Search

A study conducted at Severance Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, examined the development of hematologic second primary malignancies (SPMs) in pediatric retinoblastoma patients. The researchers reviewed 35 publications and analyzed data from 61 patients. The study found that the majority of patients had heritable retinoblastoma and underwent systemic chemotherapy, with acute myeloid leukemia being the most common hematologic secondary malignancy. The researchers recommend vigilant surveillance for hematologic SPMs in retinoblastoma survivors, particularly those with hereditary conditions and those treated with systemic chemotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses the development of a novel Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) framework for breast cancer detection and classification. The framework utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and is structured into two pipelines. The first pipeline focuses on detectable cases, while the second pipeline is dedicated to cases where lesions are not initially detected. The framework was trained and evaluated using various multimodal ultrasound and mammogram datasets, achieving high accuracy and performance. The researchers concluded that the CAD framework has practical significance in automatically annotating suspected lesions for radiologists. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea, compared the effectiveness of two treatments for premenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. The study found that exemestane plus palbociclib with ovarian function suppression (OFS) resulted in improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared to capecitabine. However, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the two treatments. The study also noted that the safety profiles of both treatments were manageable. This research provides valuable insights into potential treatment options for premenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Ulsan in Seoul, South Korea, presents fresh data on chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. The study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model for HCC risk in noncirrhotic adult patients with chronic hepatitis B. The researchers found that baseline HBV DNA levels were one of the strongest predictors of HCC development, with moderate viral loads showing the highest risk. The new model, called Revised REACH-B, incorporates additional predictors such as age, sex, platelet count, ALT levels, and positive hepatitis B e antigen result. The model demonstrated satisfactory discrimination and calibration and can be a valuable tool for predicting and stratifying HCC risk in noncirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B who are not currently indicated for antiviral treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in South Korea examined the impact of changes in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer on thyroid cancer-specific mortality. The study found that while thyroid cancer incidence decreased from 2012 to 2015, thyroid cancer-specific mortality rates increased from 2005 to 2018. The study also found that mortality rates increased in patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy or had not undergone thyroidectomy between 2013 and 2018. The researchers emphasized the importance of appropriate diagnosis and treatment for high-risk patients, while also reducing overdiagnosis and overtreatment in low-risk patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea, aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of PET/CT radiomics in predicting overall survival (OS) in patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who underwent curative surgery. The study enrolled 627 patients and found that the LASSO score using F-18-FDG PET/CT radiomics of the primary tumor was an independent prognostic factor for predicting OS. This finding may be helpful in determining therapeutic and follow-up plans for patients with resectable PDAC. The study was published in Clinical Nuclear Medicine and was funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning, Republic of Korea, and the Future Medicine 2030 Project of the Samsung Medical Center. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation among psycho-oncology outpatients. The study found that approximately 46.2% of the 545 patients surveyed reported experiencing suicidal ideation in the previous two weeks. Factors associated with suicidal ideation included active disease, lower levels of physical and emotional well-being, and higher levels of depressive symptoms and psychological distress. The researchers emphasized the importance of identifying and understanding the risk factors specific to this group in order to provide appropriate support and intervention. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea, discusses research findings on liver cancer. The study focused on the optimal timing of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and factors that affect post-transplantation outcomes. The researchers analyzed data from 423 HCC patients who met the Milan criteria and underwent liver transplantation. They found that the risk of HCC recurrence after transplantation increased with the number of locoregional therapies (LRTs) received prior to transplantation. The study suggests that the timing of liver transplantation should be carefully considered based on the recurrence potential of each patient. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Seoul National University in South Korea has found that a nanodrug delivery system has a significant effect on killing hypoxic cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment. The study measured drug permeability and the quantity of anticancer drugs delivered through the nanodrug delivery system in the tumor microenvironment. The results showed variations in drug permeability depth and anticancer drug amounts depending on the drug target and therapeutic approach. This research provides valuable insights into the development of effective treatments for cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, examined the survival rates and prognostic factors of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) over a 20-year period. The study analyzed 460 patients and found that the overall survival rate was 83.8%. The study also found that the treatment outcomes for patients with ALL have improved significantly. However, the researchers noted the need for further characterization of adolescent and young adult patients, as well as those who have experienced relapses. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, has explored the potential of a new drug delivery system for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory condition that can lead to colon cancer. The study focused on a poly(maleic anhydride)-sirolimus conjugate, which demonstrated extended retention in the large intestine and reduced inflammation in a mouse model of colitis. The findings suggest that this drug delivery system could offer a promising therapeutic option for UC treatment, potentially improving outcomes for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, focused on the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells against circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters, which are known to be resistant to immune responses. The researchers developed a dual-nozzle integrated droplet microfluidic chip that allowed for the encapsulation of three different cell types - CTCs, NK cells, and neutrophils - to monitor their interactions and cytotoxicity. The study found that the cytotoxicity of NK cells varied depending on the type of cancer cells and the presence of suppressor cells. This research provides insights into the immune response against CTC clusters and has potential applications for analyzing various cell-to-cell interactions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Catholic University of Korea aimed to evaluate the pathologic findings of resected lung tumor samples in patients who had previously undergone targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study found that patients with no programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression from resected samples had significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) after resection compared to those with PD-L1 expression. The researchers concluded that resected specimens following targeted therapy can provide valuable clinical information for predicting the prognosis of patients with initially unresectable NSCLC. This research has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea, have reported on a case of cervical lymphangiosarcoma in a 7-year-old neutered male Poodle. The dog presented with a large cervical mass and draining lesions, and extensive surgical removal was attempted. However, despite chemotherapy, the condition worsened and the dog succumbed to the disease four months after the operation. This research provides insights into the surgical treatment and chemotherapy options for lymphangiosarcomas in dogs. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, focuses on the use of a machine learning algorithm to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early gastric cancer (EGC) using histopathology images. The researchers developed a pipeline consisting of a feature extractor and a risk classifier, achieving high performance in differentiating histological subtypes and predicting LNM status. The study suggests that this algorithm has the potential to improve the selection of patients who require surgery among those with EGC showing high-risk histological features. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the American Journal of Cancer Research. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Seoul, South Korea provides updated information on the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for huge hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) compared to open liver resection (OLR). The study found that there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes or oncologic survivals between LLR and OLR. However, the researchers note that further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results. This research was conducted at Seoul National University Hospital and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, aimed to identify clinically significant microRNA (miRNA) sets using extracellular vesicles (EVs) from bone marrow aspirates of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The researchers analyzed the expression levels of EV-derived miRNAs in different risk groups and found several miRNAs that were correlated with non-favorable risk and poor survival. Through bioinformatic analysis, they also identified potential mRNA biomarkers for poor prognosis. The findings suggest that EV-derived miRNAs can serve as biomarkers for risk stratification and prognosis in AML. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Catholic University in Seoul, South Korea, aimed to identify metabolic genes associated with the progression of non-metastatic prostate cancer. The researchers analyzed genetic information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and validated their findings by assessing patients' immunohistochemical prostatectomy specimens. The study identified twenty metabolic genes that consistently increased with cancer progression, and five of these genes were found to be significantly involved in overall survival. The researchers concluded that two of these genes, OGT and FLAD1, were significant prognostic factors for disease progression in non-metastatic prostate cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, has found that multi-biomarker analysis can improve the accuracy of lung cancer diagnosis. The study utilized a fast and accurate precision diagnostic method that involved analyzing a single drop of blood using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic immunoassay (SERSIA). The results showed that lung cancer could be diagnosed with 92% accuracy using just 20 μL of blood serum, and the method also accurately identified the type and stage of cancer with 87% and 85% accuracy, respectively. This research highlights the importance of multi-biomarker analysis in overcoming the limitations of single-biomarker diagnostics and its potential impact on clinical diagnostics. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea, aimed to examine the clinical outcomes and risk factors for survival of patients with low-risk early-stage human papillomavirus-associated (HPVA) endocervical adenocarcinoma (EAC) who were treated with surgery alone. The study analyzed the clinicopathological data of 117 patients who underwent surgery between 2012 and 2018. The results showed that surgery alone resulted in favorable outcomes, and the consideration of the Silva pattern, along with other risk factors, could help in accurately categorizing patients into risk groups. The study provides valuable insights into the treatment of low-risk, early-stage HPVA EAC. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Duksung Women's University in Seoul, South Korea have identified potential inhibitory targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) through a comparative analysis of gene dependency scores. TNBC patients often face an unfavorable prognosis due to the lack of targeted therapy, so identifying specific drug targets for this subtype is crucial. The researchers compared gene dependency scores among different breast cancer subtypes and identified 22 genes as potential inhibitory targets for TNBC. They experimentally validated that inhibiting the expression of one of these genes, ILK, reduced cell viability more in TNBC subtype cell lines than in other subtypes. This research has implications for identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets not only for breast cancer but also for other cancers. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, explored the role of the NME1 gene in pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that NME1, which is known to suppress metastasis in other types of cancer, is downregulated in pancreatic tumors. Overexpression of NME1 in pancreatic cancer cells led to cell death and inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion. The study suggests that NME1 could serve as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Yonsei University Health System in Seoul, South Korea, explored the use of cochlear-enhancement imaging to predict hearing preservation after the removal of large vestibular schwannomas (VSs). The study found that the presence of cochlear enhancement on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlated significantly with postoperative hearing outcomes. Specifically, patients without cochlear enhancement had a higher likelihood of preserving their hearing after surgery compared to those with cochlear enhancement. This research suggests that preoperative cochlear-enhancement assessment using MRI could be a valuable predictor for postoperative hearing outcomes in patients with vestibular schwannomas. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from researchers at the University of Ulsan in Seoul, South Korea, explores the clinical and genomic impacts of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) and somatic variants in DNA damage response (DDR) genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. The study found that PGVs in HR genes were associated with poorer disease-free survival after hepatectomy, and the most frequently altered HR gene was POLQ. Samples with PGVs in HR and loss of heterozygosity were strongly correlated with genomic footprints of deficient HR and poor outcomes. The researchers suggest that further testing of HR-directed treatments is needed for affected patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Ulsan in Seoul, South Korea have developed a model for predicting post-treatment survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. The model uses pre-treatment CT images and clinical information, including treatment options and patient-related factors, to derive survival probabilities. The model, which incorporates a 3D convolutional neural network, demonstrated promising results in predicting post-treatment survival. The integration of multimodal data, including CT images and clinical information, resulted in superior predictive capabilities compared to models using only one type of data. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). Topics include the higher complete response (CR) rates and 1-year progression-free survival rates of CAR T-cell therapy compared to bispecific antibodies, as well as differences in severe adverse event rates between the two treatments.

The article from Sungkyunkwan University investigates the clinicopathologic and molecular differences between primary and secondary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the central nervous system. Topics include the prevalence of MYD88 mutations and 6p21 loss, differences between primary and secondary CNS-DLBCL, and the development of risk prediction models based on genomic profiles.

A recent study conducted at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, explored the impact of genetic polymorphisms on methotrexate (MTX) metabolism in Korean children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study focused on MTX polyglutamates (MTX-PGs) in erythrocytes, which have not been extensively studied. The researchers found that MTX-PG levels were associated with MTX dose, and various genetic polymorphisms were associated with different types of MTX-PGs. This study contributes to our understanding of genetic factors in MTX metabolism and personalized medicine for acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Seoul Women's University in South Korea has developed a new method for predicting the recurrence-free survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study aimed to improve the accuracy of predictions by using a Tumor-Centric Attention Network (TCA-Net) that can handle tumors of various sizes. The results showed that TCA-Net achieved a balanced accuracy of 75.05% and an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.78, with significant improvements for small-sized tumors. This research has been peer-reviewed and may provide valuable insights for the treatment and follow-up of NSCLC patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Catholic University of Korea explored the relationship between coping strategies, uncertainty, and quality of life in Korean women with gynecological cancer. The study found that three coping strategies (problem-focused, active emotional, and avoidant emotional) partially mediated the relationship between uncertainty and quality of life. The research concluded that reducing uncertainty has significant effects on coping strategies and positively affects the quality of life in women with gynecological cancer. This information may be useful for individuals researching cancer and its impact on quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Dongguk University in Seoul, South Korea highlights a novel convolution transformer-based network for histopathology-image classification in cancer research. The researchers propose a hybrid model that combines the advantages of vision transformers and convolutional neural networks to effectively analyze histopathology images. The proposed method, called the renal cancer grading network, utilizes an adaptive convolution block and a dynamic attention block to improve feature extraction and classification accuracy. The experiments conducted on four publicly available histopathology datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing methods, showing its effectiveness and robustness across various datasets. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea have developed a new in vitro co-culture platform to obtain cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like cells. The platform consists of a bilayer hydrogel structure that allows for paracrine interactions between fibroblasts and cancer cells. The study found that the co-cultured fibroblasts showed morphological changes resembling CAFs and upregulated expression of CAF-related markers. Additionally, co-culture with CAF induced radio- and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells. These findings contribute to understanding the molecular and phenotypic changes associated with CAF activation and may provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea have developed a novel treatment strategy for cancer using exosome-immobilized porous microspheres. The study focused on combining the anticancer drugs doxorubicin (Dox) and TGF-beta receptor 1 kinase inhibitor (SD208) to achieve efficient and sustained anticancer effects. The researchers found that the combined treatment exhibited significant improvements in anticancer efficacy compared to Dox treatment alone. The developed exosome-immobilized porous microspheres showed potential applicability for diverse combined treatments with anticancer drugs, demonstrating improved anticancer effects with minimal nonspecific toxicity. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea compared the outcomes of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) using different sizes of beads for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study included 212 patients with a single HCC <= 5 cm from five tertiary institutions. The results showed that DEB-TACE using 70-150-mu m microspheres had a higher initial objective response rate in HCCs <= 3 cm and a longer restricted mean duration of complete response (RMDCR) at 24 months in HCCs 3.1-5 cm compared to larger beads (100-300-mu m). The study also found a higher incidence of mild bile duct dilatation in the group using larger beads. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology in Seoul, South Korea, explores the potential of milk-derived exosomes (mExos) as a noninvasive solution for the treatment of glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. The researchers developed photoresponsive mExos loaded with a photosensitizer called chlorin e6 (Ce6@mExo) and found that it effectively crossed the intestinal epithelial barrier and blood-brain barrier, accumulating in brain tissue. This enhanced accumulation resulted in significant tumor cell death in a glioblastoma model upon laser irradiation. The study highlights the promise of milk exosomes as vehicles for brain drug delivery through oral administration, improving patient convenience and therapeutic efficacy. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea, explores the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment strategies for men's gallbladder cancer (GBC). The study found that weight control through glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), type 2 diabetes treatment, and a healthy diet can help prevent GBC. Treatment strategies for GBC include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. The researchers emphasize the need for more studies on GBC to improve prevention and treatment strategies. The full study can be accessed in the Journal of Men's Health. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, highlights the challenges faced by advanced gynecological cancer patients. These patients experience a significant symptom burden that affects their quality of life and increases medical costs. The study emphasizes the importance of palliative care in alleviating these challenges, but notes a low level of awareness and utilization of palliative care in Korea. The research aims to understand the impact of advanced gynecological cancer on palliative care needs, including symptom burden and knowledge of palliative care. The study concludes that identifying factors influencing palliative care needs can help clinicians provide targeted and professional care to those in need. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, compared the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by transoral robotic surgery (TORS) versus upfront surgery for locoregionally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPSCC). The study found that there was no significant difference in recurrences and survival rates between the two groups. However, in the p16-positive population, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by TORS allowed for a significant reduction in the need for adjuvant therapy. This research provides valuable insights into the treatment options for advanced-stage OPSCC. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study by Duksung Women's University that developed a novel HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method to analyze phospholipids and sphingolipids in plasma samples from colorectal cancer patients and healthy individuals. Topics discussed include the differentiation of lipid metabolite concentrations between cancer and healthy subjects, the use of statistical models like PLS-DA and random forest classification, and the potential of identified lipids as biomarkers for colorectal cancer.

A new report from the Catholic University of Korea discusses the use of a deep learning model to predict lung cancer recurrence in high-risk individuals. The study used preoperative computed tomography (CT) images to identify patients at high risk of recurrence, allowing for more aggressive surgical approaches and intensified adjuvant treatments. The model successfully identified lung cancer recurrence sites and mapped them onto chest CT images. The researchers concluded that the model serves as a clinical decision support system and provides substantial support in managing lung cancer patients. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea discusses the issue of weight loss in gastric cancer survivors (GCS) and identifies modifiable risk factors. The study found that significant weight loss was reported by 68.7% of GCS, with age, surgery type, and total food intake reduction being important factors. The research suggests that dietary modification should be provided to GCS to prevent significant weight loss and maintain food intake. The study emphasizes the need for specific dietary recommendations for underweight or normal-weight GCS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea, explored the safety and efficacy of Minnelide, a water-soluble disodium salt variant of triptolide, in treating advanced gastric cancer (AGC). The study found that the combination of Minnelide and paclitaxel showed meaningful clinical activity with a manageable safety profile, with 71.5% of patients achieving either a partial response or stable disease. The researchers concluded that these promising results warrant further investigation in a phase II study. This research was supported by Minneamrita Therapeutics, LLC and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea aimed to identify factors that can predict poor overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent FOLFIRINOX treatment. The researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 189 patients and found that certain clinical and computed tomography (CT) findings were associated with a worse prognosis. These findings included rim enhancement of the tumor on baseline CT, high delta tumor on baseline CT, progressive disease on follow-up CT, and not undergoing surgery. The study concluded that both clinical and CT findings can be useful in predicting overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who receive FOLFIRINOX treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Catholic University of Korea in Seoul, South Korea, explored the use of the GX-188E DNA vaccine in combination with pembrolizumab therapy for patients with recurrent or advanced cervical cancer. The study found that this combination therapy showed manageable toxicity and demonstrated antitumor activities in patients with HPV 16 and/or 18-positive cervical cancer. The objective response rate was 35%, with some patients experiencing complete or partial responses. The median overall survival was 23.8 months, and the treatment was generally well-tolerated. This research suggests that the GX-188E DNA vaccine combined with pembrolizumab could be a potential treatment option for patients with recurrent or advanced cervical cancer. [Extracted from the article]