Rectal cancer, which accounts for approximately 40% of colorectal cancers, remains a major clinical concern. Recent advances in diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment have steadily improved rectal cancer outcomes. Considering this, the Korean Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary (KRCM) Committee has aimed to provide clinicians and policymakers with up-to-date, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to support optimal decision-making, reflecting current evidence, the Korean healthcare context, and patient values and preferences. The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rectal Cancer version 2.0 were developed through multidisciplinary collaboration with related academic societies, building upon and updating the KRCM Clinical Practice Guidelines version 1.0 (titled “Multidisciplinary guidelines for the management of rectal cancer”). These consensus guidelines of the KRCM were established based on a comprehensive literature review, evidence synthesis, with recommendation development guided by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology, and consideration of applicability in real-world clinical practice under the national health insurance system. Each recommendation has been presented with its strength and level of evidence.

Background/Aims: Fexuprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, was developed for treating acid-related disorders. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of fexuprazan, unlike those of proton pump inhibitors, are independent of food effect. This study aims to evaluate differences in efficacy and safety of fexuprazan in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE) according to the timing of dosing. Methods: In this multicenter, open-label noninferiority study, patients who had typical reflux symptoms with endoscopically confirmed EE were randomized 1:1 to receive fexuprazan 40 mg daily 30 minutes before or after meal. Treatment was completed after 2 weeks or 4 weeks when healing was endoscopically confirmed. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with healed EE confirmed by endoscopy up to week 4. Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results: In the prior-to-meal group (n = 89) and after-meal group (n = 86), 4-week EE healing rates were 98.77% and 100.00% (difference, 0.01%; 95% CI, –0.01% to 0.04%) and 2-week EE healing rates were 95.77% and 97.14% (difference, 0.01%; 95% CI, –0.05% to 0.07%), respectively. TEAEs were 9.78% and 8.70% in the prior-to-meal group and the after-meal group, respectively. Conclusions Non-inferiority analysis revealed that taking fexuprazan after meal was non-inferior to taking fexuprazan before meals in patients with EE. The frequency of adverse events was similar between the 2 study groups. The drug is safe and effective for healing EE regardless of the timing of dosing.

Intractable bleeding from locally advanced breast carcinoma is a rare but challenging clinical problem. Given the patients’ poor overall condition and palliative care status, management options are often limited. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) emerges as a potential alternative to traditional surgical or radiation-based approaches for hemorrhage control. This case report presents a successful application of TAE in managing spontaneous bleeding from a locally advanced breast cancer.

Background/Aims: Fexuprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, was developed for treating acid-related disorders. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of fexuprazan, unlike those of proton pump inhibitors, are independent of food effect. This study aims to evaluate differences in efficacy and safety of fexuprazan in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE) according to the timing of dosing. Methods: In this multicenter, open-label noninferiority study, patients who had typical reflux symptoms with endoscopically confirmed EE were randomized 1:1 to receive fexuprazan 40 mg daily 30 minutes before or after meal. Treatment was completed after 2 weeks or 4 weeks when healing was endoscopically confirmed. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with healed EE confirmed by endoscopy up to week 4. Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results: In the prior-to-meal group (n = 89) and after-meal group (n = 86), 4-week EE healing rates were 98.77% and 100.00% (difference, 0.01%; 95% CI, –0.01% to 0.04%) and 2-week EE healing rates were 95.77% and 97.14% (difference, 0.01%; 95% CI, –0.05% to 0.07%), respectively. TEAEs were 9.78% and 8.70% in the prior-to-meal group and the after-meal group, respectively. Conclusions Non-inferiority analysis revealed that taking fexuprazan after meal was non-inferior to taking fexuprazan before meals in patients with EE. The frequency of adverse events was similar between the 2 study groups. The drug is safe and effective for healing EE regardless of the timing of dosing.

Intractable bleeding from locally advanced breast carcinoma is a rare but challenging clinical problem. Given the patients’ poor overall condition and palliative care status, management options are often limited. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) emerges as a potential alternative to traditional surgical or radiation-based approaches for hemorrhage control. This case report presents a successful application of TAE in managing spontaneous bleeding from a locally advanced breast cancer.

Background/Aims: Fexuprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, was developed for treating acid-related disorders. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of fexuprazan, unlike those of proton pump inhibitors, are independent of food effect. This study aims to evaluate differences in efficacy and safety of fexuprazan in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE) according to the timing of dosing. Methods: In this multicenter, open-label noninferiority study, patients who had typical reflux symptoms with endoscopically confirmed EE were randomized 1:1 to receive fexuprazan 40 mg daily 30 minutes before or after meal. Treatment was completed after 2 weeks or 4 weeks when healing was endoscopically confirmed. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with healed EE confirmed by endoscopy up to week 4. Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results: In the prior-to-meal group (n = 89) and after-meal group (n = 86), 4-week EE healing rates were 98.77% and 100.00% (difference, 0.01%; 95% CI, –0.01% to 0.04%) and 2-week EE healing rates were 95.77% and 97.14% (difference, 0.01%; 95% CI, –0.05% to 0.07%), respectively. TEAEs were 9.78% and 8.70% in the prior-to-meal group and the after-meal group, respectively. Conclusions Non-inferiority analysis revealed that taking fexuprazan after meal was non-inferior to taking fexuprazan before meals in patients with EE. The frequency of adverse events was similar between the 2 study groups. The drug is safe and effective for healing EE regardless of the timing of dosing.

Intractable bleeding from locally advanced breast carcinoma is a rare but challenging clinical problem. Given the patients’ poor overall condition and palliative care status, management options are often limited. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) emerges as a potential alternative to traditional surgical or radiation-based approaches for hemorrhage control. This case report presents a successful application of TAE in managing spontaneous bleeding from a locally advanced breast cancer.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) are 2 distinct entities that can overlap within the spectrum of severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR). AGEP is a self-limiting and drug-induced eruption characterized by sudden onset of sterile pustules, erythema, and sometimes fever. SJS, in contrast, is a severe form of SCAR that causes blistering and necrosis of the skin and mucosal membranes, often leading to significant morbidity and mortality. However, there are cases where patients may present with symptoms that overlap between AGEP and SJS, making it challenging to differentiate the 2 conditions. This report describes a 70-year-old male with nontuberculous mycobacterium tenosynovitis in the left hand, coinfected with methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Klebsiella oxytoca. After administration of additional antibiotics, the patient developed fever and erythematous macules with purpuric centers on the trunk and the extremities. Further examination revealed marked leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein levels. Skin biopsy histopathology showed subcorneal intraepidermal pustule formation with neutrophil infiltration. The patient’s clinical course improved after cessation of the culprit drugs and treatment with a high-dose systemic steroid. This case highlights the rare occurrence of SJS/AGEP overlap and underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of these SCAR.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) are 2 distinct entities that can overlap within the spectrum of severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR). AGEP is a self-limiting and drug-induced eruption characterized by sudden onset of sterile pustules, erythema, and sometimes fever. SJS, in contrast, is a severe form of SCAR that causes blistering and necrosis of the skin and mucosal membranes, often leading to significant morbidity and mortality. However, there are cases where patients may present with symptoms that overlap between AGEP and SJS, making it challenging to differentiate the 2 conditions. This report describes a 70-year-old male with nontuberculous mycobacterium tenosynovitis in the left hand, coinfected with methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Klebsiella oxytoca. After administration of additional antibiotics, the patient developed fever and erythematous macules with purpuric centers on the trunk and the extremities. Further examination revealed marked leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein levels. Skin biopsy histopathology showed subcorneal intraepidermal pustule formation with neutrophil infiltration. The patient’s clinical course improved after cessation of the culprit drugs and treatment with a high-dose systemic steroid. This case highlights the rare occurrence of SJS/AGEP overlap and underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of these SCAR.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) are 2 distinct entities that can overlap within the spectrum of severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR). AGEP is a self-limiting and drug-induced eruption characterized by sudden onset of sterile pustules, erythema, and sometimes fever. SJS, in contrast, is a severe form of SCAR that causes blistering and necrosis of the skin and mucosal membranes, often leading to significant morbidity and mortality. However, there are cases where patients may present with symptoms that overlap between AGEP and SJS, making it challenging to differentiate the 2 conditions. This report describes a 70-year-old male with nontuberculous mycobacterium tenosynovitis in the left hand, coinfected with methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Klebsiella oxytoca. After administration of additional antibiotics, the patient developed fever and erythematous macules with purpuric centers on the trunk and the extremities. Further examination revealed marked leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein levels. Skin biopsy histopathology showed subcorneal intraepidermal pustule formation with neutrophil infiltration. The patient’s clinical course improved after cessation of the culprit drugs and treatment with a high-dose systemic steroid. This case highlights the rare occurrence of SJS/AGEP overlap and underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of these SCAR.