Cancer Research and Treatment

Seock Ah Im

13 Articles

Gemcitabine and Infusional 5-Fluorouracil in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Clinical Benefit Response-Oriented Phase II Study: Jung Hye Choi, Myung Ju Ahn, Seock Ah Im, Bong Seog Kim, Ho Suk Oh, Heung Woo Lee, Yeung Chul Mun, Chu Myung Seong, Soon Nam Lee, Young Yeul Lee, Il Young Choi, In Soon Kim; Cancer Res Treat. 2003;35(3):213-217. Published online June 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2003.35.3.213

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
Gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are two compounds with reproducible activity against advanced pancreatic carcinomas. To evaluate the activity and feasibility of this combination chemotherapy, a multi-institutional phase II study was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (male: female 15: 5, median age: 60.5 years), with histologically verified locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic carcinomas, were enrolled between April 2000 and March 2002. Gemcitabine was administered by intravenous injection at the doses of 1, 000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15, and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day, was given by continuous intravenous infusion on days 1~5. The treatment was repeated every 4 weeks. The clinical benefit response (CBR) was a composite of the pain, Karnofsky performance status and body weight change measurement.
RESULTS
Nineteen of the twenty patients were assessable for response. The median follow-up duration was 4.6 months (0.4~15.2 months). Five patients achieved a partial response and eight a stable disease. The overall response rate was 25.0%. The CBR was assessable in 12 patients. The overall CBR was 41.7% (5/12). The median survival of all the patients was 8.0 months. Grade 3~4 toxicities included neutropenia (9.3%) and thrombocytopenia (5.3%). CONCLUSION: This study suggested that gemcitabine, combined with infusional 5-FU, was well tolerated, and produced modest antitumor activity and symptomatic relief in advanced pancreatic cancer patients.

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The Prognostic Significance of the Overexpression of HER-2/ neu in Korean Gastric Carcinomas and the In Vitro Effects of Anti-HER-2/neu Antibody on Cell Growth in the Gastric Carcinoma Cell Lines: Seock Ah Im, Kyung Eun Lee, Eunmi Nam, Seung Hyun Nam, Do Yeun Kim, Chu Myong Seong, Hae Young Park, Woon Sup Han, Ju Young Seoh, Soon Nam Lee; Cancer Res Treat. 2003;35(2):109-116. Published online April 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2003.35.2.109

PURPOSE
The HER2 gene encodes a 185-kd transmembrane glycoprotein receptor (p185(HER2)) that has partial homology with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and shares intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. The HER2 gene has been found to be amplified in various human cancers and to be associated with poor prognosis. The authors investigated the correlation between clinicopathologic factors and the overexpression of the p185(HER2) in Korean gastric adenocarcinoma patients, and determined whether the antiproliferative effects of anti- p185(HER2) antibody can also be observed on gastric cancer cell lines that overexpress this growth factor receptor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the relationship between p185(HER2) overexpression and clinicopathological features in 94 (M: F=52: 42) gastric adenocarcinoma patients (median age 59 years). Protein expression was analysed by immunohistochemical staining in paraffin embedded tissues with monoclonal antibody for p185(HER2). To explore the role of humanized anti-p185(HER2) monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin ) in vitro, the growth curve of Korean gastric cancer cells that overexpress the p185(HER2) protein was studied and a cell cycle analysis was performed. RESULTS: p185(HER2) overexpression correlates positively with lymph node metastasis (p=0.002), distant metastasis (p=0.01), AJCC classification (p=0.01), higher relapse rate p=0.001), and a tendential association with the pT stage (p=0.054). p185(HER2) overexpression was found to be more frequent in advanced gastric cancer than early gastric cancer (54.1% vs 24.2%, p=0.008). Patients with overexpression of p185(HER2) were found to have significantly lower relapse-free (p=0.003) and overall survival (p= 0.0004) than patients without overexpression. Among several Korean gastric cancer cell lines, SNU-1, SNU-5, and SNU-620 overexpress p185(HER2). Trastuzumab inhibited the proliferation of p185(HER2) overexpressed Korean gastric cancer cell line by 21% with down-regulation of p185(HER2) protein expression. DNA fluorescence flow cytometry of propidium iodide-stained nuclei showed a reduction in the fraction of the S phase following treatment with trastuzumab. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our observations suggest the potential prognostic significance of p185(HER2) overexpression in Korean gastric adenocarcinoma patients and point to the need for further research on this mechanism. This suggests the possible use of p185(HER2) as a therapeutic target in gastric cancer.

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A case of pathological complete regression in combined modality treatment of resectable Her2/neu-positive gastric cancer
A. V. Avgustinovich, S. G. Afanasyev, L. V. Spirina, E. V. Kaygorodova, R. V. Ermolenko, E. N. Samtsov, I. G. Frolova, O. V. Cheremisina
Siberian journal of oncology.2024; 23(1): 170. CrossRef
The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO): clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer
Feng‐Hua Wang, Lin Shen, Jin Li, Zhi‐Wei Zhou, Han Liang, Xiao‐Tian Zhang, Lei Tang, Yan Xin, Jing Jin, Yu‐Jing Zhang, Xiang‐Lin Yuan, Tian‐Shu Liu, Guo‐Xin Li, Qi Wu, Hui‐Mian Xu, Jia‐Fu Ji, Yuan‐Fang Li, Xin Wang, Shan Yu, Hao Liu, Wen‐Long Guan, Rui‐Hu
Cancer Communications.2019; 39(1): 1. CrossRef
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio prechemotherapy and postchemotherapy as a prognostic marker in metastatic gastric cancer
Hyunho Kim, Sang Mi Ro, Ji Hyun Yang, Joon Won Jeong, Ji Eun Lee, Sang Young Roh, In-Ho Kim
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine.2018; 33(5): 990. CrossRef
Potential Prognostic Significance of p185HER2 Overexpression with Loss of PTEN Expression in Gastric Carcinomas
Seock-Ah lm, Kyung Eun Lee, Eunmi Nam, Do Yeun Kim, Joo-Ho Lee, Ho-Seong Han, Ju-Young Seoh, Hae-Young Park, Min-Sun Cho, Woon Sup Han, Soon Nam Lee
Tumori Journal.2005; 91(6): 513. CrossRef

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A Clinical Analysis of PTEN Expressions in Breast Cancers: Hang Ju Cho, Jeong Soo Kim, Kee Hwan Kim, Chang Hyeok Ahn, Woo Chan Park, Se Jeong Oh, Sang Seol Jung, Keun Woo Lim, Seock Ah Im; Cancer Res Treat. 2003;35(2):102-108. Published online April 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2003.35.2.102

Abstract PDF

PURPOSE
The PTEN gene, a novel tumor suppressor, is localized to chromosome 10q23.3 and shares extensive homology with the cytoskeletal protein, tensin. A high frequency of mutations at the PTEN locus has been described in a variety of neoplasms including breast cancer and Cowden Disease. However, the role of PTEN alterations and its association with clinicopathological factors have not been well established. We investigated the relationship between the PTEN expression and clinicopathological factors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 105 women with breast cancer were evaluated for the PTEN expression and were scored semi-quantitatively based on staining intensity and distribution. Results were statistically compared with clinicopathological factors.
RESULTS
Forty-seven (45%) of the 105 breast cancers had a loss of the PTEN expression. In the recurrent group, 19 of 32 (59%) patients showed a loss of the PTEN expression, whereas in the non-recurrent group, only 28 of 73 (38%) patients showed a loss of the PTEN expression. The loss of PTEN expression correlated with estrogen receptors (ER) (p=0.027), recurrence (p=0.046), HER-2/neu overexpression (p=0.016), disease-free survival (p=0.0163), and overall survival (p=0.0357). In particular, when HER-2/ neu was overexpressed, the overall survival rate correlated with the loss of PTEN expression statistically (p=0.0454), whereas when HER-2/neu was negative, there was no correlation (p=0.9808). Progesterone receptor (PR) and disease stage had no relationship with the PTEN expression. CONCLUSION: Our results support that PTEN plays a role as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and is a prognostic factor in predicting recurrence.

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The prognostic value and potential drug target of phosphatase and tensin homolog in breast cancer patients
Feng Xu, Chao Zhang, Jianxiu Cui, Jun Liu, Jie Li, Hongchuan Jiang
Medicine.2017; 96(36): e8000. CrossRef

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A Case of Primary Gastric Choriocarcinoma Presenting with Amenorrhea: Seung Hyun Nam, Seock Ah Im, Ki Sun Bae, In Sook Kang, Jung Mi Kwon, Kyung Eun Lee, Hye Sung Moon, Sun Hee Sung, Woon Sup Han, Chu Myong Seong, Soon Nam Lee; Cancer Res Treat. 2002;34(6):457-460. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2002.34.6.457

Abstract PDF

Primary gastric choriocarcinomas are very rare, and their prognosis is extremely poor. A 37-year-old woman presented with amenorrhea, vaginal spotting and severe nausea, which mimicked a pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease. The serum level of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG) was significantly increased. An endoscopic biopsy of the stomach mass showed the features of a choriocarcinoma, with marked anaplasia and necrosis. Immunohistochemical staining for beta-hCG showed positive results in the choriocarcinoma. Chemotherapy for the choriocarcinoma was administered, but she died 8 months following diagnosis.

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Primary Gastric Choriocarcinoma: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literatures
Jung Ho Yoon, Min Soo Kim, Eun Hee Kook, Se Han Ahn, Se Young Jeong, Min Sung Han, Jung Kwon Huh, Hye Jin Kang, Im Il Na, Soo Youn Cho, Sang Bum Kim, Baek Yeol Ryoo, Sung Hyun Yang
Cancer Research and Treatment.2008; 40(3): 145. CrossRef

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Clinical Features and Prognosis of Lung Cancer with Brain Metastasis: Kyung Eun Lee, Eun Mi Nam, He Jin Lee, Seung Hyun Nam, Do Yeun Kim, Seock Ah Im, Chu Myung Seong, Soon Nam Lee, Kyung Ja Lee; Cancer Res Treat. 2001;33(3):250-255. Published online June 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2001.33.3.250

Abstract PDF

PURPOSE
Brain metastasis is estimated to occur in 20~40% of solid tumor patients and the most common primary tumor is lung cancer. Even though the prognosis of brain metastasis is grave and the 1-year survival rate is only 15%, symptom palliations are made with whole brain radiation therapy. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical features and prognostic factors of lung cancer with brain metastasis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From January 1987 to October 1999, 50 lung cancer patients with brain metastasis underwent whole brain radiation therapy. We reviewed the improvement in neurologic symptoms and survival according to the following parameters; performance status, histological type, presence of brain metastasis at the initial diagnosis of lung cancer, presence of extracranial metastasis, multiplicity of brain lesion, presence of primary lung symptom and treatment modalities.
RESULTS
The most frequent symptom with brain metastasis was a headache (50%). Palliation of the headache and other symptoms was achieved in 81% of the patients. Median overall survival after brain metastasis was 21 weeks and the 1 year survival rate was 15%. Patients without extracranial metastasis had a longer median survival than those with, 38 weeks versus 15 weeks, respectively (p=0.01).
CONCLUSION
In lung cancer with brain metastasis, neurologic symptoms can be palliated with whole brain radiation therapy, and in this study among such patients, absence of extracranial metastasis can be a good prognostic factor.

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Combination of EGFR-Directed Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) with Radiotherapy in Brain Metastases from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A 2010–2019 Retrospective Cohort Study
Vineeth Tatineni, Patrick J. O’Shea, Shreya Saxena, Atulya A. Khosla, Ahmad Ozair, Rupesh R. Kotecha, Xuefei Jia, Yasmeen Rauf, Erin S. Murphy, Samuel T. Chao, John H. Suh, David M. Peereboom, Manmeet S. Ahluwalia
Cancers.2023; 15(11): 3015. CrossRef

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Antiangiogenesis Gene Therapy Using Adenovirus-mediated Antisense-VEGF in Glioblastoma Multiforme: Seock Ah Im, Jeong Soo Kim, Eunmi Nam, Soon Nam Lee; J Korean Cancer Assoc. 2000;32(4):764-774.

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major positive effector of angiogenesis. We investigated the mechanism of tumor growth inhibition by adenoviral transfer of antisense- VEGF in glioma and the role of VEGF for in vivo growth of human glioma cells according to the stage of the tumor growth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Replication-deficient adenoviral vector containing the VEGF cDNA in an antisense orientation (Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF) were constructed to increase the in vivo applicability of antisense sequence. The effect of Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF was studied in vitro and in vivo with human glioma cell line U-87 MG. Immunohistochemical staining of the subcutaneous tumor with anti-VEGF antibody and CD34 antibody were performed to compare VEGF protein expression and the microvessel count respectively.
RESULTS
The growth curve of U-87 MG cells treated with Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF remained as same as that of mock-infected and Ad5(dl312)-infected U-87 MG cells in vitro, suggesting that Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF does not have direct cytotoxic effect. The growth of subcutaneous human glioma xenografts was inhibited by early intratumoral injection of Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF. Immuno histochemical staining of tumors showed that VEGF protein expression and mean microvessel counts were decreased in early Ad5CMV-alphaVEGF treatment group.
CONCLUSION
The efficient down-regulation of VEGF produced by tumor cells using Ad5CMV- alphaVEGF in early stage of glioma growth has an antitumor effect in vivo through antiangiogenic mechanism.

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Role of PET Scan in Staging Work - up and Reevaluation after Therapy in Lymphoma: Young Jin Yuh, Chul Won Jung, Seock Ah Im, Dae Seog Heo, Yung Jue Bang, Seonyang Park, June Key Chung, Myung Chul Lee, Byoung Kook Kim, Noe Kyeong Kim; J Korean Cancer Assoc. 1999;31(5):1011-1017.

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
The authors evaluated the usefulness of the positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-18-tluorodeoxyglucose (8F-FDG) in initial staging, reevaluation after radical therapy and diagnosis of recurrence for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, compaired to conventional imaging studies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
FDG-PET (ECAT Exact 47, Siemens) and conventional chest X-ray and computerized tomography (CT) were studied in patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
RESULTS
There were 17 patients (13 male, 4 female). Age was ranged from 18 to 62 years (median 49). By histological subgroup, diffuse large cell were 8 cases, peripheral T cell were 2 cases, diffuse mixed was 1 case, follicular mixed was 1 case, Burkitt's lymphoma was 1 case, Hodgkin's disease were 3 cases. The aims for PET were the initial staging work-up in 7 cases, the reevaluation of residual disease after radical therapy in 7 cases, the diagnosis of recurrence after complete remission in 3 cases. Between PET image and the conventional image, there were 3 cases with discrepancy, 1 case for initial staging work-up and 2 cases for the reevaluation of residual disease after radical therapy. Among the 3 cases with discrepancy, the 2 cases for the reevaluation of residual disease after radical therapy revealed that PET image reflects the involvement of lymphoma more accurately than the conventional image.
CONCLUSION
The visual analysis of FDG-PET would be helpful in determining the residual disease of lymphoma after radical therapy.

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Restrospective Cohort Study of Survival and Prognostie Factors in Patients with Terminal Cancer: Young Ho Yun, Dae Seog Heo, Jong Myon Bae, Seock Ah Im, Tai Woo Yoo, Bong Yul Huh, Noe Kyeong Kim; J Korean Cancer Assoc. 1998;30(2):384-393.

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
Cancer has become the major cause of deaths in Korea. Planning care for patients with terminal cancer is difticult. The prediction of length and prognostic factors of survival in the terminal cancer can facilitate the planning of a supportive care program aimed at patients need. The aim of this study was to identify length and those related factor of survival in the patients with terminal cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study was performed on 271 patients, who were diagnosed as terminal cancer in Seoul National University Hospital from March 1991 to February 1996. For getting the further informations about the patient, we interviewed with surviving relatives by telephone, and we requested administrative helps in order to take the informations about date of death. We examined the relations of 10 factors with survival in patients with terminal cancer.
RESULTS
We could confirm 229 patients' death(84.5%) in 271 subjects. The median length of survival in patients with terminal cancer was 11 weeks(95%CI 10.0~14.0). By univariate analysis, history of surgery(p<0.01), performance(p<0.05), severity of pain(p <0.001), and dyspnea(p<0.05) were clinical factors in predicting survival. According to Cox's proportional hazard model including sex, age, history of surgery, performance, severity of pain, and dyspnea as variables, absence of surgery history(RR 1.398, 95%CI 1.038~1.882) and severity of pain(RR 1.398, 95%CI 1.044 ~1.872) showed independent prognostic value.
CONCLUSION
The median survival was 11 weeks, and absence of surgery history and severity of pain were the independent prognostic factors for patients with terminal cancer.

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Restrospective Cohort Study of Survival and Prognostic Factors in Patients with Terminal Cancer: Young Ho Yun, Dae Seog Heo, Jong Myon Bae, Seock Ah Im, Tai Woo Yoo, Bong Yul Huh, Noe Kyeong Kim; J Korean Cancer Assoc. 1998;30(1):188-197.

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
Cancer has become the major cause of deaths in Korea. Planning care for patients with terminal cancer is difficult. The prediction of length and prognostic factors of survival in the terminal cancer can facilitate the planning of a supportive care program aimed at patients' need. The aim of this study was to identify length and those related factor of survival in the patients with terminal cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study was performed on 271 patients, who were diagnosed as terrninal cancer in Seoul National University Hospital from March 1991 to February 1996. For getting the further informations about the patient, we interviewed with surviving relatives by telephone, and we requested administrative helps in order to take the informations about date of death. We examined the relations of 10 factors with survival in pstients with terminal cancer.
RESULTS
We could confirm 229 patients death(84.5%) in 271 subjects. The median length of survival in patients with terminal cancer was 11 weeks(95%CI 10.0~14.0). By univariate analysis, history of surgery(p<0.01), performance(p<0.05), severity of pain(p<0.001), and dyspnes(p<0.05) were clinical factors in predicting survival. According to Cox's proportional hazard model including sex, age, history of surgery, performance, severity of pain, and dyspnea as variables, absence of surgery history(RR 1.398, 95%CI 1.038~1.882) and severity of pain(RR 1.398, 95%CI 1.044~1.872) showed independent prognostic value.
CONCLUSION
The median survival was 11 weeks, and absence of surgery history and severity of pain were the independent prognostic factors for patients with terminal cancer.

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Tumor Angiogenesis As a Predictor of Prognosis in Gastric Carcinoma: Seock Ah Im, Soon Nam Lee, Sung Sook Kim; J Korean Cancer Assoc. 1997;29(4):640-647.

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
Angiogenesis is an essential component of tumor growth and proven to be a prognostic factor in breast, cervix, prostate carcinoma and melanoma. This study was designed to define the relationship of microvessel density with overall survival, clinicopathologic data and with other reported prognostic factors in gastric carcinoma.
METHODS
We studied resected tumor specimens from thirty-two patients with gastric carcinoma who underwent gastrectomy at Ewha Women's University Hospital from January, 1989 to December, 1991. Specimens were investigated by staining with a monoclonal antibody aganist factor VIII-related antigen, which was localized to vascular endothelium. Correlation between the microvessel count (X200), various clinicopathologic factors, EGFR and p53 were studied.
RESULTS
The microvessel count was increased with higher histologic staging. The microvessel count was significantly higher in group with lymph node metastasis than in those without lymph node metastasis (60.7 vs 27.4, p=0.02). In patients with high microvessel count (> or =30), overall survival time was shorter than in those with low count (<30), but insignificant statistically (p>0.05). The microvessel count was higher in group with recurrence than in those without recurrence (48.1 vs 33.2, p=0.05).
CONCLUSION
Microvessel count may be a prognostic indicator in gastric carcinoma but larger scale study should be followed.

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Carcinosarcoma of the Esophagus: Seock Ah Im, Ki Youl Seo, Hye Young Son, Mi Sung Shin, Doe Young Kim, Soon Nam Lee, Soo Seung Choi, Mi Jung Kim, Sung Sook Kim, Young Guk Lim; J Korean Cancer Assoc. 1996;28(1):168-175.

Abstract PDF: Carcinosarcoma of the esophagus is a rare neoplasm composed of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous area. Usually the carcinomatous component is a squamous cell carcinoma. The histogenesis of the sarcomatous component is still unknown but consider as transformation from carcinomatous portion. We report a case of carcinosarcoma of esophagus in a 65 year-old male patient who was taken radical esophagectomy with lymph node dissection, Microscopically it was composed of squamous cell carcinoma intermingled with sarcomatous component in polypoid portion.

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Antiemetic Effect of Granisetron in Cisplatin - Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Seock Ah Im, Hee Jung Choi, Ki Youl Seo, Ki Youl Seo, Jin Hyuk Choi, Soon Nam Lee; J Korean Cancer Assoc. 1995;27(6):1040-1048.

Abstract PDF: Cisplatin is an highly effective agent against a variety of cancers but produces the most severe nausea and vomiting compared with other chemotherapeutic agents. Recently the role of 5-HT,(serotonin) in cisplatin induced nausea and vomiting was introduced and serotonin receptor antagonists seem to be as effective as corticosteroids in preventing cisplatin-induced emesis. From October 1994 to August 1995, we evaluate antiemetic effect of granisetron, a selective 5-HT, receptor antagonist, in 20 patients (M:F=11:9) who receiving their first course of combination chemotherapy containing high dose cisplatin(100 mg/§³). Granisetron 3 mg was given intravenous infusion before 100 mg/§³ of cisplatin infusion. In first 24 hours after chemotherapy, complete response achieved in 18 of 20 patients(90%). First episode of vomiting developed at 31.5¡¾20.3 hours after cisplatin infusion. For delayed emesis, on second day, complete response achieved in ll of 18 patients (61%), major response in 4 of 18 patients (22%), minor response in 3 patients (17%) and from third to seventh day, complete response achieved in 8 of 18 patients (44%), major response in 7 of 18 patients (39%), minor response in 3 patients (17%). Most commonly reported adverse effect of granisetron was headache. In conclusion, granisetron was an effective antiemetic agent in preventing cisplatin induced acute emesis but not so effective in delayed emesis. For better control of delayed emesis, new combination antiemetic therapy should be investigated.

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Histologically Transformed Non - Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Pregnancy: Seock Ah Im, Ki Nam Shim, Soon Nam Lee, Soo Yeon Cho, Hae Soo Koo, Kyung Ja Lee; J Korean Cancer Assoc. 1994;26(6):1020-1028.

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