Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form. Data were collected on 86 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. The results of the 2023 survey were compared with those of previous surveys. Results: Data from 12,751 cases were collected from 66 institutions. The mean patient age was 64.6 years, and the proportion of patients aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 31.7% in 2023. The proportion of upper-third tumors slightly decreased to 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2019. Early gastric cancer accounted for 63.1% of cases in 2023.Regarding operative procedures, a totally laparoscopic approach was most frequently applied (63.2%) in 2023, while robotic gastrectomy steadily increased to 9.5% from 2.1% in 2014.The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (48.8%) after distal gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction (51.9%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2023.However, the proportion of esophago-gastrostomy with anti-reflux procedures increased to 30.9%. The rates of post-operative mortality and overall complications were 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively. Conclusions The results of the 2023 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for future gastric cancer research.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form. Data were collected on 86 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. The results of the 2023 survey were compared with those of previous surveys. Results: Data from 12,751 cases were collected from 66 institutions. The mean patient age was 64.6 years, and the proportion of patients aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 31.7% in 2023. The proportion of upper-third tumors slightly decreased to 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2019. Early gastric cancer accounted for 63.1% of cases in 2023.Regarding operative procedures, a totally laparoscopic approach was most frequently applied (63.2%) in 2023, while robotic gastrectomy steadily increased to 9.5% from 2.1% in 2014.The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (48.8%) after distal gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction (51.9%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2023.However, the proportion of esophago-gastrostomy with anti-reflux procedures increased to 30.9%. The rates of post-operative mortality and overall complications were 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively. Conclusions The results of the 2023 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for future gastric cancer research.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form. Data were collected on 86 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. The results of the 2023 survey were compared with those of previous surveys. Results: Data from 12,751 cases were collected from 66 institutions. The mean patient age was 64.6 years, and the proportion of patients aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 31.7% in 2023. The proportion of upper-third tumors slightly decreased to 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2019. Early gastric cancer accounted for 63.1% of cases in 2023.Regarding operative procedures, a totally laparoscopic approach was most frequently applied (63.2%) in 2023, while robotic gastrectomy steadily increased to 9.5% from 2.1% in 2014.The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (48.8%) after distal gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction (51.9%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2023.However, the proportion of esophago-gastrostomy with anti-reflux procedures increased to 30.9%. The rates of post-operative mortality and overall complications were 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively. Conclusions The results of the 2023 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for future gastric cancer research.

Purpose: This postmarketing surveillance (PMS) study aimed to evaluate real-world data on the effectiveness and safety of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Materials and Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational study was conducted at 27 centers in South Korea between June 2018 and April 2021. Among 117 enrolled patients, 108 were included in the final analysis. Median follow-up period was 40.4 weeks (interquartile range, 22.8–49.2 weeks). Patients aged ≥18 years with mHSPC treated with AAP were included. Effectiveness endpoints included radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression (TTPP), and PSA response (≥50%, ≥90% reduction). Adverse events (AEs) were assessed and graded based on severity. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the analysis. Radiographic and PSA progression were observed in 13 (12.0%) and 26 patients (24.1 %), respectively. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the median rPFS and TTPP were not reached. The PSA response rates were 85.2% (≥50% reduction) and 75.9% (≥90% reduction) during the study period. AEs were reported in 31 patients (28.7%), with grade 3 or 4 AEs reported in 6 patients (5.6%). The most frequently observed AE was elevated aspartate aminotransferase level (5.6%). Conclusion This PMS study found that AAP is effective and well-tolerated in the real-world management of mHSPC.

Purpose: In Korea, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) mandates patient participation in outpatient multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings as part of national cancer quality assessment. However, the necessity of involving patients and families in MDT discussions remains debatable. This study explored international expert perspectives on patient participation in gastric cancer MDTs. Methods: A cross-national expert survey was conducted in September 2021 among 15 gastric cancer specialists from Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. The survey assessed the frequency of patient and family member attendance, perceived pros and cons, and preferences regarding mandatory versus selective involvement. Additionally, MDT structures and policies were reviewed by countries. Results: Most respondents reported that patients and families rarely or never attend MDT meetings: nine stated that patients are never included, three reported “usually not,” and three indicated “sometimes.” None consistently included patients. The most cited benefits were sharing opinions with patients and families simultaneously, followed by improved explanation of treatment and legal protection. Major concerns included hindered discussion, inefficiency, and logistical challenges. Only four respondents supported routine participation, while 11 favored case-dependent involvement. Conclusion International experts do not widely support mandatory patient participation in MDT meetings. A flexible approach that allows MDTs to operate with or without patient involvement may better reflect actual clinical practice.

Background: Recently, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the elderly has increased and has been reported to be as high as 4%, emphasizing its clinical significance. Treating pruritus in elderly patients can be challenging due to the high prevalence of comorbidities and adverse events associated with conventional systemic medications.Dupilumab has demonstrated favorable safety and effectiveness across all age groups, making it a promising treatment option for the elderly population. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in elderly patients with AD or other pruritic conditions. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, real-world study on the efficacy and safety of dupilumab was conducted in patients aged 65 years or older. Patients with AD and other pruritic conditions were assessed separately for dupilumab efficacy using objective and subjective scores. The patients who received regular injections were evaluated at 16 and 40 weeks after treatment. Results: Forty-seven patients participated in the study, of whom 37 were diagnosed with AD and 10 were classified as having other pruritic conditions. In patients with AD, there was a 78.6% reduction in the mean Eczema Area and Severity Index score at week 16 compared with baseline. All patients with other pruritic conditions demonstrated a decrease in the Investigator’s Global Assessment score of at least 2 points or a Numerical Rating Score reduction of at least 4 points. Adverse events occurred in five patients, but no serious adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion Dupilumab can be considered a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with AD and other pruritic conditions.