Purpose: Patient-derived cells (PDCs) and patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are complementary preclinical models widely used in translational cancer research. However, their molecular and functional differences have not been systematically characterized. This study established and analyzed paired PDC and PDO models derived from the same gastric cancer ascites to delineate platform-dependent molecular and functional profiles. Materials and Methods: Malignant ascites or pleural fluid obtained from 6 patients with advanced gastric cancer were used to establish paired PDC and PDO models. All pairs underwent comprehensive multi-omics profiling, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Phenotypic characterization included morphological, histological, proliferative, and cell cycle analyses. Drug sensitivity assays were performed using 4 chemotherapeutic agents commonly used to treat gastric cancer. Results: The 6 paired PDC and PDO models exhibited distinct morphological characteristics.Whole-genome analyses demonstrated high concordance among primary tumors, PDCs, and PDOs, confirming tumor representation across platforms. Multi-omics profiling identified platform-dependent molecular signatures; PDOs were enriched for extracellular matrix remodeling and stemness, whereas PDCs displayed proliferation- and immune-related signatures. Clinically relevant biomarkers, including HER2 and MET alterations, were concordant with primary tumors. Notably, drug responses differed between platforms and patients, indicating platform-dependent and patient-specific chemosensitivity. Conclusions Paired PDC and PDO models derived from the same patients preserved core patient-specific tumor characteristics while exhibiting distinct molecular and functional profiles. These findings underscore the culture platform as a critical determinant of experimental outcomes and therapeutic responses. Therefore, careful selection of an appropriate preclinical model is essential to accurately address biological questions and optimize precision oncology strategies.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–ultralow breast cancer among cases initially classified as HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) 0 and assess interobserver variability in interpreting low-level HER2 expression. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, all invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed between January and December 2022 across 10 Korean institutions were retrieved. Institutional pathologists reexamined HER2 IHC slides originally reported as IHC 0 according to the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines and reclassified them as HER2-null (0), HER2-ultralow (0+), or HER2-low (1+). Slides from 10% of HER2-null and HER2-ultralow cases were digitized for central review and independently assessed by two pathologists, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Results: Among 8,026 cases, 2,836 cases (35.5%) were initially reported as IHC 0. Upon re-review, 1,673 (59.0%), 1,139 (40.2%), and 24 (0.8%) cases were reclassified as HER2-null, HER2-ultralow, and HER2-low, respectively. The prevalence of HER2-ultralow breast cancer varied considerably across institutions (23.7%–78.1%). Central review of 268 digitized cases showed concordance in 193 cases (72.0%). Among the 75 discordant cases, 54 tumors (72.0%) were upgraded from HER2-null to HER2-ultralow, and 18 (24.0%) tumors were upgraded from HER2-ultralow to HER2-low. Furthermore, two tumors (2.7%) were downgraded from HER2-ultralow to HER2-null. Conclusions: Approximately 40% of cases initially categorized as IHC 0 were reclassified as HER2-ultralow. The substantial inter-institutional variability observed in interpreting low-level HER2 expression highlights the need for standardized training and quality assurance to ensure accurate identification of patients eligible for HER2-targeted antibody–drug conjugates.

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.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the “probable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)” category in the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) v2022 guidelines. Materials and Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients at risk of HCC who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI between January 2015 and June 2018; a subgroup of these patients also underwent liver CT. Eligible patients had at least one non-cystic lesion (≥10 mm) with a reference standard. Four radiologists interpreted the images independently and the results were pooled. The performance of “definite HCC” and “probable HCC” together and “probable HCC” alone were compared between v2018 and v2022. Results: A total of 2,237 patients (1,666 men; mean age, 59 ± 11 years) with 2,445 lesions were included. In v2022, 1.5% (143/9,780) of the lesions were additionally categorized as “probable HCC” by four reviewers on MRI; among these, 104 lesions were not HCCs. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) or FNH-like nodules constituted 90.4% (94/104) of the false positives. When “definite HCC” and “probable HCC” were combined, v2022 showed higher sensitivity (83.7% [5,670/6,776] vs. 83.1% [5,631/6,776]) but lower specificity (77.1% [2,316/3,004] vs. 80.6% [2,420/3,004]) than v2018 (P < 0.001). For “probable HCC” alone, v2022 showed a lower positive predictive value (PPV) than v2018 (64.1% [373/582] vs. 76.1% [334/439], P < 0.001). In v2022, lesions with non-rim arterial-phase hyperenhancement (APHE) showed a lower PPV than those without APHE (42.3% [91/215] vs. 76.8% [282/367], P < 0.001). In the CT subgroup (n = 1,590), 1.6% (99/6,360) of the lesions were reassessed as “probable HCC,” and its PPV was 83.8% (83/99) in v2022 whereas no lesions were classified as “probable HCC” under v2018. Conclusion The revised “probable HCC” category in the KLCA-NCC v2022 aligns with updates in the diagnostic flow, demonstrating acceptable performance on MRI and CT. Notably, FNH or FNH-like nodules can be misclassified as “probable HCC” when MRI is used.

Background: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is widely applied in dermatology for its regenerative effects; however, its clinical utility is limited by low stability and high production costs.To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel probiotic-derived epidermal growth factor (pEGF) by engineering Pediococcus pentosaceus CBT SL4 to express and secrete EGF. Objective: To investigate the anti-photoaging effects of topical pEGF in a ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated mice by assessing histological and molecular changes related to collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Methods: SKH1 hairless mice were exposed to UVB for twelve weeks to induce photoaging and treated with topical 10% pEGF cream from week 9 to 12. Skin samples were analyzed using dermoscopy, histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and proteomics to evaluate morphological and molecular alterations in ECM components and inflammatory markers. Results: Topical pEGF treatment improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles. Histological evaluation revealed that EGF significantly attenuated UVB-induced epidermal thickening and restored collagen density, with the strongest effects observed in the pEGF group. Molecular analysis showed downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs; MMP-1, MMP-3), upregulation of collagen (type I collagen, type III collagen) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs; TIMP-1, TIMP-2). Additionally, pEGF reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β) and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion pEGF demonstrated potent anti-photoaging effects through ECM restoration, inflammation modulation, and barrier reinforcement. These findings support the therapeutic potential of pEGF as a stable, cost-effective alternative to conventional EGF in dermatological applications.

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.

In addition to well-known side effects such as rash, redness, and bone resorption, unexpected facial complications may occasionally occur several years after certain medical procedures. This report presents rare cases of orofacialsymptoms that developed as delayed responses to cosmetic filler injections. Three separate patients presented to theauthors’ institution with varying severities of orofacial symptoms. These symptoms, initially diagnosed clinically asinflammation or neoplasms of the parotid gland, were later identified through magnetic resonance imaging as diseases potentially associated with filler materials injected approximately 4-8 years earlier. The primary goal of this report was to inform specialists in the oral and maxillofacial field about the possibility of such complications, enabling them tomanage patient symptoms effectively and develop appropriate treatment strategies.

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.

Primary breast lymphoma is a rare malignant breast tumor, accounting for <1% of all breast cancers. Among them, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common histologic subtype.However, primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is less common and more indolent than diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and primary MALT lymphoma of the breast is extremely rare. We report a case of bilateral breast cancer in a 62-year-old woman with primary MALT lymphoma in right braest and contralateral invasive breast cancer in left breast. The patient presented with a palpable right breast lump, which appeared as a noncalcified mass on mammography and an indistinct irregular hypoechoic mass with internal vascularity on breast ultrasonography. The mass was pathologically confirmed by excisional biopsy as primary MALT lymphoma. The patient underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI, which additionally detected a small suspicious mass in the left breast. This was a clinically and mammographically occult breast cancer diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma.

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors associated with the recovery of mandibular nerve disturbance and to predict the possibility of recovery tailored to individual patients. Materials and Methods: Patients who visited the dental hospital with symptoms of mandibular nerve disturbance from April 2015 to September 2020 were studied. Patients were divided into two groups based on treatment outcomes: recovered or non-recovered. Variables related to recovery included age, sex, onset event of the nerve disturbance, affected area, imaging findings, and treatment methods. The correlation between recovery and these variables was analyzed using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 328 patients were included in the study.Among the variables associated with recovery, the onset event of the symptom (P-value=0.02) and imaging findings (P-value=0.04) were statistically significant. Among the significant variables, the highest proportion of patients (77.78%) recovered without symptoms of onset event, while implant surgery showed the lowest recovery rate (34.25%). Regarding imaging findings, the recovery rate was highest in cases of suspected canal damage (58.82%), while no patients recovered from compression of the canal (0.00%). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of large-scale data analysis and a thorough evaluation of clinical variables to understand mandibular nerve disturbances. The findings provide a basis for improving treatment strategies and reducing the impact of nerve disturbances on patients’ quality of life.