1.HER2-low and ultralow breast cancer: interobserver challenges and lessons from a consensus study
Jiwon KOH ; Yoon Jin CHA ; Eun Yoon CHO ; Ahwon LEE ; Ja Seung KOO ; So Yeon PARK ; Min Hwan KIM ; Jae Ho JEONG ; Gyungyub GONG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):331-337
The recent approval of trastuzumab deruxtecan for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–low and HER2-ultralow breast cancer mandates an adequate assessment of these categories. Methods: Seven breast pathologists from the Breast Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists held an on-site expert consensus meeting. Fifteen sets of virtual whole slide images (WSI) of hematoxylin and eosin stain and HER2 immunohistochemistry were provided. The pathologists were given 60 minutes to submit their diagnosis of HER2 expression into null, ultralow, 1+, 2+, or 3+. Afterwards, in-depth discussion and consensus diagnoses were made by real-time visualization of the WSI. Results: After the consensus meeting, unanimous 100% agreements were seen only in five (33.3%) of the examined cases, which consisted of three 1+ cases and two 2+ cases. Two cases (13.3%) had mild disagreement, with only one pathologist’s disagreement. Of note, eight cases (53.3%) showed significant disagreement, defined by more than two pathologists’ disagreement. All HER2-null cases were reclassified as ultralow after consensus review, suggesting potential widespread underclassification of ultralow cases in clinical practice. Conclusions: Experts had significant discrepancies in interpreting HER2-low/ultralow status. It is important to assess if the distinction between HER2-low and ultralow is strictly required and if HER2-null breast cancer exists in reality.
2.Obstetric Outcomes of Jehovah’s Witness Women Under Patient Blood Management: A Single-center, Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study in Korea
Jeong-Won OH ; Seug Yun YOON ; Jeong Jae LEE ; Kyu Yeon CHOI ; Seong Soon KWON
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2026;59(2):143-151
Objectives:
Patient blood management (PBM) is increasingly recognized as an essential strategy in obstetric care for reducing transfusion-related risks and improving maternal safety. Jehovah’s Witness (JW) women, who categorically refuse blood transfusion, represent a unique clinical population in which to evaluate the effectiveness of PBM. This study aimed to assess obstetric outcomes of JW women compared with non-JW women at a PBM-based center in Korea.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed delivery outcomes and PBM practices among JW women (n=205) with singleton pregnancies and non-JW women (n=601) who were matched at a 1:3 ratio using propensity scores at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital between 2018 and 2023. The primary outcomes included obstetric morbidities, with particular attention to complications related to postpartum hemorrhage and the interventions used for its management.
Results:
JW women were more likely to receive intravenous iron administration (7.3 vs. 2.8%, p=0.008) and had higher hemoglobin (Hb) levels during the first trimester (12.6±1.1 vs. 11.8±3.4 g/dL, p=0.012) than non-JW women. Blood loss during cesarean section and the incidence of severe postpartum anemia (Hb <7 g/dL) were lower among JW women; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. In the hemorrhage-related high-risk subgroup, JW women were managed according to PBM protocols without transfusion, and their obstetric outcomes were comparable to those observed in non-JW women.
Conclusions
This study identified no significant differences in hemorrhage-related obstetric outcomes between JW and non-JW women at a PBM-based center. The systematic application of PBM enables safe delivery in transfusion-restricted settings and may reduce reliance on blood transfusion while maintaining maternal safety.
3.Ultrasound Imaging Features Associated With Neoplastic Gallbladder Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Sunyoung LEE ; Won CHANG ; Yeun-Yoon KIM ; Jin Young PARK ; Sun Kyung JEON ; Jeong Eun LEE ; Jeongin YOO ; Seungchul HAN ; So Hyun PARK ; Jae Hyun KIM ; Hyo Jung PARK ; Hyun-Soo ZHANG ; Jeong Hee YOON
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(4):332-343
Objective:
Although most gallbladder polyps are benign, some neoplastic polyps may be malignant or may serve as precursors to malignancy. Distinguishing neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps using imaging examinations remains a major challenge.This meta-analysis aimed to identify the ultrasound (US) features that are significantly associated with neoplastic polyps.
Materials and Methods:
The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and KoreaMed databases were searched for articles published up to August 31, 2025. Bivariate random-effects models were used to calculate the meta-analytic pooled diagnostic odds ratios (DORs), sensitivities, and specificities, along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for each US imaging feature in the diagnosis of neoplastic polyps.
Results:
Thirty studies evaluating 8,953 patients, including 1,216 (13.6%) patients with neoplastic polyps, were included.Among the nine evaluated US imaging features, namely, size ≥10 mm, sessile morphology, single polyp, coexisting gallstones, hypoechogenicity, heterogeneous echogenicity, gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT), absence of hyperechoic spot, and vascularity, eight were significantly associated with neoplastic polyps: size ≥10 mm (DOR: 6.23 [95% CI: 1.86– 20.90]), sessile morphology (DOR: 3.54 [1.93–5.97]), single polyp (DOR: 2.21 [1.76–2.74]), coexisting gallstones (DOR:1.86 [1.29–2.60]), hypoechogenicity (DOR: 3.55 [1.47–7.30]), GBWT (DOR: 9.38 [1.47–32.20]), absence of hyperechoic spots (DOR: 4.23 [2.46–6.83]), and vascularity (DOR: 9.72 [5.81–15.30]). Of these, size ≥10 mm demonstrated the highest pooled sensitivity (0.79 [95% CI: 0.68–0.87]), whereas hypoechogenicity showed the highest pooled specificity (0.93 [95% CI: 0.82–0.98]).
Conclusion
Eight US imaging features (size ≥10 mm, sessile morphology, single polyp, coexisting gallstones, hypoechogenicity, GBWT, absence of hyperechoic spots, and vascularity) were significantly associated with the presence of neoplastic polyps.These features may facilitate the management of gallbladder polyps.
4.Comparative Outcomes of No-Touch Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Tumor-Puncture Microwave Ablation for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Jae Hyun KIM ; Sae-Jin PARK ; Dong Jin CHUNG ; Hyun Pyo HONG ; Jeong Kyong LEE ; Chang Jin YOON ; Jeong Min LEE
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(1):34-47
Objective:
This study aimed to compare the therapeutic outcomes of no-touch (NT) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) vs. tumorpuncture microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of single hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) measuring ≤3 cm.
Materials and Methods:
This multicenter retrospective study included 304 patients who underwent either NT-RFA (n = 144) or MWA (n = 160) for a single HCC measuring ≤3 cm. Comparative analyses were conducted for the overall cohort, while 81 patients per group were matched using propensity score matching (PSM). The analyzed outcomes included technical success, primary technique efficacy, local tumor progression (LTP), and major complications. Cumulative LTP was estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank text, while the rate of ablative margin ≥5 mm and ablation time were compared using Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests, respectively.
Results:
Technical success was achieved in 98.6% (142/144) and 100% (160/160) of in the NT-RFA and MWA patients, respectively before PSM (P = 0.224), and 98.8% (80/81) and 100% (81/81) after PSM (P = 1.000). The primary technique efficacies were 98.6% (142/144) and 100% (160/160) before PSM (P = 0.224), and 97.5 % (79/81) and 100% (81/81) after PSM (P = 0.497), respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative LTP rates were 1.4%, 1.4%, and 2.3%, respectively, for NTRFA and 5.1%, 8.6%, and 8.6%, respectively, for MWA before PSM (P = 0.013). After PSM, the corresponding rates were 0%, 0%, and 0% for NT-RFA, and 7.6%, 10.4%, and 10.4% for MWA (P = 0.006). Major complications were not observed. NT-RFA achieved a higher proportion, with an ablative margin ≥5 mm (88.7% [126/142] vs. 71.9% [115/160]; P < 0.001), but required longer ablation times (median, 10.0 vs. 6.0 min; P < 0.001).
Conclusion
NT-RFA showed superior local tumor control compared to MWA, despite greater procedural complexity and longer ablation times.
5.Clinical Efficacy and Scalp Microbiome Changes Induced by AMPamide-Containing Shampoo in Patients With Seborrheic Dermatitis
Yi Na YOON ; Sae Hee KIM ; Ji Won LIM ; Myeong Jae KIM ; Hye-Jin KIM ; Woo Jun SUL ; Daehwan KIM ; Wonseok JEONG ; Jeonghwan HWANG ; Da-Ae YU ; Yong Beom CHOE ; Yang Won LEE
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(3):237-247
Background:
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory scalp disorder associated with Malassezia dysbiosis and increased sebum production. AMPamide has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effects, but its clinical efficacy and microbiome-modulating effects in SD remain unclear.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and scalp microbiome changes following 4 weeks of use of an AMPamide-containing shampoo in patients with SD.
Methods:
In this observational study, 30 patients with SD applied an AMPamide-containing shampoo for 4 consecutive weeks. Clinical outcomes, including sebum levels and overall severity scores, were assessed. Scalp bacterial and fungal communities were analyzed to evaluate α- and β-diversity and changes in Malassezia composition.
Results:
Treatment resulted in significant reductions in sebum levels and clinical severity scores, particularly in erythema, dandruff, and pruritus. Bacterial community composition remained largely stable, while fungal α-diversity increased, and β-diversity analysis revealed a decrease in the ratio of Malassezia restricta to Malassezia globosa.
Conclusion
AMPamide-containing shampoo was associated with improved clinical symptoms and a shift toward a more balanced fungal community composition in patients with SD, supporting its potential as a non-steroidal therapeutic option for SD.
6.Effect of weight reduction on liver volume in living liver donors with steatosis: a retrospective cohort study
Kwangpyo HONG ; Kwang-Woong LEE ; Su young HONG ; Sola LEE ; Hyun Hwa CHOI ; Jiyoung KIM ; Jaewon LEE ; Jae-Yoon KIM ; Jeong-Moo LEE ; Suk Kyun HONG ; YoungRok CHOI
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(4):273-280
Purpose:
Weight reduction (WR) can reduce liver volume, affecting the graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR). This study aimed to evaluate the decrease in liver volume after WR and analyze risk factors affecting liver volume reduction in potential liver donors with steatosis.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed data of 147 potential liver donors with steatosis who participated in a WR program prior to liver transplantation between January 2016 and December 2021. Total liver volume (TLV) was measured using CT and MRI. Risk factors for large liver volume reduction (≥10%) were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
Ninety-seven donors (66.0%) underwent donor hepatectomy after WR. Liver volumes showed a statistically significant decrease (from 1,399.6 ± 315.4 mL to 1,283.6 ± 271.2 mL, P < 0.05). Thirty-eight donors (42.7%) showed large liver volume reduction. There was a more significant reduction in weight, AST, and ALT in the large liver volume reduction group than in the small liver volume reduction group (all P < 0.05). WR percentage and ALT abnormalities were independent risk factors for large liver volume reduction (odds ratio, 1.184 [95% confidence interval, 1.054–1.329] and odds ratio, 5.502 [95% confidence interval, 1.660–18.229], respectively; all P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Potential liver donors with 7% or more WR or ALT abnormality require liver volume/GRWR remeasurement after WR to ensure adequate graft size and prevent small-for-size syndrome.
7.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).
8.Physiotherapy Services in the 2023–2024 Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA) Tour: A Retrospective Evaluation of Injuries and Treatments
Kyung-mook SEO ; Ji-soo YOON ; Jae-soo LEE ; Woon-yong SIM ; Jeong-min CHOI ; Byoung-min YUN
The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine 2026;44(1):41-48
Purpose:
To evaluate the provision of physiotherapy services at 40 Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA) Tour tournaments during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Methods:
Data from 300 registered KPGA Tour players (150 per season) who utilized physiotherapy services during 40 tournaments from April to November were analyzed. Services were categorized as physical contact (manual therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, cryotherapy, high-intensity laser, interferential current therapy, high-frequency therapy and noncontact (warm-up, cool-down). Records included golf-related injury sites and treatment methods.
Results:
Physiotherapy services were provided over 200 days, with 9,126 total visits and 10,565 treatments (average 264 treatments per tournament). Physical contact treatments comprised 8,634 of all interventions (81.9%), with noncontact treatments at 1,931 (18.1%). Among 7,972 recorded golf-related injuries, spinal issues accounted for 63.6%, lower limb 23.0%, and upper limb 13.4%. Lower back injuries were most prevalent (33.1%), followed by neck and upper back. Manual therapy was the predominant treatment (61%), followed by warm-up and taping.
Conclusion
This study provides insights into physiotherapy service utilization on the KPGA Tour and suggests effective intervention methods for golf-related injuries. Results indicate that physiotherapy services play an important role in injury prevention and treatment, supporting the establishment of systematic injury management systems for professional golfers.
9.Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia: Recommendations for Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine
Yeshin KIM ; Dong Woo KANG ; Geon Ha KIM ; Ko Woon KIM ; Hee-Jin KIM ; Seunghee NA ; Kee Hyung PARK ; Young Ho PARK ; Gihwan BYEON ; Jeewon SUH ; Joon Hyun SHIN ; YongSoo SHIM ; YoungSoon YANG ; Yoo Hyun UM ; Seong-il OH ; Sheng-Min WANG ; Bora YOON ; Sun Min LEE ; Juyoun LEE ; Jin San LEE ; Jae-Sung LIM ; Young Hee JUNG ; Juhee CHIN ; Hyemin JANG ; Miyoung CHOI ; Yun Jeong HONG ; Hak Young RHEE ; Jae-Won JANG ;
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2025;24(1):1-23
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.
10.Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP)
Jae Hoon MOON ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Wonjae CHA ; Young Jun CHAI ; Sun Wook CHO ; June Young CHOI ; Sung Yong CHOI ; A Jung CHU ; Eun-Jae CHUNG ; Yul HWANGBO ; Woo-Jin JEONG ; Yuh-Seog JUNG ; Kyungsik KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Su-jin KIM ; Woochul KIM ; Yoo Hyung KIM ; Chang Yoon LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Kyu Eun LEE ; Young Ki LEE ; Hunjong LIM ; Do Joon PARK ; Sue K. PARK ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Junsun RYU ; Jungirl SEOK ; Young Shin SONG ; Ka Hee YI ; Hyeong Won YU ; Eleanor WHITE ; Katerina MASTROCOSTAS ; Roderick J. CLIFTON-BLIGH ; Anthony GLOVER ; Matti L. GILD ; Ji-hoon KIM ; Young Joo PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(2):236-246
Background:
Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making.
Methods:
This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

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