1.Research progress of tertiary lymphoid structure in prognosis and immunotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Zhenyi NIU ; Runsen JIN ; Kepeng YAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Hecheng LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):468-474
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the main histological type of esophageal cancer in China, which seriously threatens the health of people. The application of immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has greatly improved the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but the efficacy of treatment is still limited. Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is an ectopic organized lymphoid structure that accumulates in non-lymphoid organs. Previous studies have found that TLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with better patient outcomes and enhanced immunotherapy efficacy. Based on current researches about TLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, this paper reviews the relationship between TLS and the prognosis and immunotherapy of patients. We hope to provide reference for the precise immunotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
2.Cuproptosis: A novel therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer
Dong DONG ; Yajie ZHANG ; Hecheng LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):826-832
Cuproptosis, recently defined as a unique form of cell death distinct from programmed cell death, is triggered by copper overload within mitochondria. Genes associated with cuproptosis have been found to correlate with tumorigenesis and tumor progression, making the targeting of cuproptosis pathways a promising direction for anti-tumor therapies. Copper ion carriers can transport copper ions into cells, inducing cuproptosis and laying the foundation for its application in cancer treatment. This article elaborates on the homeostasis of copper and the mechanisms related to cuproptosis, further clarifying the relationship between cuproptosis and lung cancer treatment targets. This review aims to summarize current progress in research related to cuproptosis and lung cancer, providing new theories and bases for the clinical treatment of lung cancer.
3.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
4.Evaluation system for standardized surgery in elderly patients with lung cancer
Xingqi MI ; Nan CHEN ; Jiandong MEI ; Hecheng LI ; Shuguang ZHANG ; Huanwen CHEN ; Peng JIAO ; Jun WANG ; Chunfang ZHANG ; Guangjian ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Qiang PU ; Peng LIN ; Lunxu LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):866-873
To address the growing challenge of an increasing number of elderly lung cancer patients amidst China's aging population and to fill the gap in quality control standards for surgical treatment in this special population, this study aimed to develop a standardized surgical evaluation system for elderly lung cancer patients tailored to China's national conditions. The system was established through a literature review, integrated the pathophysiological characteristics of elderly patients, and was constructed following review, feedback, and revision by experts from multiple thoracic surgery centers. Employing a 100-point scoring system, it comprises three primary domains: physical infrastructure and geriatric adaptability foundational conditions (10 points); management level and perioperative care models (20 points); and technical proficiency and clinical outcomes (70 points). The system places a strong emphasis on geriatric adaptability, proposing specific, quantifiable indicators for age-friendly facility modifications, control of elderly-specific complications, multidisciplinary collaboration, and standardized perioperative management. It provides a convenient and measurable assessment tool for quality control in the surgical treatment of elderly lung cancer in China, which is expected to promote the standardization and homogenization of diagnosis and treatment.
5.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
6.Practice of navigation bronchoscopy and artificial intelligence in the basic navigational bronchoscopy skills and technique training
Dingpei HAN ; Xinyi WANG ; Yanli XU ; Xijia FENG ; Yu ZHANG ; Lihua DENG ; Xiaoyang LI ; Hecheng LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(10):1326-1330
Objective:To investigate the effects of navigation bronchoscopy and artificial intelligence in the standardized training of residents on basic bronchoscopy skills, with the goal of enhancing their practical abilities.Methods:We selected 26 trainees (14 on standardized training of residents and 12 on standardized training of specialists) who participated in the basic navigational bronchoscopy skills and technique training (NBSTAT) at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from September 2023 to January 2024. The training was structured around a modular curriculum with navigation as the core design concept, consisting of five modules: lesion identification, precise localization, route planning, navigation operation, and real-time error correction. Theoretical teaching and skill practice were combined. The skill proficiency of the trainees was assessed using the Ruijin Hospital bronchoscopy simulation training system and the electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy system. SPSS 26.0 was used to perform the t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for comparisons. Results:After the training, the trainees as a whole showed significant improvements in practicing the skills, with the simulated operation time was reduced from (125.08±48.16) seconds to (77.69±24.75) seconds, the number of errors decreased from 1 to 0, the total score increased from (60.77±15.01) to (75.19±17.63), and the navigation operation time was reduced from 3 (3, 4) minutes to 2 (2, 3) minutes (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in these assessment items between resident trainees and specialist trainees. The satisfaction rate of the trainees with the training reached 100.00%. Conclusions:The curriculum is effective in basic bronchoscopy skill training, remarkably enhancing the bronchoscopy skills of resident and specialist physicians, which is a useful approach for physicians to cope with the continuous development of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for pulmonary diseases.
7.Interpretation of the NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Lung cancer screening (version 2.2024)
Dong DONG ; Yajie ZHANG ; Hecheng LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(09):1253-1257
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) updates the "NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Lung cancer screening" annually, and the second edition of 2024 was released in October 2023. The 2024 edition of the guidelines builds on the 2023 edition with some updates on description and assessment of risk factors for lung cancer, evaluation and follow-up of lung nodules found during initial and subsequent screening, and low-dose CT screening protocols and imaging modalities. In this article, we will introduce the above updates and provide reference for lung cancer screening in China by combining the relevant guidelines and consensus in China.
8.Chinese Medical Association guideline for clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer (2023 edition): An interpretation
Dong DONG ; Yiheng HUANG ; Yajie ZHANG ; Hecheng LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2023;30(11):1533-1538
Chinese Medical Association Guidelines for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer (2023 Edition) has been released in July 2023. Based on the 2022 edition, the 2023 edition of the guideline has been updated in the aspects of lung cancer screening, pathology, surgical standards, neoadjuvant therapy, targeted therapy and treatment of advanced lung cancer. This article will give a brief introduction to these updated parts.
9.Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules in 183 patients: A clinical analysis in a single center
Xiang CHEN ; Yajie ZHANG ; Dingpei HAN ; Hecheng LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2023;30(11):1539-1544
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of preoperative location of pulmonary nodules guided by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB). Methods Patients who received preoperative ENB localization and then underwent surgery from March 2021 to November 2022 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were collected. The clinical efficacy and safety of ENB localization and the related factors that may affect the success of ENB localization were analyzed. Results Initially 200 patients were included, among whom 17 undergoing preoperative localization and biopsy were excluded and a total of 183 patients and 230 nodules were finally included. There were 62 males and 121 females with a mean age of 49.16±12.50 years. The success rate of navigation was 88.7%, and the success rate of ENB localization was 67.4%. The rate of complications related to ENB localization were 2.7%, and the median localization time was 10 (7, 15) min. Multi-variable analysis showed that factors related to successful localization included distance from localization site (OR=0.27, 95%CI 0.13-0.59, P=0.001), staining material (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.17-0.95, P=0.038), and staining dose (OR=60.39, 95%CI 2.31-1 578.47, P=0.014). Conclusion ENB-guided preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules is safe and effective, and the incidence of complications is low, which can be used to effectively assist the diagnosis and treatment of early lung cancer.
10.Chinese thoracic surgery experts consensus on postoperative follow-up plans for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Longqi CHEN ; Xiaofei LI ; Jianhua FU ; Song ZHAO ; Yin LI ; Yousheng MAO ; Shuoyan LIU ; Zhentao YU ; Lijie TAN ; Hui LI ; Yongtao HAN ; Chun CHEN ; Mingqiang KANG ; Jian HU ; Zhigang LI ; Hecheng LI ; Renquan ZHANG ; Shidong XU ; Linyou ZHANG ; Kaican CAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2022;29(02):141-149
Resection is one of the most important treatments for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and routine postoperative follow-up is an effective method for early detection and treatment of recurrent metastases, which can improve patients' quality of life and prognosis. This consensus aims to provide a reference for colleagues responsible for postoperative follow-up of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in China, and further improve the standardization of the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

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