1.A survey of clinical application of stereotactic radiotherapy technology in China in 2024
Xiaoxue KOU ; Jiayi YU ; Jingwei ZHANG ; Nan BI ; Xuwei CAI ; Guanghui CHENG ; Yufei LU ; Yanyang WANG ; Ligang XING ; Yonggang XU ; Jianxin XUE ; Li ZHANG ; Hongqing ZHUANG ; Anhui SHI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(9):897-904
Objective:To investigate the current status of application of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in China, aiming to provide reference for promoting the development of this technology.Methods:From January to March 2024, a questionnaire was designed and distributed online, targeting member units of the Professional Committee of Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment, which covers 175 radiotherapy units in 30 provinces and regions nationwide. The survey focused on the current application of SBRT technology and its utilization in the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A statistical description of the survey results was presented.Results:Of 175 questionnaires distributed, a total of 130 valid responses were collected, with an effective response rate of 74.3%. A total of 81.5% (106/130) of the units had implemented SBRT technology, and 99.1% of the respondents believed it was necessary to further promote SBRT technology, yet the actual training rate was only 67.0%. SBRT equipment configuration: there were a total of 267 SBRT equipment, featuring a diverse range of types, with traditional linear accelerators as the mainstays, accounting for 76.0% ( n=203), followed by 12.0% ( n=32) for TOMO, 6.4% ( n=17) for Cyber knife, 3.7% ( n=10) for Gamma knife, and proton/heavy ion equipment at 1.5% ( n=4), respectively. The percentage of units with multi-leaf collimator leaf widths ≤0.5 cm was 93.4% (99/106). The application of SBRT: the first radiotherapy unit commenced SBRT in 2000, and this technology entered a period of rapid growth after 2015, sustaining a steady increase over the past decade; SBRT technology was mainly applied in the brain, lung, liver, bone, adrenal gland, and kidney, with application rates of 97.2%, 94.3%, 86.8%, 71.7%, 56.6%, and 27.4%, respectively, while the application rates for the pancreas, metastatic lymph nodes, and other parts were less than 5%. Current status of SBRT technology application in early-stage NSCLC: 90.6% (96/106) of units had implemented SBRT; pre-treatment multi-disciplinary diagnosis and treatment accounted for 77% (74/96); the proportion of application units for peripheral and central type lung cancer lesions both exceeded 57.3%, whereas the application rate for ultra-central type and lesions > 5 cm lung cancer was less than 30%; there was significant variability in the selection of reference guidelines, dose fractionation patterns, and the concept of central type among units. Conclusions:The development of SBRT technology in China is in a period of steady growth, but several issues such as low training rate and lack of standardization still exist. The survey results provide important reference for clinical training and promotion of SBRT technology in China.
2.Research progress of unruptured intracranial aneurysm combined with intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis
Weikai WANG ; Yonggang MA ; Weibo LYU ; Peng SHI ; Guangliang FAN ; Mingfei YANG ; Chao WANG
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(2):120-126,134
Intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis is the major reason of ischemic stroke,which leads to insufficient cerebral blood flow perfusion and triggers cerebral dysfunction.The detection rate of unruptured intracranial aneurysm(UIA)combined with intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis is increasing with advances in diagnostic techniques for cerebrovascular disease.Due to the complexity of location and hemodynamic implications,there is no consensus on the treatment of UIA combined with intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis.This article summarized several types of UIA combined with intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis in terms of anatomical location,hemodynamics,and therapy strategies,aiming to provide references for clinical interventionalists.
3.Efficacy comparison of different modes of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer with proficient in mismatch repair intact or microsatellite stability
Di SONG ; Yonggang SHI ; Xiaodan HAN
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(1):8-13
Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of different modes of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with proficient in mismatch repair intact (pMMR) or microsatellite stability (MSS).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. A total of 210 LARC patients with pMMR or MSS admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected. Patients were divided into the chemotherapy alone group (98 cases) and the total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) group (112 cases) based on different neoadjuvant treatment modes. The pathological complete remission (pCR) rate of both groups was compared. In the TNT group, 24 patients received short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) plus chemotherapy (group A), 62 patients received SCRT plus chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy (group B), 23 patients received long-course radiotherapy (LCRT) plus chemotherapy (group C), and 3 patients received LCRT plus chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy (group D). The pCR rate, tumor down-staging and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the 4 groups. A subgroup analysis was performed in 87 patients with the distance from the tumor site to anal verge >5 cm and T 2-3N 0-2M 0 TNM staging. And then 87 patients were divided into the chemotherapy alone group (47 cases) and the TNT group (40 cases), and the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients were compared between the 2 groups. Results:Among the 210 LARC patients, 126 cases were male and 84 cases were female, with the age of (51±11) years. There were 3 cases in clinical stage Ⅱ and 207 cases in clinical stage Ⅲ; 68 cases with the distance from the tumor site to the anal verge <5 cm and 142 cases with the distance from the tumor site to the anal verge ≥ 5 cm. The pCR rate of the TNT group was higher than that of the chemotherapy alone group [40.2% (45/112) vs. 7.2% (7/98)], and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 30.62, P < 0.001). In group D, 1 patient achieved pCR, but no statistical comparison was made due to the small sample size. There was no statistically significant difference in pCR rate between group A and group C [25.0% (6/24) vs. 21.7% (5/23), χ2 = 0.07, P = 0.792]. The pCR rate of group B was higher than that of group A and group C [53.2% (33/62) vs. 25.0% (6/24), 53.2% (33/62) vs. 21.7% (5/23)], and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 = 5.56, P = 0.029; χ2 = 6.73, P = 0.013). However, there were no statistically significant differences in T and N down-staging among group A, group B and group C (all P > 0.05). During neoadjuvant treatment, the incidence of grade 3-4 myelosuppression was 10.7% (12/112) in the TNT group, and no grade 3-4 radiation proctitis was observed. The incidence of granulocytopenia in group B was lower than that in group A, and the incidence of thrombocytopenia in group was lower than that in group C; and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, there were no statistically significant differences in OS and DFS between the chemotherapy alone group and the TNT group ( χ2 = 2.17, P = 0.141; χ2 = 0.24, P = 0.624). Conclusions:The neoadjuvant treatment of SCRT combined with immunotherapy has a high pCR rate and a good safety in LARC patients with pMMR or MSS. TNT is not effective in improving the survival of low-risk LARC patients with tumors located in the mid to high segment of the rectum and may have the risk of overtreatment.
4.Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as conversion therapy for initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Huilai LYU ; Mingbo WANG ; Chunyue GAI ; Fan ZHANG ; Yonggang ZHU ; Yu LIU ; Jiachen LI ; Weilu DING ; Shi XU ; Zhenhua LI ; Bokang SUN ; Wenda GAO ; Ziqiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(11):1023-1030
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as conversion therapy for initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:This retrospective case series study analyzed clinical and pathological data of 32 patients with initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from June 2020 to December 2024. The cohort included 27 males and 5 females, with an age ( M(IQR)) of 61(9)years (range:46 to 73 years). Five patients were diagnosed with stage Ⅲ, 27 with stage ⅣA. All patients received PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab combined with nedaplatin and albumin-bound paclitaxel. Radiological evaluations were performed every two cycles, the multidisciplinary team evaluation was conducted to determine conversion to resectable status, and patients with successful conversion underwent radical esophagectomy. Follow-up was conducted via telephone or outpatient visits every 3 to 6 months after the last treatment. The primary endpoint was R0 resection rate, secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), pathological complete response (pCR) rate, major pathological response (MPR) rate, event-free survival (EFS), disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with R0 resection, overall survival (OS) and safety. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves and estimate median EFS, DFS, OS rates and their 95% CI. The 95% CI for ORR, pCR rate, MPR rate, and downstaging rate were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method. Results:The median treatment cycle of 2(1) (range:2 to 8). As of June 2025, the median follow-up was 32.5(13.5)months (range:6.4 to 59.1 months). Among the 32 patients, 9 experienced progression or recurrence, including 2 with liver and lymph node metastases, 2 with lung metastases, 2 with thoracic vertebral metastases, and 3 with mediastinal lymph node metastases. After conversion therapy, 29 patients underwent surgery, achieving an R0 resection rate of 84.4% (95% CI:67.2% to 94.7%), a pCR rate of 27.6% (95% CI:12.7% to 47.2%), and an MPR rate of 55.2% (95% CI:35.7% to 73.6%). Grade 3 or higher surgical complications occurred in 6.9%(2/29) of patients, and grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were observed in 15.6%(5/29). Among the 32 patients, the ORR was 56.3% (95% CI:37.7% to 73.6%),the 3-year EFS rate and OS rate was 59.4% (95% CI:40.8% to 86.4%) and 59.7% (95% CI:40.0% to 89.0%) respectively. Conclusion:Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy demonstrates high conversion rates and favorable safety in the conversion therapy of initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, representing a promising treatment strategy.
5.Effect of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma Before and After Steaming with Wine on Intestinal Flora and Immune Environment in Constipation Model Mice
Yaya BAI ; Rui TIAN ; Yajun SHI ; Chongbo ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Li ZHANG ; Yonggang YAN ; Yuping TANG ; Qiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):192-199
ObjectiveTo study on the different therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RH) before and after steaming with wine on constipation model mice. MethodsFifty-four male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, lactulose group(1.5 mg·kg-1), high, medium and low dose groups of RH and RH steaming with wine(PRH)(8, 4, 1 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the constipation model was replicated by gavage of loperamide hydrochloride(6 mg·kg-1) in the other groups. After 2 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding dose of drug solution, and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline, 1 time/d for 2 consecutive weeks. After administration, the feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, the levels of gastrin(GAS), motilin(MTL), interleukin-6(IL-6), γ-interferon(IFN-γ) in the colonic tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), the histopathological changes of colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion changes of CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T cell(Treg) in peripheral blood. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly decrease in fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate(P<0.01), the colon was seen to have necrotic shedding of mucosal epithelium, localized intestinal glands in the lamina propria were degenerated, necrotic and atrophied, a few lymphocytes were seen to infiltrate in the necrotic area in a scattered manner, the contents of GAS and MTL, the proportions of CD4+, CD8+ and Treg were significantly reduced(P<0.01), the contents of IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate of high-dose groups of RH and PRH were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the pathological damage of the colon was alleviated to varying degrees, the contents of GAS, MTL, IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly regressed(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly increased(P<0.01), although the proportion of Treg showed an upward trend, there was no significant difference. In addition, the results of intestinal flora showed that the number of amplicon sequence variant(ASV) and Alpha diversity were decreased in the model group compared with the control group, and there was a significant difference in Beta diversity, with a decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter. Compared with the model group, the ASV number and Alpha diversity were increased in the high-dose groups of RH and PRH, and there was a trend of regression of Beta diversity to the control group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased, and the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter decreased. ConclusionRH and PRH can improve dysbacteriosis, promote immune system activation, inhibit the release of inflammatory factors for enhancing the gastrointestinal function, which may be one of the potential mechanisms of their therapeutic effect on constipation.
6.Research progress of unruptured intracranial aneurysm combined with intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis
Weikai WANG ; Yonggang MA ; Weibo LYU ; Peng SHI ; Guangliang FAN ; Mingfei YANG ; Chao WANG
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(2):120-126,134
Intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis is the major reason of ischemic stroke,which leads to insufficient cerebral blood flow perfusion and triggers cerebral dysfunction.The detection rate of unruptured intracranial aneurysm(UIA)combined with intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis is increasing with advances in diagnostic techniques for cerebrovascular disease.Due to the complexity of location and hemodynamic implications,there is no consensus on the treatment of UIA combined with intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis.This article summarized several types of UIA combined with intracranial or extracranial artery stenosis in terms of anatomical location,hemodynamics,and therapy strategies,aiming to provide references for clinical interventionalists.
7.Investigation of bacterial endotoxin detection method for raw materials and injections of paliperidone palmitate
Shulan ZHU ; Na ZHAO ; Yani SHI ; Yutong JIANG ; Lili JIN ; Yonggang DU
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(4):444-448
Objective:To establish the method of bacterial endotoxin detection for raw materials and injections of paliperidone palmitate.Methods:Paliperidone palmitate was dissolved with tetrahydrofuran and polysorbate 20 as solvent,and then diluted with BET H2O.According to bacterial endotoxin test in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Vol general charpters 1143,methodology validation of chromogenic substrate method in bacterial endotoxin test was con-ducted and then the interference experiment of solubilizer was added.Results:Paliperidone palmitate did not pre-cipitate during the experimental process,and then diluted to 0.007 mg·mL-1 with BET H2O.There was no inter-ference for chromogenic substrate method,while the bacterial endotoxin recovery of the solubilizer does not interfere with endotoxin testing.Conclusion:The method established in this paper is suitable for bacteria endotoxin test of raw materials and injections of paliperidone palmitate.
8.Investigation of bacterial endotoxin detection method for raw materials and injections of paliperidone palmitate
Shulan ZHU ; Na ZHAO ; Yani SHI ; Yutong JIANG ; Lili JIN ; Yonggang DU
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(4):444-448
Objective:To establish the method of bacterial endotoxin detection for raw materials and injections of paliperidone palmitate.Methods:Paliperidone palmitate was dissolved with tetrahydrofuran and polysorbate 20 as solvent,and then diluted with BET H2O.According to bacterial endotoxin test in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Vol general charpters 1143,methodology validation of chromogenic substrate method in bacterial endotoxin test was con-ducted and then the interference experiment of solubilizer was added.Results:Paliperidone palmitate did not pre-cipitate during the experimental process,and then diluted to 0.007 mg·mL-1 with BET H2O.There was no inter-ference for chromogenic substrate method,while the bacterial endotoxin recovery of the solubilizer does not interfere with endotoxin testing.Conclusion:The method established in this paper is suitable for bacteria endotoxin test of raw materials and injections of paliperidone palmitate.
9.Efficacy comparison of different modes of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer with proficient in mismatch repair intact or microsatellite stability
Di SONG ; Yonggang SHI ; Xiaodan HAN
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(1):8-13
Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of different modes of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with proficient in mismatch repair intact (pMMR) or microsatellite stability (MSS).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. A total of 210 LARC patients with pMMR or MSS admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected. Patients were divided into the chemotherapy alone group (98 cases) and the total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) group (112 cases) based on different neoadjuvant treatment modes. The pathological complete remission (pCR) rate of both groups was compared. In the TNT group, 24 patients received short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) plus chemotherapy (group A), 62 patients received SCRT plus chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy (group B), 23 patients received long-course radiotherapy (LCRT) plus chemotherapy (group C), and 3 patients received LCRT plus chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy (group D). The pCR rate, tumor down-staging and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the 4 groups. A subgroup analysis was performed in 87 patients with the distance from the tumor site to anal verge >5 cm and T 2-3N 0-2M 0 TNM staging. And then 87 patients were divided into the chemotherapy alone group (47 cases) and the TNT group (40 cases), and the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients were compared between the 2 groups. Results:Among the 210 LARC patients, 126 cases were male and 84 cases were female, with the age of (51±11) years. There were 3 cases in clinical stage Ⅱ and 207 cases in clinical stage Ⅲ; 68 cases with the distance from the tumor site to the anal verge <5 cm and 142 cases with the distance from the tumor site to the anal verge ≥ 5 cm. The pCR rate of the TNT group was higher than that of the chemotherapy alone group [40.2% (45/112) vs. 7.2% (7/98)], and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 30.62, P < 0.001). In group D, 1 patient achieved pCR, but no statistical comparison was made due to the small sample size. There was no statistically significant difference in pCR rate between group A and group C [25.0% (6/24) vs. 21.7% (5/23), χ2 = 0.07, P = 0.792]. The pCR rate of group B was higher than that of group A and group C [53.2% (33/62) vs. 25.0% (6/24), 53.2% (33/62) vs. 21.7% (5/23)], and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 = 5.56, P = 0.029; χ2 = 6.73, P = 0.013). However, there were no statistically significant differences in T and N down-staging among group A, group B and group C (all P > 0.05). During neoadjuvant treatment, the incidence of grade 3-4 myelosuppression was 10.7% (12/112) in the TNT group, and no grade 3-4 radiation proctitis was observed. The incidence of granulocytopenia in group B was lower than that in group A, and the incidence of thrombocytopenia in group was lower than that in group C; and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, there were no statistically significant differences in OS and DFS between the chemotherapy alone group and the TNT group ( χ2 = 2.17, P = 0.141; χ2 = 0.24, P = 0.624). Conclusions:The neoadjuvant treatment of SCRT combined with immunotherapy has a high pCR rate and a good safety in LARC patients with pMMR or MSS. TNT is not effective in improving the survival of low-risk LARC patients with tumors located in the mid to high segment of the rectum and may have the risk of overtreatment.
10.Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as conversion therapy for initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Huilai LYU ; Mingbo WANG ; Chunyue GAI ; Fan ZHANG ; Yonggang ZHU ; Yu LIU ; Jiachen LI ; Weilu DING ; Shi XU ; Zhenhua LI ; Bokang SUN ; Wenda GAO ; Ziqiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(11):1023-1030
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as conversion therapy for initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:This retrospective case series study analyzed clinical and pathological data of 32 patients with initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from June 2020 to December 2024. The cohort included 27 males and 5 females, with an age ( M(IQR)) of 61(9)years (range:46 to 73 years). Five patients were diagnosed with stage Ⅲ, 27 with stage ⅣA. All patients received PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab combined with nedaplatin and albumin-bound paclitaxel. Radiological evaluations were performed every two cycles, the multidisciplinary team evaluation was conducted to determine conversion to resectable status, and patients with successful conversion underwent radical esophagectomy. Follow-up was conducted via telephone or outpatient visits every 3 to 6 months after the last treatment. The primary endpoint was R0 resection rate, secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), pathological complete response (pCR) rate, major pathological response (MPR) rate, event-free survival (EFS), disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with R0 resection, overall survival (OS) and safety. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves and estimate median EFS, DFS, OS rates and their 95% CI. The 95% CI for ORR, pCR rate, MPR rate, and downstaging rate were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method. Results:The median treatment cycle of 2(1) (range:2 to 8). As of June 2025, the median follow-up was 32.5(13.5)months (range:6.4 to 59.1 months). Among the 32 patients, 9 experienced progression or recurrence, including 2 with liver and lymph node metastases, 2 with lung metastases, 2 with thoracic vertebral metastases, and 3 with mediastinal lymph node metastases. After conversion therapy, 29 patients underwent surgery, achieving an R0 resection rate of 84.4% (95% CI:67.2% to 94.7%), a pCR rate of 27.6% (95% CI:12.7% to 47.2%), and an MPR rate of 55.2% (95% CI:35.7% to 73.6%). Grade 3 or higher surgical complications occurred in 6.9%(2/29) of patients, and grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were observed in 15.6%(5/29). Among the 32 patients, the ORR was 56.3% (95% CI:37.7% to 73.6%),the 3-year EFS rate and OS rate was 59.4% (95% CI:40.8% to 86.4%) and 59.7% (95% CI:40.0% to 89.0%) respectively. Conclusion:Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy demonstrates high conversion rates and favorable safety in the conversion therapy of initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, representing a promising treatment strategy.

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