1.Current Clinical Perspectives on Rosacea Management: Insights From a Korean Multicenter Expert Opinion Survey
Bo Ri KIM ; Sejin OH ; Ju Hee HAN ; Jimyung SEO ; Hyun-Min SEO ; Soon-Hyo KWON ; Hoon CHOI ; Jung U SHIN ; Jae We CHO ; Boncheol Leo GOO ; Jung-Im NA ; Dong Hun LEE ; Chun Pill CHOI ; HaeWoong LEE ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hwa Jung RYU ; Nark-Kyoung RHO ; Hyunjo KIM ; Ga-Young LEE ; Jong Hee LEE ; Nala SHIN ; Sang Ju LEE ; Suk Bae SEO ; Geun Soo LEE ; Hei Sung KIM ; Chang-Hun HUH
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):42-50
Background:
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, papules, ocular symptoms, and heightened sensitivity. Patients with neurogenic symptoms such as burning or stinging remain particularly difficult to manage. Current guidelines often underrepresent energy-based devices (EBDs), pigmentary sequelae, psychosocial burden, and ocular comorbidities.
Objective:
To examine Korean dermatologists’ expert perspectives on rosacea management, focusing on skin sensitivity, neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary changes, psychosocial impact, ocular involvement, and EBD use.
Methods:
A web-based, 29-item survey was administered to 25 board-certified Korean dermatologists (May–June 2025). Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed.
Results:
Erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular phenotypes with sensitivity skin predominated. EBDs (pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light) were frequently used but limited by cost and sensitivity issues. Neurogenic symptoms were recognized but rarely treated with neuromodulators. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was infrequent, yet monitoring was inconsistent.Psychosocial and ocular aspects were acknowledged but seldomly systematically addressed.Respondents expressed interest in emerging adjunctive treatments such as cold plasma, skin boosters, and holistic care approaches.
Conclusion
Korean dermatologists adopt individualized strategies for rosacea, yet practice gaps remain regarding neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary complications, and psychosocial and ocular comorbidities. Findings support the need for updated multidisciplinary, phenotype-driven guidelines aligned with real-world practice.
2.Unique TTR Variants D38A and M13dup Among Korean Patients with Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis:A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study
Min-Seung PARK ; Jae Joon LEE ; Darae KIM ; Jin-Oh CHOI ; Seok Jin KIM ; Kihyun KIM ; Ju-Hong MIN ; Hyun-Young KIM ; Hee-Jin KIM
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(3):309-318
Background:
Transthyretin amyloidosis, a protein-misfolding disorder characterized by systemic amyloid deposition, can be classified as wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) or hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv), depending on the presence of transthyretin (TTR) gene variants. We examined the genetic distribution of TTR variants in Korean patients diagnosed with ATTRv.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 801 participants who underwent TTR analysis at Samsung Medical Center from 2012 to 2024. The participants were categorized into two groups: in-house probands or relatives, and externally referred probands or relatives.
Results:
Pathogenic or likely pathogenic TTR variants were detected in 36 of 165 in-house probands (21.8%), among which D38A was the most frequent variant (50.0%; 18/36), followed by M13dup and E89K (8.3% each). Among referred probands, D38A was predominant (54.5%; 12/22), followed by M13dup (22.7%; 5/22). Cardiac amyloid involvement was the most common manifestation, observed in 97.2% (35/36) of in-house probands with ATTRv, followed by peripheral nervous system (PNS; 94.4%) and autonomic nervous system (ANS; 88.9%) involvement. In contrast, ANS involvement was most prevalent among in-house relatives who underwent organ evaluation (61.5%; 24/39), followed by cardiac (52.1%; 25/48) and PNS (48.7%; 19/39) involvement. Five of the eight in-house relatives harboring M13dup (62.5%) showed organ involvement, primarily in the ANS, supporting the pathogenicity of this variant.
Conclusions
This study provides the largest single-institution dataset of Korean patients with ATTRv, incorporating systematic organ assessments. The predominance of the unique TTR variants D38A and M13dup delineates a distinct genetic landscape that may facilitate accurate and timely diagnosis of ATTRv in the Korean population.
3.Nationwide Survey on Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer in Korea: Results From the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research (KCHUGR) 2023 Survey
Jae Yong PARK ; Jeong Hoon LEE ; Tae-Se KIM ; Da Hyun JUNG ; Bong Eun LEE ; Yonghoon CHOI ; Wan-Sik LEE ; Young-Il KIM ; Sun Hyung KANG ; Hyunsoo CHUNG ; Su Jin KIM ; Joon Sung KIM ; Donghoon KANG ; Su Youn NAM ; Seung Han KIM ; Hyo-Joon YANG ; Hyun LIM ; Jin LEE ; Seon-Young PARK ; Seung-Woo LEE ; Sun Moon KIM ; Sam Ryong JEE ; Dae Young CHEUNG ; Chung Hyun TAE ; Seokin KANG ; Sung Chul PARK ; Seung In SEO ; Cheol Min SHIN ; Kee Don CHOI ; Jong Yeul LEE ;
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2026;26(2):169-183
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.
4.Prospective Evaluation of Irreversible Electroporation With Clustered Electrodes as a Novel Palliative Approach for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Joon Ho KWON ; Man-Deuk KIM ; Maher Salamah ALANAZI ; Jiwon SUK ; Seung JEONG ; Seungmin BANG ; Moon Jae CHUNG ; Ho Kyoung HWANG ; Seung Soo HONG ; Kichang HAN ; Gyoung Min KIM ; Jong Yun WON ; Juil PARK ; Jaesung CHO ; Seok Min JEONG ; Tae Yang CHOI
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):152-160
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and oncologic outcomes of irreversible electroporation (IRE) using a clustered electrode in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).
Materials and Methods:
In this single-center prospective cohort study, 13 patients with LAPC (median age, 60 years; range, 48–78 years) underwent clustered electrode IRE between September 2022 and September 2024. Patient characteristics, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Endpoints included technical success, procedure-related complications, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS).
Results:
Tumors were located in the pancreatic head in four patients (30.8%) and in the body/tail in nine (69.2%). The median tumor size was 2.4 cm (1.5–4.0 cm), and vascular invasion was present in all patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. Intraoperative IRE was performed in 11 (84.6%) patients, and 2 (15.4%) patients underwent percutaneous IRE. Gastrointestinal bleeding events as major complications occurred in two patients (15.4%) and, both were successfully controlled by embolization. No 60-day mortality was observed. At a median follow-up of 24.5 months (range, 9.9–33.4 months) after IRE, median OS and PFS from IRE were 20.1 and 14.5 months, respectively.
Conclusion
IRE using clustered electrodes for LAPC appears to be a feasible therapeutic approach, offering reliable technical success and acceptable safety. Survival outcomes are encouraging; however, larger, controlled studies are required.
5.Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Era: A Study of the Korean Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry
Hee Young JU ; Hyoung Soo CHOI ; Hyeon Jin PARK ; Keon Hee YOO ; Chuhl Joo LYU ; Ho Joon IM ; Min Kyoung KIM ; Yeung-Chul MUN ; Joon Ho MOON ; Sung-Soo YOON ; Eunyoung LEE ; Jae Hoon LEE ; Je-Hwan LEE ; So Young CHONG ; June-Won CHEONG ; Seunghyun WON ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):632-641
Purpose:
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in children, adolescents, and young adults is rare and differs from older adults. This study evaluated the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in young Korean CML patients during the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 35 CML patients aged < 40 years who underwent allogeneic HSCT from 2009 to 2019 was conducted using Korean Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry data. Patients were grouped by age < 20 years at HSCT (group 1, n=15) and 20-40 years at HSCT (group 2, n=20). Survival outcomes including overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and event-free survival (EFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results:
The median time between diagnosis and HSCT was 8.9 months. All the patients achieved engraftment but platelet recovery was significantly slower in group 1 (p=0.034). Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease occurred in 54.3% and 34.3%, respectively. Five-year OS, RFS, and EFS rates of total patients were 66.8%, 50.8%, and 47.6%, with better OS was observed in group 1 by multivariable analysis (p=0.048). Disease status at HSCT was a significant predictor of OS (p=0.028), RFS (p=0.003), and EFS (p=0.004). Disease progression occurred in 13 out of 35 patients (37.1%); treatment-related mortality accounted for 63.6% of deaths (7 out of 11).
Conclusion
When performed at a younger age, allogeneic HSCT result in superior outcome in CML. Achieving remission before HSCT is critical for improved outcomes, highlighting the importance of pretransplant remission via optimal TKI strategies and minimal residual disease monitoring.
6.Surveillance of avian influenza viruses in migratory wild birds in South Korea, 2019–2025
Jae Kyung LEE ; Min Beom KIM ; Seo Hyeon KIM ; Song Hwi JEONG ; HaanWoo SUNG ; Hyung-Kwan JANG ; Kang-Seuk CHOI ; Daesung YOO ; Se-Hee AN ; Gyeong-Beom HEO ; Yong-Myung KANG ; Youn-Jeong LEE ; Kwang-Nyeong LEE ; Young Ju LEE
Journal of Veterinary Science 2026;27(2):07-2025
Objective:
We investigated the distribution of AI viruses in fecal samples from wild bird habitats (and nearby poultry-farm areas) surveyed between September and March from 2019 to 2025 and identified associated epidemiological risk factors.
Methods:
Samples were screened for influenza A (M, H5, H7) genes using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), subjected to virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs, and subtyped by PCR and sequencing. Host species were identified through DNA barcoding. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated for province, month, and waterfowl density.
Results:
Overall prevalence of HPAI and low pathogenic AI (LPAI) virus was 0.10% and 3.21%, respectively. HPAI virus was continuously isolated since 2020–2021, except 2019– 2020, while LPAI prevalence steadily increased (3.01%–4.35%). Twelve hemagglutinin (H1–H12) subtypes were identified in 1,722 isolates, and H3 (16.5%) was the most prevalent, followed by H5 (11.1%) and H7 (5.2%). LPAI H5N3 (55.7%) and H7N7 (75.5%) were the predominant H5 and H7 subtypes, respectively. Detection was higher in western coastal provinces, and higher mallard/spot-billed duck density and sampling in September– December were associated with increased risk.
Conclusions
and Relevance: Continued surveillance of migratory-bird habitats can provide early warning of HPAIV incursions and support targeted biosecurity measures in high-risk regions and seasons.
7.Risk stratification for malignant upgrade in breast atypical hyperplasia: a Korean multi-institutional analysis from academic hospitals
Hyobin KIM ; Jung Ho PARK ; Min Kyoon KIM ; Chihwan CHA ; Hocheol LEE ; Se Jeong OH ; Hoon CHOI ; Jae Pak YI ; Su Hyun LIM ; Eun Young KIM ; Young-Joon KANG
Korean Journal of Clinical Oncology 2026;22(1):18-27
Purpose:
Atypical hyperplasia (AH) management remains controversial due to variable malignant disease progression rates. While Western studies report 10% to 25% upgrade rates, data from Asian populations, particularly from referral academic centers, are limited. We aimed to identify predictive factors for malignant upgrade in Korean women with AH at academic hospitals.
Methods:
This retrospective multi-institutional study analyzed 340 patients diagnosed with AH on initial biopsy who underwent subsequent excision at five Korean academic hospitals from 2000 to 2022. Malignant upgrade was defined as ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive cancer on the final pathology. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of upgrades.
Results:
Among 340 patients (319 atypical ductal hyperplasia, 20 atypical lobular hyperplasia, and 1 mixed), 128 (37.6%) experienced a malignant upgrade, 98 (76.6%) to ductal carcinoma in situ, and 30 (23.4%) to invasive cancer. In multivariate analysis, multifocal atypia (odds ratio [OR], 25.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.20–58.55; P<0.001) and Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System 4c-5 lesions (OR, 11.02; 95% CI, 1.43–84.86; P=0.021) were significant predictors. Multifocal atypia showed an 84.4% upgrade rate. Core needle biopsy had higher upgrade rates than vacuum-assisted biopsy (45.2% vs. 20.0%; P<0.001). The upgrade rates decreased from 50% to 25% over the study period (P<0.05).
Conclusion
The 37.6% upgrade rate in this tertiary referral cohort exceeded that in Western reports, with multifocal atypia emerging as the strongest predictor. These findings support immediate excision for multifocal atypia while allowing individualized management for unifocal lesions with favorable imaging in Korean tertiary care settings.
8.A Protocol of Korean JOint RegistrY for ALZheimer’s Treatment and Diagnostics (JOY-ALZ)
Geon Ha KIM ; Jung-Min PYUN ; Danbee KANG ; Sung Hoon KANG ; Seong-Ho KOH ; Jae Seung KIM ; So Young MOON ; Won-Jin MOON ; Young Ho PARK ; YongSoo SHIM ; Dong Won YANG ; Young Chul YOUN ; Young Hee JUNG ; Hanna CHO ; Hojin CHOI ; Jae-Sung LIM ; Kee Hyung PARK ; Seong Hye CHOI
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2026;25(1):25-41
Background:
and Purpose: To assess the long-term effectiveness, safety, and economic viability of recently approved Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapies, as well as to evaluate the real-world application of novel diagnostics among AD patients with diverse comorbidities, comprehensive real-world data (RWD) analysis is essential. The Korean JOint RegistrY for ALZheimer’s Treatment and Diagnostics (JOY-ALZ) endeavors to create a registry of RWD derived from clinical practice on new diagnostic methods and therapeutic agents for AD introduced in Korea since 2021.
Methods:
Participants must fulfill all the following: 1) be at least 19 years old; 2) be actively receiving, scheduled to initiate, or undergoing evaluation for any AD disease-modifying treatment; 3) have completed amyloid positron emission tomography or cerebrospinal fluid AD immunoassay (a positive result is not essential for participation); 4) have a clinical classification of cognitively unimpaired, mild cognitive impairment, or probable AD dementia. Data generated during routine care is segmented into a minimum dataset, extended dataset, and research-only dataset requiring extra consent. Assessments encompass clinical, cognitive, functional, neurobehavioral, neuroimaging, and biomarker evaluations, in addition to systematic monitoring of new AD treatments and their safety.Data are collected and monitored at baseline, at semiannual intervals during the initial 2 years, and then annually up to 2034. To date, 46 medical centers will participate in JOY-ALZ.
Conclusions
JOY-ALZ is expected to promote understanding of the long-term clinical outcomes, safety, and cost-effectiveness of recently introduced diagnostics and treatments for AD, thereby supporting the progress of precision medicine in AD care and diagnosis.
9.Clinical Efficacy of Real-Time Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Colonoscopy in Colorectal Polyp Detection: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Han Jo JEON ; Bora KEUM ; Eui Sun JEONG ; Seong-Eun KIM ; Chang Mo MOON ; Bomee LEE ; Sanghyun KIM ; Hyuk Soon CHOI ; Jae Min LEE ; Eun Sun KIM ; Yoon Tae JEEN
Gut and Liver 2026;20(1):97-106
Background/Aims:
Early detection and removal of colon polyps are critical for preventing colorectal cancer. Computer-aided detection (CADe) systems have been introduced to increase the polyp detection rate (PDR) during colonoscopy, potentially enhancing its effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a CADe system in colorectal neoplasm detection.
Methods:
This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at two tertiary centers (May 2023 to April 2025). Patients were randomly assigned to CADe or conventional colonoscopy and underwent screening, surveillance, or diagnostic colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was the adenoma detection rate (ADR), while the secondary endpoints were the PDR, relative risk (RR) of polyp detection, adenomas per colonoscopy (APC), and factors influencing adenoma detection.
Results:
Of 1,004 enrolled patients, 998 were randomly allocated into CADe and conventional colonoscopy groups (497 CADe system and 501 conventional colonoscopy). The CADe group had greater polyp counts (2.2 per colonoscopy vs 1.4 per colonoscopy; p<0.001) and APC values (1.2 vs 0.8; p<0.001). The CADe group showed significantly higher PDRs (72.2% vs 54.5%;p<0.001; RR, 2.173; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.669 to 2.828) and ADRs (52.3% vs 36.1%;p<0.001; RR, 1.940; 95% CI, 1.505 to 2.499). CADe also significantly increased the detection rate of hyperplastic polyps (p=0.007; RR, 1.474; 95% CI, 1.113 to 1.952) and increased the detection rates across all sizes and locations. In multivariable analysis, CADe use was the strongest independent predictor of adenoma detection (odds ratio, 1.914; 95% CI, 1.467 to 2.496), outweighing male sex, older age, diagnostic indication, and withdrawal time.
Conclusions
Real-time CADe-assisted colonoscopy significantly increased PDR and ADR and proved to be a strong independent predictor of adenoma detection (cris.nih.go.kr, KCT0009664).
10.Recording Vibrissal Compound Muscle Action Potentials Following Facial Nerve Trunk Stimulation in Rats Using a BIOPAC System
John Patrick CUENCA ; Min Young LEE ; Jae Yun JUNG ; Ji Eun CHOI
Journal of Audiology & Otology 2026;30(2):129-134
Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) recording provides an objective electrophysiological assessment of facial nerve function after injury. In rodent models, vibrissal CMAPs serve as quantitative surrogates of facial nerve integrity; however, practical descriptions of CMAP recording setups using widely available systems remain limited. In this study, we detail a practical and reproducible method for recording vibrissal CMAPs following direct stimulation of the facial nerve trunk in rats, using a BIOPAC-based system. CMAPs were recorded before and after unilateral facial nerve crush injury, followed by transection and epineural repair. Direct nerve trunk stimulation reliably elicited stable CMAP waveforms and supramaximal stimulation produced consistent responses suitable for longitudinal assessment. Baseline CMAP amplitudes were comparable to previously reported values. After facial nerve injury, CMAPs on the injured side were absent at 1 week, reappeared at 2 weeks, and increased further by 4 weeks. Because absolute CMAP amplitudes varied across recording sessions despite intact contralateral nerves, functional recovery was evaluated using left/right amplitude ratios. Single-peak CMAP amplitude was used to minimize waveform variability and stimulus-related artifacts. This method provides a straightforward and accessible approach for the electrophysiological assessment of facial nerve injury and recovery in experimental rodent models.

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