Objective: To identify the adherence rate to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and identify factors contributing to the deterioration of adherence at our institution. Methods: The adherence rate to PARP inhibitors was calculated using self-reported Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale questionnaires from a cross-sectional survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors that affected adherence. Results: Of the 131 respondents, 32 (24.4%) showed non-adherence to PARP inhibitors.In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, unemployed or retired status (odds ratio [OR]=4.878; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.528–15.572; p=0.008), patients receiving niraparib (OR=3.387; 95% CI=1.283–8.940; p=0.014), and a lower score on the quality-oflife assessment (EORTC-QLQ-OV28), which reflects a better quality of life (QOC) with a lower symptom burden (OR=1.056; 95% CI=1.027–1.086; p<0.001) were associated with high adherence to PARP inhibitors. Conclusion Approximately one-fourth of patients with ovarian cancer are non-adherent to PARP inhibitors as maintenance treatment for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer. The occupational status, type of PARP inhibitor, and QOC may affect adherence to PARP inhibitors.

Objective: To identify the adherence rate to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and identify factors contributing to the deterioration of adherence at our institution. Methods: The adherence rate to PARP inhibitors was calculated using self-reported Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale questionnaires from a cross-sectional survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors that affected adherence. Results: Of the 131 respondents, 32 (24.4%) showed non-adherence to PARP inhibitors.In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, unemployed or retired status (odds ratio [OR]=4.878; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.528–15.572; p=0.008), patients receiving niraparib (OR=3.387; 95% CI=1.283–8.940; p=0.014), and a lower score on the quality-oflife assessment (EORTC-QLQ-OV28), which reflects a better quality of life (QOC) with a lower symptom burden (OR=1.056; 95% CI=1.027–1.086; p<0.001) were associated with high adherence to PARP inhibitors. Conclusion Approximately one-fourth of patients with ovarian cancer are non-adherent to PARP inhibitors as maintenance treatment for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer. The occupational status, type of PARP inhibitor, and QOC may affect adherence to PARP inhibitors.

Objective: To identify the adherence rate to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and identify factors contributing to the deterioration of adherence at our institution. Methods: The adherence rate to PARP inhibitors was calculated using self-reported Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale questionnaires from a cross-sectional survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors that affected adherence. Results: Of the 131 respondents, 32 (24.4%) showed non-adherence to PARP inhibitors.In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, unemployed or retired status (odds ratio [OR]=4.878; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.528–15.572; p=0.008), patients receiving niraparib (OR=3.387; 95% CI=1.283–8.940; p=0.014), and a lower score on the quality-oflife assessment (EORTC-QLQ-OV28), which reflects a better quality of life (QOC) with a lower symptom burden (OR=1.056; 95% CI=1.027–1.086; p<0.001) were associated with high adherence to PARP inhibitors. Conclusion Approximately one-fourth of patients with ovarian cancer are non-adherent to PARP inhibitors as maintenance treatment for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer. The occupational status, type of PARP inhibitor, and QOC may affect adherence to PARP inhibitors.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients’ values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.

Objective: This study tried to observe clinical benefit of aripiprazole augmentation (ARPA) treatment for major depressive disorder with anxious distress (MDDA) in routine practice. Methods: Retrospective chart review (n = 41) was conducted for clinical benefit of ARPA in patients with MDDA in routine practice. The primary endpoint was the mean change of Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale (HAMA) total scores from baseline to the endpoint. Additional secondary endpoints were also retrieved. Results: The changes of primary endpoint HAMA (t = 5.731, −4.6, p = 0.001), and secondary endpoints including Hamilton Depression Rating scale (HAMD, t = 4.284, −3.4, p ＜ 0.001), Clinical Global Impression-Clinical Benefit (CGI-CB, −0.9, t = 1.821, p = 0.026), and Clinical Global Impression Score-Severity (CGI-S, t = 3.556, −0.4, p ＜ 0.001) scores were also significantly improved during the study. No significant adverse events were observed. Conclusion This study has shown additional benefit of ARPA treatment for MDDA patients in routine practice. However, adequately-powered and well-controlled studies are necessary for generalization of the present findings.

Purpose: To find out the incidence and predictors for late high-grade genitourinary (GU) toxicity following salvage radiotherapy (SRT), we investigated the consecutive patients who were treated with SRT after radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent SRT for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy were reviewed. The incidence of GU toxicity was assessed and risk factors for grade ≥2 and ≥3 GU toxicity were evaluated. The STROBE (STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology) guided the reporting of this study. Results: Among the total of 217 patients, 88 patients (40.5%) showed late grade ≥2 GU toxicity. The incidence of late grade ≥3 GU toxicity was 11.5%. The presence of grade ≥2 baseline GU dysfunction (hazard ratio [HR], 6.097; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.280–11.333; p<0.001) and short interval (<1 year) from surgery to SRT (HR, 1.994; 95% CI, 1.182–3.365; p=0.01) were associated with late grade ≥2 GU toxicity. A short interval from surgery to SRT was an independent predictor of late grade ≥3 GU toxicity (HR, 2.975; 95% CI, 1.135–7.794; p=0.027). Conclusions The incidence of late high-grade GU toxicity was not uncommon after SRT. Thus, care should be taken when we consider SRT in patients with baseline urinary dysfunction and a short interval from surgery to SRT, to determine an optimal treatment strategy with balancing quality of life and oncologic outcome of patients.

Background: Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) is frequently associated with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and conservative treatments such as epidural steroid injection do not have long-term benefits in LSS patients with DLS. This study evaluated the effectiveness of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter in patients with LSS and DLS. Methods: Patients’ sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, stenosis grading, pain duration, location, pain intensity, and medications were retrieved from electronic medical records. At 1, 3, and 6 months following the procedure, data on pain severity, medication usage, and physical functional status were analyzed. A generalized estimating equations model was used at the six-month follow-up. Patients were divided into those with DLS (the spondylolisthesis group) and those without DLS (the no spondylolisthesis group) to evaluate whether the effects of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter were different. Results: A total of 826 patients were included (spondylolisthesis: 433 patients, 52.4%; no spondylolisthesis: 393 patients, 47.6%). Age, body mass index, hypertension, pain location, and stenosis grading were statistically different between the two groups. The generalized estimating equations analyses with unadjusted and adjusted estimation revealed a significant improvement in the estimated mean numerical rating scale of pain intensities compared to that at baseline in both groups (P < 0.001). Any adverse events that occurred were minor and temporary. Conclusions Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter may be an alternative treatment option for patients with chronic LSS, regardless of accompanying DLS, who have had failed conservative management.

Objective: This study tried to observe additional benefit of agomelatine (AGO) treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in routine practice. Methods: Retrospective chart review (n = 63) was conducted for additional benefit of combination with or switching to AGO in MDD patients without full remission. The primary endpoint was the mean change of Clinical Global Impression-Clinical Benefit (CGI-CB) total scores from baseline to the endpoint. Additional secondary endpoints were also collected. Results: The changes of CGI-CB (Z = −3.073, p = 0.002) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (Z = −3.483, p ＜ 0.001) total scores were significantly decreased from baseline to the endpoint, respectively. At the endpoint, the remission rate was 22.6% (n = 18) and 28.6% of patient had improvement in CGI-CB total scores at the endpoint.No significant adverse events were observed. Conclusion This study has shown additional benefit of AGO treatment as combination or switching agent for MDD patients without full remission in routine practice. However, adequately-powered and well-controlled studies are necessary for generalization of the present findings.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of atomoxetine (ATX) and OROS methylphenidate (MPH) as adjunctive to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with comorbid partially responsive major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Sixty Korean adults with ADHD and comorbid partially responsive MDD were recruited in a 12-week, randomized, rater-blinded, active-controlled trial and were evenly randomized to ATX or OROS MPH treatment. Results: Depressive symptoms measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale, and ADHD symptoms measured using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, as well as the Clinical Global Impression-Severity, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement, and the Sheehan Disability Scale scores were significantly improved in both groups during the 12 weeks of treatment. The changes in all outcome measures during the 12-week treatment were not significantly different between the two groups (all p ＞ 0.05). No serious adverse events were reported and there were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, weight, or body mass index between the ATX and MPH groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that ATX and MPH can be used as adjunctive treatments in adults with ADHD and comorbid partially responsive MDD. The efficacy and tolerability of ATX and MPH in adults with ADHD did not differ significantly. Further studies should be conducted to draw a definitive conclusion.