Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with T-score discordance between the spine and hip, as well as between the paretic and non-paretic hips in hemiplegic stroke patients, this study investigated bone mineral density (BMD) patterns. Bone loss predominantly affects the paretic hip after a stroke, and typical clinical assessments using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) that scan the lumbar spine (LS) and a single hip may overlook an osteoporosis diagnosis. This oversight could potentially lead to suboptimal treatment for stroke patients. Methods: This study was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 540 patients admitted for stroke rehabilitation between October 2014 and February 2022, who underwent DXA of LS and bilateral hips. Results: The prevalence rates of concordance, low LS discordance, and low hip discordance between the LS and hips were 48.2%, 12.2%, and 39.6%, respectively. The discordance rate between bilateral hips was 17.0%. The paretic side had significantly lower total hip T-scores than the non-paretic side (p<0.001). Notably low paretic hip discordance was more prevalent during the chronic phase. DXA scans of the LS and both hips revealed a 0.7%–0.9% higher major discordance compared to LS and single hip DXA scans. The multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between a low paretic hip discordance and cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio 0.071, 95% confidence interval 0.931–1.003, p<0.05). Conclusion Since stroke survivors are at high risk for hip fractures, comprehensive BMD assessments, which include LS and bilateral hips, should be considered for post-stroke osteoporosis care to enhance diagnostic accuracy and timely treatment.

Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with T-score discordance between the spine and hip, as well as between the paretic and non-paretic hips in hemiplegic stroke patients, this study investigated bone mineral density (BMD) patterns. Bone loss predominantly affects the paretic hip after a stroke, and typical clinical assessments using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) that scan the lumbar spine (LS) and a single hip may overlook an osteoporosis diagnosis. This oversight could potentially lead to suboptimal treatment for stroke patients. Methods: This study was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 540 patients admitted for stroke rehabilitation between October 2014 and February 2022, who underwent DXA of LS and bilateral hips. Results: The prevalence rates of concordance, low LS discordance, and low hip discordance between the LS and hips were 48.2%, 12.2%, and 39.6%, respectively. The discordance rate between bilateral hips was 17.0%. The paretic side had significantly lower total hip T-scores than the non-paretic side (p<0.001). Notably low paretic hip discordance was more prevalent during the chronic phase. DXA scans of the LS and both hips revealed a 0.7%–0.9% higher major discordance compared to LS and single hip DXA scans. The multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between a low paretic hip discordance and cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio 0.071, 95% confidence interval 0.931–1.003, p<0.05). Conclusion Since stroke survivors are at high risk for hip fractures, comprehensive BMD assessments, which include LS and bilateral hips, should be considered for post-stroke osteoporosis care to enhance diagnostic accuracy and timely treatment.

Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with T-score discordance between the spine and hip, as well as between the paretic and non-paretic hips in hemiplegic stroke patients, this study investigated bone mineral density (BMD) patterns. Bone loss predominantly affects the paretic hip after a stroke, and typical clinical assessments using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) that scan the lumbar spine (LS) and a single hip may overlook an osteoporosis diagnosis. This oversight could potentially lead to suboptimal treatment for stroke patients. Methods: This study was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 540 patients admitted for stroke rehabilitation between October 2014 and February 2022, who underwent DXA of LS and bilateral hips. Results: The prevalence rates of concordance, low LS discordance, and low hip discordance between the LS and hips were 48.2%, 12.2%, and 39.6%, respectively. The discordance rate between bilateral hips was 17.0%. The paretic side had significantly lower total hip T-scores than the non-paretic side (p<0.001). Notably low paretic hip discordance was more prevalent during the chronic phase. DXA scans of the LS and both hips revealed a 0.7%–0.9% higher major discordance compared to LS and single hip DXA scans. The multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between a low paretic hip discordance and cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio 0.071, 95% confidence interval 0.931–1.003, p<0.05). Conclusion Since stroke survivors are at high risk for hip fractures, comprehensive BMD assessments, which include LS and bilateral hips, should be considered for post-stroke osteoporosis care to enhance diagnostic accuracy and timely treatment.

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify clinical and radiologic characteristics that could predict response to atezolizumab-bevacizumab combination therapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 108 advanced HCC patients with intrahepatic lesions who were treated with atezolizumab-bevacizumab. Two radiologists independently analyzed imaging characteristics of the index tumor on pretreatment computed tomography. Predictive factors associated with progressive disease (PD) at the best response based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, ver. 1.1 were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Results: Of 108 patients with a median PFS of 15 weeks, 40 (37.0%) had PD during treatment. Factors associated with PD included the presence of extrahepatic metastases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 14.35; p=0.03), the infiltrative appearance of the tumor (aOR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.05 to 8.93; p=0.04), and the absence of arterial-phase hyperenhancement (APHE) (aOR, 6.34; 95% CI, 2.18 to 18.47; p < 0.001). Patients with two or more of these factors had a PD of 66.7% and a median PFS of 8 weeks, indicating a significantly worse outcome compared to the patients with one or no of these factors. Conclusion In patients with advanced HCC treated with atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment, the absence of APHE, infiltrative appearance of the intrahepatic tumor, and presence of extrahepatic metastases were associated with poor response and survival. Evaluation of early response may be necessary in patients with these factors.

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Korea and the world. Since 2004, this is the 4th gastric cancer guideline published in Korea which is the revised version of previous evidence-based approach in 2018. Current guideline is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary working group including experts in the field of gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and guideline development methodology. Total of 33 key questions were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group and 40 statements were developed according to the systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed database. The level of evidence and the grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation proposition. Evidence level, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability was considered as the significant factors for recommendation. The working group reviewed recommendations and discussed for consensus. In the earlier part, general consideration discusses screening, diagnosis and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. Flowchart is depicted with statements which is supported by meta-analysis and references. Since clinical trial and systematic review was not suitable for postoperative oncologic and nutritional follow-up, working group agreed to conduct a nationwide survey investigating the clinical practice of all tertiary or general hospitals in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information on follow up. Herein we present a multidisciplinary-evidence based gastric cancer guideline.

Unilateral vocal cord palsy (UVCP) is frequently observed in patients with stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the association between objective dysphonia severity and the classification of UVCP in patients with stroke by objectively and quantitatively measuring their phonetic function. We recruited patients with UVCP diagnosed using laryngoscopy after stroke.Subgroups were divided according to UVCP type, and the dysphonia severity index (DSI) and maximum phonation time (MPT) were measured to objectively evaluate dysphonia. The DSI and MPT were compared between subgroups using analysis of variance with Tukey’s honest significant difference post hoc test. In total, 103 patients with stroke and UVCP were recruited. We found that a higher UVCP severity possibly had to do with lower DSI and MPT values. We objectively confirmed that phonetic function was worse in patients with stroke with higher UVCP severity, and the DSI and MPT tests can be helpful in determining the severity and need for additional evaluation.

This study aimed to develop a short version of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) core set and verify functioning levels of patients for stroke rehabilitation in Korea. Using the Delphi technique, a 3-round consensus process was conducted. Thirty multidisciplinary rehabilitation experts from different hospitals completed the consensus study. The questionnaire for this study adopted the comprehensive ICF core set for stroke developed by the Geyh group. A 7-point Likert-type scale was used by participants to weigh the impact of each category on activities of daily living or rehabilitation after a stroke. The consensus of ratings was assessed with Spearman's rho and inter-quartile range indices. A core set to assess functioning levels of patients with stroke was developed from those categories. A short version of ICF core set to assess and verify functioning levels of patients with stroke was developed for 12 categories, including 3 categories (consciousness, muscle power, and attention) from body functions, 1 (structure of brain) from body structures, 5 (eating, walking, moving around, changing basic body position, and carrying out daily routine) from activities and participation, and 3 (individual attitudes of immediate family members, immediate family, and personal care providers/personal assistants) from environmental factors. This preliminary study developed a Delphi consensus process, gathering statistical evidence and expert commands based on the short version of ICF core set for rehabilitation of stroke patients in Korea.