1.HER2 in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges
Zhao-Tao PAN ; Feng-Yu GAI ; Chen CHEN ; Tong LI ; Yan-Ping QING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):936-950
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite therapeutic advancements over recent decades, the prognosis for patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains poor. Approximately 2%-4% of mCRC cases exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification or overexpression, defining a distinct molecular subtype. This HER2-positive status is strongly associated with primary resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies, which are the standard of care for patients with RAS wild-type tumors. Beyond its well-established role in breast and gastric cancers, HER2 has emerged as a pivotal biomarker and actionable therapeutic target in mCRC. However, selecting appropriate treatment strategies remains challenging due to patient heterogeneity and diverse molecular subtypes. This review systematically summarizes the molecular biology, diagnostic strategies, and advances in targeted therapies for HER2-positive mCRC. On the diagnostic front, we discuss the applications of immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection technologies. We highlight discrepancies in diagnostic criteria across key clinical trials—such as HERACLES, DESTINY, and MOUNTAINEER—underscoring the urgent need for standardized, CRC-specific definitions to ensure consistent patient selection and comparability of efficacy data across studies. Although NGS enables comprehensive genomic profiling, its cost-effectiveness relative to traditional methods must be carefully considered. Therapeutically, we summarize clinical trial data for HER2-directed agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as tucatinib and lapatinib, monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as trastuzumab deruxtecan. We review dual-targeting strategies and note recent FDA approvals that represent significant milestones in second-line treatment. Additionally, we explore the potential of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with HER2-targeted therapies to enhance antitumor immunity through mechanisms including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. ADCs enable precise delivery of cytotoxic payloads, reducing off-target toxicity while effectively inhibiting oncogenic pathways. A substantial portion of this review is dedicated to dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying primary and acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies—persistent challenges that limit clinical benefit. These mechanisms include reactivation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK, concurrent mutations in genes like KRAS or BRAF, and alterations in HER2 expression that compromise treatment efficacy. For instance, specific HER2 mutations (e.g., L755S) can reduce drug binding affinity, while ctDNA monitoring facilitates early detection of emerging resistance clones during disease progression, thereby enabling timely therapeutic adjustments. Tumor heterogeneity and dynamic interactions with the microenvironment further complicate resistance patterns observed in clinical practice. HER2-targeted therapy represents a new frontier in precision oncology for mCRC, offering renewed hope for improving patient outcomes. Realizing this potential will require continued optimization of diagnostic algorithms and treatment workflows. Future efforts must focus on overcoming resistance, validating liquid biopsy approaches for dynamic monitoring, and establishing unified clinical guidelines. HER2 has become an essential biomarker for stratifying mCRC patients beyond traditional RAS and BRAF status, underscoring the shift from empiric treatment to biomarker-driven precision medicine. International, multidisciplinary collaboration will be critical to validate emerging biomarkers and refine treatment algorithms globally.
2.Meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy and safety of Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in children
Ping RONG ; Guiyun PAN ; Juan WEI ; Tengda LI ; Xilian ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):867-873
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid in the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) in children, and provide evidence-based basis for clinical use of the drug. METHODS Retrieved from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, CBM, Cochrane Library and PubMed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid in the treatment of FD in children were collected from the inception to Apr. 2024. The control group was treated with conventional western drugs (including gastrointestinal motion-promoting, antacids or acid-suppressing drugs), and the trial group was treated with Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid alone or combined with conventional Western drugs (drug dosage and course of treatment were the same as the control group). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software after quality evaluation with the Cochrane risk bias assessment tool 6.1. RESULTS Totally 16 literature were employed which included 1 962 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that the total clinical effective rate of Jianwei xiaoxi oral liquid in the treatment of FD in children of trial group was significantly higher than that of the control group [RR=1.18, 95%CI (1.13, 1.22), P<0.000 01]. In this study, subgroup analysis was conducted on the usage and dosage, course of treatment, and combination or not in trial group, as well as the type of conventional Western drugs. The results showed that the total clinical effective rate of trial group was significantly higher than that of control group; the relief time of abdominal distension and abdominal pain in trial group [MD=-2.54, 95%CI (-3.10, -1.98)], loss of appetite relief time [MD=-2.12, 95%CI (-2.63, -1.61)], nausea and vomiting relief time [MD=-1.70, 95%CI (-2.27, -1.14)], and belching relief time [MD=-1.61, 95%CI (-2.44, -0.78)] were shorter than that of the control group significantly (P<0.05). In addition, compared with control group, the levels of gastrin [SMD=1.63, 95%CI (0.98, 2.29)] and motilin [SMD=2.06, 95%CI (1.58, 2.54)] as well as gastric antral emptying rate [MD=5.99, 95%CI (2.78, 9.21)] in trial group were increased significantly, while the level of somatostatin was decreased significantly [SMD=-1.30, 95%CI (-1.57, -1.02)] (P≤0.000 3). CONCLUSIONS Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid, whether used alone or in combination with other medications, and regardless of the treatment course or dosage and usage, is effective in treating FD in children, with good safety.
3.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
4.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
5.Efficacy and safety of modified Shenqi Maiwei Dihuang Decoction combined with Buzhong Yiqi Pill in treatment of cold and heat mixed type diabetic foot
Yinfeng XIA ; Weiwei CHEN ; Ping WU ; Yongsong CHEN ; Jie LIU ; Jianxiang PAN ; Zhiyong CHEN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(2):387-392
Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of modified Shenqi Maiwei Dihuang Decoction combined with Buzhong Yiqi Pill and Buzhong Yiqi pill alone in the patients with cold and heat mixed type di-abetic foot.Methods A total of 123 patients with cold and heat mixed type diabetic foot receiving the treat-ment in this hospital from April 2022 to December 2023 were selected and divided into the modified Shenqi Mai-Dihuang Decoction and Buzhong Yiqi Pill group(combined group,60 cases)and Buzhong Yiqi Pill group(monotherapy group,63 cases).The wound healing,mean blood flow amount of foot dorsal artery,blood glu-cose and changes in vascular diameter,inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial growth factor after 2 courses of treatment were compared betweeb the 2 groups.Results The ulcer reduction rate in the combina-tion group was significantly higher than that in the monotherapy group(P=0.001).The fasting blood glu-cose and 2 h postprandial blood glucose after treatment in the combination group all were lower than those in the monotherapy group(P=0.001).The average blood flow of foot dorsal artery after treatment in combina-tion group was higher than that in the monotherapy group,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.013).There were 34 cases of Wagner grade 3 in the combined group and 33 cases of Wagner grade 3 in the monotherapy subgroup respectively.There was statistically significant difference in the CRP level between the two subgroups(P=0.045).Conclusion Shenqi Maiwei Dihuang Decoction combined with Buzhong Yiqi Pill in treating diabetic foot ulcer is more effective than Buzhong Yiqi Pill alone,moreover the safety is high.
6.Nasal nitric oxide in preschool children with chronic rhinosinusitis
Meiling WU ; Jiewei LIU ; Ping LIU ; Rifu WEI ; Shang GAO ; Huifeng LI ; Xiaochun PAN
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(7):451-454
OBJECTIVE Analyze the nasal nitric oxide(NNO)of CRS children,and explore the clinical value of NNO in the diagnosis and treatment of CRS in children.METHODS CRS children diagnosed in the outpatient clinic were selected,and were divided into CRS with and without AR according to their allergen results.VAS score and NNO test were performed for them.Healthy children during the same period were selected as the control group.Finally their results were compared and analyzed.RESULTS The NNO of CRS children with and without AR were(193±62)ppb and(138±49)ppb,both lower than the control group's[(243±51)ppb];There were negative correlations between NNO and VAS scores in CRS children without AR before and after treatment;The NNO of CRS children with and without AR were significantly increased after treatment(P<0.05);NNO has high predictive value for diagnosing CRS children without AR(P<0.01).CONCLUSION The levels of NNO in different types of CRS were lower than normal,and CRS children without AR was lower than those with AR.NNO could assist in the diagnosis of CRS,dynamically reflect the severity of nasal inflammation,and help to distinguish the allergic status of CRS.
7.Type II Leydig cell hypoplasia caused by LHCGR gene mutation: a case report.
Ke-Xin JIN ; Zhe SU ; Yan-Hua JIAO ; Li-Li PAN ; Xian-Ping JIANG ; Jian-Chun YIN ; Jia-Qiang LI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(2):225-228
The patient, assigned female at birth and aged 1 year and 7 months, presented with clinical manifestations of 46,XY disorders of sex development. The external genitalia exhibited a severely undermasculinized phenotype. Laboratory tests and gonadal biopsy indicated poor Leydig cell function and good Sertoli cell function. Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygous mutations of c.867-2A>C and c.547G>A (p.G183R) in the LHCGR gene. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with type II Leydig cell hypoplasia. Type II Leydig cell hypoplasia presents a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes, characterized by a lack of parallel function between Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and significant individual variability in spermatogenesis and gender assignment. This condition should be considered when there is poor Leydig cell function but good development of Wolffian duct derivatives.
Female
;
Humans
;
Infant
;
Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/genetics*
;
Leydig Cells/pathology*
;
Mutation
;
Receptors, LH/genetics*
;
Testis/abnormalities*
8.46,XY disorder of sex development caused by PPP1R12A gene variants: a case report.
Wei SU ; Zhe SU ; Jing-Yu YOU ; Hui-Ping SU ; Li-Li PAN ; Shu-Min FAN ; Jian-Chun YIN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(8):1017-1021
The patient was a boy aged 1 year and 9 months who presented with 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD), with severe undermasculinization of the external genitalia. Laboratory tests and ultrasound examinations showed normal functions of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in the testes. Genetic testing revealed a novel pathogenic heterozygous variant, c.1186dupA (p.T396Nfs*17), in the PPP1R12A gene. Thirteen cases of PPP1R12A gene variants have been reported previously. These variants may cause isolated involvement of the genitourinary or neurological systems, or affect other systems/organs including the digestive tract, eyes, heart, etc. Patients with DSD typically present with a 46,XY karyotype and variable degrees of undermasculinization involving the external genitalia, gonads, and reproductive tract. This article reports a child with 46,XY DSD accompanied by growth retardation caused by a heterozygous variant in the PPP1R12A gene, which expands the clinical disease spectrum associated with PPP1R12A gene variants.
Humans
;
Male
;
Infant
;
Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/etiology*
;
Protein Phosphatase 1/genetics*
9.Characteristics and Risk Analysis of COVID-19 Infection in Patients with Multiple Myeloma after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
Meng-Meng PAN ; Shi-Wei JIN ; Wan-Yan OUYANG ; Yan WAN ; Yi TAO ; Yuan-Fang LIU ; Wei-Ping ZHANG ; Jian-Qing MI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1358-1365
OBJECTIVE:
To retrospectively analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of COVID-19 infection in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT).
METHODS:
The clinical data of MM patients who underwent AHSCT in Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from May 26, 2021 to December 26, 2022 were collected. The onset of COVID-19 infection, corresponding symptoms and laboratory tests were followed up in outpatient or by the means of telephone contact and online questionnaires. Related analysis was then performed.
RESULTS:
This study included 96 patients, and 72 cases among them were infected with COVID-19 while 24 cases were uninfected. Logistic regression analysis showed that vaccination did not significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, but patients who received two doses of the vaccine had a lower risk of developing moderate and severe disease than those who did not receive or received one dose (OR =0.06, P =0.029). Patients who received daratumumab before had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection (OR =5.78, P =0.039), while those with a history of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) had the opposite effect (OR =0.31, P =0.028). The use of both drugs did not affect the severity of COVID-19 infection.
CONCLUSION
For MM patients undergoing AHSCT as first-line chemotherapy, COVID-19 vaccination does not significantly reduce the infection rate, but it plays a role in preventing moderate and severe cases. The application of antineoplastic drugs with different mechanisms has a certain impact on the susceptibility to the COVID-19, which should be considered comprehensively when creating treatment plans.
Humans
;
Multiple Myeloma/complications*
;
COVID-19/epidemiology*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Transplantation, Autologous
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Risk Assessment
;
Risk Factors
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
Adult
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal
10.STK39 inhibits antiviral immune response by inhibiting DCAF1-mediated PP2A degradation.
Chengfei ZHANG ; Ping XU ; Yongsheng WANG ; Xin CHEN ; Yue PAN ; Zhijie MA ; Cheng WANG ; Haojun XU ; Guoren ZHOU ; Feng ZHU ; Hongping XIA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1535-1551
Evading host immunity killing is a critical step for virus survival. Inhibiting viral immune escape is crucial for the treatment of viral diseases. Serine/threonine kinase 39 (STK39) was reported to play an essential role in ion homeostasis. However, its potential role and mechanism in viral infection remain unknown. In this study, we found that viral infection promoted STK39 expression. Consequently, overexpressed STK39 inhibited the phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the production of type I interferon, which led to viral replication and immune escape. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of STK39 significantly protected mice from viral infection. Mechanistically, mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation assays identified that STK39 interacted with PPP2R1A (a scaffold subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)) in a kinase activity-dependent manner. This interaction inhibited DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 1 (DCAF1)-mediated PPP2R1A degradation, maintained the stabilization and phosphatase activity of PP2A, which, in turn, suppressed the phosphorylation of IRF3, decreased the production of type I interferon, and then strengthened viral replication. Thus, our study provides a novel theoretical basis for viral immune escape, and STK39 may be a potential therapeutic target for viral infectious diseases.

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