Hallym University

About: Hallym University is a education organization based out in Chuncheon, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 10605 authors who have published 18891 publications receiving 302498 citations.

Correlation of aging and smoking with air trapping at thin-section CT of the lung in asymptomatic subjects.

Abstract: PURPOSE: To assess the frequency and degree of air trapping at thin-section computed tomography (CT) of the lung in relation to age and smoking history in asymptomatic subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section CT of the lung was performed prospectively at end inspiration and end expiration in 82 subjects (27 smokers, 55 nonsmokers) without any history of pulmonary diseases and without present pulmonary symptoms. The frequency and degree of air trapping were evaluated according to age and smoking status. RESULTS: The overall frequency of air trapping was 52% (43 of 82 subjects, κ = 0.72). Air trapping was found in three of 13 (23%), seven of 17 (41%), nine of 18 (50%), 11 of 17 (65%), and 13 of 17 (76%) subjects aged 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, and greater than or equal to 61 years, respectively. The frequency of air trapping increased with age (P < .05). The degree of air trapping had a significant correlation with age (r = 0.523, P < .001) and was higher in smokers with a smoking history of more than...

Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer in the elderly.

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the elderly. However, elderly patients with CRC tend to be under-presented in clinical trials and undertreated in clinical practice. Advanced age alone should not be the only criteria to preclude effective therapy in elderly patients with CRC. The best guide about optimal cancer treatment can be provided by comprehensive geriatric assessment. Elderly patients with stage III colon cancer can enjoy the same benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin or capecitabine as younger patients, without a substantial increase in toxicity. With conflicting results of retrospective studies and a lack of data available from randomized studies, combined modality treatment should be used with great caution in elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Combination chemotherapy can be considered for older patients with metastatic CRC. For elderly patients who are frail or vulnerable, however, monotherapy or a stop-and-go strategy may be desirable. The use of targeted therapies in older patients with metastatic CRC appears to be promising in view of their better efficacy and toxicity. Treatment should be individualized based on the nature of the disease, the physiologic or functional status, and the patient’s preference.