• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.334-338
• /
• 2012

Objective : We compared the survival time between patients with multiple gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and patients with a single GKRS plus whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), in patients with multiple metachronous brain metastases from lung cancer. Methods : From May 2006 to July 2010, we analyzed 31 patients out of 112 patients who showed multiple metachronous brain metastases. 20 out of 31 patients underwent multiple GKRS (group A) and 11 patients underwent a single GKRS plus WBRT (group B). We compared the survival time between group A and B. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards were used to analyze relationship between survival and 1) the number of lesions in each patient, 2) the average volume of lesions in each patient, 3) the number of repeated GKRS, and 4) the interval of development of new lesions, respectively. Results : Median survival time was 18 months (range 6-50 months) in group A and 6 months (range 3-18 months) in group B. Only the average volume of individual lesion (over 10 cc) was negatively related with survival time according to Kaplan-Meier method. Cox-proportional hazard ratio of each variable was 1.1559 for the number of lesions, 1.0005 for the average volume of lesions, 0.0894 for the numbers of repeated GKRS, and 0.5970 for the interval of development of new lesions. Conclusion : This study showed extended survival time in group A compared with group B. Our result supports that multiple GKRS is of value in extending the survival time in patients with multiple metachronous brain metastases, and that the number of the lesions and the frequency of development of new lesions are not an obstacle in treating patients with GKRS.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.218-224
• /
• 2001

Background: Response to diagnostic blocks does not consistently predict the outcome of interventional facet denervation. We investigated the relationship between pain relief by the percutaneous radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar zygapophysial joints with the result of facet joint diagnostic local anesthetic injection in patients with back pain originating from the lumbar zygapophysial joint. Methods: There were 35 patients enrolled, with ranging in age from 25 to 76 years ($52.6{\pm}12.7$ years, mean ${\pm}$ SD). We studied 7 men (20%) and 28 women (80%). All patients underwent double diagnostic block of $L_{3/4}$, $L_{4/5}$ and $L_5-S_1$ facet joint with 0.5% bupivacaine. The 35 patients fell into the following group. (1) Group A (n = 16): those who felt clear relief (pain free with Likert scale) from the double diagnostic block (2) Group B (n = 19): 11 patients who were always equivocal in their response to the double diagnostic block and 8 patients who were either pain free or equivocal in their response to the double diagnostic block. All 11 patients were done the facet joint denervation. The effect on the pain was evaluated with 4 point Likert scale 1, 6 and 12 weeks after the procedure. We evaluated the relationship between the pain response to diagnostic block and the pain relief with facet joint denervation. Results: Significant correlation was observed between the response to diagnostic block and pain relief with facet denervation (P < 0.05). We found no correlation between the categories of spinal operation and pain response to facet denervation (P value > 0.05). Conclusions: A satisfactory result of lumbar facet joint denervation can be obtained in many patients, especillay in patients whose pain were relieved by the diagnostic double facet joint block. It may be said that facet joint denervation for mechanical low back pain using radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a safe, easy, and repeatable technique.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.197-204
• /
• 2012

Purpose: To analyze the outcomes of chemoradiotherapy for extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) cancer patients who underwent R2 resection or bypass surgery and to identify prognostic factors affecting clinical outcomes, especially in terms of molecular biomarkers. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 21 patients with EHBD cancer who underwent R2 resection or bypass surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy from May 2001 to June 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. All surgical specimens were reevaluated by immunohistochemical staining using phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT), CD24, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), survivin, and ${\beta}$-catenin antibodies. The relationship between clinical outcomes and immunohistochemical results was investigated. Results: At a median follow-up of 20 months, the actuarial 2-year locoregional progression-free, distant metastasis-free and overall survival were 37%, 56%, and 54%, respectively. On univariate analysis using clinicopathologic factors, there was no significant prognostic factor. In the immunohistochemical staining, cytoplasmic staining, and nuclear staining of pAKT was positive in 10 and 6 patients, respectively. There were positive CD24 in 7 patients, MMP9 in 16 patients, survivin in 8 patients, and ${\beta}$-catenin in 3 patients. On univariate analysis, there was no significant value of immunohistochemical results for clinical outcomes. Conclusion: There was no significant association between clinical outcomes of patients with EHBD cancer who received chemoradiotherapy after R2 resection or bypass surgery and pAKT, CD24, MMP9, survivin, and ${\beta}$-catenin. Future research is needed on a larger data set or with other molecular biomarkers.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.295-307
• /
• 1997

This study was performed to investigate the reproductibility of eccentric mandibular movements according to preferred chewing side, range of mouth opening, type of lateral guidance and involvement of temporomandibular disorders. 50 patients with temporomandibular disorders and 65 dental students without any signs and symptoms were randomly selected for this study as the patients group and the control group, respectively. For recording and observation of eccentric mandibular movement trajectory, BioEGN$^\textregistered$ of Biopak$^\textregistered$ system (Bioresearch Inc., USA) was used. Each eccentric movement to anterior, right and left side was performed three times similar to the movement pattern for Pantronic Reproducibility Index. mandibular path was analyzed by three dimensional positional change and the three paths from one direction were compared with one another. From this, reproducibility index of one-directional lateral movement could be calculated, and total reproducibility index, named BioEGN reproducibility index(BERI), was also computed from three-directional eccentric movement likewise. BioEGN reproducibility Index could have four value of score by small or large scale, and by outgoing or incoming movement. The data were analyzed by SAS/stat program and the results obtained were as follows: 1. Right side chewing subjects showed more consistent pattern In reproducibility index in comparison between patients group and control group than left chewing subjects have done, and reproducibility was low in patients group. However, there was no difference between the two stoups in bilateral chewing subjects. 2. There were no difference in reproducibility index between preferred chewing side and contralateral side in unilateral chewing subjects whereas reproducibility index in left side on outgoing movement were higher than in right side in bilateral chewing subjects. 3. Difference in total reproducibility index(BERI) between canine guidance group and non-canine guidance group were not observed though difference in reproducibility index on lateral movement were observed in part. 4. There were no difference in reproducibility index between affected side and contralateral side in unilaterally affected patients, and between unilaterally affected patients and bilaterally affected patients in patients group. 5. Highly significant positive correlationship were shown among the four 쇼pes of total reproducibility index(BERI) in total subjects, and range of clinical mouth opening was negatively correlated with BEBI on outgoing movements and with index on outgoing movement to preferred side.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.105-108
• /
• 2016

Background: Epidemiological evidence indicates that individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) may have a modestly increased risk of bladder cancer. In the present study, we aimed to show any association between DM and risk of metastasis in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 698 patients between January 2007 and December 2014 who were diagnosed with and underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TUR-BT). Comparisons of means was conducted by independent samples t test, and relations between categorical variables were investigated by non-parametric chi-square test. A p value of 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant in comparisons. Results: We analyzed 418 patients with non muscle invasive bladder cancer. 123 of whom were diabetic and 295 non-diabetic. In diabetic patients, 13 were N1 stage and 11 M1 stage. When compared with non diabetic patients that was statistically significant (p<0.001). TNM stages were more advanced in diabetic patients (p<0.001), but concurrent CIS (p=0.1) and squamous metaplasia did not significantly differ between diabetic and non-diabetic cases (p=1). Conclusions: Diabetic patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer may suffer metastases earlier than expected although they are non invasive. Therefore such patients must be followed-up carefully and early cystectomy decision may be necessary. Further prospective studies with more patients are needed to confirm these findings.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.20
• /
• pp.8937-8939
• /
• 2014

The aim of this study is to determine results of high prostate specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination driven prostate biopsies performed in our Department in men aged 75 or more and to show the characteristics of pathology results. The hospital records of the patients who had high PSA or abnormal digital rectal examination driven prostate biopsy in two common university based research hospitals have been reviewed retrospectively. Patients aged 75 years or older at the date of biopsy whose records provided pathology results and full medical history were evaluated for the study. A total of 103 patients were evaluated with a mean age of $79.4{\pm}3.4years$. More than half of the patients (55.1%) were in their seventh decade and the rest were in the eighth decade. Median PSA value was 15.0 (range 2.1-4500) ng/ml. In most of the biopsies (67%), PSA levels were lower than 20 ng/ml. In almost half of the patients (48%), digital rectal examination was abnormal. In 68.9% of the patients, there were at least one or more associated co-morbid diseases. Gleason scores were 7 or higher in 73%, and 8 or higher in 37% of the patients with prostate cancer. Four of the 70 (6%) patients had bone metastases. Castrations were applied to most of the patients with prostate adenocarcinoma (%79). High percentage of high grade (Gleason 7 or more) prostate adenocarcinoma in the elderly refutes the perception of prostate cancer in this age group as clinically insignificant. Therefore, it is to be kept in mind that prostate cancer in the elderly an be clinically significant and prostate biopsies are to be performed when necessary.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.8
• /
• pp.3567-3570
• /
• 2014

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in men and the third most common cancer in woman in Thailand. This retrospective study was designed to assess the prevalence, clinical manifestations, treatment outcomes and prognosis of HCC in the central region of Thailand. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed all HCC patients aged more than 15 years old in Thammasat university hospital (TUH) during the period from January 2007 to December 2012. Clinical information, biochemical tests and radiologic findings were collected from review of medical records. Results: There were 308 patients with HCC, which accounted for the prevalence of 5.19% of all cancers diagnosed in TUH during the study period. Of these, 125 (40.5%) had complete information retrievable from their medical records and met the inclusion criteria, 99 (79.2%) were males. The mean age was 57.4 years. A quarter of HCC patients in this study presented without any symptom before diagnosis. The common clinical presentations in the remaining patients were hepatomegaly 64/125 (51.2%), abdominal pain 56/125 (44.8%) and ascites 16/125 (20.8%). Cirrhosis was seen in almost all patients (92.8%). The most common causes of HCC in this study were chronic hepatitis B (49.6%) and C (19.2%). Based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, 75.4% presented at intermediate or late stage. Patients receiving curative therapy with either surgical treatment or radiofrequency ablation had significantly longer survival time after the HCC diagnosis than the palliative therapy group (11.0 months vs 4.0 months, p value= 0.004). The mean survival time after the HCC diagnosis was 10.5 months. Conclusions: The common causes of HCC in central region of Thailand were chronic hepatitis B and C. Surgical therapy or RFA seemed to provide better outcomes than other treatments but only in patients with early stage lesions. Most of the patients in this study presented with advanced diseases and had grave prognosis. Appropriate screening patients at risk for HCC might be an appropriate way to achieve early diagnosis and improve the treatment outcome.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.10
• /
• pp.5811-5816
• /
• 2013

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Molecular subtypes are important in determining prognosis. This study evaluated five-year disease-free survival among four molecular subtypes in patients with early stages of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective descriptive-analytical study, information on patients with breast cancer between 2001-2010 was evaluated. Five hundred ninety two patients in the early stages of breast cancer (stages 1 and 2) were selected to undergo anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Relapse, death or absence (censor) were considered as the end of the study. Patients based on ER, PR and HER-2 expression were divided into four subtypes (luminal A, luminal B, HER-2 enriched and triple negative). Information based upon questionnaire was analysed. To show the patients survival rate, life table and Kaplan-Meyer methods were used, and for comparing mean survival among different groups, the Log-Rank test was utilized. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was $47.9{\pm}9.6$. Out of the 592 patients, 586 were female (99%) and 6 were male (1%). Considering breast cancer molecular subtypes, 361 patients were in the luminal A group (61%), 49 patients in the luminal B group (8.3%), 48 patients in the HER-2 enriched group (8.1%) and 134 in the triple negative group (22.6%). Mean disease-free survival was 53.7 months overall, 55.4 months for the luminal A group, 48.3 months for the luminal B group, 43 months for the HER-2enriched group and 54.6 months for the triple negatives. Disease free survival differed significantly among the molecular subtypes (p value=0.0001). Conclusions: The best disease-free survival rate was among the luminal A subgroup and the worst disease-free survival rate was among the HER-2 enriched subgroup. Disease free survival rate in the HER-2 positive groups (luminal B and HER-2 enriched) was worse than the HER-2 negative groups (luminal A and triple negative).

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.61 no.3
• /
• pp.84-89
• /
• 2018

Purpose: Timely antibiotic therapy in selected cases of diarrhea associated with bacterial infections can reduce the duration and severity of illness and prevent complications. The availability of a predictive index before identification of causative bacteria would aid in the choice of a therapeutic agent. Methods: The study included patients admitted to the pediatrics unit at Konyang University Hospital for acute inflammatory diarrhea from August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016 who underwent multiplex polymerase chain reaction testing. Of 248 patients, 83 had positive results. The clinical symptoms and blood test results were examined in 61 patients with Campylobacter spp. (25 patients), Salmonella spp. (18 patients), and Clostridium perfringens (18 patients) infections. The mean age of the 61 patients (male:femal=31:30) was $84.0{\pm}54.8months$, and the mean hospital stay was $4.6{\pm}1.7days$. Results: There were no statistical differences in sex, age, clinical symptoms, or signs. Patients with Campylobacter infection were significantly older (P=0.00). C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with Campylobacter infection were higher than those in the other 2 groups, at $9.6{\pm}6.1mg/dL$. The results of receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff age was ${\geq}103.5months$ (sensitivity, 72%; specificity, 86%) and the CRP cutoff level was ${\geq}4.55mg/dL$ (sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 69%). Conclusion: Age (${\geq}103.5months$) and higher CRP level (${\geq}4.55mg/dL$) were good predictors of Campylobacter enterocolitis. If neither criterion was met, Campylobacter enterocolitis was unlikely (negative predictive value 97.2%). When both criteria were met, Campylobacter enterocolitis was highly likely.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.160-166
• /
• 1998

The purpose of this study was to assess the results of arthroscopic subacromial decompression in patients with chronic impingement and to evaluate the results according to the rotator cuff pathology. We evaluated the clinical results of treatment for chronic impingement syndrome in 28 patients from Feb 1996 to Feb 1997. There were twenty men and eight women in age from 24 to 72 years (mean age 51) with dominant arm involvement in sixteen patients. Follow up evaluations averaged 15(range 12-24)months. The average duration of symptoms were 15(range 6­60)months. The final diagnoses which were based on the physical examination, plain radiographs and arthroscopic findings, were stage II impingement in 16 patients and stage ill impingement in 12 patients. We excluded the patients with acromioclavicular arthritis or glenohumeral instability in this study. All patients were managed non-operatively a minimum of six months. During the operation we performed contouring and smoothing the acromial undersurface and only resecting of the anterolateral band of the coracoacromial ligament. The clinical results were quantitated using UCLA shoulder rating score. Satisfactory results were obtained in 23(80%) patients. Unsatisfactory results were obtained in 5(18%) patients with posterior cuff tear. The average UCLA pain score showed significant improvement from 2.8(constant pain) to 7.2(present during heavy activities) at final follow up. The function and active forward flexion scores also increased from their preoperative value. There was no significant differences according to the surface and severity of tear and NeeI' stage (P>0.05). These results compared favorably with those reported following open acromioplasty. While arthroscopic subacromial decompression is a demanding technique with a learning curve, it is a reliable treatment for chronic impingement syndrome. A less aggressive approach to subacromial decompression and preserving the posteromedial band of the coracoacromialligament does not appear to compromise results.