1.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
2.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
3.Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on prolonged disorders of consciousness after stroke
Yaohui HUANG ; Xiangming YE ; Yong LIU ; Pei TANG ; Yishu LU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(7):752-759
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) after stroke. MethodsSixty patients with pDoC admitted to Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from January to July, 2024 were randomly assigned into control group (n = 30) and observation group (n = 30). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation therapy combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while the observation group received rTMS in addition, for four weeks. Before and after treatment, they were assessed with Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and bilateral N20 amplitude and latency of somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP), while consciousness status classification and Judson classification were recorded. ResultsOne case in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Significant time main effects and interaction effects were observed in CRS-R score (F = 118.420, P < 0.001; F = 23.980, P < 0.001, respectively) and NIHSS score (F = 103.376, P < 0.001; F = 14.241, P < 0.001, respectively). Significant group main effects, time main effects and interaction effects were observed in N20 amplitude (F > 4.303, P < 0.05) and N20 latency (F > 7.569, P < 0.05). Simple effects analysis showed CRS-R score, N20 amplitude, NIHSS score and N20 latency were better in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05) after the intervention, while the consciousness status classification and Judson classification were also better (|Z| > 2.160, P < 0.05). ConclusionrTMS can further promote recovery of consciousness, improve neurological function, and enhance the integrity of central conduction pathways in patients with pDoC after stroke.
4.Prognostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen kinetics in predicting distant metastatic recurrence of breast cancer:a multicenter cohort study
Bong Kyun KIM ; Dooreh KIM ; Jong Min BAEK ; Yong Hwa EOM ; Young-Joon KANG ; Jiyoung RHU ; Juneyoung AHN ; Ye Won JEON ; Woo Young SUN
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(5):299-310
Purpose:
Distant metastasis of breast cancer significantly affects the prognosis. Serum markers such as CEA and cancer antigen (CA) 15-3 are used for surveillance. However, the nonspecificity and nonmalignant elevation of CEA limit its absolute value in predicting metastatic recurrence. We reevaluated the clinical value of CEA kinetics in predicting metastatic recurrence in breast cancer.
Methods:
In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we utilized electronic medical record data from eight institutions (2008–2023), including 4,872 surgically treated patients with invasive breast cancer. Novel CEA kinetic indices were defined.Predictive capabilities were assessed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards models.
Results:
CEA velocity (vCEA) and last-interval vCEA (vCEA-L) showed higher accuracy and sensitivity in predicting distant metastasis than absolute CEA indices. All tumor marker indices were independent predictors; vCEA, vCEA-L, and maximum vCEA (vCEAmax) showed the highest association. In the 5-year distant disease-free survival analysis of patients, vCEA showed the most significant difference based on whether its cutoff value was exceeded (84.1% vs. 47.2%) (P < 0.001).Cox analysis showed that vCEA was the strongest predictor (hazard ratio, 4.509; P < 0.001). vCEAmax remained prognostic even when CEAmax was below its cutoff value.
Conclusion
Analysis of dynamic CEA changes, particularly velocity-based indices, offers superior predictive power than the static-based CEA indices for metastatic recurrence in breast cancer. These kinetic markers enhance prognostic accuracy when combined with CA 15-3. Future research should integrate these markers with imaging, liquid biopsy, and artificial intelligence for personalized follow-up.
5.Trend in incidence of diabetes and age-period-cohort analysis among children and adolescents in Huzhou City from 2006 to 2025
LI Haihua ; YE Yong ; YUAN Rui ; YUN Jingyi ; WANG Haobo ; FU Yuxin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):257-262
Objective:
To investigate the trend of diabetes incidence among children and adolescents in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2006 to 2025, and to analyze the age, period, and cohort effects, so as to provide insights into the prevention and control of diabetes among children and adolescents.
Methods:
Data on diabetes cases aged 0-19 years in Huzhou City from 2006 to 2025 were collected through the Chronic Disease Surveillance and Management System of Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The standardized incidence was calculated using the age composition of the standard population from the Sixth National Population Census in 2010. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to analyze the trend in incidence. An age-period-cohort model was used to analyze the effects of age, period, and birth cohort.
Results:
A total of 913 diabetes cases aged 0-19 years were reported in Huzhou City from 2006 to 2025. The crude incidence and standardized incidence were 11.03/105 and 4.33/105, respectively, both showing upward trends (AAPC=13.307% and 13.226%, both P<0.05). There were 339 cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with crude and standardized incidence of 3.83/105 and 0.62/105, respectively, showing upward trends (AAPC=9.944% and 10.442%, both P<0.05). There were 548 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with crude and standardized incidence of 6.20/105 and 1.97/105, respectively, showing upward trends (AAPC=14.920% and 14.213%, both P<0.05). Age-period-cohort model analysis showed that the risk of T1DM initially increased and then decreased with age, with the highest risk in the 5-<10 years age group (RR=9.189, 95%CI: 4.871-13.684). The risk of T2DM increased with age, with the highest risk in the 15-19 years age group (RR=17.316, 95%CI: 14.477-20.225). Using the period 2011-2015 as the reference group, the risk of T1DM showed an upward trend over time, with the highest risk in 2021-2025 (RR=1.474, 95%CI: 1.027-2.114). There were no statistically significant differences in incidence risk across other periods compared to 2011-2015 (all P>0.05). Using the 2006-2010 birth cohort as the reference group, the risks of both T1DM and T2DM showed upward trends with later birth cohorts. The highest risk of T1DM was observed in the 2021-2025 birth cohort (RR=2.881, 95%CI: 1.528-5.429), while the highest risk of T2DM was observed in the 2011-2016 birth cohort (RR=1.610, 95%CI: 1.081-2.397).
Conclusions
The incidence of diabetes among children and adolescents in Huzhou City showed an upward trend from 2006 to 2025, with T1DM being most prevalent among children aged 5-<10 years and T2DM among adolescents aged 15-19 years. The incidence risks of both T1DM and T2DM increased with later birth years.
6.Application of visualized thermosensitive color-changing bolus in postmastectomy radiotherapy for breast cancer
Yong WANG ; Yanze SUN ; Wenmin HAN ; Jianjun QIAN ; Peifeng ZHAO ; Liesong CHEN ; Yaqun ZHU ; Ye TIAN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(5):431-437
Objective:To explore the feasibility and advantages of applying visualized thermosensitive color-changing bolus in postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) for breast cancer.Methods:Forty patients with breast cancer treated with PMRT in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2023 to June 2024 were prospectively selected. They were randomly divided into test and control groups (also referred to as groups A and B, respectively), with 20 patients in each group. Group A, underwent two CT scans: the first scan without bolus (image A1) and the second scan with visualized thermosensitive color-changing bolus (image A2). They were treated with visualized thermosensitive color-changing bolus. Group B also underwent two CT scans: the first scan without bolus (image B1) and the second scan with conventional commercial bolus (image B2), and then were treated with conventional commercial bolus. In the radiotherapy planning, images A1 and A2 were designed as A1-Plan and A2-Plan, and A3-Plan was created by transferring the A1-Plan onto image A2. Images B1 and B2 were designed as B1-Plan and B2-Plan, and B3-Plan was created by transferring the B1-Plan onto image B2. The radiation fields and target optimization functions were identical. The dosimetric differences and skin toxicity reactions between different plans were compared.Results:In Group A, A1-Plan and A2-Plan manifested no statistically significant differences ( P > 0.05) in the doses to organs at risk (OARs), including the ipsilateral lung ( V5 Gy, V10 Gy, V20 Gy), heart ( Dmean), contralateral breast ( Dmean), and skin ( Dmax and Dmean), target homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), prescription dose volume ( V50 Gy), depth of maximum dose ( Dmax), and monitor unit (MU). In Group B, B3-Plan compared to B1-Plan showed reduced V50 Gy (89.9% vs. 95%), HI (0.153 vs. 0.136), and CI (0.817 vs. 0.810), while the two plans displayed no statistically significant differences in doses to OARs. In contrast, A3-Plan and B3-Plan exhibited statistically significant differences ( t = 2.78, 2.29, -0.47, 0.51, 3.13, P < 0.05) in V50 Gy (94.05% vs. 89.90%), Dmax (5 665.4 cGy vs. 5 632.7 cGy), HI (0.148 vs. 0.163), CI (0.83 vs. 0.82), and skin Dmean (5 153.6 cGy vs. 5 048.2 cGy). Compared to the conventional commercial bolus of the same thickness, the visualized thermosensitive color-changing bolus yielded a significantly reduced air cavity volume (3 833 mm 3vs. 21 498 mm 3,t = -9.65, P < 0.05). Both groups experienced only grade I skin toxicity reactions. Conclusions:Compared to the conventional commercial bolus of the same thickness, the visualized thermosensitive color-changing bolus shows a more effective dosimetric distribution in terms of target coverage, HI, and CI, a higher fit to the skin, highly visualized air cavity, and higher positional repeatability in fractionated radiotherapy, demonstrating high practicality and safety.
7.Clinical experience summary of programmed Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and " Sandwich" technique of total urethral reconstruction
Feiya YANG ; Dong CHEN ; Wenkuan WANG ; Liyuan WU ; Yong ZHANG ; Xiongjun YE ; Nianzeng XING
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(4):249-254
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of programmed Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and " Sandwich" technique of total urethral reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of 120 consecutive patients who underwent programmed Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) by the same operator at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2023 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed to explore the efficacy and summarize the experience. Baseline characteristics included: mean age (67.2±7.5) years, BMI (25.3±3.1)kg/m 2, prostate volume (32.3±15.8) ml, and PSA (16.6±19.7) ng/ml (57 cases 4-10 ng/ml; 41 >10-20 ng/ml; 22 >20 ng/ml). 28 patients underwent radical prostatectomy without prostate biopsy, while 92 had biopsy-proven cancer (Gleason: 6/7/8/9/10: 18/35/17/17/5). Clinical stages were cT 1(8), cT 2(73), cT 3(39). The surgical method was programmed Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and " Sandwich" technique of total urethral reconstruction. The peritoneum was incised slightly above the Douglas pouch and denonvilliers' fascia was dissected closely along the dorsal aspect of prostate, extending to the prostatic apex. Both vas deferens were transected, and the seminal vesicles were isolated. A combination of blunt and sharp dissection was employed to expose the prostatic fascia. The bladder neck was precisely visualized and transected. The urethra was precisely dissected, exposed and divided. Complete urethral reconstruction was performed using the "Sandwich" technique of total urethral reconstruction. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, catheter preservation time, pathological staging and positive margin rate, and recovery of urinary control immediately after postoperative catheter removal were recorded. Results:In this study, all 120 surgeries were successfully completed, with no cases converted to anterior approach radical surgery or open surgery, and no serious intraoperative complications such as post-shamus hemorrhage or ureteric/rectal injury. The median postoperative follow-up was 16.0(10.0, 20.0)months, and there were no cases of readmission for surgical complications. The average duration of surgery was (93.6±35.9) min, and the average bleeding volume was (85.3±32.1) ml. The mean duration of catheter after surgery was (7.3±1.2)d. Immediate urinary control was achieved in 98 cases when the catheter was removed, and the rate of immediate urinary control was 81.7%. Postoperative urinary control rate was 88.3% at 1 month after surgery, 94.2% at 3 month after surgery, 98.3% at 6 month after surgery. There were 70 cases with pT 2 and 50 cases with pT 3 after postoperative pathological stage. There were 18 cases (15.0%) with positive margins, including 6 cases (8.6%) with positive margins in T 2 and 12 cases (24.0%) with positive margins in T 3 stage. There were no serious complications after surgery, and urinary retention occurred in 3 cases after urinary catheter removal, and the urinary catheter was removed after 1 week. 93.3% (112/120), 90.8% (109/120), and 89.2% (107/120) of patients with PSA < 0.2 ng/ml at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. For postoperative erectile function, we selected patients younger than 60 years of age, who had surgery to preserve unilateral or bilateral vascular nerve bundles, and who were followed for more than 6 months. A total of 18 patients met the above conditions and were followed up for erectile function, among which 4 of the 11 patients (36.4%) who retained unilateral vascular nerve bundles regained erectile function. Among the 7 patients with bilateral vascular nerve bundle preservation, 3 patients (42.9%) regained erectile function. Conclusions:The programmed RS-RARP combined with the " Sandwich" urethral reconstruction technique is technically feasible for patients with localized prostate cancer. Recent follow-up data indicate satisfactory postoperative urinary continence and oncological control outcomes.
8.Expert consensus on visualized tele-round and quality control management based on the improvement of clinical practice ability
Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Ran ZHOU ; Dawei LIU ; Yan KANG ; Yaoqing TANG ; Xiaochun MA ; Jianguo LI ; Zhenjie HU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Wei HE ; Lixia LIU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Ran ZHU ; Jun WU ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Lina ZHANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Shihong ZHU ; Wangbin XU ; Rongqing SUN ; Xiangyou YU ; Tianjiao SONG ; Ying ZHU ; Hong REN ; Ai SHANMU ; Qing ZHANG ; Wei FANG ; Xiuling SHANG ; Liwen LYU ; Shuhan CAI ; Xin DING ; Heng ZHANG ; Guang FENG ; Lipeng ZHANG ; Bo HU ; Dong ZHANG ; Weidong WU ; Feng SHEN ; Xiaojun YANG ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Qibing HUANG ; Xueying ZENG ; Tongjuan ZOU ; Milin PENG ; Yulong YAO ; Mingming CHEN ; Hui LIAN ; Jingmei WANG ; Yong LI ; Feng QU ; Gang YE ; Rongli YANG ; Xiukai CHEN ; Suwei LI ; Juxiang WANG ; Yangong CHAO
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(2):101-109
Turning to critical illness is a common stage of various diseases and injuries before death. Patients usually have complex health conditions, while the treatment process involves a wide range of content, along with high requirements for doctor′s professionalism and multi-specialty teamwork, as well as a great demand for time-sensitive treatments. However, this is not matched with critical care professionals and the current state of medical care in China. Telemedicine, which shortens the distance of medical professionals and the gap of disease diagnosis and treatments in various regions through electronic information, can effectively solve the current problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized, high-quality visualization telemedicine round system .Therefore, experts have been organized to search domestic and foreign literature on telemedicine round for critically ill patients and to form this consensus based on clinical experiences so as to further improve the level of critical care treatments in regions.
9.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
10.Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP)
Jae Hoon MOON ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Wonjae CHA ; Young Jun CHAI ; Sun Wook CHO ; June Young CHOI ; Sung Yong CHOI ; A Jung CHU ; Eun-Jae CHUNG ; Yul HWANGBO ; Woo-Jin JEONG ; Yuh-Seog JUNG ; Kyungsik KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Su-jin KIM ; Woochul KIM ; Yoo Hyung KIM ; Chang Yoon LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Kyu Eun LEE ; Young Ki LEE ; Hunjong LIM ; Do Joon PARK ; Sue K. PARK ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Junsun RYU ; Jungirl SEOK ; Young Shin SONG ; Ka Hee YI ; Hyeong Won YU ; Eleanor WHITE ; Katerina MASTROCOSTAS ; Roderick J. CLIFTON-BLIGH ; Anthony GLOVER ; Matti L. GILD ; Ji-hoon KIM ; Young Joo PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(2):236-246
Background:
Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making.
Methods:
This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.


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