The 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting, two of the most prestigious events in oncology, have concluded sequentially. As the most authoritative annual gatherings in lung cancer and the entire oncology field, the WCLC and ESMO conferences brought together top oncology experts and scientists from around the world to share, discuss, and publish the latest cutting-edge advancements in oncology. In both conferences, lung cancer immunotherapy remained a hot topic of considerable interest. This article aims to summarize and discuss the important research progress on perioperative immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer reported at the two conferences.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified pelvic floor reconstruction in non-nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (NNS RARP) for improving postoperative urinary control. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 79 prostate cancer patients who underwent NNS RARP at Tangdu Hospital during Jan.2020 and Dec.2023, including 29 in the reconstruction group, and 50 in the non-reconstruction group. The baseline characteristics including age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical stage, prostate volume, and biopsy Gleason score, and perioperative indexes including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, catheter indwelling time, complication rate, and positive rate of surgical margins were compared between the two groups. Additionally, urinary continence function was assessed before operation and 1,3,6, and 12 months after operation using the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICIQ-SF) and the incontinence quality of life questionnaire score (I-QoL). Results No statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the reconstruction group than in the non-reconstruction group [ (110.24±15.08) min vs. (101.80±9.89) min, P=0.010]. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, catheter indwelling time, complication rate, and positive rate of surgical margins between the two groups (P>0.05). The reconstruction group demonstrated significantly lower ICIQ-SF scores at 1 month [ (10.17±2.16) vs. (11.56±1.66), P=0.002],3 months [ (7.62±1.29) vs. (9.52±1.80), P<0.001], and 6 months postoperatively [ (4.93±1.22) vs. (6.18± 1.67), P=0.001]compared to the non-reconstruction group (adjusted P<0.0125). Conversely, the I-QoL scores were significantly higher in the reconstruction group at 1 month [ (73.32±10.30) vs. (63.88±9.55), P<0.001]and 3 months postoperatively [ (78.91±4.82) vs. (75.66±5.17), P=0.007] (adjusted P<0.0125). However, no significant differences were found in ICIQ-SF or I-QoL scores between the two groups preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively (adjusted P>0.0125). Conclusion The application of modified pelvic floor reconstruction technique in NNS RARP is safe and feasible. Although it slightly prolongs the operation time, it does not increase surgical risks; instead, it effectively promotes early recovery of postoperative urinary continence, thereby significantly enhancing patients'quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of digital three-dimensional (3D) assisted unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in the treatment of highly isolated lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with translaminar approach. METHODS: The clinical data of 59 patients who met the selection criteria and underwent UBE treatment due to highly isolated LDH between January 2022 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 25 cases were treated with digital 3D assisted translaminar approach (observation group) and 34 cases were treated with interlaminar approach (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, surgical segment, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and lateral articular surface preservation rate were recorded and compared between the two groups. VAS score and ODI were used to evaluate the improvements of pain and function before operation and at 3 and 6 months after operation. The modified MacNab criteria was used to evaluate the effectiveness at last follow-up. RESULTS: One patient in the control group had dural tear, and the other patients had no nerve injury, infection, dural tear, or other related complications. There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 6-13 months, with an average of 8.3 months. The lateral articular surface preservation rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Three patients in the observation group and 2 patients in the control group had calf muscle venous thrombosis, which was cured after anticoagulant treatment with rivaroxaban and delayed exercise time. There was no recurrence or second operation during the follow-up period. The VAS score and ODI of the two groups at 3 and 6 months after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the effectiveness was evaluated according to the modified MacNab criteria, and there was no significant difference in the evaluation grade and excellent and good rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUTION UBE via translaminar approach is safe and effective for the treatment of highly isolated LDH, which is beneficial to protect the facet joint, maintain spinal stability, and reduce soft tissue injury. With the assistance of digital 3D technique, preoperative planning can be performed accurately.
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/diagnostic imaging* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Operative Time ; Pain Measurement

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of gentle moxibustion at different temperatures in treating people with diarrhea-predominant bowel syndrome(IBS-D)due to spleen deficiency.Methods:A total of 108 IBS-D patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 54 participants in each group.Moxibustion group 1 received gentle moxibustion at(43±1)℃at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36),lasting 30 min each session;moxibustion group 2 received gentle moxibustion at(37±1)℃at the same points.Both groups received the intervention 3 times weekly for a total of 18 sessions.Abdominal pain intensity,stool form,pattern-based efficacy,quality of life,and mental health assessments were performed at weeks 0,3,6,and 8.Results:The total effective rate for abdominal pain intensity was 87.8%in moxibustion group 1 versus 51.1%in moxibustion group 2,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).When the treatment finished,abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol score,IBS-symptom severity scale(IBS-SSS)score,self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)score dropped significantly in both groups(P<0.05),and the IBS-quality of life(IBS-QOL)score increased markedly(P<0.05).Between-group comparisons demonstrated that abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol general score,IBS-SSS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern score,and SDS score were significantly lower in moxibustion group 1 than in moxibustion group 2 at treatment week 6(P<0.05),and the IBS-QOL score was notably higher in moxibustion group 1(P<0.05).Conclusion:Whether at 43℃or 37℃,gentle moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)can improve abdominal pain,stool form,and quality of life,reduce disease severity,and mitigate TCM pattern in IBS-D patients;43℃gentle moxibustion performs better than 37℃gentle moxibustion in improving abdominal pain,stool form,disease severity,TCM pattern,quality of life,anxiety,and depression in IBS-D.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of image quality of high-frequency ultrasound at the level of the glottis in healthy adults.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 433 healthy voluteers who underwent routine neck ultrasound examination at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from October 2023 to April 2024 and met the inclusion criteria. General data of the subjects were collected，and the image quality was graded. Gender，age，height，weight，body mass index，body surface area，thyroid cartilage calcification ratio，thickness of anterior cervical subcutaneous soft tissue and thickness of anterior cervical muscle group were analyzed by using multivariable Logistic regression for the influencing factors of image quality.Results:The display rates of the vocal cord epithelial layer and lamina propria，vocal cord muscle layer and paraglottic space structures in the para-thyroid cartilage section were superior to those in the anterior median section，with statistically significant differences（all P<0.05）. There were statistically significant differences in image quality grading among different age groups（all P<0.05），and image quality deteriorated as age increased. Logistic multivariate analysis indicated that gender，age and thyroid cartilage calcification ratio were independent factors affecting image quality（all P<0.05）. With age increased，thyroid cartilage calcification at the glottic level could be concentrated in the anterior，middle and posterior parts，respectively，and subsequently，calcification in the anterior and middle or middle and posterior parts gradually fused until complete calcification occurred. Conclusions:High-frequency ultrasound can clearly display the structures of most normal adult larynges at the glottis level，with the lateral section of the thyroid cartilage being superior to the median anterior neck section. As age increases，the degree of thyroid cartilage calcification increases，and image quality worsens.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of gentle moxibustion at different temperatures in treating people with diarrhea-predominant bowel syndrome(IBS-D)due to spleen deficiency.Methods:A total of 108 IBS-D patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 54 participants in each group.Moxibustion group 1 received gentle moxibustion at(43±1)℃at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36),lasting 30 min each session;moxibustion group 2 received gentle moxibustion at(37±1)℃at the same points.Both groups received the intervention 3 times weekly for a total of 18 sessions.Abdominal pain intensity,stool form,pattern-based efficacy,quality of life,and mental health assessments were performed at weeks 0,3,6,and 8.Results:The total effective rate for abdominal pain intensity was 87.8%in moxibustion group 1 versus 51.1%in moxibustion group 2,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).When the treatment finished,abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol score,IBS-symptom severity scale(IBS-SSS)score,self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)score dropped significantly in both groups(P<0.05),and the IBS-quality of life(IBS-QOL)score increased markedly(P<0.05).Between-group comparisons demonstrated that abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol general score,IBS-SSS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern score,and SDS score were significantly lower in moxibustion group 1 than in moxibustion group 2 at treatment week 6(P<0.05),and the IBS-QOL score was notably higher in moxibustion group 1(P<0.05).Conclusion:Whether at 43℃or 37℃,gentle moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)can improve abdominal pain,stool form,and quality of life,reduce disease severity,and mitigate TCM pattern in IBS-D patients;43℃gentle moxibustion performs better than 37℃gentle moxibustion in improving abdominal pain,stool form,disease severity,TCM pattern,quality of life,anxiety,and depression in IBS-D.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of image quality of high-frequency ultrasound at the level of the glottis in healthy adults.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 433 healthy voluteers who underwent routine neck ultrasound examination at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from October 2023 to April 2024 and met the inclusion criteria. General data of the subjects were collected，and the image quality was graded. Gender，age，height，weight，body mass index，body surface area，thyroid cartilage calcification ratio，thickness of anterior cervical subcutaneous soft tissue and thickness of anterior cervical muscle group were analyzed by using multivariable Logistic regression for the influencing factors of image quality.Results:The display rates of the vocal cord epithelial layer and lamina propria，vocal cord muscle layer and paraglottic space structures in the para-thyroid cartilage section were superior to those in the anterior median section，with statistically significant differences（all P<0.05）. There were statistically significant differences in image quality grading among different age groups（all P<0.05），and image quality deteriorated as age increased. Logistic multivariate analysis indicated that gender，age and thyroid cartilage calcification ratio were independent factors affecting image quality（all P<0.05）. With age increased，thyroid cartilage calcification at the glottic level could be concentrated in the anterior，middle and posterior parts，respectively，and subsequently，calcification in the anterior and middle or middle and posterior parts gradually fused until complete calcification occurred. Conclusions:High-frequency ultrasound can clearly display the structures of most normal adult larynges at the glottis level，with the lateral section of the thyroid cartilage being superior to the median anterior neck section. As age increases，the degree of thyroid cartilage calcification increases，and image quality worsens.

Objective To investigate the differential expression of Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1(ACAT1)in osteoarthritis(OA)and its genetic correlation.Methods The expression of ACAT1 in synovial tissues of OA patients and OA mice was analyzed by using GEO database.The OA model was verified by haematoxylin-eosin(H-E)staining.The expression of ACAT1 was detected by RT-PCR.The highly synergistic genes of ACAT1 were analyzed by genome-wide genetic correlation analysis.Results The expression of ACAT1 was down-regulated in synovial tissues of OA patients and OA mice.The changes of ACAT1 expression in cartilage tissues of different strains of BXD and BXH RI mice showed a linear trend,indicating that the expression of ACAT1 gene presented with a typical quantitative genetic trait and was regulated by multiple factors.About 500 genes were highly correlated with ACAT1(P<0.05),including genes related to cell membrane structure,cell-to-cell connectivity and signaling pathways,gene transcription regulation,and protein stability.Conclusion ACAT1 may be a new target for the treatment of OA.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the renal pelvis accounts for a very low percentage of malignant tumors in the renal pelvis and has a poor prognosis. This article reported a patient with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The patient presented with macroscopic hematuria as the first symptom, and CT suggested left renal occupancy, unilateral nephrectomy was performed, and pathology suggested sarcomatoid carcinoma of the renal pelvis. Three weeks after surgery, a follow-up CT showed tumor recurrence. Programmed death 1(PD-1)inhibitor was given once every 3 weeks. Repeated CT examination after 24 weeks of continuous treatment suggested that the recurrent tumor disappeared. The patients was followed-up for 42 months without tumor recurrence or metastasis.

Epigenetic pathways play a critical role in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the development of targeted epigenetic modulators (e.g., inhibitors). However, epigenetic inhibitors have faced multiple challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, toxicities, lack of subtype selectivity, and drug resistance. As a result, the design of new epigenetic modulators (e.g., degraders) such as PROTACs, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging (HyT) degraders has garnered significant attention from both academia and pharmaceutical industry, and numerous epigenetic degraders have been discovered in the past decade. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth illustration of new degrading strategies (2017-2023) targeting epigenetic proteins for cancer therapy, focusing on the rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical status, and crystal structure information of these degraders. Importantly, we also provide deep insights into the potential challenges and corresponding remedies of this approach to drug design and development. Overall, we hope this review will offer a better mechanistic understanding and serve as a useful guide for the development of emerging epigenetic-targeting degraders.