• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.321-329
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• 2017

This paper presents a bone metastasis Detection algorithm on abdominal computed tomography images for early detection using fully convolutional neural networks. The images were taken from patients with various cancers (such as lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, etc), and thus the locations of those lesions were varied. To overcome the lack of data, we augmented the data by adjusting the brightness of the images or flipping the images. Before the augmentation, when 70% of the whole data were used in the pre-test, we could obtain the pixel-wise sensitivity of 18.75%, the specificity of 99.97% on the average of test dataset. With the augmentation, we could obtain the sensitivity of 30.65%, the specificity of 99.96%. The increase in sensitivity shows that the augmentation was effective. In the result obtained by using the whole data, the sensitivity of 38.62%, the specificity of 99.94% and the accuracy of 99.81% in the pixel-wise. lesion-wise sensitivity is 88.89% while the false alarm per case is 0.5. The results of this study did not reach the level that could substitute for the clinician. However, it may be helpful for radiologists when it can be used as a screening tool.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.215-233
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: MYC, also known as an oncogenic reprogramming factor, is a multifunctional transcription factor that maintains induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Although MYC is frequently upregulated in various cancers and is correlated with a poor prognosis, MYC is downregulated and correlated with a good prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. MYC and two other MYC family genes, MYCN and MYCL, have similar structures and could contribute to tumorigenic conversion both in vitro and in vivo. Methods and Results: We systematically investigated whether MYC family genes act as prognostic factors in various human cancers. We first evaluated alterations in the expression of MYC family genes in various cancers using the Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and their mutation and copy number alterations using the TCGA database with cBioPortal. Then, we investigated the association between the expression of MYC family genes and the prognosis of cancer patients using various prognosis databases. Multivariate analysis also confirmed that co-expression of MYC/MYCL/MYCN was significantly associated with the prognosis of lung, gastric, liver, and breast cancers. Conclusions: Taken together, our results demonstrate that the MYC family can function not only as an oncogene but also as a tumor suppressor gene in various cancers, which could be used to develop a novel approach to cancer treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.755-762
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare the FA(faractional anisotropy) and ADC(apparent diffusion coefficient) values, which were derived from diffusion tensor imaging in breast cancer patients. The diffusion gradient used in this study was derived from quantitative diffusion indices using 20 directions(b-value, 0 and $1,000s/mm^2$). Quantitative analysis was analyzed using Pearson's correction and qualitative analysis using for correction coefficients. As a result, $FA_{min}$, $FA_{mean}$ and $FA_{max}$ were $0.098{\pm}0.065$, $0.302{\pm}0.142$ and $0.634{\pm}0.236$, respectively(p > 0.05). The $ADC_{min}$, $ADC_{mean}$ and $ADC_{max}$ were $0.741{\pm}0.403$, $1.095{\pm}0.394$ and $1.530{\pm}0.447$, respectively(p > 0.05). The $FA_{min}$, $FA_{mean}$, and $FA_{max}$ mean values were $0.132{\pm}0.050$, $0.418{\pm}0.094$, and $0.770{\pm}0.164$ for Category 6 and Kinetic Curve Pattern III, respectively. $ADC_{min}$, $ADC_{mean}$, and $ADC_{max}$ were $0.753{\pm}0.189$, $1.120{\pm}0.236$, and $1.615{\pm}0.372$, respectively. Quantitative analysis showed negative correlation between $ADC_{mean}-FA_{mean}$ and $ADC_{max}-FA_{max}$(p = 0.001, 0.003). The qalitative analysis showed ADC 0.628(p = 0.001), FA 0.620(p = 0.001) in the internal evaluations, ADC 0.677(p = 0.001), FA 0.695(p = 0.001) in external evaluations. In conclusion, based on the morphological examination, time to signal intensity graph is the form of wash-out(pattern III) in the dynamic contrast enhance examination, As a result, the $ADC_{mean}$ $1.120{\pm}0.236$ and $FA_{mean}$ values were $0.032{\pm}0.142$ with a negative correlation (Y=1.44-1.12X). Therefore, If we understand the shape of time to signal intensity graph and the relationship between ADC and FA, It will be a criterion for distinguishing malignant diseases in breast cancer.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.34
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• pp.83-92
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• 2022

Purpose: To evaluate usefulness of Tomotherapy and Halcyon VMAT treatment in radiation therapy for bi-breast cancer Materials and Methods: For 10 patients with bi-breast cancer, volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT) treatment plan was established using helical Tomotherapy(Accuray. USA) with field width of 5.0-cm and pitch of 0.287, and Halcyon(Varian Medical System, Palo Alto, CA, Version 3.0 USA) of 6arc and 8arc. Prescribed dose was 42.4 Gy/16, and V _40.3Gy of Planning Target Volume(PTV) was 90%. The quality of plan was evaluated by comparing the dose to tumor and normal organs, and the efficiency was evaluated by comparing total MU and beam on time. Results: About three treatment plans(Tomotherapy, Halcyon 6Arc VMAT, Halcyon 8Arc VMAT) , the mean homogeneity index(H.I) of PTV were 1.07, 1.10, 1.11, and the mean conformity index(C.I) of PTV were 1.21, 1.16, 1.17, respectively. The average value of the dose assessment item for a normal organ is V _5Gy(%) of both lung was 36.3, 31.2, 29.7, and V _15Gy(%) were 18.6, 15.5, 14.6, respectively. The mean heart dose(Gy) were 4.17, 2.69, 2.51. Total MU were (7498.6, 2494.2, 2471.5), and beam on time(sec) were 462.5, 195.4, 198.0. Conclusion: Halcyon VMAT showed similar quality of treatment plan compared to helical Tomotherapy, while also protecting normal organs. In addition, the efficiency of radiotherapy increased due to a decrease in Beam On Time and MU.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.38-44
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• 1995

Metastatic bone tumor is the most common bone tumor and 32.5% of all primary malignant tumors are eventually metastasize to bone. Metastatic bone tumor has been more frequently encountered disease in the orthopedic fields due to the greater longevity of life of the patients with primary visceral cancers by major advances in early detection, diagnosis, and surgical/radiotherapeutic/chemotherapeutic treatment of primary and metastatic lesions. Therefore, the epidemiologic data about the incidences and the patterns of bone metastasis is important. We reviewed 417 patients who were diagnosed and treated for metastatic bone tumor at Kosin University Medical Center from 1985 to 1993 to analyse the primary lesion, age and sex distributions, location of bone metastasis, patterns of metastasis according to the primary. The results were as follows : 1. The common origin of bone metastasis were lung(29.5%), stomach(15.3%), breast(11.3%), unknown(7.7%), cervix(5.3%), liver(4.8%) in order of frequency. 2. There were 251 men and 166 women and their mean age was 54.8 years and the peak age incidence was in 6th decades. Most cases(85.3%) were occured beyond 5th decades. 3. The preferred sites of metastatic deposits were spine(64.0%), pelvis(40.5%), rib(38.8%), femur(36.7%), skull(21.1%), humerus(13.9%), scapula(13.0%) in order of frequency. In the spine, thoracic(42.1%), lumbar(39.1%), cervical(13.2%), sacral(5.6%) vertebrae were involved in order of frequency. 4. Multiple bone metastases were more common(73.1%) than single metastasis(26.9%). 5. In the lung cancer, the peak age incidence was 6th decades, and the preferred sites of bone metastasis were spine, pelvis, femur. 6. In the stomach cancer, the peak age incidence was 6th decades, and the preferred sites of bone metastasis were spine, femur, pelvis. 7. In the breast cancer, the peak age incidence was 5th decades, and the preferred sites of bone metastasis were spine, rib, pelvis. 8. In the bone metastasis with unknown primary site, the peak age incidence was 7th decades, the preferred sites of bone metastasis were spine, femur, pelvis, and the common histologic types were adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.565-573
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• 1998

Malignant pleural effusions are most commonly associated with lung cancers, however, it also can be resulted from breast cancers, ovarian cancers, stomach cancers and so on. According to the their histologic types, adenocarcinoma have been known as the most common cell type of malignant pleural effusions and squamous cell carcinoma is rare. We herein present incidences, clinical characteristics and survivals of malignant pleural effusions according to their cell types and primary diseases. The objects are 84 malignant pleural effusion patients diagnosed by pleural fluid cytologic examination or pleural biopsy from Jan. 1992 to May. 1997 in Seoul National University Hospital. A retrospective chart review on their histologic types, biochemical parameters and survivals is described. Among 84 patients, 52 were males and the other 32 were females with 1.6:1 of male and female ratio and their mean age was 57.6 years old. Common symptoms of them wele dyspnea, cough, sputum and pleuritic chest pain. The proportions of bloody nature of effusion, lymphocyte dominant pleural effusion, exudative effusions were 66%, 39% and 93%, respectively. They consisted of 54 cases of adenocarcinoma(33 cases of them were lung cancers), and 10 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (8 cases of them were lung cancers), 10 cases of malignant lymphoma, 8 cases of small cell lung cancer and a case of mesothelioma and leukemia. There was no differences in characteristics of effusions, clinical features and survivals between each histologic cell types. Analyzing them according to primary diseases, no difference except longer survivals in malignant pleural effusions from breast cancer than from other cancers was observed. In conclusion, considering the incidences of histologic types of lung cancers during same period (squamous cell carcinoma; 47%, adenocarcinoma; 33%, small cell lung cancer; 12% and large cell carcinoma; 2%), malignant pleural effusions more likely occurred in adenocarcinoma than other cell types of lung cancers and there was no significant difference of clinical characteristics between histologic types.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.434-441
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• 2024

Mammary gland tumors are the most common tumors detected in non-spayed female dogs and pose a significant clinical challenge. Due to the strong similarity between canine mammary tumors (CMT) and human breast cancer (HBC), biomarkers identified in HBC can also be detected in CMT. These biomarkers have been shown to offer valuable insights into early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. The purpose of this article is to provide a concise overview of CMT biomarkers based on the current literature. Traditional treatments for CMT in dogs typically begin with surgery, followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy. However, these treatments alone are not always fully effective. A diagnostic biomarker can detect the presence of a disease or the characteristics of a disease and classify an individual's status. Prognostic biomarkers focus on predicting the expected progression, recurrence, or survival of the disease in patients. By utilizing advances in understanding the mechanism of canine-specific mammary gland tumors, the estimation of biomarkers offers hope for improved outcomes in cancer patients. Novel technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, could provide a valuable resource for deciphering intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. This review paper explores current research on CMT biomarkers and suggests directions for their development.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2009

Purpose: Lymphedemas are tissue fluid swellings, usually on the arms or legs, and occur as a result of impaired lymphatic drainage. Presently, the most effective treatment available is complete decongestive physiotherapy (CDP). However, this therapy is ineffective in some patients and surgery may be indicated. Herein, we examined the efficacy of minimally invasive needle aspiration of the most enlarged areas in hypodermic adipose tissues, of patients who had failed CDP. Methods: We included 21 patients who were diagnosed with lymphedema stage II-III in the upper or lower extremities and visited the lymphedema clinic at a university hospital from September 1, 2003 to February 28, 2004. All patients had been treated with CDP at least once, but had failed to respond to the therapy for more than one year. Nine patients had breast cancer and 12 had cervical cancer. We identified the area with the most severe edema by using MRI and performed a 16-gauge angio-needle aspiration on the area. The patients were followed up for 3 months. Effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by comparing the volume of edema before and after the treatment using Wilcoxon signed rank-test. Results: The mean reduction ratio of the volume of edema comparison normal volume was 41.1${\pm}$35.3% (P=0.001). There were no major or minor operative complications except localized hemorrhage. Conclusion: We conclude that a needle aspiration prior to other surgical treatments is relatively safe and effective for those patients who are unresponsive to CDP.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.339-353
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• 1994

Background : The p53 gene codes for a DNA-binding nuclear phosphoprotein that appears to inhibit the progression of cells from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle. Mutations of the p53 gene are common in a wide variety of human cancers, including lung cancer. In lung cancers, point mutations of the p53 gene have been found in all histological types including approximately 45% of resected NSCLC and even more frequently in SCLC specimens. Mutant forms of the p53 protein have transforming activity and interfere with the cell-cycle regulatory function of the wild-type protein. The majority of p53 gene mutations produce proteins with altered conformation and prolonged half life; these mutant proteins accumulate in the cell nucleus and can be detected by immunohistochemical staining. But protein overexpression has been reported in the absence of mutation. p53 protein overexpression or gene mutation is reported poor prognostic factor in breast cancer, but in lung cancer, its prognostic significance is controversial. Method : We investigated the p53 abnormalities by nucleotide sequencing, polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism(PCR-SSCP), and immunohistochemical staining. We correlated these results with each other and survival in 75 patients with NSCLC resected with curative intent. Overexpression of the p53 protein was studied immunohistochemically in archival paraffin- embedded tumor samples using the D07(Novocastra, U.K.) antibody. Overexpression of p53 protein was defined by the nuclear staining of greater than 25% immunopositive cells in tumors. Detection of p53 gene mutation was done by PCR-SSCP and nucleotide sequencing from the exon 5-9 of p53 gene. Result: 1) Of the 75 patients, 36%(27/75) showed p53 overexpression by immunohistochemical stain. There was no survival difference between positive and negative p53 immunostaining(overall median survival of 26 months, disease free median survival of 13 months in both groups). 2) By PCR-SSCP, 27.6%(16/58) of the patients showed mobility shift. There was no significant difference in survival according to mobility shift(overall median survival of 27 in patients without mobility shift vs 20 months in patients with mobility shift, disease free median survival of 8 months vs 10 months respectively). 3) Nucleotide sequence was analysed from 29 patients, and 34.5%(10/29) had mutant p53 sequence. Patients with the presence of gene mutations showed tendency to shortened survival compared with the patients with no mutation(overall median survival of 22 vs 27 months, disease free median survival of 10 vs 20 months), but there was no statistical significance. 4) The sensitivity and specificity of immunostain based on PCR-SSCP was 67.0%, 74.0%, and that of the PCR-SSCP based on the nucleotide sequencing was 91.8%, 96.2% respectively. The concordance rate between the immunostain and PCR-SSCP was 62.5%, and the rate between the PCR-SSCP and nucleotide sequencing was 95.3%. Conclusion : In terms of detection of p53 gene mutation, PCR-SSCP was superior to immunostaining. p53 gene abnormalities either overexpression or mutation were not a significant prognostic factor in NSCLC patients resected with curative intent. However, patients with the mutated p53 gene showed the trends of early relapse.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.82-93
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• 2003

Purpose : To reduce the Irradiation dose to the lungs and heart in the case of chest wail irradiation using an oppositional electron beam, we used an Individualized custom bolus, which was precisely designed to compensate for the differences In chest wall thickness. The benefits were evaluated by comparing the normal tissue complication probablilties (NTCPS) and dose statistics both with and without boluses. Materials and Methods : Boluses were made, and their effects evaluated in ten patients treated using the reverse hockey-stick technique. The electron beam energy was determined so as to administer 80% of the irradiation prescription dose to the deepest lung-chest wall border, which was usually located at the internal mammary lymph node chain. An individualized custom bolus was prepared to compensate for a chest wall thinner than the prescription depth by meticulously measuring the chest wall thickness at 1 emf intervals on the planning CT Images. A second planning CT was obtained overlying the individuailzed custom bolus for each patient's chest wall. 3-D treatment planning was peformed using ADAC-Pinnacle$^{3}$ for all patients with and without bolus. NTCPS based on 'the Lyman-Kutcher' model were analyzed and the mean, maximum, minimum doses, V$_{50}$ and V$_{95}$ for 4he heari and lungs were computed. Results .The average NTCPS in the ipsliateral lung showed a statistically significant reduction (p<0.01), from 80.2${\pm}$3.43% to 47.7${\pm}$4.61%, with the use of the individualized custom boluses. The mean lung irradiation dose to the ipsilateral iung was also significantly reduced by about 430 cGy, Trom 2757 cGy to 2,327 cGy (p<0.01). The V$_{50}$ and V$_{95}$ in the ipsilateral lung markedly decreased from the averages of 54.5 and 17.4% to 45.3 and 11.0%, respectively. The V$_{50}$ and V$_{95}$ In the heart also decreased from the averages of 16.8 and 6.1% to 9.8% and 2.2%, respectively. The NTCP In the contralateral lung and the heart were 0%, even for the cases with no bolus because of the small effective mean radiation volume values of 4.4 and 7.1%, respectively Conclusion : The use of an Individualized custom bolus in the radiotherapy of postrnastectorny chest wall reduced the NTCP of the ipsilateral lung by about 24.5 to 40.5%, which can improve the complication free cure probability of breast cancer patients.