1.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.
2.Risk assessment and stepwise management framework for pulmonary nodules
Lang TANG ; Xiaoke CHEN ; Jie TANG ; Jin JIANG ; Xinnan FANG ; Sikun LIU ; Zeguang YE ; Jiamei JIN ; Canglei ZHANG ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Guibin QIAO ; Junqiang FAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1544-1552
Objective To propose a framework for risk assessment and stepwise management of pulmonary nodules based on existing guidelines and key studies, and to clarify the boundaries for triage, workup escalation, and referral in different detection scenarios. Methods A problem-oriented evidence synthesis approach was used, prioritizing Chinese expert consensus, Fleischner Society Guidelines, British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines, and Lung-RADS. This was supplemented by studies on risk models, imaging measurements, liquid biopsy, tissue sampling, and surgical treatments. This paper is not presented as a formal consensus or a validated clinical pathway. Results A three-tiered framework consisting of basic non-invasive assessment, advanced assessment, and invasive diagnosis was established. It specified the applicable populations, boundaries for the use of risk models, imaging review, management of conflicting results, evaluation of histopathological consistency, and post-intervention follow-up. Liquid biopsy, genetic testing, and artificial intelligence were defined as investigational or adjunctive tools. Conclusion This framework can serve as a preliminary reference for multidisciplinary teams in developing local protocols. It cannot replace applicable guidelines, pathological diagnosis, shared decision-making with patients, or real-world validation.
3.Comparative efficacy of robot-assisted percutaneous reduction and screw fixation versus open reduction plate internal fixation via the sinus tarsi approach in the treatment of Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures
Bin ZHAO ; Cunxiang MA ; Anjie SHEN ; Qi LIU ; Jinqi LI ; Fan YANG ; Yonggang SU ; Wei HAN ; Junqiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(7):653-662
Objective:To compare the efficacy of robot-assisted percutaneous reduction and screw fixation versus open reduction and plate fixation via the sinus tarsi approach in the treatment of Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 82 patients (90 feet) with calcaneal fractures admitted to the Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to April 2024, including 74 males and 8 females, aged 24-87 years [(46.4±12.1)years]. According to Essex-Lopresti classification, the fractures were classified as tongue-type in 43 patients and joint-collapse-type in 47. According to Sanders classification, 69 feet were classified as type II and 21 as type III. Forty-seven patients (52 feet) were treated with robot-assisted percutaneous reduction and screw fixation (screw fixation group) and 35 (38 feet) with open reduction and plate fixation via the sinus tarsi approach (plate fixation group). The two groups were compared in terms of the operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay and time to weight-bearing. The width, height, length, B?hler angle and Gissane angle of the calcaneus before surgery and at 1 day after surgery were compared. The Maryland foot and ankle function score, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot function score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 1, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up were compared. The incidence of postoperative complications and removal rate of internal fixation were also detected in the two groups.Results:All the patients were followed up for 9-60 months [(30.0±14.5)months]. There was no significant difference in the operation duration between the two groups ( P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay and time to weight-bearing in the screw fixation group were 10.0(10.0, 20.0)ml, 7.0(5.0, 8.0)days and (5.0±0.8)weeks, which were significantly less or shorter than 30.0(20.0, 50.0)ml, 8.0(6.0, 11.0)days and (6.9±0.7)weeks in the plate fixation group ( P<0.05). The width, height, length, B?hler angle and Gissane angle of the calcaneus at 1 day after surgery were (43.4±4.2)mm, (46.2±4.0)mm, (81.6±5.1)mm, 27.1(20.4, 30.4)° and (113.4±10.1)° in the screw fixation group, which were all improved compared with those before surgery [(47.8±4.6)mm, (39.3±4.8)mm, (79.2±5.9)mm, 9.5(0.0,16.5)° and (119.3±13.4)°] ( P<0.01). The width, height, length and B?hler angle of the calcaneus at 1 day after surgery were (41.6±5.7)mm, (48.4±4.8)mm, (83.1±5.7)mm and 27.3(21.3, 31.6)° in the plate fixation group, which were all improved compared with those before surgery [(47.8±5.0)mm, (41.7±5.1)mm, (80.1±5.9)mm and 12.9(7.2,19.8)°] ( P<0.01), with no significant difference in the Gissane angle ( P>0.05). Before surgery and at 1 day postoperatively, no significant differences were found in the width, length, B?hler angle or Gissane angle of the calcaneus between the two groups ( P>0.05), while the height of the calcaneus in the screw fixation group was lower than that in the plate fixation group ( P<0.05). At 1 month after surgery and at the last follow-up, there were no significant differences in the Maryland foot and ankle function score, AOFAS ankle and hindfoot function score, and VAS score between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 3 months after surgery in the screw fixation group, the Maryland foot and ankle function score was (79.7±3.8)points, significantly higher than (74.7±2.8)points in the plate fixation group ( P<0.01); the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot function score was (77.1±5.0)points, significantly higher than (70.1±3.6)points in the plate fixation group ( P<0.01); the VAS score was 1.0(1.0, 2.0)points, significantly lower than 2.5(2.0, 3.0)points in the plate fixation group ( P<0.01). No significant difference was detected in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). The removal rate of internal fixation was 10% (5/52) in the screw fixation group, significantly lower than 29% (11/38) in the plate fixation group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with open reduction and plate fixation via the sinus tarsi approach, robot-assisted percutaneous reduction and screw fixation has the advantages of less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospital stay, earlier weight-bearing exercises, better early functional recovery and pain relief, and lower internal fixation removal rate in the treatment of Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures.
4.The Construction of A Predictive Model for Clinical Pregnancy Outcome in Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles in Women with Advanced Maternal Age
Junqiang WANG ; Ying CHEN ; Fengchen GAO ; Wenxiu ZHAO ; Shuxuan CAO ; Yixi LI ; Limei HE ; Zexing YANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(8):51-57
Objective To construct a predictive model for clinical pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer(FET)cycles in women with advanced maternal age(age≥35 years)and to analyze its influencing factors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 2717 older patients who underwent FET treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2018 to December 2023.These Patients were divided into a clinical pregnancy group(n=851)and a non-clinical pregnancy group(n=1866)based on whether the clinical pregnancy had occurred.The general characteristics and transplantation details of the two groups were compared,and a logistic regression analysis model was constructed.Results The clinical pregnancy rate(CPR)was 31.32%.The CPR for women aged 35-40 years(40.06%)was higher than that for women aged≥40 years(19.35%),with a statistically significant difference(χ2=133.371,P<0.05).The model results showed that the higher anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)levels(OR=1.053,95%CI:1.012-1.095),the more high-quality blastocysts were transferred(OR=1.704,95%CI:1.143-2.542;OR=2.861,95%CI:1.921-4.262);the more high-quality blastocysts were transferred(OR=2.033,95%CI:1.077-3.836;OR=3.886,95%CI:2.035-7.420),the thicker the endometrial lining on the day of transfer(OR=1.150,95%CI:1.092-1.212)and it could increase the probability of clinical pregnancy.However,for women over 40 years of age(OR=0.551,95%CI:0.437-0.694)and secondary infertility(OR=0.704,95%CI:0.552-0.896),the probability of clinical pregnancy would be reduced;ROC curve analysis results showed that the AUC for predicting clinical pregnancy occurrence in the training set and validation set of the predictive model were 0.723(95%CI:0.699-0.748)and 0.726(95%CI:0.689-0.764),respectively,with cutoff values of 0.262 and 0.260 and the model fit was good(P>0.05).Conclusion Female age,AMH level,type of infertility,number of high-quality embryos(cleavage embryos,blastocysts)transferred,and endometrial thickness on the day of transfer are important factors affecting FET cycles in advanced maternal age women.The constructed prediction model based on these factors has a certain predictive ability for clinical pregnancy.
5.CT manifestations of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of liver and kidney
Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Sikui WANG ; Hongyan ZHNAG ; Yanbang LIAN ; Yuanwei PAN ; Zhenwei LU ; Jianbo GAO ; Junqiang DONG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(4):251-254
Objective To explore CT manifestations of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa)of liver and kidney.Methods Totally 18 hepatic PEComa and 5 renal PEComa confirmed by surgical pathology were retrospectively enrolled,and the preoperative CT manifestations were explored.Results Single lesion of liver or kidney was found in all 23 cases,and the main CT manifestations included low or slightly low density lesion(23/23,100%),with irregular morphology(16/23,69.57%),clear boundaries(17/23,73.91%),non-envelope(21/23,91.30%)and enhancement after administration of contrast agents(21/23,91.30%).Among 18 cases of liver PEComa,most lesions(13/18,72.22%)presented as uniform density,while some(5/18,27.88%)presented as non-uniform density lesions often contained with fat components(5/5,100%)and thickened blood vessels(4/5,80.00%)but rare hemorrhagic necrosis(1/5,20.00%)nor calcification(0/5,0).Fast in and fast out of contrast agents were observed in 16(16/18,88.89%)lesions.Uneven density and internal fat components were found in all 5(5/5,100%)renal PEComa,which rarely with hemorrhagic necrosis(1/5,20.00%),blood vessels orientation(1/5,20.00%)and calcification(0/5,0).After enhancement,fast in and fast out,progressive enhancement and non-enhancement was observed in 2(2/5,40.00%),1(1/5,20.00%)and 2(2/5,40.00%)cases,respectively.Conclusion CT manifestations of PEComa in liver and kidney had certain characteristics.
6.Inhibitory effect of safranal on proliferation,migration and phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells of rats induced by high glucose in vitro
Yixuan GAO ; Peng WANG ; Silong ZHANG ; Ruijuan GAO ; Yingfang MA ; Keke ZHANG ; Dan FENG ; Zongqi HUANG ; Ketao MA ; Li LI ; Junqiang SI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):948-957
Objective:To discuss whether safranal affects the proliferation,migration,and phenotypic transformation of the vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)in a high-glucose environment and to clarify the function of safranal in the prevention and treatment of diabetic(DM)vascular complications.Methods:The SD rats were selected as experimental subjects;primary VSMCs were cultured from rat thoracic aortas and divided into control group,25 mmol·L-1 high glucose(HG)group,HG+20 μmol·L-1 safranal group,HG+40 μmol·L-1 safranal group,and HG+80 μmol·L-1 safranal group.The cells in control group received no treatment;the cells in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group were pretreated with 25 mmol·L-1 HG;the cells in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were further treated with 20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal respectively for 48 h on the basis of 25 mmol·L-1 HG group.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to determine the appropriate concentration of safranal and detect the viabilities of the VSMCs in various groups;cell scratch healing assay was used to detect the scratch healing rates of the VSMCs in various groups;Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the numbers of the migration VSMCs in various groups;immunofluorescence method was used to detect the fluorescence intensities of alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and rabbit anti-osteopontin(OPN)in the VSMCs in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of OPN,α-SMA,and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)in the VSMCs in various groups.Results:Under microscope,on the 4th day of in vitro culture,the spindle-shaped or triangular cells crawled out from the edge of the thoracic aorta tissue blocks,with long spindle being the most common morphology.On the 14th,the cells gradually covered the bottom of the dish;when cell density reached 80%-90%,the characteristic"hills and valleys"growth pattern appeared.Third-generation cells were taken for immunofluorescence identification;immunofluorescence staining with VSMC-specific marker α-SMA showed positive expression of α-SMA protein in the primarily cultured VSMCs.The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with control group,the cell viability of the cells in 160 μmol·L-1 safranal group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),indicating toxic damage to the cells.Under the conditions of safranal concentrations at 20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 respectively,after 48 h intervention on VSMCs,no significant adverse effect on cell viability was observed;considering both the effect and toxicity of safranal,these three concentrations were used in subsequent cell experiments.After 48 h intervention,compared with control group,the activity of the VSMCs in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group was increased(P<0.001);compared with 25 mmol·L-1 HG group,the activities of the VSMCs in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were gradually decreased(P<0.05).The cell scratch healing assay and Transwell assay results showed that after 48 h intervention,the scratch healing rate of the VSMCs in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.01),and the number of transmembrane cells through the Transwell chamber was significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with 25 mmol·L-1 HG group,the scratch healing rates of the VSMCs in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were gradually decreased(P<0.05),and the number of transmembrane cells was decreased(P<0.05).The immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with control group,the fluorescence intensity of α-SMA protein in the VSMCs in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group was significantly weakened(P<0.001),while the fluorescence intensity of OPN protein was significantly enhanced(P<0.001);compared with 25 mmol·L-1 HG group,the fluorescence intensities of α-SMA protein in the VSMCs in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were gradually increased(P<0.05),and the fluorescence intensities of OPN were gradually weakened(P<0.05).The Western blotting method results showed that compared with control group,the expression level of α-SMA protein in the VSMCs in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group was decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of PCNA and OPN proteins were increased(P<0.01);compared with 25 mmol·L-1 HG group,the expression level of α-SMA protein in the VSMCs in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were increased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of PCNA and OPN proteins were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Safranal can inhibit the proliferation,migration,and phenotypic transformation of the VSMCs induced by high glucose.
7.Total thoracoscopic valvuloplasty of Barlow disease: outcomes of ten-year follow-up
Zhaolong ZHANG ; Lishan ZHONG ; Yuxin LI ; Qiuji WANG ; Shanwen PANG ; Junqiang QIU ; Linbin HUA ; Yingjie KE ; Huanlei HUANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(6):352-358
Objective:To clarify the safety, repair rate, durability, and risk factors for recurrent mitral regurgitation(MR) in patients with Barlow disease(BD) who total thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty(TMVP).Methods:Clinical data, mid-term and long-term outcomes of BD patients who underwent TMVP at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 2009 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group with no MR recurrence(group A) and a group with MR recurrence(group B) according to whether recurrent MR appeared in the postoperative period, and the data of the two groups of patients were compared with each other for the risk factor analysis.Results:The repair rate of TMVP was 98.4%, and no patient died perioperatively. The median follow-up time was 3.1(1.7, 5.2) years, the follow-up rate was 95.8%, and there was no patient died. As of March 2023, 112 patients developed no recurrent MR(group A), 11 patients developed recurrent MR(group B), and 2 patients in group B underwent repeated mitral valve surgery. The left atrial diameter(LAD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD) were higher in group B than in group A patients[LAD: (50.9±7.7)mm vs.(43.7±8.7)mm, P=0.009; LVESD: (37.1±5.5)mm vs.(33.2±4.7)mm, P=0.011], and the percentage of tendon cord rupture was higher in group B than in group A( P=0.022), while the rest of the baseline data were not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of the use of different surgical techniques, aortic cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and operative time. Postoperative LAD, postoperative LVESD, and postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of group B patients were higher than those of group A( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in perioperative and long-term complication rates between the two groups. Multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that advanced age( HR=1.049, 95% CI: 0.997-1.103, P=0.066) and large preoperative LVESD( HR=1.168, 95% CI: 1.053-1.295, P=0.003) were the risk factors for postoperative recurrence MR. Conclusion:Total thoracoscopic minimally invasive BD repair is safe, which has a high success rate and good long-term results. Advanced age and large preoperative LVESD are risk factors for recurrent MR in the long term.
8.Mid-term analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial on different transfusion strategies for cardiac valve surgery
Zhaolong ZHANG ; Xuankun XIE ; Yanji QU ; Lishan ZHONG ; Shanwen PANG ; Linbin HUA ; Qiuji WANG ; Heng ZUO ; Junqiang QIU ; Huanlei HUANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(8):695-703
Objective:To compare the clinical effects of restrictive transfusion strategy and liberal transfusion strategy for cardiac valve surgery.Methods:This study employed a prospective, randomized controlled superiority design, enrolling 439 patients undergoing non-emergency cardiac valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2023 to October 2024 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. While all the patients appeared hematocrit (Hct)≤24% or hemoglobin (Hb)≤80 g/L during the cardiopulmonary bypass. A simple random design was adopted to generate a random sequence and participants were randomized into a restrictive transfusion group (restrictive criteria: Hct≤18% or Hb≤60 g/L during cardiopulmonary bypass, and Hct≤21% or Hb≤70 g/L postoperatively) or a liberal transfusion group (liberal criteria: Hct≤24% or Hb≤80 g/L during cardiopulmonary bypass and Hct≤30% or Hb≤100 g/L postoperatively). If Hb or Hct fell below the respective thresholds, 2 units of red blood cells were transfused, followed by re-evaluation. If levels remained below the threshold, an additional 2 units were transfused until the criteria were met. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative 3-month mortality, infection, ischemic events, and new-onset renal failure requiring dialysis. Secondary outcomes included blood product utilization, length of stay in the ICU and so on. Intergroup comparisons were performed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, or Fisher′s exact test, and analyses were conducted using a binary multivariable Logistic regression model. Results:A total of 439 patients were included in this study. The restrictive roup included 221 patients, including 75 males and 146 females, aged ( M(IQR)) 57.0 (14.0) years (range: 21 to 76 years). The liberal group included 218 patients, including 67 males and 151 females, aged 56.0 (20.0) years (range: 19 to 74 years). No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of primary outcome (restrictive group: 10.9%(24/221) vs. liberal group: 9.6%(21/218), χ2=0.180, P>0.05), 2 patints in the restrictive group died and 3 patints in liberal group died ( P=0.684). The transfusion rate was significantly lower in the restrictive group(19.0%(42/221) vs. 100%(218/218), P<0.01), with no significant differences in other secondary outcomes (all P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed an interaction between sex and transfusion strategy ( P=0.023), suggesting that using liberal transfusion strategy in male patients might increase the risk of the primary outcome. Conclusion:The mid-term results do not show that the restrictive transfusion strategy is superior to the liberal transfusion strategy in reducing the incidence of postoperative outcome events in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery.
9.Research progress in radiation-induced esophageal injury
Qiang FU ; Yu LIN ; Fei ZHENG ; Yuanji XU ; Wenji XUE ; Ye ZHANG ; Qifeng WANG ; Jinbo YUE ; Pei YANG ; Wencheng ZHANG ; Junqiang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(9):874-881
Radiation-induced esophageal injury (RIEI) is a frequent complication following radiotherapy for thoracic and head-neck malignancies, which may lead to severe sequelae including esophageal stricture and perforation, adversely affecting patients' quality of life and therapeutic outcomes. With advancements in radiotherapy techniques — particularly the adoption of unconventional fractionation regimens, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and combined molecular targeted / immunotherapy — the incidence of RIEI has been increasing. In this review, recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and management strategies for RIEI were comprehensively summarized. Current therapeutic approaches have evolved beyond conventional anti-inflammatory and nutritional support to include novel interventions such as targeted therapy, free radical scavengers, and microbiota modulation, etc. Future research should prioritize the development of optimized, individualized prevention and treatment protocols to mitigate RIEI risk and improve patient prognosis.
10.Long-term survival of surgical versus non-surgical treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in patients ≥70 years: A retrospective cohort study
Kexun LI ; Changding LI ; Xin NIE ; Wenwu HE ; Chenghao WANG ; Kangning WANG ; Guangyuan LIU ; Junqiang CHEN ; Zefen XIAO ; Qiang FANG ; Yongtao HAN ; Lin PENG ; Qifeng WANG ; Xuefeng LENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):619-625
Objective To compare the long-term survival of elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with surgical versus non-surgical treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of elderly patients aged ≥70 years with ESCC who underwent esophagectomy or radiotherapy/chemotherapy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2009 to September 2017. Patients were divided into a surgical group (S group) and a non-surgical group (NS group) according to the treatment method. The propensity score matching method was used to match the two groups of patients at a ratio of 1∶1, and the survival of the two groups before and after matching was analyzed. Results A total of 726 elderly patients with ESCC were included, including 552 males and 174 females, with 651 patients aged ≥70-80 years and 75 patients aged ≥80-90 years. There were 515 patients in the S group and 211 patients in the NS group. The median follow-up time was 60.8 months, and the median overall survival of the S group was 41.9 months [95%CI (35.2, 48.5)], while that of the NS group was only 24.0 months [95%CI (19.8, 28.3)]. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of the S group were 84%, 54%, and 40%, respectively, while those of the NS group were 72%, 40%, and 30%, respectively [HR=0.689, 95%CI (0.559, 0.849), P<0.001]. After matching, 138 patients were included in each group, and there was no statistical difference in the overall survival between the two groups [HR=0.871, 95%CI (0.649, 1.167), P=0.352]. Conclusion Compared with conservative treatment, there is no significant difference in the long-term survival of elderly patients aged ≥70 years who undergo esophagectomy for ESCC. Neoadjuvant therapy combined with surgery is still an important choice to potentially improve the survival of elderly patients with ESCC.

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