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.

Background/Aims: Papillary adenocarcinoma is classified to differentiated-type gastric cancer and is indicated for endoscopic submucosal dissection. However, due to its rare nature, there are limited studies on it. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with papillary-type early gastric cancer and to find the risk factors of lymph node metastasis. Methods: Patients diagnosed with papillary-type early gastric cancer at eight medical centers, who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment, were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical results and long-term outcomes of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection were evaluated, and the risk factors of lymph node metastasis in the surgery group were analyzed. Results: One-hundred and seventy-six patients with papillary-type early gastric cancer were enrolled: 44.9% (n=79) in the surgery group and 55.1% (n=97) in the endoscopic submucosal dissection group. As a result of endoscopic submucosal dissection, the en bloc resection and curative resection rates were 91.8% and 86.6%, respectively. The procedure-related complication rate was 4.1%, and local recurrence occurred in 3.1% of patients. Submucosal invasion (odds ratio, 3.735; 95% confidence interval, 1.026 to 12.177; p=0.047) and lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio, 7.636; 95% confidence interval, 1.730 to 22.857; p=0.004) were the risk factors of lymph node metastasis in papillary-type early gastric cancer patients. Conclusions The clinical results of endoscopic submucosal dissection in papillary-type early gastric cancer were relatively favorable, and endoscopic submucosal dissection is considered safe if appropriate indications are confirmed by considering the risk of lymph node metastasis.

Background/Aims: The prognostic significance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) in peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are controversial. We explored the prognostic impact of sequential 18F-FDG PET/CT during frontline chemotherapy of patients with PTCLs. Methods: In total, 143 patients with newly diagnosed PTCLs were included. Sequential 18F-FDG PET/CTs were performed at the time of diagnosis, during chemotherapy, and at the end of chemotherapy. The baseline total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) was calculated using the the standard uptake value with a threshold method of 2.5. Results: A baseline TMTV of 457.0 cm3 was used to categorize patients into high and low TMTV groups. Patients with a requirehigh TMTV had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those with a low TMTV (PFS, 9.8 vs. 26.5 mo, p = 0.043; OS, 18.9 vs. 71.2 mo, p = 0.004). The interim 18F-FDG PET/CT response score was recorded as 1, 2–3, and 4–5 according to the Deauville criteria. The PFS and OS showed significant differences according to the interim 18F-FDG PET/CT response score (PFS, 120.7 vs. 34.1 vs. 5.1 mo, p < 0.001; OS, not reached vs. 61.1 mo vs. 12.1 mo, p < 0.001). Conclusions The interim PET/CT response based on visual assessment predicts disease progression and survival outcome in PTCLs. A high baseline TMTV is associated with a poor response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy in PTCLs. However, TMTV was not an independent predictor for PFS in the multivariate analysis.

Purpose: This phase II, open-label, multicenter study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a rituximab intensification for the 1st cycle with every 21-day of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP-21) among patients with previously untreated advanced-stage or bulky diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Materials and Methods: Ninety-two patients with stage III/IV or bulky DLBCL from 21 institutions were administered 8 cycles of R-CHOP-21 with an additional one dose of rituximab intensification on day 0 of the 1st cycle (RR-CHOP). The primary endpoint was a complete response (CR) rate after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Results: Among the 92 DLBCL patients assessed herein, the response rate after 3 cycles of chemotherapy was 88.0% (38.0% CR+50.0% partial response [PR]). After the completion of 8 cycles of chemotherapy, the overall response rate was observed for 68.4% (58.7% CR+9.8% PR). The 3-year progression-free survival rate was 64.0%, and the 3-year overall survival rate was 70.4%. Febrile neutropenia was one of the most frequent grade 3 adverse events (40.0%) and 5 treatment-related deaths occurred. Compared with the clinical outcomes of patients who received R-CHOP chemotherapy as a historical control, the interim CR rate was higher in male patients with RR-CHOP (20.5% vs. 48.8%, p=0.016). Conclusion Rituximab intensification on days 0 to the 1st cycle of the standard 8 cycles R-CHOP-21 for advanced DLBCL yielded favorable response rates after the 3 cycles of chemotherapy and acceptable toxicities, especially for male patients. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01054781.

Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common hematologic malignancy worldwide. Although substantial improvement has been achieved by the frontline rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy, up to 40%-50% of patients will eventually have relapsed or refractory disease, whose prognosis is extremely dismal. Materials and Methods: We have carried out two prospective cohort studies that include over 1,500 DLBCL patients treated with rituximab plus CHOP (#NCT01202448 and #NCT02474550). In the current report, we describe the outcomes of refractory DLBCL patients. Patients were defined to have refractory DLBCL if they met one of the followings, not achieving at least partial response after 4 or more cycles of R-CHOP; not achieving at least partial response after 2 or more cycles of salvage therapy; progressive disease within 12 months after autologous stem cell transplantation. Results: Among 1,581 patients, a total of 260 patients met the criteria for the refractory disease after a median time to progression of 9.1 months. The objective response rate of salvage treatment was 26.4%, and the complete response rate was 9.6%. The median overall survival (OS) was 7.5 months (95% confidence interval, 6.4 to 8.6), and the 2-year survival rate was 22.1%±2.8%. The median OS for each refractory category was not significantly different (p=0.529). Conclusion In line with the previous studies, the outcomes of refractory DLBCL patients were extremely poor, which necessitates novel approaches for this population.

Purpose: Febrile neutropenia (FN) can cause suboptimal treatment and treatment-related mortality (TRM) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP). Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate the effectiveness of pegfilgrastim prophylaxis in DLBCL patients receiving R-CHOP, and we compared them with the PROCESS cohort (n=485). Results: Since January 2015, 986 patients with DLBCL were enrolled. Pegfilgrastim was administered at least once in 930 patients (94.3%), covering 90.3% of all cycles. FN developed in 137 patients (13.9%) in this cohort (23.7% in the PROCESS cohort, p<0.001), and 4.2% of all cycles (10.2% in the PROCESS cohort, p<0.001). Dose delay was less common (≥3 days: 18.1% vs. 23.7%, p=0.015; ≥5 days: 12.0% vs. 18.3%, p=0.023) in this cohort than in the PROCESS cohort. The incidence of TRM (3.2% vs. 5.6%, p=0.047) and infection-related death (1.8% vs. 4.5%, p=0.004) was lower in this cohort than in the PROCESS cohort. The 4-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates of the two cohorts were not different (OS: 73.0% vs. 71.9%, p=0.545; PFS: 69.5% vs. 68.8%, p=0.616). However, in patients aged ≥75 years, the 4-year OS and PFS rates were higher in this cohort than in the PROCESS cohort (OS: 49.6% vs. 33.7%, p=0.032; PFS: 44.2% vs. 30.3% p=0.047). Conclusion Pegfilgrastim prophylaxis is effective in the prevention of FN and infection-related death in DLBCL patients receiving R-CHOP, and it also improves OS in patients aged ≥75 years.

The aim of this study was to provide a basis for the molecular mechanism underlying the pharmacological action of ethanol. We studied the effects of 1-propanol on the location of n-(9-anthroyloxy)palmitic acid or stearic acid (n-AS) within the phospholipids of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV). The SPMV were isolated from the bovine cerebral cortex and liposomes of total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL). 1-Propanol increased the rotational mobility of inner hydrocarbons, while decreasing the mobility of membrane interface, in native and model membranes. The degree of rotational mobility varied with the number of carbon atoms at positions 16, 12, 9, 6 and 2 in the aliphatic chain of phospholipids in the neuronal and model membranes. The sensitivity of increasing or decreasing rotational mobility of hydrocarbon interior or surface by 1-propanol varied with the neuronal and model membranes in the following order: SPMV, SPMVPL and SPMVTL.
1-Propanol* ; Carbon ; Cell Membrane ; Cerebral Cortex ; Ethanol ; Hydrocarbons ; Liposomes ; Membranes* ; Neurons* ; Phospholipids

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the predictive factors for complete response (CR) and recurrence after CR in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Among 691 newly diagnosed HCC patients, 287 were treated with TACE as a first therapy. We analyzed the predictive factors for CR, recurrence after CR, and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (28.2%) achieved CR after TACE, and recurrence after CR was detected in 35 patients (43.2%). In multivariate analyses, tumor size (≤5 cm) and single nodularity were predictive factors for CR, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.35 (p=0.002) and 0.41 (p<0.001), respectively. Elevated serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) (>20 ng/mL) level and multinodularity exhibited significant relationships with recurrence after CR, with HRs of 2.220 (p=0.026) and 3.887 (p<0.001), respectively. Tumor size (>5 cm), multinodularity, elevated serum AFP (>20 ng/mL) level, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (B and C), and portal vein thrombosis were significant factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated with TACE as a first therapy, tumor size (≤5 cm) and single nodularity were predictive factors for CR, and multinodularity and elevated serum AFP (>20 ng/mL) levels were predictive factors for recurrence after CR. These factors were also significant for OS.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Recurrence* ; Venous Thrombosis

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the content of an educational curriculum by understanding the opinions of experts in the development of weekly educational content for dental communication or communication-related subjects. It was composed of educational content on how to communicate with patients by cultivating a professional attitude through basic contents and a self-understanding of communication. Three experts were asked to evaluate the feasibility of educational contents and their appropriateness in order to evaluate the criteria for certification as a dental hygienist. The validity of the weekly educational contents and the period of education were awarded 4 points out of a maximum of 5 points; overall, the curriculum was evaluated to be valid and to be acceptable for use as criteria for certification evaluation. On the other hand, it was confirmed that not only should the contents be made appropriate for the grade level, but it should be complemented so that theoretical and practical learning can be achieved in a gradual and interrelated manner rather than as a one-time curriculum. Therefore, the result of this study can be considered for use as background data for curriculum development, and for standardization of the communication course in the dental hygiene department.
Awards and Prizes ; Certification ; Complement System Proteins ; Curriculum* ; Dental Hygienists ; Education ; Hand ; Humans ; Learning ; Oral Hygiene*

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of device closure and medical therapy in prevention of recurrent embolic event in the Korean population with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive 164 patients (men: 126 patients, mean age: 48.1 years, closure group: 72 patients, medical group: 92 patients) were enrolled. The primary end point was a composite of death, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or peripheral embolism. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups, except age, which was higher in the medical group (45.3±9.8 vs. 50.2±6.1, p<0.0001), and risk of paradoxical embolism score, which was higher in the closure group (6.2±1.6 vs. 5.7±1.3, p=0.026). On echocardiography, large right-to-left shunt (81.9% vs. 63.0%, p=0.009) and shunt at rest/septal hypermobility (61.1% vs. 23.9%, p<0.0001) were more common in the closure group. The device was successfully implanted in 71 (98.6%) patients. The primary end point occurred in 2 patients (2 TIA, 2.8%) in the closure group and in 2 (1 death, 1 stroke, 2.2%) in the medical group. Event-free survival rate did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to medical therapy, device closure of PFO in patients with cryptogenic stroke did not show difference in reduction of recurrent embolic events in the real world's setting. However, considering high risk of echocardiographic findings in the closure group, further investigation of the role of PFO closure in the Asian population is needed.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cardiac Catheterization/adverse effects ; Disease-Free Survival ; Embolism/etiology/*prevention & control ; Female ; Fibrinolytic Agents/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Foramen Ovale, Patent/complications/*drug therapy/mortality/*surgery ; Humans ; Ischemic Attack, Transient/*drug therapy/mortality/*surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk ; Secondary Prevention/methods ; *Septal Occluder Device/adverse effects ; Stroke/etiology/prevention & control ; Treatment Outcome