1.Disproportionality Analysis on Adverse Reactions Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Using a Nationwide Spontaneous Adverse Event Reporting Database
Eunji KIM ; Yu-Seon JUNG ; Jongmin LEE ; Dal Ri NAM ; Seung-Hun YOU ; Ju Won LEE ; Heeyeon LEE ; Su Bin PARK ; Sun-Young JUNG
Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy 2025;35(3):187-197
Background:
The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for advanced cancer is increasing, particularly in combination withchemotherapy. However, previous studies have focused on immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in specific organs, with limited re-search on combination therapy.
Objective:
We aimed to detect signals of adverse drug reaction (ADR) in both ICIs plus chemotherapy and ICIs alone compared to chemotherapy.
Methods:
We investigated individual case safety reports (ICSRs) between 2014 and 2022using Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management Korean Adverse Event Reporting System database (KIDS KAERS DB(2304A0076)). We defined adverse events (AEs) and drugs using MedDRA and the national drug code directory provided by the Min-istry of Food and Drug Safety. To detect signals, we performed disproportionality analysis using indices of reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC).
Results:
We identified 206,959 ICSRs in the KIDS KAERS DB, of which 5,154 contained ICIs and 201,805 were for chemotherapy. Compared to chemotherapy, radiation pneumonitis (ROR, 2313.6; IC, 5.4), hyperthyroidism (ROR, 53.4; IC, 4.2), and eczema (ROR,18.3; IC, 3.4) were detected as signals for ICIs. For ICIs with chemotherapy, additional signals including heart failure (ROR 9.65; IC 2.45), proteinuria (ROR 28.67; IC 4.16), and urinary tract infections (ROR 3.46; IC 1.03) were detected.
Conclusion
The study highlights an essential signal of ADRs associated with ICIs, both alone and in combination therapy, with conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and pneumonitis. These AEs should be monitored in clinical settings.
2.Glioblastoma Immunotherapy Adjuvants for Glial Cell Polarization Regulation
Jun Seo PARK ; Dong Geon LEE ; Dal-Hee MIN ; Sung Joong LEE
Experimental Neurobiology 2025;34(6):235-247
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains fatal despite maximal surgical resection, temozolomide chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Within the GBM microenvironment, tumor-educated microglia and astrocytes adopt immunoregulatory-like STAT3-high and ARG1/TGF-β-high phenotypes, respectively, which shield GBM cells from adaptive immune attack. In this review, we examine emerging adjuvant strategies designed to molecularly reprogram glial cells toward pro-inflammatory C3-high and IFN/NF-κB-high states, amplifying antitumor immunity. First, we summarize key aspects of GBM pathobiology and identify why conventional treatments fail to achieve durable control. Next, we dissect the signaling networks that govern glial phase states, including NF-κB, STAT3, IRF3, NLRP3, and cGAS-STING axes. We then provide a mechanism-centric analysis of pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) agonists, inflammasome modulators, and cyclic-dinucleotide STING agonists, integrating quantitative preclinical data with early clinical trial results. For each adjuvant, we distinguish between direct astrocytic engagement and indirect cytokine-mediated reprogramming.Modulation of glial phase states holds considerable promise for enhancing personalized vaccine efficacy and for converting immunologically “cold” GBM into a T cell-inflamed tumor. Consequently, targeting glial cell phase modulation is a highly attractive strategy for GBM immunotherapy, with the potential to maximize therapeutic benefit. Despite advances in chemo-, radio-, and checkpoint-blockade therapies, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of GBM and its failure to establish memory immunity limit their impact. Tumor-polarized astrocytes and microglia form a barrier to effective T cell-mediated attack. Emerging evidence shows that redirecting glia toward pro-inflammatory phenotypes can recondition the TME, creating a more permissive landscape for immunotherapy. This review highlights glial phase reprogramming as a promising immunoadjuvant approach, emphasizing molecular circuits, synthetic modulators, and translational prospects.
3.Imaging and Clinical Findings of Xanthogranulomatous Inflammatory Disease of Various Abdominal and Pelvic Organs: A Pictorial Essay
Se Jin LEE ; Dal Mo YANG ; Hyun Cheol KIM ; Sang Won KIM ; Kyu Yeoun WON ; So Hyun PARK ; Woo Kyoung JEONG
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2024;85(1):109-123
Xanthogranulomatous (XG) inflammatory disease is a rare benign disease involving various organs, including the gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, spleen, stomach, small bowel, colon, appendix, kidney, adrenal gland, urachus, urinary bladder, retroperitoneum, and female genital organs. The imaging features of XG inflammatory disease are nonspecific, usually presenting as a heterogeneous solid or cystic mass. The disease may also extend to adjacent structures. Due to its aggressive nature, it is occasionally misdiagnosed as a malignant neoplasm. Herein, we review the radiological features and clinical manifestations of XG inflammatory diseases in various organs of the abdomen and pelvis.
5.Imaging and Clinical Findings of Xanthogranulomatous Inflammatory Disease of Various Abdominal and Pelvic Organs: A Pictorial Essay
Se Jin LEE ; Dal Mo YANG ; Hyun Cheol KIM ; Sang Won KIM ; Kyu Yeoun WON ; So Hyun PARK ; Woo Kyoung JEONG
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2024;85(1):109-123
Xanthogranulomatous (XG) inflammatory disease is a rare benign disease involving various organs, including the gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, spleen, stomach, small bowel, colon, appendix, kidney, adrenal gland, urachus, urinary bladder, retroperitoneum, and female genital organs. The imaging features of XG inflammatory disease are nonspecific, usually presenting as a heterogeneous solid or cystic mass. The disease may also extend to adjacent structures. Due to its aggressive nature, it is occasionally misdiagnosed as a malignant neoplasm. Herein, we review the radiological features and clinical manifestations of XG inflammatory diseases in various organs of the abdomen and pelvis.
6.Imaging and Clinical Findings of Xanthogranulomatous Inflammatory Disease of Various Abdominal and Pelvic Organs: A Pictorial Essay
Se Jin LEE ; Dal Mo YANG ; Hyun Cheol KIM ; Sang Won KIM ; Kyu Yeoun WON ; So Hyun PARK ; Woo Kyoung JEONG
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2024;85(1):109-123
Xanthogranulomatous (XG) inflammatory disease is a rare benign disease involving various organs, including the gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, spleen, stomach, small bowel, colon, appendix, kidney, adrenal gland, urachus, urinary bladder, retroperitoneum, and female genital organs. The imaging features of XG inflammatory disease are nonspecific, usually presenting as a heterogeneous solid or cystic mass. The disease may also extend to adjacent structures. Due to its aggressive nature, it is occasionally misdiagnosed as a malignant neoplasm. Herein, we review the radiological features and clinical manifestations of XG inflammatory diseases in various organs of the abdomen and pelvis.
7.Ultrasonography of intrascrotal torsed appendages: size and interval between symptom onset and the ultrasonographic examination according to echogenicity
Seung-Hyun LIM ; Dal Mo YANG ; Hyun Cheol KIM ; Sang Won KIM ; Hyunmin KIM ; Da In LEE ; Sung Kyung MOON ; Seung Jin PARK
Ultrasonography 2023;42(2):259-264
Purpose:
This study investigated the size of torsed appendages and the interval between symptom onset and the ultrasonographic examination according to the echogenicity of the torsed appendages.
Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of 54 cases in 46 patients with torsion of the testicular appendages between December 2008 and July 2021. Eight patients received follow-up ultrasonography 7-48 days after initial ultrasonography. The echogenicity of torsed appendages was classified into three groups: hypoechoic, hyperechoic, or isoechoic.
Results:
The 54 torsed appendages were hypoechoic (n=40), hyperechoic (n=9), or isoechoic (n=5). The size of the torsed appendages ranged from 4 to 14 mm (8.0±3.1 mm) in hypoechoic torsed appendages and from 2.6 to 5.0 mm (3.7±0.9 mm) in hyperechoic torsed appendages. The interval between symptom onset and the ultrasonographic examination ranged from 0 to 17 days (4.2±4.4 days) in hypoechoic torsed appendages and from 8 to 48 days (29.8±16.0 days) in hyperechoic torsed appendages. The hyperechoic torsed appendages were smaller and had longer intervals between symptom onset and the ultrasonographic examination than the hypoechoic torsed appendages (P<0.05). Three hypoechoic torsed appendages and a single isoechoic torsed appendage on initial ultrasonography became hyperechoic on follow-up ultrasonography.
Conclusion
The size of the torsed appendages and the interval between symptom onset and the ultrasonographic examination varied according to the echogenicity of the torsed appendages. The hyperechoic torsed appendages were smaller and had longer intervals until the examination than the hypoechoic torsed appendages.
9.Three-dimensional pelvis computed tomography-assisted Taylor approach for spinal anesthesia in hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study
Saecheol OH ; Yoojung PARK ; Hana KWOUN ; Eunjin EOM ; Dal-ah KIM
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology 2023;76(1):12-16
Background:
Needle insertion for spinal anesthesia using the Taylor approach is challenging as the L5-S1 space is difficult to locate from the surface anatomy. In this study, we suggest the use of three-dimensional (3D) pelvis computed tomography (CT) to assist anesthesiologists in locating the needle insertion point. By comparing the success rate of 3D pelvis CT-assisted Taylor approach to that of other approaches in the existing literatures, we suggest this technique as an alternative method for subarachnoid block in the L5-S1 space.
Methods:
In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the records of hip arthroplasty using the 3D pelvis CT-assisted Taylor approach. An imaginary guidance line was created from the intersection point of the midline and intercristal line on the posterior view of the 3D pelvis CT to the ideal skin insertion point for Taylor approach. The primary outcome was the success rate. The secondary outcomes included the angle between the intercristal line and the guidance line, and the length of the guidance line and the distance between the ideal needle insertion point and the L5-S1 space.
Results:
We reviewed the records of the 276 patients who underwent hip arthroplasty using 3D CT-assisted Taylor approach. In this cohort, the 3D CT-assisted Taylor approach in L5-S1 subarachnoid block failed in only 25/276 patients. The success rate of 3D CT-assisted Taylor approach was 90.9%.
Conclusions
A 3D pelvis CT-assisted Taylor approach of spinal anesthesia can be an alternative method for subarachnoid block in the L5-S1 space with an acceptable success rate.
10.2023 Korean Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Hyun Kyung CHUNG ; Eu Jeong KU ; Won Sang YOO ; Yea Eun KANG ; Kyeong Jin KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Tae-Yong KIM ; Young Joo PARK ; Chang Ho AHN ; Jee Hee YOON ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Jong Min LEE ; Eui Dal JUNG ; Jae Hoon CHUNG ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Won Bae KIM ; Ka Hee YI ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Do Joon PARK
International Journal of Thyroidology 2023;16(1):32-50
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), characterized by elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and normal free thyroxine levels, usually presents without symptoms, and is often discovered incidentally during routine blood test. The Task Force of the Korean Thyroid Association Committee of Clinical Practice Guidelines has established a guideline to evaluate and manage SCH; the guideline emphasizes the implementation of diagnostic criteria based on the TSH reference range for Koreans and focuses on the proven health benefits of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment. Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), serum TSH level of 6.8 mIU/L is considered the reference value for SCH. SCH can be categorized as mild (TSH 6.8-10.0 mIU/L) or severe (TSH >10.0 mIU/L), and patients are classified as adults (age <70 years) or elderly patients (age ≥70years) depending on the health effects of LT4 treatment. An initial increase in serum TSH levels should be reassessed with a subsequent measurement, along with the thyroid peroxidase antibody test, preferably 2-3 months after the initial evaluation. Usually, LT4 treatment is not recommended for mild SCH in adults; however, treatment is necessary for severe SCH in patients with underlying coronary artery disease or heart failure and can be considered for coexisting dyslipidemia. LT4 treatment is not recommended for mild or even severe SCH in elderly patients, in general. Patients with SCH who receive LT4 treatment, the LT4 dosage should be personalized, and serum TSH levels should be monitored to ensure optimal LT4 dosage (dosage that is neither excessive nor insufficient). Patients with SCH who do not receive LT4 treatment require periodic follow-up at appropriate testing intervals determined by disease severity. The guideline also provides several educational points applicable in clinical settings.

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