Automated lung tumor segmentation robust to various tumor sizes using a consistency learning-based multi-scale dual-attention network.

Background: It is often difficult to automatically segment lung tumors due to the large tumor size variation ranging from less than 1 cm to greater than 7 cm depending on the T-stage.

Objective: This study aims to accurately segment lung tumors of various sizes using a consistency learning-based multi-scale dual-attention network (CL-MSDA-Net).

Methods: To avoid under- and over-segmentation caused by different ratios of lung tumors and surrounding structures in the input patch according to the size of the lung tumor, a size-invariant patch is generated by normalizing the ratio to the average size of the lung tumors used for the training.

A combination of BR101801 and venetoclax enhances antitumor effect in DLBCL cells via c-Myc/Bcl-2/Mcl-1 triple targeting.

Double hit diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with rearrangement and overexpression of both c-Myc and Bcl-2 responds poorly to standard R-CHOP therapy. In a recent phase I study, Venetoclax (ABT-199) targeting Bcl-2 also exhibited disappointing response rates in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL, suggesting that targeting only Bcl-2 is not sufficient for achieving successful efficacy due to the concurrent oncogenic function of c-Myc expression and drug resistance following an increase in Mcl-1. Therefore, co-targeting c-Myc and Mcl-1 could be a key combinatorial strategy to enhance the efficacy of Venetoclax.

Lung tumor segmentation using dual-coupling net with shape prior based on lung and mediastinal window images from chest CT images.

Background: Volumetric lung tumor segmentation is difficult due to the diversity of the sizes, locations and shapes of lung tumors, as well as the similarity in the intensity with surrounding tissue structures.

Objective: We propose a dual-coupling net for accurate lung tumor segmentation in chest CT images regardless of sizes, locations and shapes of lung tumors.METHODSTo extract shape information from lung tumors and use it as shape prior, three-planar images including axial, coronal, and sagittal planes are trained on 2D-Nets.

Comparative efficacy and safety of fimasartan in patients with hypertension: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Hypertension is a prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are widely prescribed to patients with hypertension, while new drugs are continuously developed. However, data on comparative efficacy and safety of novel agents, such as fimasartan, are scarce.

Long-term follow-up results of cytarabine-containing chemotherapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Background/aims: We evaluated the feasibility and long-term efficacy of the combination of cytarabine, idarubicin, and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for treating patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

Methods: We included 87 patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and a t(15;17) or promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML-RARα) mutation. Patients received 12 mg/m2/day idarubicin intravenously for 3 days and 100 mg/m2/day cytarabine for 7 days, plus 45 mg/m2/day ATRA.

A randomised phase 2b study comparing the efficacy and safety of belotecan vs. topotecan as monotherapy for sensitive-relapsed small-cell lung cancer.

Background: This study compared the efficacy/safety of the camptothecin analogues belotecan and topotecan for sensitive-relapsed small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Methods: One-hundred-and-sixty-four patients were randomised (1:1) to receive five consecutive daily intravenous infusions of topotecan (1.5 mg/m) or belotecan (0.

Perspectives on Professional Burnout and Occupational Stress among Medical Oncologists: A Cross-sectional Survey by Korean Society for Medical Oncology (KSMO).

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of burnout and occupational stress among medical oncologists in Korea.

Materials And Methods: A survey was conducted of medical oncologists who were members of Korean Society for Medical Oncology (KSMO) using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and supplemental questions about work and lifestyle factors.

Results: Among 220 active KSMO members, 111 responses were collected.

Real-World Experience of Nivolumab in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in Korea.

Purpose: The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a major advance in the treatment of lung cancer, allowing sustained recovery in a significant proportion of patients. Nivolumab is a monoclonal anti-programmed death cell protein 1 antibody licensed for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after prior chemotherapy. In this study, we describe the demographic and clinical outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with nivolumab in the Korean expanded access program.

Interference with daily functioning by breakthrough pain in patients with cancer.

Purpose: To investigate the association between quality of life (QOL) and breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) intensity in patients who met the commonly accepted definition of BTCP.

Methods: This study was a subset analysis of a South Korean multicenter, non-interventional, cross-sectional, nationwide survey. Participants were recruited from March 2016 to December 2017.

Practice patterns of multidisciplinary team meetings in Korean cancer care and patient satisfaction with this approach.

Background/aims: The multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is a cornerstone of clinical oncology. This study investigated the current state of MDT care, including patient satisfaction, in Korea.

Methods: We obtained the annual number of cancer patients who have received MDT care since 2014 from the registry of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA).

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a prognostic marker in patients with extensive-stage disease small cell lung cancer: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Clinical impact of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in patients with extensive-stage disease small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC) have not previously been reported.

Methods: This study analyzed 352 patients enrolled in a previous randomized phase III trial comparing the efficacy of irinotecan plus cisplatin with that of etoposide plus cisplatin as the first-line therapy for ED-SCLC. GNRI values were calculated using serum albumin levels and actual and ideal bodyweights.

Gemcitabine plus carboplatin versus gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin in cisplatin-unfit patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma: a randomised phase II study (COACH, KCSG GU10-16).

Purpose: Gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (GEMOX) demonstrated mild toxicity and promising effectiveness in patients with advanced urothelial cell cancer (UCC). We investigated the activity and safety of first-line GEMOX compared with gemcitabine-carboplatin (GCb) in cisplatin-ineligible patients with advanced UCC.

Methods: Treatment-naive, cisplatin-ineligible patients with advanced UCC were randomly assigned to GEMOX (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m, oxaliplatin 100 mg/m on day 1 [D1] every 2 weeks) or GCb (1000 mg/m of gemcitabine on D1 and D8 and carboplatin area under the curve of 4.

Safety, tolerability, and anti-tumor activity of olmutinib in non-small cell lung cancer with T790M mutation: A single arm, open label, phase 1/2 trial.

Objectives: The aim of this phase 1/2 study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of olmutinib in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had failed ≥ 1 previous line of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.

Materials And Methods: Phase 1 consisted of dose-escalation and four dose-expansion parts (1: olmutinib 300 mg once daily; 2A: 800 mg once daily [EGFR T790 M mutation-positive patients]; 2B: 500 mg twice daily [EGFR T790 M mutation-positive]; 3: 800 mg once daily [EGFR T790 M mutation-negative]). In phase 2, EGFR T790 M mutation-positive patients received olmutinib 800 mg once daily.

Surrogate decision making of chemotherapy consent: do we really provide informed consent of chemotherapy for patients?

Background/aims: Despite increased demand for cancer patient's to make their own decisions based on an adequate understanding of what is involved in chemotherapy, the primary signing agent and the reasons for surrogate signing have not been appropriately evaluated.

Methods: The ethics committee of the palliative medicine subgroup of the Korean Cancer Study Group designed this study and solid cancer patients to whom chemotherapy was offered, from seven institutions, were evaluated. The details relating to surrogate's signing of chemotherapy consent were evaluated.

Randomized Phase III Trial of Irinotecan Plus Cisplatin versus Etoposide Plus Cisplatin in Chemotherapy-Naïve Korean Patients with Extensive-Disease Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Purpose: This randomized phase III study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of irinote-can plus cisplatin (IP) over etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) in Korean patients with extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Materials And Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive IP, composed of irinotecan 65 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8+cisplatin 70 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 every 3 weeks, or EP, composed of etoposide 100 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 2, 3+cisplatin 70 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1, every 3 weeks for a maximum of six cycles, until disease progression, or until unacceptable toxicity occurred. The primary endpoint was overall survival.

S-1 Based Doublet as an Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Curatively Resected Stage III Gastric Cancer: Results from the Randomized Phase III POST Trial.

Purpose: We conducted a randomized, multicenter, phase III trial to compare S-1 plus docetaxel (DS) with S-1 plus cisplatin (SP) as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III gastric cancer patients.

Materials And Methods: Stage III gastric cancer patients who had received curative gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy were randomized into equal groups to receive adjuvant chemotherapy of eight cycles of DS (S-1 70 mg/m2 /day on days 1-14 plus docetaxel 35 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) every 3 weeks or SP (S-1 70 mg/m2 /day on days 1-14 plus cisplatin 60 mg/m2 on day 1) every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate.

Pazopanib maintenance after first-line etoposide and platinum chemotherapy in patients with extensive disease small-cell lung cancer: a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled Phase II study (KCSG-LU12-07).

Background: We investigated whether pazopanib maintenance following first-line chemotherapy would improve survival in patients with extensive disease small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC).

Methods: This study is a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase II study that enroled ED-SCLC patients who had not progressed after four cycles of etoposide plus platinum therapy. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1 ratio) to either placebo or pazopanib 800 mg per day until progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Phase II Study of Dovitinib in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (KCSG-GU11-05).

Purpose: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signals are important in carcinogenesis and progression of prostate cancer. Dovitinib is an oral, pan-class inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of dovitinib in men with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Efficacy and safety of oxycodone/naloxone as add-on therapy to gabapentin or pregabalin for the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in Korea.

Aims: To investigate the efficacy and safety of oxycodone/naloxone in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) inadequately controlled with pregabalin or gabapentin.

Methods: This 4-week, multicenter, interventional, single-arm phase IV study included 72 Korean patients with CIPN inadequately controlled with pregabalin or gabapentin (Numeric Rating Scale 0-10; NRS ≥4 at baseline). In addition to pregabalin or gabapentin at existing doses, patients received 20/10 mg/day oxycodone/naloxone (up-titrated to 80/40 mg/day as needed).

The impact of primary tumor location in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a Korean Cancer Study Group CO12-04 study.

Background/aims: Colorectal cancer is associated with different anatomical, biological, and clinical characteristics. We determined the impact of the primary tumor location in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods: Demographic data and clinical information were collected from 1,115 patients from the Republic of Korea, who presented with mCRC between January 2009 and December 2011, using web-based electronic case report forms.

Experiences and Opinions Related to End-of-Life Discussion: From Oncologists' and Resident Physicians' Perspectives.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to explore how oncologists and resident physicians practice end-of-life (EOL) discussions and to solicit their opinions on EOL discussions as a means to improve the quality of EOL care.

Materials And Methods: A survey questionnaire was developed to explore the experiences and opinions about EOL discussions among oncologists and residents. Descriptive statistics, the t test, and the chisquare test were performed for the analyses.

Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase II Study of Ceritinib in Patients With Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Harboring ROS1 Rearrangement.

Purpose ROS1 rearrangement is a distinct molecular subset of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the efficacy and safety of ceritinib in patients with ROS1-rearranged NSCLC. Patients and Methods We enrolled 32 patients with advanced NSCLC who tested positive for ROS1 rearrangement by fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Practice Patterns Regarding Multidisciplinary Cancer Management and Suggestions for Further Refinement: Results from a National Survey in Korea.

Purpose: This study was conducted to explore the process and operation of a cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) after the reimbursement decision in Korea, and to identify ways to overcome the major barriers to effective and sustainable MDTs.

Materials And Methods: Approximately 1,000 cancer specialists, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists in general hospitals in Koreawere invited to complete the survey. The questionnaire covered the following topics: organizational structure of MDTs, candidates for consulting, the clinical decision-making initiative, and responsibility for dealing with legal disputes.

Survey of Medical Oncology Status in Korea (SOMOS-K): A National Survey of Medical Oncologists in the Korean Association for Clinical Oncology (KACO).

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the current role of medical oncologists in cancer care with a focus on increasing the recognition of medical oncology as an independent specialty.

Materials And Methods: Questionnaires modified from the Medical Oncology Status in Europe Survey dealing with oncology structure, resources, research, and patterns of care given by medical oncologists were selected. Several modifications were made to the questionnaire after feedback from the insurance and policy committee of the Korean Association for Clinical Oncology (KACO).