Purpose: The Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) is a nationwide cancer clinical trial group dedicated to advancing investigator-initiated trials (IITs) by conducting and supporting clinical trials. This study aims to review IITs conducted by KCSG and quantitatively evaluate the survival and financial benefits of IITs for patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed IITs conducted by KCSG from 1998 to 2023, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gains for participants. PFS and OS benefits were calculated as the difference in median survival times between the intervention and control groups, multiplied by the number of patients in the intervention group. Financial benefits were assessed based on the cost of investigational products provided. Results: From 1998 to 2023, KCSG conducted 310 IITs, with 133 completed and published. Of these, 21 were included in the survival analysis. The analysis revealed that 1,951 patients in the intervention groups gained a total of 2,558.4 months (213.2 years) of PFS and 2,501.6 months (208.5 years) of OS, with median gains of 1.31 months in PFS and 1.58 months in OS per patient. When analyzing only statistically significant results, PFS and OS gain per patients was 1.69 months and 3.02 months, respectively. Investigational drug cost analysis from six available IITs indicated that investigational products provided to 252 patients were valued at 10,400,077,294 won (approximately 8,046,481 US dollars), averaging about 41,270,148 won (approximately 31,930 US dollars) per patient. Conclusion Our findings, based on analysis of published research, suggest that IITs conducted by KCSG led to survival benefits for participants and, in some studies, may have provided financial benefits by providing investment drugs.

Purpose: The Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) is a nationwide cancer clinical trial group dedicated to advancing investigator-initiated trials (IITs) by conducting and supporting clinical trials. This study aims to review IITs conducted by KCSG and quantitatively evaluate the survival and financial benefits of IITs for patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed IITs conducted by KCSG from 1998 to 2023, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gains for participants. PFS and OS benefits were calculated as the difference in median survival times between the intervention and control groups, multiplied by the number of patients in the intervention group. Financial benefits were assessed based on the cost of investigational products provided. Results: From 1998 to 2023, KCSG conducted 310 IITs, with 133 completed and published. Of these, 21 were included in the survival analysis. The analysis revealed that 1,951 patients in the intervention groups gained a total of 2,558.4 months (213.2 years) of PFS and 2,501.6 months (208.5 years) of OS, with median gains of 1.31 months in PFS and 1.58 months in OS per patient. When analyzing only statistically significant results, PFS and OS gain per patients was 1.69 months and 3.02 months, respectively. Investigational drug cost analysis from six available IITs indicated that investigational products provided to 252 patients were valued at 10,400,077,294 won (approximately 8,046,481 US dollars), averaging about 41,270,148 won (approximately 31,930 US dollars) per patient. Conclusion Our findings, based on analysis of published research, suggest that IITs conducted by KCSG led to survival benefits for participants and, in some studies, may have provided financial benefits by providing investment drugs.

Purpose: The Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) is a nationwide cancer clinical trial group dedicated to advancing investigator-initiated trials (IITs) by conducting and supporting clinical trials. This study aims to review IITs conducted by KCSG and quantitatively evaluate the survival and financial benefits of IITs for patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed IITs conducted by KCSG from 1998 to 2023, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gains for participants. PFS and OS benefits were calculated as the difference in median survival times between the intervention and control groups, multiplied by the number of patients in the intervention group. Financial benefits were assessed based on the cost of investigational products provided. Results: From 1998 to 2023, KCSG conducted 310 IITs, with 133 completed and published. Of these, 21 were included in the survival analysis. The analysis revealed that 1,951 patients in the intervention groups gained a total of 2,558.4 months (213.2 years) of PFS and 2,501.6 months (208.5 years) of OS, with median gains of 1.31 months in PFS and 1.58 months in OS per patient. When analyzing only statistically significant results, PFS and OS gain per patients was 1.69 months and 3.02 months, respectively. Investigational drug cost analysis from six available IITs indicated that investigational products provided to 252 patients were valued at 10,400,077,294 won (approximately 8,046,481 US dollars), averaging about 41,270,148 won (approximately 31,930 US dollars) per patient. Conclusion Our findings, based on analysis of published research, suggest that IITs conducted by KCSG led to survival benefits for participants and, in some studies, may have provided financial benefits by providing investment drugs.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the surgical outcomes between two-port access and four-port access laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. METHODS: Four hundred and eighty nine patients who had received two-port access laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (n=175) and four-port access laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (n=314) in Chungnam National University Hospital from January 2009 to August 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The data were compared between the bilaterality of the cysts and cyst diameter of less than 6 cm and 6 cm or more. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient's age, parity, body weight, body mass index and history of previous surgery between the two-port and four-port access laparoscopy group. Bilaterality of ovarian cysts was more in fourport access laparoscopy group (13.7% vs. 32.5%, P=0.000). There were no significant differences in operation time, hemoglobin change, hospital stay, adhesiolysis, transfusion, and insertion of hemo-vac between the two-port and four-port access laparoscopy group for size matched compare. However additional analgesics were more in four-port access laparoscopy group for unilateral ovarian cystectomy. CONCLUSION: Two-port access laparoscopic surgery was feasible and safe for unilateral and bilateral ovarian cystectomy compare with four-port access laparoscopic surgery.
Analgesics ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Cystectomy* ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Ovarian Cysts ; Parity ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: Despite the significance of the p53 adenoviral vector in cancer gene therapy, an advanced strategy for the development of preferential tumor cell-specific delivery and the long-term persistent gene expression control of p53 are required. In this study, the time-course expression patterns of p53 and E6, on cervical cancer cells, were investigated to obtain a molecular level understanding of the cell-dependent tumor growth suppression effects of a recombinant adenovirus expressing p53, both in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expressions of p53 and E6 in CaSki, SiHa, HeLa, HeLaS3, C33A and HT3 cervical cancer cell lines were examined. After infection with AdCMVp53, the cell growth inhibition was studied via cell count, MTT and Neutral red assays. After transfecting the AdCMVp53 and AdCMVLacZ into the cancer cells-xenografted nude mice, the anti-tumor effects were investigated for one month. RESULTS: The p53 protein levels were more notably expressed in the CaSki and HeLa than in the SiHa and HeLaS3 On day 6, the p53 was only detected in the HeLaS3. In contrast, the p53 expression was highly maintained in the C33A and HT3. The E6 mRNA levels gradually decreased in only the CaSki and HeLa. The growth suppression effects also showed cell-dependent patterns, which were consistent with the reciprocal expression patterns of p53 and E6. After transfection of the AdCMVp53, into the CaSki- and SiHa-xenografted nude mice, the tumor size was remarkably decreased in the SiHa cells as compared to that in the AdCMVLacZ transfected mice, indicating cell-specific growth inhibition patterns. CONCLUSION: The adenovirus-mediated p53 gene transfection was very effective both in vitro and in vivo. Also, the anti-tumor effects were accomplished via the differential role of p53-specific apoptotic cell death, which was dependent on the cervical cancer cell line.
Adenoviridae* ; Animals ; Cell Count ; Cell Death ; Cell Line ; Gene Expression ; Genes, Neoplasm ; Genes, p53 ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans* ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neutral Red ; RNA, Messenger ; Transfection ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits of laparoscopic surgery compare with laparotomy in the surgical management of adnexal tumors during pregnancy. METHODS: Operating time, hospital stays, complications and pregnancy outcome were analyzed in 18 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery and 30 patients who underwent laparotomy due to adnexal tumors discovered during pregnancy at Chungnam National University Hospital from January 1993 to June 2000. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 27.1 years and mean gestational age was not significantly different between the two groups. Tumor size was larger in laparotomy group (8.4 vs 6.4 cm in diameter). Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was most common operative procedures and cystic teratoma was most common histologic findings in both groups. Operating time was not significantly different between the two groups. Blood loss (43.2 vs 18.3 mL) and hospital stay (7.1 vs 5.7 days) was significantly less in laparscopy group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery may be an effective treatment of adnexal tumors during pregnancy.
Chungcheongnam-do ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Laparoscopy* ; Laparotomy* ; Length of Stay ; Ovarian Cysts ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Pregnancy* ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Teratoma

OBJECTIVE: Hysterectomy is one of the most common gynecological operations. The objective of this study was to introduce a new uterine elevator for total laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: Bae's uterine elevator was modified for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Modified Bae's uterine elevator was 5 cm longer than original one and handle was modified to vertical position and stopper, silicon tube and silicon adapter for colpotomizer was installed on the shaft. Three hundred and fifty seven cases of total laparoscopic hysterectomies using modified Bae's uterine elevator were performed from Jan 1999 to Jun 2000. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 41.8, operation time was 48.3 minutes and uterine weight was 245.5 gm. Leiomyoma was the most common cause of hysterectomies (70.9%), and followed by adenomyosis (16.2%), endometriosis (7.6%). There were no major operative complications such as vascular, bladder, ureter or intestinal injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Three hundred and fifty seven cases of total laparoscopic hysterectomies using modified Bae's uterine elevator were performed successfully without any major complications. Modified Bae's uterine elevator was very convenient for uterine manipulation during total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Adenomyosis ; Elevators and Escalators* ; Endometriosis ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy* ; Laparoscopes ; Leiomyoma ; Silicones ; Ureter ; Urinary Bladder

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to estimate the anti-cancer effects of the major components of the green tea (polyphenols, catechin and EGCG) and the mechanism of EGCG on different cervical cancer cell lines. METHODS: Six cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, HeLaS3, Caski, SiHa, HT3 and C33A) were treated with 20 microgram/ml green tea polyphenols (GTPs), 50 micrometer catechin and various concentrations of (-)-epigallo- catechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The viabilities were determined by trypan blue exclusion assay, neutral red assay and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation were used to see whether EGCG-induced anti-proliferation effect was due to apoptosis. RESULTS: Both GTPs, catechin and EGCG had growth inhibition effects on cervical cancer cell lines, but EGCG appeared to be the most effective. What's more, the sensitivity of each cell lines to EGCG was different. HT3 cells (HPV negative, mutant type p53) were most sensitive to EGCG (estimate IC50: 10 micrometer). Caski (HPV-16 positive, wild type p53) and HeLaS3 cells (HPV-18 positive, wild type p53) were less sensitive (estimate IC50: 35 and 70 micrometer respectively). EGCG-induced apoptosis can be seen in all the cell lines and it happened as early as 8 hours after EGCG treatment. CONCLUSION: Green tea or EGCG alone will be beneficial to the cervical cancer patients.
Apoptosis* ; Catechin ; Cell Line* ; Chemoprevention ; DNA Fragmentation ; Guanosine Triphosphate ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Neutral Red ; Polyphenols* ; Tea* ; Trypan Blue ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*

BACKGROUND: The problems of coronary stent thrombosis and restenosis still remain to be solved.The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blocker, Abciximab (ReoPro), plays important roles in the treatment of high-risk patient with acute platelet-rich thrombus and in the inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of ReoPro-coated stents could reduce the neointimal formation in a porcine coronary stent restenosis model. METHODS: ReoPro was coated on the surface of stent by means of plasma polymerization followed by chemical grafting. Stent overdilation injury was performed with control bare stent (Group I, n=13), and ReoPro-coated stents (Group II, n=14). Follow-up quantitative coronary angiogram was performed at 4 weeks after stenting and histopathologic assessment were compared in both groups. RESULTS: The diameter stenosis by QCA between two groups was significantly higher in Group I (23+/-5 % vs. 15+/-7 %, p=0.003). On histopathologic examination, no in-stent thrombus was observed. The percent area stenosis was significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (48+/-17 % vs. 30+/-16 %, p=0.01). The area of neoinima was larger in Group I than in Group II (3.2+/-1.2 mm2 vs. 2.0+/-1.0 mm2, p=0.01). By immunocytochemistry, proliferation cell nuclear antigen indices were higher in Group I (4.2+/-2.1 %, vs 2.4+/-1.8 % p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The ReoPro-coated stent is safe and effective in the prevention of in-stent thrombus and restenosis, which may be related with the inhibition of platelet thrombus and neointimal cell proliferation.
Blood Platelets* ; Cell Proliferation ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glycoproteins* ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Neointima ; Plasma ; Polymerization ; Polymers ; Stents* ; Thrombosis ; Transplants

No abstract available.
Extraembryonic Membranes* ; Placenta*