1.Development and Performance Validation of a Comprehensive Liquid Biopsy Genotyping Panel for Pan-cancer Analysis
Seoyoung LIM ; Kwang Seob LEE ; Dongju WON ; Sung Hyun SEO ; Seung-Tae LEE ; Jong Rak CHOI ; Jieun SEO ; Saeam SHIN
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(2):210-219
Background:
Precision oncology is advancing, increasing the demand for comprehensive, non-invasive genomic profiling tools. Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) enables real-time molecular profiling, treatment monitoring, and early detection of resistance variants. We developed the PAN100 panel (Dxome), a hybridization capture panel targeting 101 genes, as a pan-cancer genotyping assay to detect clinically actionable variants across various cancer types. This study presents the first comprehensive validation of the PAN100 panel including both analytical and clinical performance across eight cancer types using reference materials and matched tissue samples.
Methods:
For analytical validation, we assessed accuracy, limit of detection (LoD), and precision using Seraseq ctDNA v2 Reference Materials (SeraCare, Milford, MA, USA). Clinical validation was performed using plasma samples from 27 patients with eight types of cancer and 17 matched tumor samples. Positive percent agreement (PPA) between ctDNA and tissue next-generation sequencing (NGS) results was assessed using TruSight Oncology 500 and TruSight Tumor 170 assays. The limit of blank (LoB) was evaluated in 34 healthy individuals.
Results:
The PAN100 panel demonstrated high precision and linearity (LoD, 0.3%; 95.0% confidence interval, 0.29–0.35) variant allele frequency. The PPA between ctDNA and tissue NGS was 73.1% for single-nucleotide variants, 80.0% for insertions/deletions, and 74.2% overall. The LoB was 0.00001%.
Conclusions
The PAN100 panel is a robust tool for detecting clinically significant variants with high concordance with tissue NGS. Its sensitivity for low-frequency variants enables real-time treatment adaptation, supporting precision oncology. Its comprehensive design is particularly valuable for challenging diagnoses and clonal evolution monitoring.
2.Rhamnogalacturonan rich fractions isolated from Saururus chinensis alleviate ulcerative colitis via regulation of MAPK/NF-κB pathway and tight junction
Tae Eun KIM ; Seung-U SON ; YangKook RHO ; Kwang-Soon SHIN
Nutrition Research and Practice 2026;20(2):182-200
RESULTS:
The SCPE-II was characterized as a typical RG type polysaccharide. In addition, tight junction (TJ) imbalance and inflammatory cytokines in IL-1β-induced inflammatory epithelial cells was inhibited by SCPE-II. Moreover, SCPE-II suppressed various clinical symptoms in DSS-induced UC mice. These preventive effects were strongly correlated with the regulation of inflammatory cytokine, immunoglobulin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, TJ, short chain fatty acid.
CONCLUSION
Consequently, the present finding strongly suggests that SCPE-II isolated from S. chinensis is an effective ingredient for preventing UC.
3.Ethnic Heterogeneity in Reproductive Risk Factors for Breast Cancer, With a Focus on Asian Populations:A Meta-analysis
Youjin HONG ; Soseul SUNG ; Woojin LIM ; Sungji MOON ; Kwang-Pil KO ; Jung Eun LEE ; Inah KIM ; Sun Ha JEE ; Sun-Seog KWEON ; Min-Ho SHIN ; Sangmin PARK ; Seung-Ho RYU ; Sun Young YANG ; Jeongseon KIM ; Sang-Wook YI ; Sue K. PARK
Journal of Cancer Prevention 2026;31(1):20-27
suggest that some reproductive factors associated with BC differ across ethnicities and time trends, perhaps due to the prevalence of reproductive factors and the baseline hazard of BC.
4.Comparison of Landmark-Based Versus Transverse Carpal Ligament Penetrating Corticosteroid Injection for Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:A Prospective Randomized Trial
Seung Hyun LEE ; Jae Kwang KIM ; Young Ho SHIN
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):497-505
Background:
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications between classic palmaris longus tendon landmark-based corticosteroid injection (CI) and transverse carpal ligament (TCL)-penetrating CI for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Methods:
We performed a landmark-based CI on one hand and a TCL-penetrating CI on the other side after randomization in 30 consecutive patients with bilateral CTS. The pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after injection. Skin hypopigmentation of the injection site was evaluated using the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS). Pain during needle insertion was evaluated using a VAS for each hand.
Results:
The mean patient age was 56 ± 11 years (range, 32–77 years), and 27 patients (90.0%) were women. The pain VAS, BCTQ scores, and the incidence of skin hypopigmentation were not significantly different between the 2 groups after injection, but the mean mVSS scores were significantly higher in the landmark-based CI group at all time points. The pain VAS score during needle insertion was significantly higher in the TCL-penetrating CI group.
Conclusions
When comparing the pain VAS and BCTQ scores, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. TCL-penetrating CI causes considerable pain during needle insertion but causes less severe skin hypopigmentation than landmark-based CI in CTS treatment.
5.Comparison of Landmark-Based Versus Transverse Carpal Ligament Penetrating Corticosteroid Injection for Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:A Prospective Randomized Trial
Seung Hyun LEE ; Jae Kwang KIM ; Young Ho SHIN
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):497-505
Background:
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications between classic palmaris longus tendon landmark-based corticosteroid injection (CI) and transverse carpal ligament (TCL)-penetrating CI for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Methods:
We performed a landmark-based CI on one hand and a TCL-penetrating CI on the other side after randomization in 30 consecutive patients with bilateral CTS. The pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after injection. Skin hypopigmentation of the injection site was evaluated using the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS). Pain during needle insertion was evaluated using a VAS for each hand.
Results:
The mean patient age was 56 ± 11 years (range, 32–77 years), and 27 patients (90.0%) were women. The pain VAS, BCTQ scores, and the incidence of skin hypopigmentation were not significantly different between the 2 groups after injection, but the mean mVSS scores were significantly higher in the landmark-based CI group at all time points. The pain VAS score during needle insertion was significantly higher in the TCL-penetrating CI group.
Conclusions
When comparing the pain VAS and BCTQ scores, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. TCL-penetrating CI causes considerable pain during needle insertion but causes less severe skin hypopigmentation than landmark-based CI in CTS treatment.
6.Tuberculous and Malignant Pleural Effusions With Adenosine Deaminase Levels of 40–70 IU/L: Trends in New Cases Over Time and Differentiation Between Groups
Jaehee LEE ; Jongmin PARK ; Jae Kwang LIM ; Ji Eun PARK ; Yong Hoon LEE ; Sun Ha CHOI ; Hyewon SEO ; Seung Soo YOO ; Shin Yup LEE ; Seung-Ick CHA ; Jae Yong PARK ; Chang Ho KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(13):e35-
Background:
The diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) often relies on pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels. The diagnostic utility of ADA, however, is influenced by the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in local populations. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) cases can exhibit moderately elevated ADA levels comparable to those seen in TPE. As population aging potentially impacts ADA levels, global TB incidence is decreasing whereas the burden of malignancy is on the rise. Consequently, epidemiological shifts and temporal changes in ADA distribution complicate the differential diagnosis between TPE and MPE when ADA levels are within the 40–70 IU/L range. Nonetheless, data specific to this subset are scarce.
Methods:
This retrospective study included consecutive patients aged > 18 years with confirmed TPE and MPE, spanning from 2012 to 2023. ADA levels in pleural fluid were categorized into three groups: < 40 IU/L, 40–70 IU/L, and > 70 IU/L. The study examined annual trends in the frequency of new cases and ADA level distributions over time and identified discriminating factors between TPE and MPE in cases with ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L.
Results:
In total, 297 TPE and 369 MPE cases were included in this study. Over the study period, the frequency of TPE progressively declined, while that of MPE increased. In the most recent four-year period, new TPE and MPE cases with ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L occurred at comparable numbers. Multivariable analysis identified pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and the number of focal pleural nodules as independent predictors for MPE. Specifically, the presence of either CEA levels > 15.7 ng/mL or more than eight pleural nodules yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 100%, and an area under the curve of 0.95.
Conclusion
The differential diagnosis between TPE and MPE with pleural ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L has become increasingly critical due to evolving epidemiological patterns and ADA distribution changes over time. Pleural fluid CEA levels and the characteristics of pleural nodules may offer valuable guidance in distinguishing between TPE and MPE within this diagnostic gray zone.
7.Comparison of Landmark-Based Versus Transverse Carpal Ligament Penetrating Corticosteroid Injection for Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:A Prospective Randomized Trial
Seung Hyun LEE ; Jae Kwang KIM ; Young Ho SHIN
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):497-505
Background:
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications between classic palmaris longus tendon landmark-based corticosteroid injection (CI) and transverse carpal ligament (TCL)-penetrating CI for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Methods:
We performed a landmark-based CI on one hand and a TCL-penetrating CI on the other side after randomization in 30 consecutive patients with bilateral CTS. The pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after injection. Skin hypopigmentation of the injection site was evaluated using the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS). Pain during needle insertion was evaluated using a VAS for each hand.
Results:
The mean patient age was 56 ± 11 years (range, 32–77 years), and 27 patients (90.0%) were women. The pain VAS, BCTQ scores, and the incidence of skin hypopigmentation were not significantly different between the 2 groups after injection, but the mean mVSS scores were significantly higher in the landmark-based CI group at all time points. The pain VAS score during needle insertion was significantly higher in the TCL-penetrating CI group.
Conclusions
When comparing the pain VAS and BCTQ scores, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. TCL-penetrating CI causes considerable pain during needle insertion but causes less severe skin hypopigmentation than landmark-based CI in CTS treatment.
8.Comparison of Landmark-Based Versus Transverse Carpal Ligament Penetrating Corticosteroid Injection for Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:A Prospective Randomized Trial
Seung Hyun LEE ; Jae Kwang KIM ; Young Ho SHIN
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):497-505
Background:
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications between classic palmaris longus tendon landmark-based corticosteroid injection (CI) and transverse carpal ligament (TCL)-penetrating CI for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Methods:
We performed a landmark-based CI on one hand and a TCL-penetrating CI on the other side after randomization in 30 consecutive patients with bilateral CTS. The pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after injection. Skin hypopigmentation of the injection site was evaluated using the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS). Pain during needle insertion was evaluated using a VAS for each hand.
Results:
The mean patient age was 56 ± 11 years (range, 32–77 years), and 27 patients (90.0%) were women. The pain VAS, BCTQ scores, and the incidence of skin hypopigmentation were not significantly different between the 2 groups after injection, but the mean mVSS scores were significantly higher in the landmark-based CI group at all time points. The pain VAS score during needle insertion was significantly higher in the TCL-penetrating CI group.
Conclusions
When comparing the pain VAS and BCTQ scores, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. TCL-penetrating CI causes considerable pain during needle insertion but causes less severe skin hypopigmentation than landmark-based CI in CTS treatment.
9.Tuberculous and Malignant Pleural Effusions With Adenosine Deaminase Levels of 40–70 IU/L: Trends in New Cases Over Time and Differentiation Between Groups
Jaehee LEE ; Jongmin PARK ; Jae Kwang LIM ; Ji Eun PARK ; Yong Hoon LEE ; Sun Ha CHOI ; Hyewon SEO ; Seung Soo YOO ; Shin Yup LEE ; Seung-Ick CHA ; Jae Yong PARK ; Chang Ho KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(13):e35-
Background:
The diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) often relies on pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels. The diagnostic utility of ADA, however, is influenced by the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in local populations. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) cases can exhibit moderately elevated ADA levels comparable to those seen in TPE. As population aging potentially impacts ADA levels, global TB incidence is decreasing whereas the burden of malignancy is on the rise. Consequently, epidemiological shifts and temporal changes in ADA distribution complicate the differential diagnosis between TPE and MPE when ADA levels are within the 40–70 IU/L range. Nonetheless, data specific to this subset are scarce.
Methods:
This retrospective study included consecutive patients aged > 18 years with confirmed TPE and MPE, spanning from 2012 to 2023. ADA levels in pleural fluid were categorized into three groups: < 40 IU/L, 40–70 IU/L, and > 70 IU/L. The study examined annual trends in the frequency of new cases and ADA level distributions over time and identified discriminating factors between TPE and MPE in cases with ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L.
Results:
In total, 297 TPE and 369 MPE cases were included in this study. Over the study period, the frequency of TPE progressively declined, while that of MPE increased. In the most recent four-year period, new TPE and MPE cases with ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L occurred at comparable numbers. Multivariable analysis identified pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and the number of focal pleural nodules as independent predictors for MPE. Specifically, the presence of either CEA levels > 15.7 ng/mL or more than eight pleural nodules yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 100%, and an area under the curve of 0.95.
Conclusion
The differential diagnosis between TPE and MPE with pleural ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L has become increasingly critical due to evolving epidemiological patterns and ADA distribution changes over time. Pleural fluid CEA levels and the characteristics of pleural nodules may offer valuable guidance in distinguishing between TPE and MPE within this diagnostic gray zone.
10.Tuberculous and Malignant Pleural Effusions With Adenosine Deaminase Levels of 40–70 IU/L: Trends in New Cases Over Time and Differentiation Between Groups
Jaehee LEE ; Jongmin PARK ; Jae Kwang LIM ; Ji Eun PARK ; Yong Hoon LEE ; Sun Ha CHOI ; Hyewon SEO ; Seung Soo YOO ; Shin Yup LEE ; Seung-Ick CHA ; Jae Yong PARK ; Chang Ho KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(13):e35-
Background:
The diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) often relies on pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels. The diagnostic utility of ADA, however, is influenced by the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in local populations. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) cases can exhibit moderately elevated ADA levels comparable to those seen in TPE. As population aging potentially impacts ADA levels, global TB incidence is decreasing whereas the burden of malignancy is on the rise. Consequently, epidemiological shifts and temporal changes in ADA distribution complicate the differential diagnosis between TPE and MPE when ADA levels are within the 40–70 IU/L range. Nonetheless, data specific to this subset are scarce.
Methods:
This retrospective study included consecutive patients aged > 18 years with confirmed TPE and MPE, spanning from 2012 to 2023. ADA levels in pleural fluid were categorized into three groups: < 40 IU/L, 40–70 IU/L, and > 70 IU/L. The study examined annual trends in the frequency of new cases and ADA level distributions over time and identified discriminating factors between TPE and MPE in cases with ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L.
Results:
In total, 297 TPE and 369 MPE cases were included in this study. Over the study period, the frequency of TPE progressively declined, while that of MPE increased. In the most recent four-year period, new TPE and MPE cases with ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L occurred at comparable numbers. Multivariable analysis identified pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and the number of focal pleural nodules as independent predictors for MPE. Specifically, the presence of either CEA levels > 15.7 ng/mL or more than eight pleural nodules yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 100%, and an area under the curve of 0.95.
Conclusion
The differential diagnosis between TPE and MPE with pleural ADA levels of 40–70 IU/L has become increasingly critical due to evolving epidemiological patterns and ADA distribution changes over time. Pleural fluid CEA levels and the characteristics of pleural nodules may offer valuable guidance in distinguishing between TPE and MPE within this diagnostic gray zone.

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