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.Expert consensus on electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management for perioperative lung cancer patients (version 2026)
Wei DAI ; Cheng LEI ; Yuanqiang ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengyu Jinming ; Jinming XU ; Yuzhen ZHENG ; Liang ZHAO ; Guibin QIAO ; Guowei CHE ; Jian HU ; Lei JIANG ; Jie LI ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1166-1178
Patients with lung cancer experience a heavy symptom burden during the perioperative period, which seriously affects their recovery and quality of life. Traditional symptom management models rely mainly on scheduled ward rounds during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up after discharge. However, they have limitations such as delayed symptom recognition, lack of post-discharge monitoring, and non-quantitative symptom assessment, which often lead to delayed interventions and low patient satisfaction. In recent years, the symptom management model based on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has been increasingly valued in clinical practice. Existing high-level evidence from both domestic and international studies indicates that, through proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote interventions, this model enables dynamic and continuous symptom management and helps improve patient recovery and healthcare experience. As a supplement to routine medical care, the ePRO-based symptom management model aims to enhance the quality of care rather than replace existing medical processes. To promote the standardized application of this model in perioperative lung cancer care, this consensus integrates domestic and international evidence. After multiple rounds of voting by more than 50 experts, it formulates 12 consensus statements covering the three core components, symptom monitoring, alerting, and intervention, to provide scientific and practical recommendations for clinical practice.
3.Expression and clinical significance of RAB24 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma based on multi-source databases and clinical cohort validation
Yali GUO ; Yangchen WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Xiang GAO ; Wenmei MA ; Nan DING ; Qiang HOU ; Wu DAI ; Limei WEN ; Junping HU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1647-1656
ObjectiveTo investigate the mRNA expression profile and clinical significance of the RAB24 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on multi-source database including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and clinical cohort validation. MethodsData from TCGA (n=424) were utilized to evaluate the prognostic value of RAB24 expression via Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression models. An independent clinical cohort comprising 90 HCC and 30 paracancerous tissues was established to validate protein expression and histopathological features through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and routine histological staining. The TIMER database was employed to analyze the association between RAB24 and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, integrated with LinkedOmics, GSEA and GSVA algorithms were used to quantitatively characterize the core molecular pathways regulated by RAB24. ResultsThe mRNA expression level of RAB24 in HCC was significantly higher than that in non-tumor liver tissues (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the overall survival (OS) of patients in the RAB24 low-expression group was significantly longer compared to the high-expression group (HR=1.570, Log-rank P=0.01). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that RAB24 expression (HR=1.480, P=0.028), T stage (HR=2.949, P<0.001), M stage (HR=4.077, P=0.017), and tumor residual status (HR=2.317, P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for HCC. RAB24 expression was highly correlated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and immune infiltration levels (P<0.01), and showed a significant, low-level positive correlation with the TP53 gene (Rho=0.31, P<0.01). Quantitative analysis of the RAB24 protein in clinical samples validated that RAB24 expression in HCC tissues was significantly elevated compared to non-tumor liver tissues (P<0.05). TIMER analysis confirmed that RAB24 expression was highly associated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells (such as B cells and NK cells), as well as stromal and tumor purity scores in tumor tissues (P<0.01). GSEA/GSVA enrichment revealed that the P53, MYC, and mTORC1 signaling pathways were activated in the RAB24 high-expression group; correlation analysis confirmed that the RAB24 expression level exhibited a significant, low-level positive correlation with the ribosome pathway activity score (r=0.23, P<0.01). ConclusionsThe RAB24 gene, as a poor prognostic factor for HCC patients, is a potential biomarker for HCC diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The study is expected to lay a theoretical foundation for the precise diagnosis and treatment of clinical HCC.
4.Survey of post-discharge exercise behavior and analysis of factors influencing exercise intensity in patients undergoing lung surgery
Hongyu ZENG ; Xiang WANG ; Tian ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Xing WEI ; Zhen DAI ; Liping ZHANG ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI ; Wei DAI ; Jia LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):734-742
Objective To investigate the post-discharge exercise behavior and factors influencing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) in patients undergoing lung surgery. Methods A total of 2874 patients from the large prospective, observational perioperative lung symptom study cohort (CN-PRO-Lung 3) in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Sichuan Cancer Hospital between April 7, 2021, and January 31, 2024, were selected as the survey subjects. A survey was conducted using the Investigation of Exercise Behavior after Lung Surgery questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) among patients who underwent lung surgery. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing patients’ engagement in MVPA. Results A total of 702 patients were surveyed, including 252 males and 450 females, with an average age of (52.4±10.2) years. Patients with lung cancer accounted for 85.9%. Only 36.0% of the patients had regular exercise habits, while 42.3% did not engage in any physical activity. The three main barriers for postoperative exercise were physical discomfort (pain, coughing, shortness of breath, etc, 54.7%), lack of professional guidance (41.7%), and concerns about the surgical wound (28.9%). The proportions of patients engaging in vigorous, moderate, and low-intensity physical activity were 5.7%, 28.2%, and 66.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a personal annual income ≥50000 yuan (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.01-2.29, P=0.044), high school education or above (OR=1.92, 95%CI 1.33-2.76, P<0.001), and lobectomy (OR=1.44, 95%CI 1.02-2.03, P=0.037) engaged in more MVPA. Conclusion Patients undergoing lung surgery have inadequate physical activity after discharge, particularly lacking in MVPA. Patients with higher income, higher educational levels, and lobectomy are more frequently engaged in MVPA. Measures such as symptom control, providing exercise guidance, and enhancing education on wound care may potentially improve the inadequate physical activity in lung surgery patients after discharge.
5.Analyses of T lymphocyte subset levels and viral loads in human immunodeficiency virus antibody-confirmed positive cases in Suzhou from 2021 to 2024
Runfang TIAN ; Qiang SHEN ; Xuerong YA ; Yue DAI ; Qian GAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):210-215
ObjectiveTo investigate the T lymphocyte subset levels and viral loads in newly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-confirmed positive cases in Suzhou (2021‒2024), and to analyze potential influencing factors by integrating their demographic characteristics, immune status, and viral replication patterns, thereby providing evidence for HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control. MethodsPeripheral whole blood samples were collected from newly confirmed HIV-positive cases in Suzhou from 2021 to 2024. T lymphocyte subset analysis and viral load testing were performed, and influencing factors were identified in combination with demographic characteristics. Logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with CD4+T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·μL-1, and Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between logarithmic value of viral load and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. ResultsAmong the 3 022 confirmed HIV-positive samples, the median CD4+T lymphocyte count was 298.00 cells·μL-1, with 882 cases (29.19%) showing CD4+ T lymphocyte counts <200 cells·μL-1. The median CD8+T lymphocyte count was 1 011.00 cells·μL-1. The median CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 0.28, with 32.46% of cases exhibiting CD4+/CD8+ ratios <0.20, and there were statistically significant differences in CD4+/CD8+ ratio among different genders, age groups, marital status, and sample sources (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals aged ≥20 years, those who were divorced or widowed, and cases identified through medical institutions had a significantly higher proportion of CD4+T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·µL⁻¹ compared to those aged <20 years, unmarried individuals, and cases sourced from voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics, respectively. The mean logarithmic value of viral load was (4.29±1.15) copies·mL-1. The logarithmic value of viral load demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with both CD4+/CD8+ ratio (r=-0.43, P<0.001) and CD4+T lymphocyte count (r=-0.37, P<0.001). ConclusionA substantial proportion of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in Suzhou are late presenters with high viral load levels. Targeted interventions should prioritize high-risk populations through enhanced active surveillance and the implementation of combined T lymphocyte subsets analysis and viral load testing, which can enable earlier case-finding and timely antiretroviral therapy initiation.
6.Three-dimensional light sheet microscopy imaging for evaluating intraplaque neovascularization in arterial plaques and the efficacy of interventions
Yu-Fan JIANG ; Qiang MA ; Wei TONG ; Yue-Yang LI ; Yun-Dai CHEN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(4):452-457
Objective To investigate application value of three-dimensional light sheet microscopy imaging for evaluating intraplaque neovascularization in arterial plaques and the efficacy of intervention,and to assess the effect of melatonin(MLT)on neovascularization by these means.Methods Thirty-six ApoE-/-model mice were randomly divided into three groups(n=12):vehicle group,MLT group,and MLT+GW9662 intervention group(MLT+GW).The mice were treated with vehicle,MLT alone,or MLT combined with peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ(PPARγ)inhibitor GW9662,respectively.The carotid arteries of the models were three-dimensionally imaged using a light sheet microscopy,and the length,volume and other indicators of neovascularization were quantitatively analyzed using Imaris software.Subsequently,CD31 immunohistochemical staining was performed for verification.Results The light sheet microscopy preliminarily achieved the three-dimensional visualization of intraplaque neovascularization,and its structure was observed to be three-dimensionally reticular and scattered.The results of Imaris quantitative analysis showed that,compared with vehicle group,the total intraplaque neovas cularization length in the MLT group was shortened[(15.79±12.90)mm vs.(33.42±11.16)mm,P<0.05],the total volume was reduced[(1.34±1.47)×10-3 mm3 vs.(13.44±7.35)×10-3 mm3,P<0.05],and the volume ratio was decreased(0.44%±0.47%vs.3.76%±1.74%,P<0.05).The above indicators in MLT+GW group were significantly increased compared with those in MLT group[total length:(35.31±4.69)mm,total volume:(8.87±3.46)×10-3 mm3,volume ratio:2.89%±0.38%;P<0.05].The CD31 immunohistochemical staining also supported the above findings(P<0.05).Conclusions Based on the light sheet microscopy imaging technology,the three-dimensional visualization and quantitative analysis of intraplaque neovascularization were preliminarily realized.It was found that MLT could reduce the overall burden of intraplaque neovascularization,and PPARγ might be involved in its regulatory process.
7.Summary of 16-Year Observation of Reflux Esophagitis-Like Symptoms in A Natural Village in A High-Incidence Area of Esophageal Cancer
Junqing LIU ; Lingling LEI ; Yaru FU ; Xin SONG ; Jingjing WANG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Min LIU ; Zongmin FAN ; Fangzhou DAI ; Xuena HAN ; Zhuo YANG ; Kan ZHONG ; Sai YANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Qide BAO ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):461-465
Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including
8.Expression and Clinical Significance of PLCβ4 Gene in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Analyzed Based on TCGA Database and Experimental Validation
Limei WEN ; Yali GUO ; Qiang HOU ; Dongxuan ZHENG ; Wu DAI ; Xiang GAO ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):502-510
Objective To analyze the PLCβ4 gene mRNA expression and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on TCGA database. Methods Based on the data on 424 clinical samples (including 374 cases of HCC tissues and 50 cases of nontumor liver tissues) in the TCGA database, Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression analysis, and immune infiltration analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between PLCβ4 gene and the clinical characteristics and survival prognosis of HCC patients. Correlation analysis between PLCβ4 gene and 24 types of immune cells was applied to investigate the relationship between PLCβ4 gene and immune cell infiltration and mRNA expression level of TP53 gene, a high-frequency mutation gene in HCC. In addition, paraffin sections of highly, moderately, and poorly differentiated tumor tissues and normal liver tissues from HCC patients were collected. The histopathological observation was carried out via HE staining method, and the expression levels of PLCβ4 and Ki-67 proteins in each clinical sample were verified through the immunohistochemical method. Results The expression level of PLCβ4 gene in HCC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.01), and all patients in the PLCβ4 high-expression group had a significantly longer overall survival than those in the low-expression group (P<0.05), which suggested that PLCβ4 substantially affected the prognosis of HCC patients. Correlation analysis showed that the expression level of PLCβ4 gene was highly correlated with immune cell infiltration and the expression level of TP53 gene. As verified by clinical sample experiments, HE staining experiments and immunohistochemical results revealed that PLCβ4 gene expression in HCC tissue samples was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.001), and it was negatively correlated with the degree of differentiation. Conclusion PLCβ4 may serve as an independent prognostic factor in HCC and is expected to be a novel molecular target for HCC treatment.
9.Prospective Study of Disease Occurrence Spectrum in Asymptomatic Residents in Areas with High Incidence of Esophageal Cancer: 16-year Observation of 711 Cases in Natural Population
Qide BAO ; Fangzhou DAI ; Xueke ZHAO ; Jingjing WANG ; Xin SONG ; Zongmin FAN ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Zhuo YANG ; Junfang GUO ; Kan ZHONG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Junqing LIU ; Min LIU ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):656-660
Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.
10.Trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in cancer registration areas of Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020
ZHU Qiang ; DAI Dan ; MENG Qinglian ; LÜ ; Yili ; DOU Lianjie ; DOU Tingting ; WANG Huadong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(10):991-996
Objective:
To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in cancer registration areas of Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020, so as to provide the basis for formulating prevention and control measures.
Methods:
The incidence and mortality data of esophageal cancer in Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020 was collected through the Cancer Registry in Anhui Province. The crude incidence and crude mortality were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized rate was standardized using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000. The trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer were analyzed using the average annual percent change (APPC), stratified by genders, urban/rural areas, and ages.
Results:
In Anhui Province, the rank of esophageal cancer incidence dropped from the third in 2014 to the sixth in 2020. Concurrently, the crude incidence and Chinese population-standardized incidence declined from 28.74/100 000 and 20.74/100 000 to 19.23/100 000 and 10.59/100 000, respectively (AAPC=-5.846%, -9.658%, both P<0.05). The mortality rank remained stable at the fourth in 2014 and 2020, while the crude mortality and Chinese population-standardized mortality decreased from 19.96/100 000 and 14.09/100 000 to 16.00/100 000 and 8.41/100 000, respectively (AAPC=-3.542%, -7.784%, both P<0.05). The Chinese population-standardized incidence (AAPC=-9.682%, -9.188%, -6.175% and -12.575%, all P<0.05) and Chinese population-standardized mortality (AAPC=-7.734%. -7.447%. -5.366% and -10.209%, all P<0.05) showed declining trends in males, females, urban, and rural areas, respectively. From 2014 to 2020 in Anhui Province, the crude incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer generally increased with age. However, significant declining trends were observed in crude incidence (AAPC=-12.779%, -11.701%, -11.955% and -5.751%, all P<0.05) and crude mortality (AAPC=-12.255%, -11.120%, -10.985% and -5.751%, all P<0.05) for the age groups of 40-<50, 50-<60, 60-<70, 70-<80 years. A significant declining trend in crude incidence was also seen in the ≥80 years group (APPC=-6.334%, P<0.05), but the trend in crude mortality was no statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion
In registration areas of Anhui Province, the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer exhibited a declining trend from 2014 to 2020, calling for focused attention on the middle-aged and elderly population and enhanced health behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol control.


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