1.Research Advances in Endocrine Therapy for Hormone Receptor-Positive/HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancer
Wenqin HUANG ; Yalong YANG ; Xinhong WU ; LAMBERTINI MATTEO ; Hongmei ZHENG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(3):169-175
Hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer is the most common subtype of breast cancer, and endocrine therapy serves as the cornerstone of adjuvant treatment. In recent years, with the publication of key clinical trials such as SOFT, TEXT, and monarchE, and breakthroughs in novel agents studies like lidERA, the endocrine therapy strategy for HR-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer has evolved toward increased precision and intensity. This article systematically reviews the latest advances in endocrine therapy, focusing on the consolidation of ovarian function suppression as a standard for high-risk premenopausal patients with updated follow-up evidence, the benefit-risk assessment of extended endocrine therapy, and the current application and interdrug differences of CDK4/6 inhibitors in the adjuvant setting. This manuscript also addresses existing challenges, including optimizing treatment-related quality of life and precisely identifying beneficiary populations, and briefly introduces the clinical trial progress of novel agents, such as oral selective estrogen receptor degraders. Furthermore, it outlines evidence-based strategies for ovarian protection during chemotherapy and fertility preservation for young patients. This review aims to provide clinicians with a comprehensive perspective, balancing the pursuit of maximal efficacy with patients′ long-term quality of life and individualized needs.
2.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Gardeniae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yuanjun SHANG ; Bo GENG ; Xin CHEN ; Qi WANG ; Guohua ZHENG ; Chun LI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Junjie HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):225-234
ObjectiveBased on traditional quality evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) recorded in historical materia medica, this study systematically compared the quality differences between wild and cultivated GF from morphological characteristics, microscopic features, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. MethodsVernier calipers and analytical balances were used to measure the length, diameter and individual fruit weight of wild and cultivated GF, and the aspect ratio was calculated. A colorimeter was used to determine the chromaticity value of wild and cultivated GF, and the paraffin sections of them were prepared by safranin-fast green staining and examined under an optical microscope to observe their microstructure. Subsequently, the contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of wild and cultivated GF were detected by hot immersion method under the general rule 2201 in volume Ⅳ of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the starch content was measured by anthrone colorimetric method, the content of total polysaccharides was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method, the sucrose content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection(HPLC-ELSD), and the contents of representative components in them were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between quality traits and phenotypic traits, combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), key differential components between wild and cultivated GF were screened. ResultsIn terms of traits, the wild GF fruits were smaller, exhibiting reddish yellow or brownish red hues with significant variation between batches. While the cultivated GF fruits are larger, displaying deeper orange-red or brownish red. The diameter and individual fruit weight of cultivated GF were significantly greater than those of wild GF, while the blue-yellow value(b*) of wild GF was significantly higher than that of cultivated GF. In the microstructure, the mesocarp of wild GF contained numerous scattered calcium oxalate cluster crystals, while the endocarp contained stone cell class round, polygonal or tangential prolongation, undeveloped seeds were visible within the fruit. In contrast, the mesocarp of cultivated GF contained few calcium oxalate cluster crystals, or some batches exhibited extremely numerous cluster crystals. The stone cells in the endocarp were predominantly round-like, with the innermost layer arranged in a grid pattern. Seeds were basically mature, and only a few immature seeds existed in some batches. Regarding primary metabolite content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher total polysaccharide level than cultivated GF(P<0.01). In category-specific component content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of total flavonoids and total polyphenols compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Analysis of 12 secondary metabolites revealed that wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of Shanzhiside, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, gardenoside and chlorogenic acid compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Conversely, the contents of genipin 1-gentiobioside, geniposide and genipin were significantly lower in wild GF(P<0.01). ConclusionThere are significant differences between wild and cultivated GF in terms of traits, microstructure, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. At present, the quality evaluation system of cultivated GF remains incomplete, and this study provides a reference for guiding the production of high-quality GF medicinal materials.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Quisqualis Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiuping WEN ; Shiying CHEN ; Ying TAN ; Guanwen ZHENG ; Huilong XU ; Wen XU ; Chengzi YANG ; Zehao HUANG ; Yu LIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):225-237
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the origin, scientific name, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Quisqualis Fructus by consulting the ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books, local literature and combining with the modern literature and standards, summarized and explored the development rules of its medicinal properties and efficacy along with their underlying causes, in order to provide support for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shijunzi was first recorded as Liuqiuzi in Nanfang Caomuzhuang of the Jin dynasty, and the name of Shijunzi was first used in Kaibao Bencao of the Song dynasty, which has been consistently used throughout subsequent dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Junziren, Sijunzi, and Dujilizi. The mainstream source of Quisqualis Fructus used in the past dynasties has been the dried mature fruits of Quisqualis indica, a plant belonging to the family Combretaceae. In modern times, its variety Q. indica var. villosa has also been recorded as the medicinal material of Quisqualis Fructus. In 2007, the Flora of China(English edition) designated Q. indica var. villosa as a synonym of Q. indica. Today, the accepted name of Shijunzi is updated to Combretum indicum. According to ancient herbal records, the producing areas of Quisqualis Fructus were Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and Fujian, and then gradually expanded to Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangxi and Guizhou. Since the Song dynasty, two major production regions have gradually emerged in Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian. Currently, it is primarily cultivated in Chongqing, Guangxi and other areas, with Chongqing yielding the highest output. Since modern times, superior quality has been defined by large size, a purple-black surface, plump grains, and a yellowish-white kernel. According to ancient herbal records, the harvesting period of Quisqualis Fructus was the July and August of the lunar calendar, mostly used raw after shelling or with the shell intact, it underwent processing methods such as cleaning, slicing, mixing, steaming, roasting, stewing, and frying. Currently, the harvesting period is autumn, followed by sun-drying or low-heat drying, with processing methods including cleaning, stir-frying, and stewing. In ancient and modern literature, the records of the properties, functions and indications of Quisqualis Fructus are basically the same, that is, sweet in taste, warm in nature, predominantly non-toxic, belonging to the spleen and stomach meridians. It possesses effects of insecticide, decontamination and invigorating spleen for ascariasis, enterobiasis, abdominal pain due to worm accumulation and infantile malnutrition.The contraindications for use primarily include avoiding consumption by individuals without parasitic infestations, limiting use for those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, refraining from drinking hot tea during medication, and avoiding excessive intake. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that the dried mature fruits of Q. indica should be used as the medicinal material for the development of famous classical formulas containing Quisqualis Fructus. Processing methods may be chosen according to prescription requirements, and the raw products is recommended for medicinal use if not specified.
4.Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Therapy: Essential or Optional?
Di ZHANG ; Luo YANG ; Yuan ZHENG ; Qi ZHOU
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):208-220
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) on survival outcomes in breast cancer (BC) patients who have already undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery.
Materials and Methods:
Data from a population-based cohort (2010-2020) were analyzed for BC patients treated with NAC and surgery. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression identified prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), and a nomogram was developed and validated. Personalized scores from the nomogram were used for risk stratification to assess the effect of postoperative AC.
Results:
A total of 15,921 BC patients were analyzed, with 11,144 in the training cohort and 4,777 in the validation cohort. The key prognostic indicators for OS included age, race, marital status, histological grade, BC subtype, T category, N category, type of surgery, and response to NAC (all p < 0.05). The nomogram effectively predicted individualized OS rates and stratified patients into various risk categories. Postoperative AC was found to significantly enhance OS in the high-risk subgroup (p=0.011 in the training cohort, p=0.012 in the overall population). However, for the low-risk subgroup, there was no significant survival benefit from postoperative AC (p=0.130 for the training cohort, p=0.588 for the overall population), suggesting that some patients might safely forgo unnecessary postoperative AC.
Conclusion
This study efficiently differentiates between varying levels of risk, enabling clinicians to identify patients unlikely to benefit from postoperative AC and thus reduce the likelihood of overtreatment.
5.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
6.Experience of Professor ZHOU Zhongying in Differentiation and Treatment of Miscellaneous Internal Diseases Using Erjia Longgu Decoction (二加龙骨汤)
Huilan FENG ; Jingwen ZHOU ; Meng SUN ; Dong DI ; Chenwei LIN ; Suhan ZHENG ; Fang YE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1708-1712
This paper summarizes professor ZHOU Zhongying's clinical experience in differentiating and treating miscellaneous internal diseases using Erjia Longgu Decoction (二加龙骨汤). It is proposed that Erjia Longgu Decoction exerts the effects of clearing the upper and warming the lower, nourishing yin and suppressing yang, and harmonizing yin and yang, applicable for miscellaneous internal diseases characterized by the core pathogenesis of insufficient ying-yin (营阴) and floating deficient yang. In clinical practice, treatment is tailored according to individual patient conditions, with emphasis placed on gentle and flexible medication use. Erjia Longgu Decoction is used as the foundational formula with appropriate modifications, and has been widely applied in the management of miscellaneous internal diseases, such as dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, nocturnal emission, cold intolerance, and sweating disorders, offering new perspectives for the expanded application of classical formulas.
7.Sequential Administration of Dihuang Baoyuan Granules and Fuling Yunhua Granules for Teating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Mice
Huiyi XIE ; Junran CHEN ; Boning HUANG ; Xinrong YANG ; Fangle LIU ; Yuying ZHENG ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Tianbao HU ; Baoqin LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):155-163
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of sequential administration of Dihuang Baoyuan granules (DHBY, the prescription for consolidating body resistance) and Fuling Yunhua granules (FLYH, the prescription for treating symptoms) on spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in mice. MethodsAccording to the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, 12-week-old db/db mice were randomized into six groups: model, DHBY (18.02 g·kg-1), FLYH (14.80 g·kg-1), sequential administration 1 (SEQ-1, DHBY 18.02 g·kg-1+FLYH 14.80 g·kg-1), sequential administration 2 (SEQ-2, FLYH 14.80 g·kg-1+DHBY 18.02 g·kg-1), and dapagliflozin (Dapa, 1.3 mg·kg-1). The m/m mice in the same litter were selected as the normal group. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. During the 8 weeks of drug administration and 2 weeks after withdrawal, the retinal thickness, FBG, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and insulin were determined, and histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver, kidney, and retina were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultsCompared with the model group, SEQ-1 for 4 weeks lowered the FBG level (P<0.05), raised the insulin level, decreased the triglyceride (TG) level (P<0.05), increased the number of optic ganglion cells and diminished vacuolar degeneration of pancreatic islet and liver. SEQ-2 lowered FBG and HbA1c levels (P<0.05), rose the insulin level, increased the retinal thickness and the number of optic ganglion cells (P<0.05), and alleviated vacuolar degeneration of pancreatic islet and liver. Two weeks after drug withdrawal, Dapa tended to increase FBG and HbA1c compared with those at the time of drug withdrawal. However, the levels of FBG and HbA1c in the SEQ-2 group remained decreasing (P<0.05). ConclusionSEQ-1 and SEQ-2 can lower the blood glucose level and ameliorate diabetic retinopathy, and SEQ-2 outperformed DHBY and FLYH in lowering the blood glucose level. Moreover, SEQ-2 can maintain the blood glucose-lowering effect after drug withdrawal.
8.Sequential Administration of Dihuang Baoyuan Granules and Fuling Yunhua Granules for Teating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Mice
Huiyi XIE ; Junran CHEN ; Boning HUANG ; Xinrong YANG ; Fangle LIU ; Yuying ZHENG ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Tianbao HU ; Baoqin LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):155-163
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of sequential administration of Dihuang Baoyuan granules (DHBY, the prescription for consolidating body resistance) and Fuling Yunhua granules (FLYH, the prescription for treating symptoms) on spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in mice. MethodsAccording to the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, 12-week-old db/db mice were randomized into six groups: model, DHBY (18.02 g·kg-1), FLYH (14.80 g·kg-1), sequential administration 1 (SEQ-1, DHBY 18.02 g·kg-1+FLYH 14.80 g·kg-1), sequential administration 2 (SEQ-2, FLYH 14.80 g·kg-1+DHBY 18.02 g·kg-1), and dapagliflozin (Dapa, 1.3 mg·kg-1). The m/m mice in the same litter were selected as the normal group. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. During the 8 weeks of drug administration and 2 weeks after withdrawal, the retinal thickness, FBG, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and insulin were determined, and histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver, kidney, and retina were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultsCompared with the model group, SEQ-1 for 4 weeks lowered the FBG level (P<0.05), raised the insulin level, decreased the triglyceride (TG) level (P<0.05), increased the number of optic ganglion cells and diminished vacuolar degeneration of pancreatic islet and liver. SEQ-2 lowered FBG and HbA1c levels (P<0.05), rose the insulin level, increased the retinal thickness and the number of optic ganglion cells (P<0.05), and alleviated vacuolar degeneration of pancreatic islet and liver. Two weeks after drug withdrawal, Dapa tended to increase FBG and HbA1c compared with those at the time of drug withdrawal. However, the levels of FBG and HbA1c in the SEQ-2 group remained decreasing (P<0.05). ConclusionSEQ-1 and SEQ-2 can lower the blood glucose level and ameliorate diabetic retinopathy, and SEQ-2 outperformed DHBY and FLYH in lowering the blood glucose level. Moreover, SEQ-2 can maintain the blood glucose-lowering effect after drug withdrawal.
9.Effect of deep muscle stimulation combined with electromyographic biofeedback on the spasms of the triceps surae and gait changes after stroke
Qiming ZHANG ; Di LIAO ; Zhiliang ZHONG ; Lihua LIN ; Xiang ZHENG ; Qiong LI ; Sharui SHAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):385-392
BACKGROUND:Deep muscle stimulation has the effects of releasing muscle adhesion,relieving muscle spasm,improving and restoring muscle compliance and elasticity.Electromyographic biofeedback therapy can promote nerve recovery and improve lower limb motor function and gait. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of the effect of deep muscle stimulation combined with electromyographic biofeedback therapy on the spasm of the triceps surae and gait changes after stroke by using a digital muscle detector and three-dimensional gait analysis system. METHODS:A total of 72 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected from the Rehabilitation Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University from October 2020 to October 2023.And they were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups(n=36 per group):a control group and a combined group.The control group received routine rehabilitation therapies,electromyographic biofeedback and pseudo deep muscle stimulation,while the combined group received true deep muscle stimulation treatment on the basis of the control group,five times per week,for 4 consecutive weeks.The oscillation frequency and dynamic stiffness of the affected gastrocnemius muscle,active range of motion of the ankle dorsiflexion muscle,electromyographic signal of the tibialis anterior muscle,Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower limbs,and three-dimensional gait analysis parameters were statistically analyzed before and after treatment in two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After treatment,oscillation frequency and dynamic stiffness values of the inner and outer sides of the affected gastrocnemius muscle in both groups of patients were significantly reduced compared with before treatment(P<0.05),and the combined group showed a more significant decrease compared with the control group(P<0.05).The active range of motion of the ankle dorsiflexion muscle,electromyographic signal of the tibialis anterior muscle,and Fugl-Meyer scores after treatment were significantly increased or improved compared with before treatment(P<0.05),while the combined group showed a more significant increase or improvement compared with the control group(P<0.05).In terms of gait parameters,the walking speed,frequency,and stride in both groups of patients were significantly increased compared with before treatment(P<0.05),while the combined group showed a more significant increase compared with the control group(P<0.05).The percentage time of support phase on the healthy side was shortened compared with before treatment(P<0.05),while the combined group showed a more significant decrease compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,there was no significant difference between the two groups except for the percentage of healthy side support(P>0.05).To conclude,the combination of deep muscle stimulation and electromyographic biofeedback can effectively alleviate triceps spasm in the short term after stroke,improve ankle dorsiflexion function,enhance lower limb motor function,and improve gait.The treatment effect is significant and worthy of clinical promotion and application.
10.Structure, content and data standardization of rehabilitation medical records
Yaru YANG ; Zhuoying QIU ; Di CHEN ; Zhongyan WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Shiyong WU ; Yaoguang ZHANG ; Xiaoxie LIU ; Yanyan YANG ; Bin ZENG ; Mouwang ZHOU ; Yuxiao XIE ; Guangxu XU ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Mingsheng ZHANG ; Xiangming YE ; Jian YANG ; Na AN ; Yuanjun DONG ; Xiaojia XIN ; Xiangxia REN ; Ye LIU ; Yifan TIAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(1):21-32
ObjectiveTo elucidate the critical role of rehabilitation medical records (including electronic records) in rehabilitation medicine's clinical practice and management, comprehensively analyzed the structure, core content and data standards of rehabilitation medical records, to develop a standardized medical record data architecture and core dataset suitable for rehabilitation medicine and to explore the application of rehabilitation data in performance evaluation and payment. MethodsBased on the regulatory documents Basic Specifications for Medical Record Writing and Basic Specifications for Electronic Medical Records (Trial) issued by National Health Commission of China, and referencing the World Health Organization (WHO) Family of International Classifications (WHO-FICs) classifications, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10/ICD-11), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI Beta-3), this study constructed the data architecture, core content and data standards for rehabilitation medical records. Furthermore, it explored the application of rehabilitation record summary sheets (home page) data in rehabilitation medical statistics and payment methods, including Diagnosis-related Groups (DRG), Diagnosis-Intervention Packet (DIP) and Case Mix Index. ResultsThis study proposed a systematic standard framework for rehabilitation medical records, covering key components such as patient demographics, rehabilitation diagnosis, functional assessment, rehabilitation treatment prescriptions, progress evaluations and discharge summaries. The research analyzed the systematic application methods and data standards of ICD-10/ICD-11, ICF and ICHI Beta-3 in the fields of medical record terminology, coding and assessment. Constructing a standardized data structure and data standards for rehabilitation medical records can significantly improve the quality of data reporting based on the medical record summary sheet, thereby enhancing the quality control of rehabilitation services, effectively supporting the optimization of rehabilitation medical insurance payment mechanisms, and contributing to the establishment of rehabilitation medical performance evaluation and payment based on DRG and DIP. ConclusionStructured rehabilitation records and data standardization are crucial tools for quality control in rehabilitation. Systematically applying the three reference classifications of the WHO-FICs, and aligning with national medical record and electronic health record specifications, facilitate the development of a standardized rehabilitation record architecture and core dataset. Standardizing rehabilitation care pathways based on the ICF methodology, and developing ICF- and ICD-11-based rehabilitation assessment tools, auxiliary diagnostic and therapeutic systems, and supporting terminology and coding systems, can effectively enhance the quality of rehabilitation records and enable interoperability and sharing of rehabilitation data with other medical data, ultimately improving the quality and safety of rehabilitation services.

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