1.Tumor microenvironment heterogeneity and its regulatory mechanisms in renal cell carcinoma:the latest advances
Yu YANG ; Ruijian LIU ; Lulin MA
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):187-192
Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the urinary system.Its pronounced heterogeneity plays a crucial role in disease progression, treatment responses, and clinical outcomes.This review focuses on the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment in renal cell carcinoma, summarizing the key cellular interactions, the evolution of immunosuppressive states, and the reciprocal regulation between tumor and stromal components.The paper further discusses the clinical impacts of heterogeneity on immuno-targeted combination therapy, along with the application of emerging technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, so as to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for the precision therapy for renal cell carcinoma.
2.Research advances in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for anterior and posterior lip tumors of the kidney:focusing on postoperative complications
Yuanhao PEI ; Lulin MA ; Shuilong ZHAI ; Yimin WANG ; Zhang LIANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(4):376-381
Renal hilar tumors pose significant surgical challenges due to their proximity to major renal vessels and the collecting system. In robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, although both anterior and posterior lip tumors are considered renal hilar tumors, their operative difficulty and complication profiles differ markedly owing to distinct anatomical relationships and vascular adjacency. Anterior lip tumors, often involving tributaries of the renal vein, carry a relatively higher risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. In contrast, posterior lip tumors, closer to the renal artery, are more likely to prolong warm ischemia time, thereby increasing the risk of postoperative renal impairment. Regarding urine leakage, although anterior lip tumors are theoretically closer to the collecting system and may pose a slightly elevated risk, precision reconstruction strategies—such as lip reconstruction based on sinus space anatomy—can effectively mitigate this risk. However, the specific difference in urine leakage risk between anterior and posterior lip tumors warrants further investigation. Both anterior and posterior lip tumors of the kidney can achieve low positive surgical margin rates in experienced centers. Complication risks are affected by multiple factors, including tumor anatomical complexity, warm ischemia time, and surgeon experience. Notably, R.E.N.A.L. score>8 is associated with significantly increased complication risks. Preoperative meticulous imaging evaluation, selection of an appropriate surgical approach based on tumor location, controlled warm ischemia time, and application of delicate suturing and reconstruction techniques are essential strategies to reduce complications.
3.Influencing factors and prognosis of postoperative complications in elderly(≥75 years)patients with renal cell carcinoma after laparoscopic surgery
Zhiying WU ; Min QIU ; Dameng PAN ; Xiaojun TIAN ; Lei ZHAO ; Hongxian ZHANG ; Shudong ZHANG ; Lulin MA
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(6):503-509
Objective To analyze the postoperative complications and survival outcomes of elderly patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing laparoscopic surgery, and to identify the influencing factors, so as to provide reference for improving the safety of laparoscopic surgery in such patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical, surgical, and pathological data of 153 patients aged ≥75 years who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma at our hospital during 2012 and 2025.Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing postoperative complications, and a nomogram was constructed and validated to predict the complications.Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve, and the effects of different surgical approaches on the prognosis and the survival difference in the age subgroups (75-<80 years, ≥80 years) were analyzed.Cox regression analyses were conducted to determine factors affecting survival outcomes. Results Among the 153 patients, 15 developed postoperative complications, including 5 severe cases. Multivariate logistic regression identified Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥3 and prolonged operation time as independent risk factors for postoperative complications (P<0.05).The C-index of the logistic regression model constructed based on these factors (age, CCI≥3 and operation time) was 0.77 (95%CI:0.64-0.90), with an average absolute error of 1.6%.Subgroup analysis revealed superior overall survival in patients aged 75-<80 years undergoing partial nephrectomy compared to radical nephrectomy (P=0.005 6).No statistically significant difference in overall survival was observed among patients ≥80 years who received different surgical approaches (P=0.062).Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified preoperative low albumin levels, preoperative renal insufficiency, tumor diameter>4 cm, and pathological stage as independent risk factors for overall survival (P<0.05). Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery is safe and effective for elderly patients with renal cell carcinoma, with survival outcomes correlated to nutritional status, renal function, tumor size and pathological staging.Patients aged ≥80 years still derive surgical benefit, and no survival differences exist between different surgical approaches in this age group.
4.Review of the Expanded Clinical Trial System in the United States, Japan and Canada and its Enlightenment for China
Meiying MA ; Xiaopei ZHAO ; Lulin LI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):78-88
The expanded clinical trial system is designed to provide clinical trial drugs for patients suffering from serious or life-threatening diseases for which there is no effective treatment, essentially seeking a balance between the accessibility of drugs to patients and the soundness of the development of the pharmaceutical industry, as well as between the risk of expanding the use of clinical trial drugs and the need to safeguard the rights and interests of patients’ lives and health. Article 23 of China's Drug Administration Law provides only a principled description of the applicable standards and operating procedures for this system, with no implementing regulations, making it difficult for the system to function effectively in practice. The United States, Japan, and Canada have made detailed provisions on the conditions of application, applicants, review subjects and contents, and safeguards of the system through laws, regulations, and guidelines. Based on China's legislative environment and regulatory reality, and considering that the system is still in the initial stage in China, it is recommended that appropriate reference be made to the beneficial experience of foreign countries and that regulations and normative documents be promulgated as soon as possible to clarify the types of expanded clinical trials, applicants, review subjects etc., and to determine the responsibilities of all the parties involved, to promote the standardization of China’s expanded clinical trial system, to promote the availability of medicines to patients, and to effectively safeguard the rights and interests of patients’ lives and health, and the soundness and safety of the development of the pharmaceutical industry.
5.Clinical analysis of 8 cases of adrenal hemolymphangioma and literature review
Chuxiao XU ; Dameng PAN ; Huiying HE ; Lulin MA ; Shudong ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(3):207-211
Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of adrenal hemolymphangioma,so as to enhance the understanding of this disease. Methods: Clinical and pathological data of 8 patients with adrenal hemolymphangioma admitted to the Department of Urology of our hospital during Jan.2013 and Dec.2022 were retrospectively analyzed,and relevant literature was reviewed. Results: The patients included 5 males and 3 female,median age 54(25-75) years.Adrenal hemolymphangioma was detected in all patients in physical examinations without obvious symptoms.And 4 of the patients had a history of hypertension.Adrenal function test results showed no abnormalities.A total of 9 tumors were identified by imaging examination,including 1 unilateral multiple and 7 unilateral solitary tumors,with a median diameter of 3.6(1.0-5.4) cm.Posterior laparoscopic adrenal tumor resection was performed in 7 cases and robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenal tumor resection in 1 case;all of the tumors were completely removed.The median operation time was 77(53-115) min,median intraoperative blood loss 7.5(2.0-20.0) mL,and median postoperative hospital stay 4(1-7) d.Postoperative pathology showed interwoven deformed and dilated blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the cystic tumors,with a large amount of lymphoid fluid,lymphocytes and red blood cells.Chronic lymphocyte infiltration was visible between the tube walls.The cystic cavity was partially connected,with flat endothelial cells lining.The pathological diagnosis was adrenal hemolymphangioma.During the median follow-up of 53.5(12.0-106.8) months,all patients recovered well,with stable blood pressure and no tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: Adrenal hemolymphangioma has no specific clinical symptoms.As adrenal functional tests show no obvious abnormalities,the diagnosis depends on pathological examinations.Popsterior laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic resection has good efficacy and prognosis.
6.Research progress on the relationship between vascular structure patterns and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma
Dameng PAN ; Qiming ZHANG ; Min QIU ; Lulin MA
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(3):261-265
Vascular structure pattern,namely the maturity,morphology and distribution of blood vessels,as one of the pathological features of renal cell carcinoma (RCC),cannot be ignored when the prognosis is concerned.The current mainstream classification of vascular structure patterns includes pseudoacini,Golgi,lacunar and dispersion patterns.Many studies have shown that the vascular structure patterns in RCC are closely related to the diagnosis and prognosis.Early features such as dendritic penetration of the endothelium contribute to the differential diagnosis of RCC,while different vascular structure patterns are not only related to tumor grade,but also affect the responsiveness of targeted therapy and prognosis.Evaluating these vascular structural patterns can help to understand the biological behaviors of tumors and guide the treatment options,but a unified assessment of vascular structural patterns is still lacking.This paper reviews the research progress on the relationship between vascular structure patterns and RCC prognosis,aiming to provide clinical reference.
7.Cost-effectiveness analysis of four urine tests in the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Zaili SUN ; Peng HONG ; Xin LI ; Huiying HE ; Lulin MA ; Shudong ZHANG ; Hongxian ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(10):679-685
Objective:To compare the efficacy and clinical practicality of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), thinprep cytology test (TCT), urine nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) and urine cytology test in the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 62 patients who underwent surgical treatment (biopsy or partial urothelial resection) for suspected UTUC in the Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023, and received paraffin pathological diagnosis. Taking the pathological examination results as the diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the four detection methods in the diagnosis of UTUC were calculated, and the cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. Combine the four detection methods in pairs, calculate the sensitivity, specificity and Youden index after the combination, and conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis. The comparison of sensitivity, specificity and Youden index of the four detection methods was conducted using Chi-test or Fisher exact probability method. The comparison between groups after pairwise combinations was also conducted using Chi-test or Fisher exact probability method. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.Results:The sensitivity (81.1%, 77.4%) and Youden index (0.700, 0.774) of FISH group and TCT group were significantly higher than those of NMP22 group and urine cytology group (39.6%, 43.4%; 0.174, 0.434), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.008 3). There were no statistically significant in the specificity (88.9%, 100.0%, 77.8%, 100.0%), positive predictive value (97.7%, 100.0%, 91.3%, 100.0%) and negative predictive value (44.4%, 42.9%, 17.9%, 23.1%) of the four groups ( P>0.008 3). The cost-effectiveness of the FISH group (3 256.4) was significantly higher than that of the TCT group (409.4), the NMP22 group (398.2) and the urine cytology group (627.9). After being combined in pairs, the net sensitivity of NMP22+ urine cytology (45.3%) was significantly lower than that of FISH+ TCT(88.7%), TCT+ NMP22(81.1%), FISH+ NMP22(86.8%), FISH + urine cytology (84.9%), TCT+ urine cytology (86.8%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.008 3). The net specificities of the above combinations were 77.8%, 88.9%, 77.8%, 88.9%, 100.0%, respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant ( P>0.008 3). The cost-effectiveness was 1 008.0, 3 393.5, 632.8, 3 345.0, 3 513.5, and 737.3, respectively. Conclusions:In the diagnosis of UTUC, TCT has the highest diagnostic efficacy and relatively low cost, and is recommended for widespread promotion and application in clinical practice. If the patients economic conditions permit, it is recommended to combine TCT with urine cytology.
8.Clinical characteristics and influencing factors of extraglandular invasion of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Xiaoyong YANG ; Fan ZHANG ; Lulin MA ; Cheng LIU
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(5):956-960
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the differences in perioperative clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with different pathological types of prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy, and to analyze the influencing factors that may affect the extraglandular invasion of ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
METHODS:
Retrospective collection was made of the radical prostatectomy patients who were admitted to Peking University Third Hospital from December 2011 to April 2021. The patients were screened based on inclusion criteria to obtain basic clinical features and postoperative pathological results. According to the pathological results, the patients were divided into ductal adenocarcinoma group (mixed with ductal adenocarcinoma) and acinar adenocarcinoma group, and a 1 ∶1 propensity score matching was performed to compare the differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the factors related to extraglandular invasion were performed in the matched ductal adenocarcinoma groups.
RESULTS:
A total of 764 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled in this study, of which 62 patients were confirmed to have ductal adenocarcinoma components by postoperative pathology. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of the patients with a history of diabetes in baseline characteristics between the two groups before propensity score matching (29.5% vs. 17.7%, P=0.027). A total of 61 patients with simple acinar adenocarcinoma were successfully matched with the patients with ductal adenocarcinoma, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups after matching (P>0.05). The comparison of perioperative clinical and pathological features showed that International Society of Urology Pathology (ISUP) grade (P=0.003), pT stage (P=0.004), extraglandular invasion rate (P=0.018) and vascular thrombus rate (P=0.019) in ductal adenocarcinoma group were significantly higher than those in simple acinous adenocarcinoma group. Univariate analysis of the influence factors of extraglandular invasion showed that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, prostate volume, ISUP grade, seminal vesicle invasion and perineural invasion might be the influencing factors of extraglandular invasion (P < 0.10). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that perineural invasion was an independent factor of extraglandular invasion (OR=11.78, 95%CI: 1.97-70.56, P=0.007).
CONCLUSION
Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma has a worse prognosis than simple acinar adenocarcinoma. Perineural invasion is the influencing factor of extraglandular invasion of ductal adenocarcinoma.
Humans
;
Male
;
Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Prostatectomy
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Carcinoma, Ductal/surgery*
;
Propensity Score
;
Adenocarcinoma/surgery*
9.Prognostic analysis of laparoscopic simultaneous radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy.
Shenmo LI ; Dandan SU ; Jiyu LIN ; Haodong SONG ; Lulin MA ; Xiaofei HOU ; Guoliang WANG ; Hongxian ZHANG ; Jianfei YE ; Shudong ZHANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(5):961-966
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the safety and prognostic factors influencing the treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) combined with bladder cancer (BCa) by laparoscopic simultaneous radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy (RCNU).
METHODS:
The clinical data of patients admitted to Peking University Third Hospital for laparoscopic RCNU surgery from January 2009 to September 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on the same gender, age (±5 years), history of uroepithelial tumors, underlying diseases, T-stage, N-stage, M-stage, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Charlson comorbidity index, and body mass index (BMI) (±5), 34 patients with RCNU were matched 1 ∶1 with patients with bladder cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RC) alone. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate patient survival, and Cox proportional regression risk model was used to analyze clinical factors affecting prognosis.
RESULTS:
Of the 68 patients enrolled, the follow-up rate was 100% with a median follow-up time of 27.0 (11.7, 60.2) months. Comparison of intraoperative conditions (including operation time, estimated intraoperative bleeding, intra-operative blood transfusion, etc.) between the two groups of patients showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Comparison of preoperative creatinine and postoperative creatinine between the two groups of patients showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The perioperative Clavien grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ complication rates were 2.9% (1/34) in the RC group and 5.9% (2/34) in the RCNU group. There was no significant difference in terms of perioperative complications between the two groups. Overall survival was significantly lower in the patients receiving RCNU compared with the matched group receiving RC alone (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis suggested that two factors, high N stage and high postoperative creatinine, were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients in the 2 groups (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The overall survival prognosis of patients undergoing RCNU surgery was worse compared with laparoscopic RC surgery alone during the same period. There was no clinically significant difference between the two groups in terms of operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and perioperative complications, and there were clinically significant differences in preoperative renal function and post-operative renal function.
Humans
;
Laparoscopy/methods*
;
Nephroureterectomy/methods*
;
Cystectomy/methods*
;
Prognosis
;
Male
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Female
;
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/mortality*
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
10.A practice guideline for therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid for solid organ transplants.
Shuang LIU ; Hongsheng CHEN ; Zaiwei SONG ; Qi GUO ; Xianglin ZHANG ; Bingyi SHI ; Suodi ZHAI ; Lingli ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Liyan CUI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yalin DONG ; Weihong GE ; Xiaofei HOU ; Ling JIANG ; Long LIU ; Lihong LIU ; Maobai LIU ; Tao LIN ; Xiaoyang LU ; Lulin MA ; Changxi WANG ; Jianyong WU ; Wei WANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Ting XU ; Wujun XUE ; Bikui ZHANG ; Guanren ZHAO ; Jun ZHANG ; Limei ZHAO ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Xiaojian ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(9):897-914
Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C0), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug-drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage*
;
Drug Monitoring/methods*
;
Humans
;
Organ Transplantation
;
Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage*
;
Delphi Technique

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