1.Developing Effective Strategies to Overcome Immunotherapy Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Directly Targeting Cancer Cells
Qing HUANG ; Jiaqi XIAO ; Sheng HU ; Qian CAI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(11):913-925
The development of novel point-to-point drugs targeting resistance mechanisms is a critical and popular research field; nevertheless, success remains challenging. Therefore, given the short survival time and heightened expectations of patients with advanced NSCLC, the design of various combination therapy strategies––integrating preclinical, clinical, and real-world evidence (such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, antibody–drug conjugates, oncolytic viruses, and cell therapy)––may be a wise and practical choice to address the disease. Resistance to immunotherapy involves almost all cell types in the body, primarily cancer cells and T cells involved in immune surveillance. As a result of space limitations, this article focuses on the progress and challenges of various combined strategies for directly eliminating cancer cells. We also emphasize the realignment of treatment goals, shifting from primarily focusing on eliminating cancer cells (via chemotherapy and radiotherapy) to fully utilizing immune regulation to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
2.Clinical implication of post-angioplasty quantitative flow ratio in the patients with coronary artery de novo lesions underwent drug-coated balloons treatment.
Yun-Hui ZHU ; Xu-Lin HONG ; Tian-Li HU ; Qian-Qian BIAN ; Yu-Fei CHEN ; Tian-Ping ZHOU ; Jing LI ; Guo-Sheng FU ; Wen-Bin ZHANG
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(3):332-343
BACKGROUND:
Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) holds significant value in guiding drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment and enhancing outcomes. However, the predictive capability of post-angioplasty QFR for long-term clinical events in patients with de novo lesions who receive DCB treatment remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the potential significance of post-angioplasty QFR measurements in predicting clinical outcomes in patients underwent DCB treatment for de novo lesions.
METHODS:
Patients who underwent DCB-only intervention for de novo lesions were enrolled. QFR was conducted after DCB treatment. The patients were then categorized based on post-angioplasty QFR. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), encompassing all-cause death, cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization.
RESULTS:
A total of 553 patients with 561 lesions were included. The median follow-up period was 505 days, during which 66 (11.8%) MACEs occurred. Based on post-procedural QFR grouping, there were 259 cases in the high QFR group (QFR > 0.93) and 302 cases in the low QFR group (QFR ≤ 0.93). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly higher cumulative incidence of MACE in the low QFR group (log-rank P = 0.004). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between QFR and the occurrence of MACEs (HR = 0.522, 95%CI: 0.289-0.942, P = 0.031). Landmark analysis indicated that high QFR had a significant reducing effect on the cumulative incidence of MACEs within 1 year (log-rank P = 0.016) and 1-5 years (log-rank P = 0.026).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients who underwent DCB-only treatment for de novo lesions, higher post-procedural QFR values (> 0.93) were identified as an independent protective factor against adverse prognosis.
3.Evolution of grading for solitary fibrous tumors of the central nervous system: a clinical pathological and prognostic analysis
Xiaoling LI ; Hua ZHANG ; Chengcong HU ; Jianfeng ZHOU ; Mengyi ZHUANG ; Xinxin FAN ; Liwen HU ; Yupeng CHEN ; Qian HUANG ; Sheng ZHANG ; Xingfu WANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(3):275-282
Objective:The 5th edition of the WHO classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in 2021 made significant revisions to the nomenclature and grading system of solitary fibrous tumors (SFT). This study aimed to explore the changes in the grading of CNS SFT and its relationship with clinical pathological features and prognosis.Methods:This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathological data of 82 patients with CNS SFT diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from March 2006 to June 2021, reassessed their grading according to the WHO 5th edition CNS tumor classification, and conducted a comprehensive analysis of their histological morphology, immunohistochemical characteristics, and clinical imaging data.Results:The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 83 years, with a median age of 48 years. Follow-up was completed for 82 patients, during which 10 patients died, 24 recurred, and 5 metastasized. MRI imaging showed that SFT exhibited isointense signals on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and complex signals on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), with signal intensity decreasing as the content of collagen fibers increased. According to the 2021 grading criteria, there was a significant change in the grading of SFT, with the number of grade 1 SFT increasing from 10 cases under the 2016 standard to 39 cases, while the number of grade 2 and 3 SFT decreased accordingly. The 2016 grading system was significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) of patients ( P=0.009), while the 2021 grading system did not reach statistical significance. Both grading systems were correlated with histological phenotype, Ki-67 index, mitotic figures, and necrosis ( P<0.05). All cases expressed STAT6, and showed varying degrees of expression of vimentin, CD99, BCL-2, and CD34. The staining intensity of type Ⅳ collagen fibers, as analyzed semi-quantitatively, was correlated with the OS of the patients ( P=0.017). Conclusions:The new grading system for CNS SFT has undergone significant changes, and its association with OS requires further validation. In-depth study of the content and fine structure of collagen fibers in SFT may have important clinical significance for the prognosis assessment and the formulation of treatment plans for patients. Moreover, quantitative analysis of T2WI signal intensity may provide a new method for preoperative preliminary assessment of the collagen fiber content in SFT.
4.Comparative study of five coma assessment scales in prognosis prediction of patients with severe stroke
Dongyang HU ; Xiaochen HAN ; Sheng YAO ; Jianguo LIU ; Hairong QIAN ; Jiatang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(1):15-22,37
Objective To compare the predictive effectiveness of the Glasgow coma scale(GCS),GCS-pupils scale(GCS-P),Glasgow-Pittsburgh coma scale(GPCS),full outline of unresponsiveness scale(FOUR),and coma recovery scale-revised(CRS-R)in forecasting the prognosis of severe stroke patients.Methods A prospective,consecutive cohort of severe stroke patients admitted to the Department of Neurology,First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from September 2021 to April 2024 was enrolled.Demographic and clinical data were collected,including age,sex,length of hospital stay,diagnosis(severe ischemic stroke,severe cerebral hemorrhage,aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage),medical history(hypertension,diabetes,coronary artery disease),smoking and drinking habits,vital signs upon admission(temperature,pulse,respiration,blood pressure),neurological examination findings(including speech and brainstem reflexes)at admission,head imaging results(CT,MRI)within 24 h of admission to assess the presence of brain herniation,and whether intubation occurred within 24 h of admission.Patients underwent GCS,GCS-P,GPCS,FOUR,and CRS-R scoring within 8h of admission.Telephone follow-up was conducted at 6 months post-stroke to assess outcomes using the modified Rankin scale(mRS),with mRS scores of 0-2 classified as the good prognosis group and 3-6 as the poor prognosis group.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the prognostic prediction value of the five scales for poor outcomes at 6 months.The area under the ROC curve(AUC)was calculated,and pairwise comparisons of AUC were performed using the Delong test.Results A total of 179 severe stroke patients were enrolled,including 116 males and 63 females.The group consisted of 132 patients with severe ischemic stroke,30 with severe intracerebral hemorrhage,and 17 with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.At 6months,126patients had a poor prognosis and 53 had a good prognosis.(1)There were statistically significant differences in age,temperature,pulse,history of coronary artery disease,smoking and drinking habits,presence of speech impairment,abnormal brainstem reflexes,brain herniation,intubation within 24 h of admission,and GCS,GCS-P,GPCS,FOUR,and CRS-R scores between the poor and good prognosis groups(all P<0.05).(2)ROC analysis revealed that the AUC(95%CI)for predicting poor outcomes at 6 months in severe stroke patients for GCS,GCS-P,GPCS,FOUR,and CRS-R were 0.808(0.742-0.863),0.815(0.750-0.869),0.828(0.765-0.880),0.841(0.780-0.892),and 0.831(0.768-0.883),respectively.Sensitivities were 76.98%,78.57%,82.54%,84.13%,and 82.54%,and specificities were 73.58%,73.58%,67.92%,71.70%,and 73.58%,respectively.The FOUR had the highest AUC,with an optimal cutoff value of 13.(3)Pairwise comparisons of AUC showed a statistically significant difference between the FOUR and GCS(the difference value of AUC is 0.034,95%CI 0.004-0.064,Z=2.194,P=0.028),but no significant differences were observed between other scales(all P>0.05).Conclusion Compared to GCS,GCS-P,GPCS,and CRS-R,FOUR may provide more valuable prognostic information for severe stroke patients.
5.Comparative study of five coma assessment scales in prognosis prediction of patients with severe stroke
Dongyang HU ; Xiaochen HAN ; Sheng YAO ; Jianguo LIU ; Hairong QIAN ; Jiatang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(1):15-22,37
Objective To compare the predictive effectiveness of the Glasgow coma scale(GCS),GCS-pupils scale(GCS-P),Glasgow-Pittsburgh coma scale(GPCS),full outline of unresponsiveness scale(FOUR),and coma recovery scale-revised(CRS-R)in forecasting the prognosis of severe stroke patients.Methods A prospective,consecutive cohort of severe stroke patients admitted to the Department of Neurology,First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from September 2021 to April 2024 was enrolled.Demographic and clinical data were collected,including age,sex,length of hospital stay,diagnosis(severe ischemic stroke,severe cerebral hemorrhage,aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage),medical history(hypertension,diabetes,coronary artery disease),smoking and drinking habits,vital signs upon admission(temperature,pulse,respiration,blood pressure),neurological examination findings(including speech and brainstem reflexes)at admission,head imaging results(CT,MRI)within 24 h of admission to assess the presence of brain herniation,and whether intubation occurred within 24 h of admission.Patients underwent GCS,GCS-P,GPCS,FOUR,and CRS-R scoring within 8h of admission.Telephone follow-up was conducted at 6 months post-stroke to assess outcomes using the modified Rankin scale(mRS),with mRS scores of 0-2 classified as the good prognosis group and 3-6 as the poor prognosis group.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the prognostic prediction value of the five scales for poor outcomes at 6 months.The area under the ROC curve(AUC)was calculated,and pairwise comparisons of AUC were performed using the Delong test.Results A total of 179 severe stroke patients were enrolled,including 116 males and 63 females.The group consisted of 132 patients with severe ischemic stroke,30 with severe intracerebral hemorrhage,and 17 with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.At 6months,126patients had a poor prognosis and 53 had a good prognosis.(1)There were statistically significant differences in age,temperature,pulse,history of coronary artery disease,smoking and drinking habits,presence of speech impairment,abnormal brainstem reflexes,brain herniation,intubation within 24 h of admission,and GCS,GCS-P,GPCS,FOUR,and CRS-R scores between the poor and good prognosis groups(all P<0.05).(2)ROC analysis revealed that the AUC(95%CI)for predicting poor outcomes at 6 months in severe stroke patients for GCS,GCS-P,GPCS,FOUR,and CRS-R were 0.808(0.742-0.863),0.815(0.750-0.869),0.828(0.765-0.880),0.841(0.780-0.892),and 0.831(0.768-0.883),respectively.Sensitivities were 76.98%,78.57%,82.54%,84.13%,and 82.54%,and specificities were 73.58%,73.58%,67.92%,71.70%,and 73.58%,respectively.The FOUR had the highest AUC,with an optimal cutoff value of 13.(3)Pairwise comparisons of AUC showed a statistically significant difference between the FOUR and GCS(the difference value of AUC is 0.034,95%CI 0.004-0.064,Z=2.194,P=0.028),but no significant differences were observed between other scales(all P>0.05).Conclusion Compared to GCS,GCS-P,GPCS,and CRS-R,FOUR may provide more valuable prognostic information for severe stroke patients.
6.Evolution of grading for solitary fibrous tumors of the central nervous system: a clinical pathological and prognostic analysis
Xiaoling LI ; Hua ZHANG ; Chengcong HU ; Jianfeng ZHOU ; Mengyi ZHUANG ; Xinxin FAN ; Liwen HU ; Yupeng CHEN ; Qian HUANG ; Sheng ZHANG ; Xingfu WANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(3):275-282
Objective:The 5th edition of the WHO classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in 2021 made significant revisions to the nomenclature and grading system of solitary fibrous tumors (SFT). This study aimed to explore the changes in the grading of CNS SFT and its relationship with clinical pathological features and prognosis.Methods:This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathological data of 82 patients with CNS SFT diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from March 2006 to June 2021, reassessed their grading according to the WHO 5th edition CNS tumor classification, and conducted a comprehensive analysis of their histological morphology, immunohistochemical characteristics, and clinical imaging data.Results:The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 83 years, with a median age of 48 years. Follow-up was completed for 82 patients, during which 10 patients died, 24 recurred, and 5 metastasized. MRI imaging showed that SFT exhibited isointense signals on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and complex signals on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), with signal intensity decreasing as the content of collagen fibers increased. According to the 2021 grading criteria, there was a significant change in the grading of SFT, with the number of grade 1 SFT increasing from 10 cases under the 2016 standard to 39 cases, while the number of grade 2 and 3 SFT decreased accordingly. The 2016 grading system was significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) of patients ( P=0.009), while the 2021 grading system did not reach statistical significance. Both grading systems were correlated with histological phenotype, Ki-67 index, mitotic figures, and necrosis ( P<0.05). All cases expressed STAT6, and showed varying degrees of expression of vimentin, CD99, BCL-2, and CD34. The staining intensity of type Ⅳ collagen fibers, as analyzed semi-quantitatively, was correlated with the OS of the patients ( P=0.017). Conclusions:The new grading system for CNS SFT has undergone significant changes, and its association with OS requires further validation. In-depth study of the content and fine structure of collagen fibers in SFT may have important clinical significance for the prognosis assessment and the formulation of treatment plans for patients. Moreover, quantitative analysis of T2WI signal intensity may provide a new method for preoperative preliminary assessment of the collagen fiber content in SFT.
7.Establishment of SHERLOCK-HBA Detection Method and Its Application in Blood Identification
Qian-Wei YAO ; Hong-Xia HE ; Sheng HU ; Yi-Xia ZHAO ; Yu LUO ; An-Quan JI ; Qi-Fan SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(8):1971-1982
ObjectiveRapid and accurate identification of body fluid traces at crime scenes is crucial for case investigation. Leveraging the speed and sensitivity of nucleic acid detection technology based on SHERLOCK, our research focuses on developing a peripheral blood SHERLOCK-HBA detection system to detect mRNA in forensic practice. MethodsShort crRNA fragments targeting the blood-specific mRNA gene HBA were designed and screened, alongside RPA primers. Optimal RPA primers were selected based on specificity and amplification efficiency, leading to the establishment of the RPA system. The most efficient crRNA was chosen based on relative fluorescence units (RFU) generated by the Cas protein reaction, and the Cas protein reaction system was constructed to establish the SHERLOCK-HBA detection method. The RPA and Cas protein reaction systems in the SHERLOCK detection system were then individually optimized. A total of 79 samples of five body fluids were tested to evaluate the method’s ability to identify blood, with further verification through species-specific tests, sensitivity tests, mixed spots detection, aged samples, UV-irradiated samples, and actual casework samples. ResultsThe SHERLOCK reaction system for the peripheral blood-specific marker HBA was successfully established and optimized, enabling detection within 30 min. The method demonstrated a detection limit of 0.001 ng total RNA, better than FOB strip method and comparable to RT-PCR capillary electrophoresis. The system could detect target body fluids in mixed samples and identify blood in samples stored at room temperature for three years and exposed to UV radiation for 32 h. Detection of 11 casework samples showed performance comparable to RT-PCR capillary electrophoresis. ConclusionThis study presents a CRISPR/Cas-based SHERLOCK-HBA detection system capable of accurately, sensitively, and rapidly identifying blood samples. Introducing CRISPR/Cas technology to forensic body fluid identification represents a significant advancement in applying cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to forensic science.The method’s simplicity, shorter detection time, and independence from specialized equipment make it promising for rapid blood sample identification in forensic cases.
8.Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genome of Salvia apiana Jepson
Zhen-xi FANG ; Qian JI ; Jia-dong HU ; Wan-sheng CHEN ; Qing LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(5):1484-1493
italic>Salvia apiana Jepson, commonly known as white sage, is a perennial sub-shrub of the
9.Effect of Gandou Fumu Decoction on Autophagy in Mice with Liver Fibrosis in Wilson's Disease by Regulating Expression of miR-29b-3p/ULK1
Nannan QIAN ; Wenming YANG ; Taohua WEI ; Lulu TANG ; Hailin JIANG ; Wenjie HAO ; Yulong YANG ; Shuaishuai ZHANG ; Sheng HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):17-25
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism and pathway of Gandou Fumu decoction (GDFMD) in the development of liver fibrosis in Wilson's disease (WD). MethodFirst, 30 TX-j mice were randomly divided into the model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose GDFMD groups, and penicillamine group, with six mice in each group, and another six wild-type mice were used as the normal group. The high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose GDFMD groups were intragastrically administered drugs of 13.92, 6.96, 3.48 g·kg-1. In the penicillamine group, 0.1 g·kg-1 of penicillamine was given by intragastric administration. The model group and the normal group were given equal volume of normal saline, once a day, for four consecutive weeks. Samples were collected four weeks after gavage, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect type Ⅲ procollagen peptide (PCⅢ), collagen type Ⅳ (Col Ⅳ), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson, and picric acid-Sirus red collagen (Sirus Red) staining were used to observe the histopathological changes of liver fibrosis. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were used to observe the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), which were related to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The expression of miR-29b-3p was observed by Real-time PCR. The expression of Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) and its downstream-related factors were observed by Western blot. The downstream genes of miR-29b-3p were verified by the dual luciferase reporter gene detection method. ResultCompared with the normal group, the four items of liver fibrosis (PCⅢ, Col Ⅳ, HA, and LN) in the model group were significantly abnormal (P<0.01), and the pathology was significantly abnormal. The expression of HSC activation-related indicators including α-SMA and Col Ⅰ, as well as α-SMA mRNA and Col Ⅰ mRNA was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and miR-29b-3p expression was down-regulated (P<0.01). ULK1, p-ULK1, autophagy-related gene 13 (Atg13), p-Atg13, Beclin-1, FAK family kinase-interacting protein of 200 kDa (FIP200), activating molecule in BECN1-regulated autophagy protein 1 (AMBKA1), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ/Ⅰ(LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ) were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). p62 protein expression was down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the four items of liver fibrosis in the high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose GDFMD groups and the penicillamine group were significantly improve (P<0.01), and the pathological conditions were improved. The expression of HSC activation-related indicators including α-SMA and Col Ⅰ, as well as α-SMA mRNA and Col Ⅰ mRNA was down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of miR-29b-3p was up-regulated (P<0.01). ULK1, p-ULK1, Atg13, p-Atg13, Beclin-1, FIP200, AMBKA1, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p62 protein expression was up-regulated (P<0.01). The prediction software predicted that there was a binding site between miR-29b-3p and ULK1. The dual-luciferase reporter gene detection method indicated that the luciferase activity of the ULK1-WT plasmid-transfected cell group was reduced when miR-29b-3p mimics were co-cultured (P<0.01). ConclusionGDFMD can regulate ULK1-mediated autophagy by up-regulating miR-29b-3p and further exert its anti-hepatic fibrosis effect in Wilson's disease.
10.Increased Incidence of Severe Adverse Events in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Previous Tuberculosis Episode Treated with PD-1 Inhibitors
Zhang HUI ; Yuan JINFENG ; Xu YUANYUAN ; Yang MENGJIE ; Lyu JIALIN ; Yang XINJIE ; Sheng SHUYAN ; Qian ZHE ; Wang QUNHUI ; Pang YU ; Hu YING
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(7):785-789
Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths globally.Advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have transformed cancer treatment,but their use in lung cancer has led to more side effects.This study examined if past pulmonary tuberculosis(TB)affects ICIs'effectiveness and safety in lung cancer treatment.We reviewed lung cancer patients treated with ICIs at Beijing Chest Hospital from January 2019 to August 2022.We compared outcomes and side effects between patients with and without prior TB.Of 116 patients(40 with TB history,76 without),prior TB didn't reduce treatment effectiveness but did increase severe side effects.Notably,older patients(≥65 years)faced a higher risk of severe side effects.Detailed cases of two patients with severe side effects underscored TB as a risk factor in lung cancer patients receiving ICIs,stressing the need for careful monitoring and personalized care.

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