In This Issue on 20-May-2024

Gee HY, et al.

Cancer metastasis hinges on cells detaching from the primary tumor, surviving in suspension, and colonizing other sites. Anchorage dependence, crucial for cell behavior, is challenged by anchorage-independent growth, aiding metastasis progression. The "Adherent-to-Suspension Transition" (AST), facilitated by four transcription factors, enables cells to detach without the usual epithelial-mesenchymal transition. AST factors are highly expressed in circulating tumor cells, highlighting their role in cancer spread. Suppression of AST reduces metastasis without affecting primary tumors, suggesting targeted therapies to inhibit metastasis. These findings redefine our understanding of cancer spread, offering avenues for novel treatments targeting AST.

Yun KW, et al.

This study compared pre- and post-pandemic respiratory virus epidemiology in Korean children. Data from 2017–2023 showed overall virus detection rates of 63.1%, with lowest (50.6%) in late 2020 and highest (72.3%) in late 2021. Enveloped viruses nearly vanished during COVID-19 peaks, while nonenveloped persisted. Co-detection rates rose in post-pandemic period. In post-pandemic period, viruses circulated with altered seasonality, possibly due to immunity gaps and viral spread in schools. These findings highlight post-COVID-19 viral resurgence challenges.

Youn JC, et al.

Transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is often unrecognized but contributes to heart failure (HF) globally. This study focused on Asian patients, analyzing data from Korea's major centers (2010–2021). Of 105 patients, mean age 69, 65.7% male, 41.9% had wild-type ATTR-CM. Notably, 18% had left ventricular wall thickness < 12 mm. ATTR-CM diagnoses surged over the study period, with more patients presenting mild HF symptoms. Unlike international data, male predominance was less in wild-type ATTR-CM (68.2%). Unique TTR variants were observed. These findings underscore ethnic differences in ATTR-CM and aid in Asian population screening strategies.

Yoo KH, et al.

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) pose a significant burden in Korea, yet related data are scarce. Analyzing the Korea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) database (2012–2021), 3477 COPD patients (mean age 68.5) were studied. Most were male (92.3%), smokers (90.8%), with moderate airflow limitation (54.4%). Patients experienced a mean of 0.2 severe and 1.1 moderate or severe AECOPD annually, with consistent severe AECOPD rates. Those with severe exacerbations had lower BMI and lung function, higher rates of depression and anxiety. Optimal disease management is crucial to alleviate AECOPD burden in Korea.