Objective:To explore the method of developing a canal-shaped implant template using a combined automatic pre-planning and 3D printing technology, and assess its impact on dose and efficacy improvement.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 15 patients with advanced cervical cancer admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from September 2020 to September 2022 was performed. Patients had characteristics such as vaginal stump recurrence, tumor eccentric growth, and previous hysterotomy, etc. Three-dimensional images were obtained by CT scan after automatic pre-planning. The PMT 3D software was used to analyze digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) radiotherapy data, capture the coordinates of the pre-planned stay points to establish the implant channel, and generate the size and shape of the canal-shaped implant template based on patients' physiological structure. Dosimetric parameters, such as conformity index (CI), were evaluated. The changes of tumor size before and after treatment were analyzed by paired t-test. Results:Fifteen patients were treated with the canal-shaped implant template. The CI was 0.74±0.26, the total radiation dose (HR-CTV) D 90% (EQD 2, α/β=10) was (85.5±6.8) Gy, and the D 2 cm3 (EQD 2, α/β=3)for bladder, rectum, small intestine, and colon were (72.2±4.2), (65.8±6.1), (65.2±4.4), and (69.8±3.7) Gy, respectively, meeting clinical needs. After the treatment, the tumor volume was significantly decreased. The template had a good fit with the vaginal cavity, and a small amount of air gap on the sidewall did not affect the dose. Non-parallel needle insertion increased the utilization of the cavity space and implant needles. Conclusion:The method of developing the canal-shaped implant template using automatic pre-planning and 3D printing technology is efficient and effective, meets the requirements of modern precise radiotherapy, and has practical clinical value.

Cervical cancer is a common female reproductive system malignant in developing countries. Radiotherapy plays a very important role in the treatment of cervical cancer, and brachytherapy is an essential part of cervical cancer radiotherapy. With the rapid development of CT and MRI imaging technology, brachytherapy cervical cancer has gradually developed from the traditional two-dimensional image-guided technology to three-dimensional image-guided technology. There are more and more treatment methods, including intracavitary brachytherapy, interstitial brachytherapy and intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy. This paper reviews several common techniques of three-dimensional brachytherapy for cervical cancer, and discusses the dosimetric feasibility of internal and external integration irradiation.

Objective To evaluate the effect of an inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA) in the treatment of cervical cancer with combined intracavitary and interstitial three-dimensional brachytherapy.Methods A total of 60 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who received both external beam radiotherapy and combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy in our hospital from October 2016 to July 2018 were enrolled.Patients were divided into four groups with 15 patients each according to the number of needles applied (1,2,3,and 4 needles,respectively).Dosimetric distributions were optimized with both Graphical optimization (GRO) and IPSA.Paired t-test was applied to compare the dosimetric differences between plans optimized with GRO and IPSA.Results The Dg0 and V100 of IPSA plans were higher than those of GRO (t=-4.742,-4.823,P＜0.05),while the conformity index (CI) and conformal index (COIN) were slightly lower than those of GRO plans (t=9.642,8.783,P＜0.05).No significant difference in the V150,V200,V300 between IPSA and GRO (P＞0.05) was observed.There was also no significant difference in the D2cm3 of bladder and rectum between IPSA and GRO (P＞0.05).The difference of Dg0 between IPSA and GRO was increased as the number of implanted needles increased,which increased from 4 cGy to 14 cGy as the number of needle increased from 1 to 4.The difference of V100 between GRO and IPSA was also increased as the number of needle increased.Conclusions In the treatment of cervical cancer with combined intracavitary and interstitial threedimensional brachytherapy,IPSA plan could improve the target coverage(D90,V100)without increasing the dose to the OARs and high dose region in the target compared with GRO.With the numbers of needles increased,the advantage of IPSA increased in terms of target coverage.

Objective To determine the predictive parameters of impacted ureteral stones and evaluate the predictive value of ureteral wall thickness for impacted ureteral stones.Methods A total of 93 patients with proximal ureteral stones from January 2017 to December 2017 were included in the study [71 males and 22 females,aged 30-80 years,and body mass index (23.7 ± 2.7) kg/m2].Both clinical and computed tomography urography (CTU) data were compared between patients with or without impacted ureteral stone,including sex,age,body mass index,renal pelvic diameter,longitudinal size of stone,transverse size of stone,stone surface area,stone volume,hounsfield units of stone,diameter of the ureter proximal to the stone,and ureteral wall thickness at the impacted ureteral stone site.The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the performance of each of the above-mentioned parameters for predicting the impacted ureteral stones.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to select the independent risk factors of impacted ureteral stones.Results Among 93 patients,38 (40.8％) patients were with impacted stones and 55 (59.1％) without impacted stones.Univariate analysis showed significant difference in ureteral wall thickness (t =6.344,P ＜ 0.001),diameter of the ureter proximal to the stone (U =607.5,P =0.001),longitudinal size of stone(U =580.5,P ＜0.001),transverse size of stone(t =4.172,P ＜0.001),stone surface area(U =508.5,P ＜ 0.001),stone volume (U =508.5,P ＜ 0.001) and hounsfield units of stone (t =6.344,P =0.006) between patients with or without impacted stones.Ureteral wall thickness(UWT)showed the largest area under curve (AUC) among those parameters (AUC =0.825,P ＜ 0.001),followed by stone surface area and stone volume.The optimal cut-off value of ureteral wall thickness was 3.16 mm,with sensitivity of 71.1％ and specificity of 85.5％.Multivariate analysis showed that ureteral wall thickness (Wald =18.709,P ＜ 0.001) and stone volume (Wald =8.391,P =0.004) were independent predictors of impacted stones.Conclusion Ureteral wall thickness was related to the presence of impacted ureteral stones and could be used for predicting impacted ureteral stones.

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype, pathological diagnosis and treatment of malignant mixed tumor (MMT). Methods: Clinical and pathological features including immunohistochemical phenotypes were analyzed in a case of MMT accompanied with eccrine porocarcinoma (EP) involving both hands, diagnosed definitely in January 2018 along with review of relevant literature. Results: A 64-year-old man presented with multiple rash on both hands for 4 years. Three lesions of 0.5 to 2.2 cm were removed for pathological evaluation. The pathological changes on little finger of left and right hands were MMT with EP, whereas that removed from the right ring finger was EP. MMT showed infiltrative growth with vascular wall invasion and consisted of epithelial (glandular or tube differentiation) and mesenchymal components (mucinous and/or cartilage stroma). The endothelial cells showed moderate to severe cytological atypia, nuclear pleomorphism and increased mitotic activity. The glandular component had histological characteristics of syringocarcinoma with moderately atypical chondrocytes but without myoepithelium. EP was composed of basal cells with visible vacuoles in cytoplasm and the presence of tubular and squamous differentiation, along with obvious atypia. Immunohistochemically cavosurface epithelium of glandular differentiation of MMT showed positivity for CK7, EMA and CD117. Myoepithelium showed S-100, CK5/6 and p63 positivity and stromal cells were positive for S-100. Differential diagnoses included metaplastic carcinoma, malignant myoepithelioma and atypical mixed tumor of skin. Conclusions MMT with EP is extremely rare.The diagnosis of MMT depends on the morphologic features. Immunohistochemical staining is helpful for differential diagnosis. Surgical excision with safety margins is the treatment of choice. Complementary radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy is still controversial. The clinical course of MMT is deemed unpredictable and long-term follow-up is necessary.

Objective: To improve the diagnosis and treatment of primary adrenal cortical carcinoma. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 11 patients who diagnosed as primary adrenal cortical carcinoma by pathology were retrospectively analyzed.The median age was 43 years, including 6 males, 5 females.7 cases(63.6%) got the tumor on the left.9 cases(81.8%) presented the maximum diameter of tumor more than 6 cm, and the average maximum diameter was 12.9 cm.All cases had CT or MRI imaging examination.Among most of them, CT showed mixed density lesions, or MRI showed mixed signal.Only 3 cases(27.3%) were considered adrenal cortical cancer through preoperative examinations. Results: 11 patients were treated with surgical treatment.Of them, 9 cases(81.8%) had complete resection of tumor.3 cases were lost to follow-up, while other 8 cases were followed up for 5-58 months.3 cases presented tumor-specific death at 5-15 months after surgery, with each 1 case in AJCC stage Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ, respectively.Survive were in 5cases, and 3cases of them were tumor-free survival, while the other 2 cases of them had local recurrence. Conclusion Adrenal cortical carcinoma is very difficult to diagnose preoperatively.Adrenal cortical cancer should be considered when tumor size more than 4cm and tumor presenting inhomogeneous enhancement.Then, the surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible, and as appropriate, chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatment should be given subsequently.Clinical and basic research such as genes test may provide more treatment options for advanced tumors in future.

Objective To use the fusion image of the end-inhalation holding (EIH) phase and endexhalation holding (EEH) phase to define the target volume of individual patient with liver cancer,and to evaluate the target geometry,feasibility,and clinical significance of the technology.Methods Eighteen patients with liver caucer who were treated in our hospital from 2012 to 2013 were enrolled as subjects.With the same posture and scan range,all patients underwent contrast-enhanced three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) scans in the phases of free breathing (FB),EIH,and EEH.Gross tumor volume (GTV),clinical target volume (CTV),and organ of risk (OAR) were delineated on the above images.CTVFB was defined as GTV on the FB phase image (GTVFB) plus a margin of 10 mm,while planning target volume (PTVFB) was defined as CTVFB plus a margin of 10 mm in the right-left and anterior-posterior directions and a margin of 20 mm in the superior-inferior direction.GTVEI and GTVEE were defined as GTV on the EIH and EEH images,respectively.Based on the EEH images,the registered EEH and EIH images were fused to form GTVEI+EI.CTVEI+EE was defined as GTVEI+EI plus a margin of 10 mm,while PTVEI+EE was defined as CTVEI+EE plus a margin of 5 mm in the right-left and anterior-posterior directions and a margin of 10 mm in the superior-inferior direction.The Pinnacle3 v8.0m treatment planning system was used to design two 3D conformal radiotherapy plans for each patient.The volume,degree of inclusion (DI),matching index (MI),and central displacement of CTVFB and CTVEI+EE,as well as PTVFB and PTVEI+EE,were compared between the two plans.Results In the 18 patients,the mean CTVFB was significantly smaller than the mean CTVEI+EE(149.00±87.54 cm3 vs.188.17± 125.72 cm3,P=0.014);there was no significant difference between the mean PTVFB and PTVEI+EE (276.68± 146.41 cm3 vs.253.66± 117.35 cm3,P=0.080).DI of CTVFB to CTVEI+EF,PTVFB to PTVEI+EE,CTVEI+EE to CTVFB,and PTVEI+EE to PTVFB were (99.83±0.09)％,(84.55±8.45) ％,(80.83± 12.31) ％,and (99.78±0.08) ％,respectively.MI of CTVEI+EE to CTVFB and PTVEI+EE to PTVFB were 0.83± 0.07 and 0.87± 0.03,respectively.The central displacements of CTVEI+EE from CTVFB in x,y,and z axes were 0.55± 1.07 cm,0.76±3.02 cm,and-0.26± 1.98 cm,respectively (P =0.432,0.971,0.587).Conclusions In the treatment of liver cancer,the target volume delineation and image fusion using 3DCT images in EIH and EEH phases may avoid target omission due to respiratory movement,making it possible to increase radiation dose to target volume and improve the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Objective To introduce our experiences in ear reconstruction with Ba Da Chu Method during the past 10 years, and to summarize the operative skills and key points .Methods Generally, Ba Da Chu Method for ear reconstruction includes 3 stages:Stage 1, skin expansion in mastoid region .Stage 2, auricular reconstruction), consisting of tissue expander removal, earlobe transposition, expanded skin flap and temporal fascia flap formation , autologous costal cartilage harvest , framework fabrication and transplantation , and the wound closure .Stage 3: tragus formation , conchoplasty , and refinement of the reconstructed ear.Results From January, 2006 to December, 2015, we performed 5628 reconstructed ears for 5267 patients with congenital microtia .Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 10 years.Complications in stage 1 included hematoma , infection and expander exposure sporadically arising , which were treated properly and stage2 operations were carried out on time or delayed .5202 (92.4％) reconstructed ears were demonstrated with fine substructure landmarks .236(4.2％) reconstructed ears with poor blood circulation at the margin of skin flap , were cured completely and ended up with acceptable outcomes;108 ( 1.9％) reconstructed ears , manifestedwith mild cartilage framework exposure due to partial necrosis of skin graft , were repaired in stage 3.61 (1.1％) of them with severe exposure , needed additional operations to cover the framework with axial fascial flap immediately .21 ( 0.3％) reconstructed ears lost the normal contour because of cartilage infection , which a secondary operation was needed to repair .The complications of stage 3 occurred rarely , which could be cured in the end .Conclusions Ba Da Chu Method is well adapted to treat congenital microtia , and it is flexible to adjust surgical skills when microtia was combined with other complicated soft tissue deformities or craniofacial bone defects;Satisfactory result were achieved in 92.4％reconstructed ears in this study with fine substructures;During approximate 2-month skin expansion , great attention must be paid to ensure successful expansion , which is based on extensive clinical experiences from doctors, appropriate nursing management from nurses , and careful observation from patients or their families.

Objective To introduce our experiences in ear reconstruction with Ba Da Chu Method during the past 10 years, and to summarize the operative skills and key points .Methods Generally, Ba Da Chu Method for ear reconstruction includes 3 stages:Stage 1, skin expansion in mastoid region .Stage 2, auricular reconstruction), consisting of tissue expander removal, earlobe transposition, expanded skin flap and temporal fascia flap formation , autologous costal cartilage harvest , framework fabrication and transplantation , and the wound closure .Stage 3: tragus formation , conchoplasty , and refinement of the reconstructed ear.Results From January, 2006 to December, 2015, we performed 5628 reconstructed ears for 5267 patients with congenital microtia .Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 10 years.Complications in stage 1 included hematoma , infection and expander exposure sporadically arising , which were treated properly and stage2 operations were carried out on time or delayed .5202 (92.4％) reconstructed ears were demonstrated with fine substructure landmarks .236(4.2％) reconstructed ears with poor blood circulation at the margin of skin flap , were cured completely and ended up with acceptable outcomes;108 ( 1.9％) reconstructed ears , manifestedwith mild cartilage framework exposure due to partial necrosis of skin graft , were repaired in stage 3.61 (1.1％) of them with severe exposure , needed additional operations to cover the framework with axial fascial flap immediately .21 ( 0.3％) reconstructed ears lost the normal contour because of cartilage infection , which a secondary operation was needed to repair .The complications of stage 3 occurred rarely , which could be cured in the end .Conclusions Ba Da Chu Method is well adapted to treat congenital microtia , and it is flexible to adjust surgical skills when microtia was combined with other complicated soft tissue deformities or craniofacial bone defects;Satisfactory result were achieved in 92.4％reconstructed ears in this study with fine substructures;During approximate 2-month skin expansion , great attention must be paid to ensure successful expansion , which is based on extensive clinical experiences from doctors, appropriate nursing management from nurses , and careful observation from patients or their families.

Objective To evaluate the prognostic significance of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) expression in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods CA IX expression in a cohort of 120 patients with ccRCC was evaluated by P-V immunohistochemistry with a rabbit CA IX polyclonal antibody. Twenty-five normal kidney tissues were used as a control. The relationship between CA IX expression and prognosis was analyzed by univariate and multiple-factor analysis (Cox regression model). The primary end point was cancer specific survival. Results One hundred and twelve (93.3%) patients were followed up with the median follow-up time of 45 months (range, 6 to 94 months). Seventy-five patients survived without evidence of tumor recurrence, 3 patients survived with tumor recurrence, and 34 patients died, 28 of the 34 died of cancer. CA IX expression was negative in all normal renal tissue. High CA IX expression was observed in 89 (74.2%) patients, among which 82 patients were followed up, and the disease free survival was 75.6% (62/82). Two (2.4%) patients survived with tumor recurrence, and 18 (22.0%) patients died, of which 13 (15.9%) died of cancer. Tumor recurrence and (or) metastasis occurred in 9 (11.0%) patients, with a median survival of 92 months in this high expression group. Low CA IX expression was observed in 31 (25.8%) patients, among which 30 patients were followed up, and the disease free survival was 43.3% (13/30). One (3.3%) patient survived with tumor recurrence, and 16 (53.3%) patients died, of which 15 (50.0%) died of cancer. Tumor recurrence and (or) metastasis occurred in 8 (26.7%) patients with a median survival of 53 months in this low expression group. Cancer specific survival between CA IX high expression group and low expression group was significantly different (P=0.000, χ2=15.950), and tumor relapse and (or) metastasis rates were significantly different (P=0.040, χ2=4.200). The 1, 3, 5 and 7 year cancer specific survival rates were 95.2%, 83.9%, 81.2% and 78.2% respectively in the high CA IX expression group, and 89.5%, 63.9%, 46.8% and 40.1% respectively in the low expression group. Multivariate analysis with Cox regression model showed that CA IX expression was a prognostic factor (RR=0.186). Conclusions High CA IX expression is negatively correlated with postoperative mortality, relapse and (or) metastasis in ccRCC. CA IX expression could be used as a prognostic biomarker in ccRCC.