• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.285-290
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• 2005

Background : Some malignancies including lymphoma, head and neck cancer, and lung cancer are believed to be associated with the reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) because cyclic anti-cancer chemotherapy can induce the leukopenia or immunological deterioration. This report describes the clinical characteristics and treatment response of TB that developed during cyclic anti-cancer chemotherapy in patients with a solid tumor. Materials and Methods : From January 1 2000 to July 31 2004, patients with TB diagnosed microbiologically, pathologically, or clinically during anti-cancer chemotherapy in a tertiary hospital were enrolled, and their medical records were reviewed. Patients with the known risk factors for the reactivation of TB were excluded. Results : Twenty-two patients were enrolled and their mean age was 56.5 years (range 21-78). The male to female ratio was 3.4:1 and pulmonary TB was the main variant (20 patients, 90.9%). Gastric cancer (10 patients, 45.4%) and lymphoma (4 patients, 18.2%) were the leading underlying malignancies. The other malignancies included lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, cervix cancer, and ovary cancer. Fifteen patients (68.2%) had a healed scar on a simple chest radiograph suggesting a previous TB infection. Among these patients, new TB lesions involved the same lobe or the ipsilateral pleura in 13 patients (87.6%). An isoniazid and rifampicin based regimen were started in all the subjects except for one patient with a hepatic dysfunction. The mean duration of medication was $9.9{\pm}2.4$ months and no adverse events resulting in a regimen change were observed. With the exception of 5 patients who died of the progression of the underlying malignancy, 70.6% (12/17) completed the anti-TB treatment. Conclusion : The clinical characteristics and response to anti-TB treatment for TB that developed during anticancer chemotherapy for a solid tumor were not different from those of patients who developed TB in the general population.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.83-88
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• 2009

Purpose: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) using an on board imager (OBI) can check the movement and setup error in patient position and target volume by comparing with the image of computer simulation treatment in real.time during patient treatment. Thus, this study purposed to check the change and movement of patient position and target volume using CBCT in IMRT and calculate difference from the treatment plan, and then to correct the position using an automated match system and to test the accuracy of position correction using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and examine the usefulness of CBCT in IMRT and the accuracy of the automatic match system. Materials and Methods: The subjects of this study were 3 head and neck patients and 1 pelvis patient sampled from IMRT patients treated in our hospital. In order to investigate the movement of treatment position and resultant displacement of irradiated volume, we took CBCT using OBI mounted on the linear accelerator. Before each IMRT treatment, we took CBCT and checked difference from the treatment plan by coordinate by comparing it with the image of CT simulation. Then, we made correction through the automatic match system of 3D/3D match to match the treatment plan, and verified and evaluated using electronic portal imaging device. Results: When CBCT was compared with the image of CT simulation before treatment, the average difference by coordinate in the head and neck was 0.99 mm vertically, 1.14 mm longitudinally, 4.91 mm laterally, and 1.07o in the rotational direction, showing somewhat insignificant differences by part. In testing after correction, when the image from the electronic portal imaging device was compared with DRR image, it was found that correction had been made accurately with error less than 0.5 mm. Conclusion: By comparing a CBCT image before treatment with a 3D image reconstructed into a volume instead of a 2D image for the patient's setup error and change in the position of the organs and the target, we could measure and correct the change of position and target volume and treat more accurately, and could calculate and compare the errors. The results of this study show that CBCT was useful to deliver accurate treatment according to the treatment plan and to increase the reproducibility of repeated treatment, and satisfactory results were obtained. Accuracy enhanced through CBCT is highly required in IMRT, in which the shape of the target volume is complex and the change of dose distribution is radical. In addition, further research is required on the criteria for match focus by treatment site and treatment purpose.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.34
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• pp.13-20
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• 2022

Purpose : IMRT using Tomotherapy during nasopharyngeal cancer radiation therapy irradiate an accurate dose to tumor tissues and is effective to reduce a dose rapidly in normal tissues. However, this has high MU and long Beam On Time. This study aims to analyze differences in tumors, normal tissues and low-dose distributions and the efficiency of Split VMAT after applying Helical IMRT (Tomotherapy), VMAT (Linac : 2Arc) and Split VMAT (Linac : 4Arc) plans. Materials and Methods : This study targeted ten nasopharyngeal cancer patients of this hospital and compared three treatment plans (Helical IMRT, VMAT, Split VMAT). For Helical IMRT planning, Precision^® (Version 1.1.1.1, Accuray, USA) was used, and for VMAT and Split VMAT planning, Pinnacle^3® (Version 9.10, Philips, USA) was used. The total dose applied was 38.4 Gy / 32 Gy (Daily Dose 2.4 Gy (GTV + 0.3 cm) / 2 Gy (CTV + 0.3 cm) 16Fx), and for GTV + 0.3 cm (P_GTV), 95% of V_38.4Gy was prescribed. VMAT with an angle of 360° 2Arc was applied, and for Split VMAT, the field was divided into the right, the left, the top and the bottom and an angle of 360° 4Arc, 6MV was set. For evaluating the quality of the treatment plans, differences in tumors, normal tissues and low-dose area were compared, and Beam On Time was measured to analyze the efficiency. Results : When calculating the mean values of evaluation items of the three treatment plans (Helical IMRT, VMAT, Split VMAT) for the patients, the H.I (Homogeneity Index) of P_GTV was 1.04, 1.11 and 1.1 respectively, and the C.I (Confomity Index) of P_CTV was 1.03, 0.99 and 1.00 respectively. The mean dose of RT Parotid Gland (Gy) was 14.54, 17.06 and 14.76 respectively, the mean dose of LT Parotid Gland (Gy) was 14.32, 17.32 and 15.09 respectively, the maximum dose of P_Cord (Spinal Cord + 0.3 cm) (Gy) was 20.57, 22.59 and 21.06 respectively, and the maximum dose of Brain Stem (Gy) was 22.35, 23.99 and 21.68 respectively. The 50% isodose curve (cc) was 1332, 1132.5 and 1065.2 respectively. Beam On Time (sec) was 373.7, 130.7 and 254.4 respectively. Conclusion : Displaying a similar treatment plan quality to Helical IMRT, which is used a lot for head and neck treatment, Split VMAT reduced the low-dose area and Beam On Time and produced a better result than VMAT. Therefore, it is considered that Split VMAT is effective not only for nasopharyngeal cancer but also for other head and neck cancers.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.139-147
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• 2001

Objectives: The most important differential point of follicular carcinoma from adenoma is capsular invasion or angioinvasion of follicular cells. Serial sections for examination of levels of tumor margins are necessary to watch the invasion. However, the interpretation of capsular invasion or angioinvasion is sometimes not feasible on the routine staining of tumor tissue. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of expressions of $p27^{KIP1}$, MIB-1, bcl-2 and p53 in differential diagnosis of follicular adenoma and carcinoma. Materials and Methods: 16 cases of follicular carcinoma and 26 cases of follicular adenoma were entered on study of immunohistochemical stains for $p27^{KIP1}$, MIB-1, bcl-2 and p53. In carcinoma cases, correlation between the above markers, patient's age, tumor size, infiltration pattern and metastasis was studied. Results: $p27^{KIP1}$ labelling index (LI) of follicular carcinoma and adenoma was $4.89{\pm}6.92$ and $14.52{\pm}9.17$, respectively, but there was no significant difference between adenoma and carcinoma (p=0.2560). MIB-1 LI of carcinoma and adenoma was $4.11{\pm}3.89$ and $0.80{\pm}0.75$, respectively, and MIB-1 LI was significantly higher in carcinoma (p=0.0000). bcl-2 expression was seen in 2(12.5%) of 16 carcinoma cases and 130(50.0%) of 26 adenoma cases, and bcl-2 expression rate was higher in adenoma than in carcinoma(p=0.014). In one adenoma and one carcinoma case, p53 expression was noted. In follicular adenoma with atypia compared to adenoma without atypia, lower $p27^{KIP1}$ LI, higher MIB-1 LI and lower bcl-2 expression rate were seen. In follicular carcinoma, MIB-1 LI was significantly higher in invasive carcinoma(p=0.045) and was relatively increased in tumors larger than 3.0cm, showing angioinvasion and distant metastasis. But $p27^{KIP1}$ LI was higher in cases over 40 years old(p=0.008) and with conspicuous capsular invasion. There were no positive correlations between expressions of MIB-1, bcl-2 and p53. Conclusion: MIB-1 labelling index and bcl-2 expression could be helpful for differential diagnosis of follicular adenoma and carcinoma, but p53 showed very low expression rate and no significance in differential diagnosis. $p27^{KIP1}$ labelling index reveals decreasing tendency in carcinoma compared with adenoma, MIB-1 LI was considered as a poor prognostic marker in follicular carcinoma, but $p27^{KIP1}$ LI was higher in carcinoma cases over 40 years old with showing conspicuous capsular invasion. Further study for the significance of $p27^{KIP1}$ labelling index in follicular neoplasms is necessary to evaluate diagnostic value of follicular carcinoma.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.151-159
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present the treatment results and to identify possible prognostic indicators in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Between October 1985 to December 2000, 90 patients who had locally advanced stage IV hypopharyngeal carcinoma were studied retrospectively. Twelve patients were treated with radiotherapy alone, 65 patients were treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and 13 patients were treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Total radiation dose ranged from 59.0 to 88.2 Gy (median 70 Gy) for radiotherpay alone. Most patients had ciplatin and 5-fluorouracil, and others had cisplatin and pepleomycin or vincristin. Median follow-up period was 15 months. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival rate and Cox proportional hazard model for multivariate analysis of prognostic factors. Results: Overall 3-and 5-year survival rates were 27% and 17%, respectively. The 2-year locoregional control rates were 33% for radiotherapy alone, 32% for combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and 81 % for combined surgery and radiotherapy (p=0.006). The prognostic factors affecting overall survival were T stage, concurrent chemoradiation and treatment response. Overall 3-and 5-year laryngeal preservation rates in combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy were 26% and 22%, respectively. Of these, the 5-year laryngeal preservation rates were 52% for concurrent chemoradiation group (n=11), and 16% for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (n=54, p=0.012). Conclusion: Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy showed better results than radiotherapy alone or with chemotherapy. Radiotherapy combined with concurrent chemotherapy is an effective modality to achieve organ preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. Further prospective randomized studies will be required.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.84-89
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• 2013

Purpose: Patients' movement during long image acquisition time for the fusion image of PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) results in unconformity, and greatly affects the quality of the image and diagnosis. The arm support fixtures provided by medical device companies are not manufactured considering the convenience and safety of the patients; the arm and head movements (horizontal and vertical) during PET/CT scan cause defects in the brain fundus images and often require retaking. Therefore, this study aims to develop patient-compensation device that would minimize the head and arm movements during PET/CT scan, providing comfort and safety, and to reduce retaking. Materials and Methods: From June to July 2012, 20 patients who had no movement-related problems and another 20 patients who had difficulties in raising arms due to shoulder pain were recruited among the ones who visited nuclear medicine department for PET Torso scan. By using Patient Holding System (PHS), different range of motion (ROM) in the arm ($25^{\circ}$, $27^{\circ}$, $29^{\circ}$, $31^{\circ}$, $33^{\circ}$, $35^{\circ}$) was applied to find the most comfortable angle and posture. The manufacturing company was investigated for the permeability of the support material, and the comfort level of applying bands (velcro type) to fix the patient's head and arms was evaluated. To find out the retake frequency due to movements, the amount of retake cases pre/post patient-compensation were analyzed using the PET Torso scan data collected between January to December 2012. Results: Among the patients without movement disorder, 18 answered that PHS and $29^{\circ}$ arm ROM were the most comfortable, and 2 answered $27^{\circ}$ and $31^{\circ}$, respectively. Among the patients with shoulder pain, 15 picked $31^{\circ}$ as the most comfortable angle, 2 picked $33^{\circ}$, and 3 picked $35^{\circ}$. For this study, the handle was manufactured to be adjustable for vertical movements. The material permeability of the patient-compensation device has been verified, and PHS and the compensation device were band-fixed (velcro type) to prevent device movements. A furrow was cut for head fixation to minimize the head and neck movements, fixing bands were attached for the head, wrist, forearm, and upper arm to limit movements. The retake frequency of PET Torso scan due to patient movements was 11.06% (191 cases/1,808 patients) before using the movement control device, and 2.65% (48 cases/1,732 patients) after using the device; 8.41% of the frequency was reduced. Conclusion: Recent change and innovation in the medical environment are making expensive medical image scans, and providing differentiated services for the customers is essential. To secure patient comfort and safety during PET/CT scans, ergonomic patient-compensation devices need to be provided. Therefore, this study manufactured a patientcompensation device with vertically adjustable ergonomic ROM according to the patient's body shape and condition during PET Torso scan. The defects in the basal ganglia images due to arm movements were reduced, and retaking was decreased.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.17-21
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• 2015

Recently, As people's interest in the health of teeth is increased in the medical field changed into aging society, the number of times for the radiological diagnosis is increased. It can be said that the radiation exposure dose of Korean population is increased. It is also growing concern about radiation exposure. Therefore, the basic data for the dental panoramic X-ray system, its investigation and measuring the radiation dose is needed. In this study, we used ALOKA PDM-117 dosimeter and estimated a two-dimensional dose distribution of the dental panoramic X-ray system (VATEC Pax-400). Dose evaluation about the distribution is confirmed from the point of radiation exposure of a patient. Dose distribution of the dental panoramic X-ray system irradiated chin and the facial region to high dose as well as the parts of teeth. It was founded that the eye lens which are sensitive to radiation are exposed to unnecessary radiation, considering the effect of scattered radiation. The results of this study will be used more accurate dose assessment in a variety of object size and location of measuring dose.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.301-304
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• 2000

Hemangiopericytoma is uncommon vascular neoplasm that arises from pericytes arround the capillary walls. It was first described as a distinct vascular neoplasm by Stout and Murray in 1942 The anatomic distribution is widespread throughout the body, with approximately one third occur in the head and neck. No sex predilection has been found. Although middle age appears to be the most prevalent time of onset, this neoplasm has been found in all age groups. The differentiation between benign and malignant hemangiopericytoma can be difficult. Although the majority of these tumors are benign, there are malignant variants that can metastasize. Metastasis of seemingly benign tumors may appear year of decade later, so long term close follow-up is needed. The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision of the tumor. Despite their vascular origin, these tumors are relatively radioresistant. Radiation therapy is reserved for inoperable metastases or treatment of postoperative surgical fields. Here we present a case of hemangiopericytoma occuring on the Lt. buccal mucosa.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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• 2002.09a
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• pp.138-140
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• 2002

The spinal cord dose is the one of the limiting factor for the radiation treatment of the head & neck (H&N) or the thorax region. Due to the fact that the cord is the elongated shaped structure, it is not an easy task to maintain the cord dose within the clinically acceptable dose range. To overcome this problem, the spinal cord partial block technique (PBT) with the dynamic Multi-Leaf Collimator (dMLC) has been developed. Three dimension (3D) conformal beam directions, which minimize the coverage of the normal organs such as the lung and the parotid gland, were chosen. The PBT field shape for each field was designed to shield the spinal cord with the dMLC. The transmission factors were determined by the forward calculation method. The plan comparisons between the conventional 3D conformal therapy plan and the PTB plan were performed to evaluate the validity of this technique. The conformity index (CI) and the dose volume histogram (DVH) were used as the plan comparison indices. A series of quality assurance (QA) was performed to guarantee the reliable treatment. The QA consisted of the film dosimetry for the verification of the dose distribution and the point measurements. The PBT plan always generated better results than the conventional 3D conformal plan. The PBT was proved to be useful for the H&N and thorax region.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.70-74
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• 2014

Actinomycosis is caused by filamentous Gram positive anaerobic bacteria from the Actinomycetaceae family, and known as a rare cause of the infection at the eyeball. We report magnetic resonance findings of a 60-year-old Korean man with cervicofacial actinomycosis, including cellulitis in the eye and central nervous system actinomycosis. On orbital magnetic resonance imaging, gadolinium-enhanced T1-weight images showed multiple abnormal enhancing lesions in head and neck including right eye, and some include low signal intensities which considered as abscesses. The lesions was diagnosed as actinomycosis by incisional biopsy, and since then was cured by using antibiotics of penicillin family.