than control group. Conclusion CI mapping in the ASD group showed practical limitations. To avoid overstimulation in patients with ASD, the dynamic range should be set narrow, or the C/T level should be set lower than normal. Key control factors, such as pulse width, sensitivity, and volume, should be set lower than the control group. Although lower performance from CI is generally expected in the ASD group, CI mapping in the ASD group requires a long-term approach with dedicated efforts and patience.

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the clinical patterns and severity of brain injury in neonates who survived extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for acute respiratory failure during the neonatal period, to evaluate their short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, and to identify the factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of neonates who survived ECMO between 2018 and 2024. Based on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, the patients were classified into two groups: no/mild and moderate/severe brain injury. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 12–40 months of age using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development II/III and/or the Korean Developmental Screening Test. Results: Among the 19 neonates included in the study, 18 (94.7%) showed varying degrees of brain injury on MRI (mild: 12, moderate: 1, severe: 5). Neonates with moderate/severe brain injury had significantly longer durations of ECMO support and extended durations of mechanical ventilation and were more likely to receive continuous renal replacement therapy than those with no or mild injury. Developmental delay was identified in 36.8% of survivors and was significantly associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, longer neonatal intensive care unit stays, and a higher incidence of seizures. Conclusion Brain injury is frequently observed on MRI in neonates treated with ECMO. However, its direct association with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes is not definitive. Since MRI findings alone cannot predict developmental outcomes, clinical and environmental factors should be integrated into prognostic assessments.

Objective:   This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed. Results: At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.