• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권7호
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• pp.3515-3519
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• 2016

Background: In Thailand, a national treatment protocol for childhood leukemia and lymphoma (LL) was implemented in 2006. Access to treatment has also improved with the National Health Security system. Since these innovations, survival of childhood LL has not been fully described. Materials and Methods: Trends and survival of children under 15 with childhood cancers diagnosed between 1993 and 2012 were investigated using the hospital-based data from the Khon Kaen Cancer Registry, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Childhood cancers were classified into 12 diagnostic groups, according to the ICCC based on the histology of the cancer. Survival rates were described by period, depending on the treatment protocol. For leukemias and lymphomas, survival was assessed for 3 periods (1993-99, 2000-5, 2006-12) while for solid tumors it was for 2 periods (before and after 2000). The impacts of sex, age, use of the national protocol, and catchment area on leukemia and lymphoma were evaluated. Overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method while the Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis. Trends were calculated using the R program. Results: A total of 2,343 childhood cancer cases were included. Survival for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from 1993-9, 2000-5, and 2006-12 improved significantly (43.7%, 64.6%, and 69.9%). This was to a lesser extent true for acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) (28.1%, 42.0%, and 42.2%). Survival of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) also improved significantly (44%, 65.5%, and 86.8%) but not for Hodgkin disease (HD) (30.1%, 66.1%, and 70.6%). According to multivariate analysis, significant risk factors associated with poor survival in the ALL group were age under 1 and over 10 years, while not using the national protocol had hazard ratios (HR) of 1.6, 1.3, and 2.3 respectively. In NHL, only non-use of national protocols was a risk factor (HR 3.9). In ANLL and HD, none of the factors influenced survival. Survival of solid tumors (liver tumors, retinoblastomas) were significantly increased compared to after and before 2000 while survival for CNS tumors, neuroblastoma and bone tumors was not changed. Conclusions: The survival of childhood cancer in Thailand has markedly improved. Since implementation of national protocols, this is particularly the case for ALL and NHL. These results may be generalizable for the whole country.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.62-69
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• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the treatment outcome and prognostic factor of postoperative radiotherapy for extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Materials and Methods: Forty three patients with extremity STS were treated with conservative surgery and postoperative radiotherapy from January 1981 to December 2010 at Korea University Medical Center. Median total 60 Gy (range, 50 to 74.4 Gy) of radiation was delivered and 7 patients were treated with chemotherapy. Results: The median follow-up period was 70 months (range, 5 to 302 months). Twelve patients (27.9%) sustained relapse of their disease. Local recurrence occurred in 3 patients (7.0%) and distant metastases developed in 10 patients (23.3%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 69.2% and disease free survival was 67.9%. The 5-year local relapse-free survival was 90.7% and distant relapse-free survival was 73.3%. On univariate analysis, no significant prognostic factors were associated with development of local recurrence. Histologic grade (p = 0.005) and stage (p = 0.02) influenced the development of distant metastases. Histologic grade was unique significant prognostic factor for the OS on univariate and multivariate analysis. Severe acute treatment-related complications, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 3 or 4, developed in 6 patients (14.0%) and severe late complications in 2 patients (4.7%). Conclusion: Conservative surgery with postoperative radiotherapy achieved a satisfactory rate of local control with acceptable complication rate in extremity STS. Most failures were distant metastases that correlate with tumor grade and stage. The majority of local recurrences developed within the field. Selective dose escalation of radiotherapy or development of effective systemic treatment might be considered.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.35-44
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• 2018

Purpose: To evaluate clinical outcomes according to radiation dose in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Materials and Methods: From January 2006 to December 2015, 38 patients with LS-SCLC were treated with CCRT with etoposide and cisplatin. Total radiation doses ranged from 45 Gy to 66 Gy (1.8-2 Gy/fraction) and were classified into three groups: 45-54 Gy, 60-63 Gy, and 66 Gy. The impact of radiation dose on survival outcomes were evaluated. Toxicities were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03. Results: The median follow-up period was 21 months. The 2-year overall survival (OS) and local failure-free survival (LFFS) rates were 45.8% and 67.5%, respectively. The 2-year LFFS rates were 33.3% for 45-54 Gy group, 68.6% for 60-63 Gy group, and 87.1% for 66 Gy group (p = 0.014). In multivariate analysis, radiation dose was a significant factor for LFFS (p = 0.015). Although radiation dose was not a significant factor for OS and disease-free survival (DFS) in multivariate analysis, both OS and DFS of 66 Gy group tended to be better than that of 45-63 Gy group in univariate analysis. However, there were no differences in severe toxicities among three groups. Conclusion: Higher radiation dose achieved better local control in patients with LS-SCLC treated with CCRT. In addition, a total dose of 66 Gy tended to improve OS and DFS.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.108-113
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• 2015

Objective : Although the L5-S1 has distinct structural features in comparison with other lumbar spine segments, not much is known about adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) at the L5-S1 segment. The aim of study was to compare the incidence and character of ASD of the cephalad and L5-S1 segments after L5 floating lumbar fusion. Methods : From 2005 to 2010, 115 patients who underwent L5 floating lumber fusion were investigated. The mean follow-up period was 46.1 months. The incidence of radiological and clinical ASD of the cephalad and the L5-S1 segments was compared using survival analysis. Risk factors affecting ASD were analyzed using a log rank test and the Cox proportional hazard model. Results : Radiological ASD of the L5-S1 segment had a statistically significant higher survival rate than that of the cephalad segment (p=0.001). However, clinical ASD of the L5-S1 segment was significantly lower survival rates than that of the cephalad segment (p=0.038). Risk factor analysis showed that disc degeneration of the cephalad segment and preoperative spinal stenosis of the L5-S1 segment were risk factors. Conclusion : In L5 floating fusion, radiological ASD was more common in the cephalad segment and clinical ASD was more common in the L5-S1 segment. At the L5-S1 segment, the degree of spinal stenosis appears to be the most influential risk factor in ASD incidences, unlike the cephalad segment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제58권5호
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• pp.448-453
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• 2015

Objective : Recently, the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been prolonged with improvements in various diagnostic tools and medical treatment modalities. Consequently, spine metastases from HCC are being diagnosed more frequently. The accurate prediction of prognosis plays a critical role in determining a patient's treatment plan, including surgery for patients with spinal metastases of HCC. We investigated the clinical features, surgical outcomes, and prognostic factors of HCC presenting with spine metastases, in patients who underwent surgery. Methods : A retrospective review was conducted on 33 HCC patients who underwent 36 operations (three patients underwent surgical treatment twice) from February 2006 to December 2013. The median age of the patients was 56 years old (range, 28 to 71; male : female=30 : 3). Results : Overall survival was not correlated with age, sex, level of metastases, preoperative Child-Pugh classification, preoperative ambulatory function, preoperative radiotherapy, type of operation, administration of Sorafenib, or the Tokuhashi scoring system. Only the Tomita scoring system was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Comparing the Child-Pugh classification and ambulatory ability, there were no statistically differences between patients pre- and post-operatively. Conclusion : The Tomita scoring system represents a practicable and highly predictive prognostic tool. Even though surgical intervention may not restore ambulatory function, it should be considered to prevent deterioration of the patient's overall condition. Additionally, aggressive management may be needed if there is any ambulatory ability remaining.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.377-384
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has multiple functions in cellular responses including apoptosis, survival, and differentiation. It also participates in the regulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress. MicroRNA-Let-7A (miR-Let7A), known as a tumor suppressor miRNA, was recently reported to play a crucial role in both inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, we examined involvement of miR-Let7A in the modulation of inflammation and cell survival/apoptosis regulated by resveratrol. MATERIALS/METHODS: mRNA expression of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and protein expression of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), p-ASK1, and caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 were measured, and cell viability and Hoechst/PI staining for apoptosis were observed in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human THP-1 macrophages with the treatment of resveratrol and/or miR-Let7A overexpression. RESULTS: Pre-treatment with resveratrol ($25-200{\mu}M$) resulted in significant recovery of the reduced cell viabilities under LPS-induced inflammatory condition and in markedly increased expression of miR-Let7A in non-stimulated or LPS-stimulated cells. Increased mRNA levels of tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6 induced by LPS were significantly attenuated, and decreased levels of IL-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were significantly restored by resveratrol and miR-Let7A overexpression, respectively, or in combination. Decreased expression of IL-4 mRNA by LPS stimulation was also significantly increased by miR-Let7A overexpression co-treated with resveratrol. In addition, decreased SIRT1 mRNA levels, and increased p-ASK1 levels and PI-positive cells by LPS stimulation were significantly restored by resveratrol and miR-Let7A overexpression, respectively, or in combination. CONCLUSIONS: miR-Let7A may be involved in the inflammatory response and cell survival/apoptosis modulated by resveratrol in human THP-1 macrophages.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.411-420
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• 2015

Ki-67 has been widely used as an indicator of cell proliferation in gliomas. However, the role of Ki-67 as a prognostic marker is still undefined. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of the published literatures in order to clarify the impact of Ki-67 on survival in glioma cases. Eligible studies were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Direct and Wiley Online Library with the last search updated on August 31, 2014. The clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) together with Ki-67 expression at different time points were extracted. A total of 51 studies, covering 4,307 patients, were included in the current meta-analysis. The results showed that overexpression of Ki-67 can predict poor OS (HR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.53-1.80; Z=11.87; p=0.000) and poor PFS (HR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.47-1.91; Z=7.67; p=0.000) in gliomas. Moreover, subgroup analyses also indicated that high level of Ki-67 expression was related to poor OS and PFS in glioma patients regardless of region, pathology type, cut-off value and statistical method. In conclusion, the current meta-analysis revealed that Ki-67 expression might be a predicative factor for poor prognosis of glioma patients, emphasizing its importance as a predictor.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권17호
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• pp.7219-7222
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• 2014

Background: Early gastric cancer (EGC) is well accepted as having a favorable prognosis, but some patients experience an ominous outcome after curative resection. This study was aimed at evaluating predictive factors associated with prognosis of D2 gastrectomies in patients with early gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 518 patients with early gastric cancer who underwent D2 gastrectomies were reviewed in this study. The clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes were analyzed. The survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log rank test. Prognostic factors were analyzed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The 5-year survival rate was 90.3%. Tumor infiltration, lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular invasion were significant prognostic factors for survival. Gender, age, tumor size, tumor location, macroscopic type and histological type were not significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis indicated that lymph node metastasis was an independent poor prognosis factor. Conclusions: Early gastric cancers with lymph node metastasis have a relatively poor prognosis after standard surgery. Even after curative resection, patients with EGC with positive lymph nodes should be closely followed and be considered as candidates for comprehensive therapies.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.321-326
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• 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic role of metabolic response to chemotherapy, determined by FDG-PET, in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with metastatic NSCLC were analyzed for prognostic factors related to overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Disease evaluation was conducted with FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT prior to and at the end of first-line chemotherapy. Response evaluation of 19 of 30 patients was also performed after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy. Morphological and metabolic responses were assessed according to RECIST and PERCIST, respectively. Results: The median OS and PFS were 11 months and 6.2 months, respectively. At the end of first-line chemotherapy, 10 patients achieved metabolic and anatomic responses. Of the 19 patients who had an interim response analysis after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy, 3 achieved an anatomic response, while 9 achieved a metabolic response. In univariate analyses, favorable prognostic factors for OS were number of cycles of first-line chemotherapy, and achieving a response to chemotherapy at completion of therapy according to the PERCIST and RECIST. The OS of patients with a metabolic response after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy was also significantly extended. Anatomic response at interim analysis did not predict OS, probably due to few patients with anatomic response. In multivariate analyses, metabolic response after completion of therapy was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Conclusions: Metabolic response is at least as effective as anatomic response in predicting survival. Metabolic response may be an earlier predictive factor for treatment response and OS in NSCLC patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권10호
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• pp.5699-5703
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• 2013

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of whole brain radiotherapy concomitant with targeted therapy for brain metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chemotherapy failure. Materials and Methods: Of the 157 NSCLC patients with chemotherapy failure followed by brain metastasis admitted in our hospital from January 2009 to August 2012, the combination group (65 cases) were treated with EGFR-TKI combined with whole brain radiotherapy while the radiotherapy group (92 cases) were given whole brain radiotherapy only. Short-term effects were evaluated based on the increased MRI in brain 1 month after whole brain radiotherapy. Intracranial hypertension responses, hematological toxicity reactions and clinical effects of both groups were observed. Results: There were more adverse reactions in the combination group than in radiotherapy group, but no significant differences were observed between the two groups in response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) (P>0.05). Medium progression free survival (PFS), medium overall survival (OS) and 1-year survival rate in combination group were 6.0 months, 10.6 months and 42.3%, while in the radiotherapy group they were 3.4 months, 7.7 months and 28.0%, respectively, which indicated that there were significant differences in PFS and OS between the two groups (P<0.05). Additionally, RPA grading of each factor in the combination group was a risk factor closely related with survival, with medium PFS in EGFR and KRAS mutation patients being 8.2 months and 11.2 months, and OS being 3.6 months and 6.3 months, respectively. Conclusions: Whole brain radiotherapy concomitant with target therapy is favorable for adverse reaction tolerance and clinical effects, being superior in treating brain metastasis in NSCLC patients with chemotherapy failure and thus deserves to be widely applied in the clinic.