Sang-Won Shin

Health systems science (HSS) is increasingly recognized as a core component of contemporary medical education. Although early clinical exposure (ECE) has been shown to enhance students’ understanding of clinical practice, evidence regarding its role in shaping HSS-related perspectives in Korean medicine (KM) education remains limited. This study explored how participation in an HSS-based ECE program influenced KM students’ perceptions and learning experiences. Between 2023 and 2025, a qualitative study was conducted with 65 third-year students enrolled in a KM college. Following HSS-oriented lectures and case-based discussions, the students participated in a 4-week observational ECE program in community-based KM clinics. Data were collected from reflective journals and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis with inductive coding. The derived codes were organized into themes and subsequently interpreted in relation to the core functional and foundational domains of HSS. Four overarching themes were identified: clinical practice competency, patient-centered care, health care systems, and professional competency. A total of 35 codes across 11 subcategories were derived. Students demonstrated an increased awareness of clinical processes, patient-centered approaches, and the broader health care system, including the influence of policies, organizational structures, and social determinants of health. Ethical considerations and professional responsibility were also prominently reflected in students’ experiences. Participation in the HSS-based ECE program was associated with an expanded understanding of clinical practice within broader health care contexts among KM students. These findings suggest that early experiential learning facilitates the development of systems-oriented perspectives and professional awareness. These results provide preliminary evidence that supports the integration of HSS-informed educational approaches into KM curricula.

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional treatments. The increasing interest in natural and synthetic antiproliferative compounds is driven by their ability to target oncogenic pathways implicated in tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review explores the potential of bioactive phytochemicals and molecularly targeted therapies, particularly epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, in modulating cancer cell survival, proliferation, and immune evasion. A central focus is placed on the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks)/protein kinase B (AKT), JAK/STAT, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways, which are frequently dysregulated in therapy-resistant cancers, particularly head and neck cancer. Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, and flavonoids not only suppress oncogenic signaling but also enhance apoptosis, inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and regulate oxidative stress responses. Additionally, recent preclinical and clinical studies indicate that combinatorial applications of phytochemicals with targeted agents can sensitize resistant tumors to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. However, a major challenge limiting the clinical translation of phytochemicals is their low bioavailability and rapid metabolism. Advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery, synthetic derivatives, and CRISPR-mediated genome editing offer promising solutions to overcome these limitations, ensuring optimal stability, targeted delivery, and enhanced anticancer activity. Key Messages: By integrating traditional phytotherapy with modern molecular oncology, this review highlights novel synergistic strategies that may revolutionize cancer treatment, paving the way for personalized anticancer therapeutics. DBCs and herbal medicine influence key oncogenic pathways, including EGFR, PI3K/AKT, and MEK/ERK. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative tumors exhibit distinct molecular profiles, affecting their response to conventional treatments and adjunctive therapies. Polyphenols such as curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin, along with herbal extracts including Scutellaria baicalensis and Camellia sinensis, demonstrate the ability to modulate oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immune responses while reducing therapy resistance. Nanoparticle-based formulations improve the bioavailability of these compounds, enhancing their anticancer effects. However, their effectiveness varies based on the HPV status of the tumor, with HPV-positive cancers showing greater sensitivity to immune-modulating compounds.

Background: Health professions are required to understand social structures and systems, as well as basic and clinical medical knowledge. Accordingly, Health Systems Science (HSS) is recognized as a third party of medical education. The curriculum for HSS is currently being developed and implemented in Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HSS in Korean medical education. Methods: The HSS course using early clinical exposure (ECE) was implemented in Korean medical education and comprised lectures, four ECEs, and group activities. Students and clinical directors evaluated the course using questionnaires focused on systems thinking, productivity of group activities, and satisfaction. Results: The study showed significant improvements in systems thinking, especially in team learning ( p = .028) and overall systems thinking ( p = .017). Key habits related to systems thinking also improved significantly over 15 weeks. ECE reports highlighted student engagement with various HSS domains, focusing on patient care, healthcare structure, and policy. Per the clinical directors’ evaluations, “healthcare structure and process” was the most effective domain among the core domains of HSS. Per the students’ evaluations, the overall satisfaction was higher than the college’s average score, and especially “course structure” and “instructional expertise” domains were rated most effective. Conclusion: The HSS course with ECE is an effective method for fostering students’ systems thinking habits and enhancing their understanding of healthcare systems and patient-centered care. Verifying whether students’ interest in various domains and their systems thinking abilities are sustained over time is necessary, and further research is required to design a longitudinal course with continuity.

Background: Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, significantly impacting patient quality of life. Integrating Traditional Asian Medicine (TAM), such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, with standard cancer treatments may offer additional therapeutic benefits by improving efficacy and reducing adverse effects. However, the clinical evidence supporting this approach is inconsistent, necessitating a systematic evaluation. Methods: This study protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TAM as an adjunctive therapy for lung cancer patients undergoing standard treatments. Eligible studies include randomized controlled trials published in English, Korean, or Chinese up to June 2024. Data will be extracted from domestic and international databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and KMBASE. Primary outcomes will assess tumor response using RECIST criteria, while secondary outcomes include survival rates, quality of life, and adverse effects. Statistical heterogeneity will guide the choice of fixed- or random-effects models during meta-analysis. Discussion: This protocol aims to generate high-quality evidence supporting the integration of TAM in lung cancer care. Findings from this review may contribute to the development of clinical practice guidelines, enhancing patient outcomes and informing future research in integrative oncology. Trial Registration: This study has been registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42024523418 on March 22, 2024.

Yeonkyoung Pak, Sangwon Shin. J Pharmacopuncture 2024;27:264-9. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2024.27.3.264

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains a significant therapeutic challenge due to its resistance to standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The emergence of androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) has been implicated in CRPC progression, contributing to treatment resistance. Current treatments, including first-generation chemotherapy, androgen receptor blockers, radiation therapy, immune therapy, and PARP inhibitors, often come with substantial side effects and limited efficacy. Natural compounds, particularly those derived from herbal medicine, have garnered increasing interest as adjunctive therapeutic agents against CRPC. This review explores the role of AR-V7 in CRPC and highlights the promising benefits of natural compounds as complementary treatments to conventional drugs in reducing CRPC and overcoming therapeutic resistance. We delve into the mechanisms of action underlying the anti-CRPC effects of natural compounds, showcasing their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes while mitigating the side effects associated with conventional therapies. The exploration of natural compounds offers promising avenues for developing novel treatment strategies that enhance therapeutic outcomes and reduce the adverse effects of conventional CRPC therapies. These compounds provide a safer, more effective approach to managing CRPC, representing a significant advancement in improving patient care.

Yeon-kyoung Pak, Sang-won Shin. J Pharmacopuncture 2024;27:172-6. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2024.27.2.172