Purpose: There is few evidence regarding the optimal salvage treatment options for loco-reginal recurrence of esophageal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of salvage radiotherapy (RT) in patients with loco-regional recurrence (LRR) after surgery for esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 147 esophageal cancer patients who received salvage RT for loco-regional recurrence between 1996 and December 2019. A total dose of 60 Gy in 20 fractions was used for RT alone and 60-70 Gy in 30-35 fractions for concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Results: The patients’ median age was 65 years (range, 41 to 86 years). The median disease-free interval was 13.5 months (1.0 to 97.4 months). After a median 18.8 months follow-up, the 2-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 38.1% and 25.9%, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 18.8 and 8.4 months, respectively. The CCRT could not improve OS compared to RT (p=0.336), but there was a trend of better PFS in the CCRT group. Regarding toxicities, the rate of grade 3 or higher toxicity was 10.9% occurring in 16 patients, and it was higher in patients who received CCRT than in the RT alone group (19.6% vs. 6.3%, p=0.023). Conclusion Salvage RT alone as well as CCRT could be effective in patients with locoregionally recurrent esophageal cancer.

Purpose: There is few evidence regarding the optimal salvage treatment options for loco-reginal recurrence of esophageal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of salvage radiotherapy (RT) in patients with loco-regional recurrence (LRR) after surgery for esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 147 esophageal cancer patients who received salvage RT for loco-regional recurrence between 1996 and December 2019. A total dose of 60 Gy in 20 fractions was used for RT alone and 60-70 Gy in 30-35 fractions for concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Results: The patients’ median age was 65 years (range, 41 to 86 years). The median disease-free interval was 13.5 months (1.0 to 97.4 months). After a median 18.8 months follow-up, the 2-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 38.1% and 25.9%, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 18.8 and 8.4 months, respectively. The CCRT could not improve OS compared to RT (p=0.336), but there was a trend of better PFS in the CCRT group. Regarding toxicities, the rate of grade 3 or higher toxicity was 10.9% occurring in 16 patients, and it was higher in patients who received CCRT than in the RT alone group (19.6% vs. 6.3%, p=0.023). Conclusion Salvage RT alone as well as CCRT could be effective in patients with locoregionally recurrent esophageal cancer.

Purpose: There is few evidence regarding the optimal salvage treatment options for loco-reginal recurrence of esophageal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of salvage radiotherapy (RT) in patients with loco-regional recurrence (LRR) after surgery for esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 147 esophageal cancer patients who received salvage RT for loco-regional recurrence between 1996 and December 2019. A total dose of 60 Gy in 20 fractions was used for RT alone and 60-70 Gy in 30-35 fractions for concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Results: The patients’ median age was 65 years (range, 41 to 86 years). The median disease-free interval was 13.5 months (1.0 to 97.4 months). After a median 18.8 months follow-up, the 2-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 38.1% and 25.9%, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 18.8 and 8.4 months, respectively. The CCRT could not improve OS compared to RT (p=0.336), but there was a trend of better PFS in the CCRT group. Regarding toxicities, the rate of grade 3 or higher toxicity was 10.9% occurring in 16 patients, and it was higher in patients who received CCRT than in the RT alone group (19.6% vs. 6.3%, p=0.023). Conclusion Salvage RT alone as well as CCRT could be effective in patients with locoregionally recurrent esophageal cancer.

The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases has been regularly publishing guidelines for adult immunization since 2007. Following the release of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination recommendations in 2023, significant changes have occurred due to the emergence of new variant strains and the waning immunity from previous vaccinations. This article provides a comprehensive update as of November 2024, incorporating the latest evidence and guidelines. Focusing on the 2024–2025 season, this article reviews vaccines currently authorized in Korea and assesses their effectiveness against the predominant JN.1 lineage variants. The updated recommendations prioritize high-risk groups, including adults aged 65 and older, individuals with underlying medical conditions, residents of facilities vulnerable to infection, pregnant women, and healthcare workers, for vaccination with updated vaccines targeting the JN.1 strain. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination is available for all individuals aged 6 months and older. For most adults, a single-dose strategy is emphasized, while tailored schedules may be recommended for immunocompromised individuals. This update aims to optimize vaccination strategies in Korea to ensure comprehensive protection for high-risk populations.

Purpose: We aimed to discover risk factors for central vein stenosis (CVS) in hemodialysis patients with normal preoperative venography. Materials and Methods: Among the 411 individuals who underwent upper arm venography for hemodialysis access evaluation in 2017, we reviewed venography and medical record data from 349 patients with normal preoperative venography who subsequently underwent arteriovenous fistula creation. We compared the data between patients with and without CVS development. Results: Among the 349 patients, 22 (6.3%) developed CVS during a median 20.9-month follow-up. The development of CVS appeared to be associated with preoperative venography findings (the presence of collateral vessels and cephalic arch stenosis), location of hemodialysis access, and history and duration of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified two or more collateral vessels on venography, left-sided arteriovenous fistula, and a previous history of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement as independent risk factors for CVS development (p < 0.05). Conclusion Even in patients with normal preoperative venography findings, there is an increased possibility of CVS development after arteriovenous fistula creation if they have more than two collateral vessels on venography, a left-sided arteriovenous fistula, or a history of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement.

The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases has been regularly publishing guidelines for adult immunization since 2007. Following the release of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination recommendations in 2023, significant changes have occurred due to the emergence of new variant strains and the waning immunity from previous vaccinations. This article provides a comprehensive update as of November 2024, incorporating the latest evidence and guidelines. Focusing on the 2024–2025 season, this article reviews vaccines currently authorized in Korea and assesses their effectiveness against the predominant JN.1 lineage variants. The updated recommendations prioritize high-risk groups, including adults aged 65 and older, individuals with underlying medical conditions, residents of facilities vulnerable to infection, pregnant women, and healthcare workers, for vaccination with updated vaccines targeting the JN.1 strain. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination is available for all individuals aged 6 months and older. For most adults, a single-dose strategy is emphasized, while tailored schedules may be recommended for immunocompromised individuals. This update aims to optimize vaccination strategies in Korea to ensure comprehensive protection for high-risk populations.

Purpose: We aimed to discover risk factors for central vein stenosis (CVS) in hemodialysis patients with normal preoperative venography. Materials and Methods: Among the 411 individuals who underwent upper arm venography for hemodialysis access evaluation in 2017, we reviewed venography and medical record data from 349 patients with normal preoperative venography who subsequently underwent arteriovenous fistula creation. We compared the data between patients with and without CVS development. Results: Among the 349 patients, 22 (6.3%) developed CVS during a median 20.9-month follow-up. The development of CVS appeared to be associated with preoperative venography findings (the presence of collateral vessels and cephalic arch stenosis), location of hemodialysis access, and history and duration of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified two or more collateral vessels on venography, left-sided arteriovenous fistula, and a previous history of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement as independent risk factors for CVS development (p < 0.05). Conclusion Even in patients with normal preoperative venography findings, there is an increased possibility of CVS development after arteriovenous fistula creation if they have more than two collateral vessels on venography, a left-sided arteriovenous fistula, or a history of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement.

The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases has been regularly publishing guidelines for adult immunization since 2007. Following the release of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination recommendations in 2023, significant changes have occurred due to the emergence of new variant strains and the waning immunity from previous vaccinations. This article provides a comprehensive update as of November 2024, incorporating the latest evidence and guidelines. Focusing on the 2024–2025 season, this article reviews vaccines currently authorized in Korea and assesses their effectiveness against the predominant JN.1 lineage variants. The updated recommendations prioritize high-risk groups, including adults aged 65 and older, individuals with underlying medical conditions, residents of facilities vulnerable to infection, pregnant women, and healthcare workers, for vaccination with updated vaccines targeting the JN.1 strain. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination is available for all individuals aged 6 months and older. For most adults, a single-dose strategy is emphasized, while tailored schedules may be recommended for immunocompromised individuals. This update aims to optimize vaccination strategies in Korea to ensure comprehensive protection for high-risk populations.

Purpose: We aimed to discover risk factors for central vein stenosis (CVS) in hemodialysis patients with normal preoperative venography. Materials and Methods: Among the 411 individuals who underwent upper arm venography for hemodialysis access evaluation in 2017, we reviewed venography and medical record data from 349 patients with normal preoperative venography who subsequently underwent arteriovenous fistula creation. We compared the data between patients with and without CVS development. Results: Among the 349 patients, 22 (6.3%) developed CVS during a median 20.9-month follow-up. The development of CVS appeared to be associated with preoperative venography findings (the presence of collateral vessels and cephalic arch stenosis), location of hemodialysis access, and history and duration of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified two or more collateral vessels on venography, left-sided arteriovenous fistula, and a previous history of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement as independent risk factors for CVS development (p < 0.05). Conclusion Even in patients with normal preoperative venography findings, there is an increased possibility of CVS development after arteriovenous fistula creation if they have more than two collateral vessels on venography, a left-sided arteriovenous fistula, or a history of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter placement.

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.