ObjectiveTo construct a machine learning model combining two-dimensional shear wave elastography （2D-SWE） and serological markers， and to investigate its clinical value in differentiating primary biliary cholangitis （PBC） from overlap syndrome （OS）. MethodsA total of 199 patients with pathologically confirmed PBC or OS in Nantong Third People’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2025 were retrospectively enrolled， with 125 patients in the PBC group and 74 in the OS group. The patients were randomly divided into a training set with 139 patients and a test set with 60 patients at a ratio of 7∶3. Related data were collected， including serological markers， conventional two-dimensional ultrasound parameters， and 2D-SWE parameters （including velocity of shear wave ［VS］ and liver fibrosis index ［LFI］）. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictive factors， which were then incorporated into six machine learning models， and 5-fold cross-validation was used for optimization of parameters. The indicators including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve （AUC） were compared in the test set to determine the best model， and the SHapley additive exPlanations （SHAP） analysis was used for model interpretation. ResultsFemale patients accounted for 87.8% in the OS group and 79.2% in the PBC group. Compared with the PBC group， the OS group had significantly higher age， VS， LFI， splenic area， aspartate aminotransferase， total bilirubin， prothrombin time， immunoglobulin G （IgG）， and immunoglobulin M （Z=-2.883， -6.524， -4.000， -3.061， -2.194， -2.372， -4.079， -6.964， and -2.709， all P<0.05） and a significantly lower platelet count （Z=4.098， P<0.001）， and there were also significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of patients with positive anti-nuclear antibody， fibrosis stage， and inflammation grade （χ²=3.458， 63.198， and 101.038， all P<0.05）. Variables without multicollinearity were included in the regression analysis， and the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that VS （odds ratio ［OR］=4.503， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.698 — 11.943， P=0.003）， LFI （OR=1.813， 95%CI： 1.050 — 3.132， P=0.033）， and IgG （OR=1.121， 95%CI： 1.026 — 1.226， P=0.012） were independent predictive factors for differentiating PBC from OS. Six machine learning models were constructed based on these variables， among which the logistic regression model showed the best predictive performance in the test set， with an AUC of 0.881 （95%CI： 0.788 — 0.974）， a sensitivity of 0.731， and a specificity of 0.794. The SHAP analysis showed that IgG contributed the most to model prediction. ConclusionThe noninvasive multimodal machine learning model combining 2D-SWE parameters （VS， LFI） and serum IgG can effectively differentiate PBC from OS， providing a reference for clinical decision-making regarding the need for liver biopsy.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical efficacy and radiological results of arthroscopic all-inside technique and traditional technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.METHODS:Databases such as CNKI,WanFang,VIP,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and Cochrane Library were searched for literature on all-inside technique and traditional technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.The search time was from the establishment of each database to September 2024.Meta-analysis was conducted on the included literature.RESULTS:(1)A total of 17 articles were included in the meta-analysis,with 631 patients in the all-inside technique reconstruction group and 626 patients in the traditional technique reconstruction group.The earliest time for the last follow-up was half a year after surgery,and the latest was 5 years after surgery.Most follow-up period was 2 years.(2)Meta-analysis results showed that compared with traditional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,the all-inside technique had a thicker graft during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction[mean difference(MD)=0.20,95％confidence interval(CI)(0.09,0.31),P=0.000 5],smaller postoperative maximum diameter[standardized mean difference(SMD)=-3.64,95％CI(-6.00,-1.28),P=0.002]and volume[SMD=-3.69,95％CI(-5.37,-2.00),P＜0.000 1]of the tibial tunnel,and higher International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores[MD=2.41,95％CI(0.49,4.32),P=0.01]and Lysholm scores[MD=1.11,95％CI(0.42,1.8),P=0.002]2 years after surgery.However,the operation time was relatively longer[MD=10.06,95％CI(4.71,15.4),P=0.000 2],and the knee stability was poorer after 2 years[SMD=0.3,95％CI(0.04,0.55),P=0.02].No significant differences were found between the two groups in the following aspects:the subjective scores of the International Knee Documentation Committee at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively[MD=-0.05,95％CI(-1.96,1.83),P=0.96;MD=0.51,95％CI(-1.17,2.19),P=0.55];the difference in anterior laxity of bilateral knees at 1 year postoperatively[SMD=-0.02,95％CI(-0.3,0.27),P=0.9];the Lysholm score at 6 months postoperatively[MD=0.87,95％CI(-0.15,1.89),P=0.09];the objective score of the International Knee Documentation Committee at the last follow-up[RR=0.95,95％CI(0.86,1.06),P=0.37];the American Knee Society Score at the last follow-up[MD=0.33,95％CI(-0.55,1.21),P=0.47];the Tegner score at the last follow-up[MD=0.05,95％CI(-0.11,0.22),P=0.53];the negative rate of the pivot shift test at the last follow-up[RR=0.92,95％CI(0.83,1.01),P=0.09];the postoperative revision rate at the last follow-up[RR=2.2,95％CI(0.98,4.92),P=0.05];and the result of the single-leg hop test at the last follow-up[MD=-0.06,95％CI(-4.99,4.86),P=0.98].CONCLUSION:There were no significant differences in most functional outcome scores and the position of the tibial tunnel between the all-inside technique and the traditional technique after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.The all-inside technique was more favorable in terms of subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores and Lysholm scores at 2 years postoperatively.Meanwhile,the knee joint was more stable 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the traditional technique.In addition,it was found that the graft was thicker during the all-inside technique,while the diameter and volume of the tibial tunnel were smaller postoperatively,with more bone tissue preserved.Nevertheless,the operation time of the all-inside technique was longer.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical efficacy and radiological results of arthroscopic all-inside technique and traditional technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.METHODS:Databases such as CNKI,WanFang,VIP,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and Cochrane Library were searched for literature on all-inside technique and traditional technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.The search time was from the establishment of each database to September 2024.Meta-analysis was conducted on the included literature.RESULTS:(1)A total of 17 articles were included in the meta-analysis,with 631 patients in the all-inside technique reconstruction group and 626 patients in the traditional technique reconstruction group.The earliest time for the last follow-up was half a year after surgery,and the latest was 5 years after surgery.Most follow-up period was 2 years.(2)Meta-analysis results showed that compared with traditional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,the all-inside technique had a thicker graft during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction[mean difference(MD)=0.20,95％confidence interval(CI)(0.09,0.31),P=0.000 5],smaller postoperative maximum diameter[standardized mean difference(SMD)=-3.64,95％CI(-6.00,-1.28),P=0.002]and volume[SMD=-3.69,95％CI(-5.37,-2.00),P＜0.000 1]of the tibial tunnel,and higher International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores[MD=2.41,95％CI(0.49,4.32),P=0.01]and Lysholm scores[MD=1.11,95％CI(0.42,1.8),P=0.002]2 years after surgery.However,the operation time was relatively longer[MD=10.06,95％CI(4.71,15.4),P=0.000 2],and the knee stability was poorer after 2 years[SMD=0.3,95％CI(0.04,0.55),P=0.02].No significant differences were found between the two groups in the following aspects:the subjective scores of the International Knee Documentation Committee at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively[MD=-0.05,95％CI(-1.96,1.83),P=0.96;MD=0.51,95％CI(-1.17,2.19),P=0.55];the difference in anterior laxity of bilateral knees at 1 year postoperatively[SMD=-0.02,95％CI(-0.3,0.27),P=0.9];the Lysholm score at 6 months postoperatively[MD=0.87,95％CI(-0.15,1.89),P=0.09];the objective score of the International Knee Documentation Committee at the last follow-up[RR=0.95,95％CI(0.86,1.06),P=0.37];the American Knee Society Score at the last follow-up[MD=0.33,95％CI(-0.55,1.21),P=0.47];the Tegner score at the last follow-up[MD=0.05,95％CI(-0.11,0.22),P=0.53];the negative rate of the pivot shift test at the last follow-up[RR=0.92,95％CI(0.83,1.01),P=0.09];the postoperative revision rate at the last follow-up[RR=2.2,95％CI(0.98,4.92),P=0.05];and the result of the single-leg hop test at the last follow-up[MD=-0.06,95％CI(-4.99,4.86),P=0.98].CONCLUSION:There were no significant differences in most functional outcome scores and the position of the tibial tunnel between the all-inside technique and the traditional technique after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.The all-inside technique was more favorable in terms of subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores and Lysholm scores at 2 years postoperatively.Meanwhile,the knee joint was more stable 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the traditional technique.In addition,it was found that the graft was thicker during the all-inside technique,while the diameter and volume of the tibial tunnel were smaller postoperatively,with more bone tissue preserved.Nevertheless,the operation time of the all-inside technique was longer.

Objective:To investigate the disease burden, clinical characteristics and independent risk factors affecting in-hospital outcomes of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) combined with heart failure (HF) in China.Methods:(1) Descriptive study: based on the global burden of disease study 2021, available data on children under 15 years of age with CHD and HF in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected. The prevalence and trends in different age subgroups (<1 year, 1-<2 years, 2-<5 years, 5-<10 years, 10-<15 years) were analyzed, and the annual percentage change (EAPC) was estimated using linear regression. (2) Retrospective cohort study: a total of 1 062 children with CHD and HF from a multicenter study on pediatric HF in China were included. The children were divided into two groups:<2 years group and 2-<18 years group. Data on demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for group comparisons.Multivariable Logistic regression was applied to identify factors influencing outcomes (in-hospital mortality and adverse cardiovascular events). Results:(1) From 1990 to 2021, the number of children with CHD and HF in China increased from 333 000 (95% uncertainty interval ( UI) 271 000-405 000) to 368 000 (95% UI 296 000-459 000), a growth of 10.8% (95% UI 5.0%-16.6%). Concurrently the prevalence rate increased from 104.5 (95% UI 85.1-127.3) per 100 000 to 142.0 (95% UI 114.0-176.8) per 100 000, a growth of 35.9% (95% UI 28.7%-43.0%), with an EAPC of 1.5% (95% CI 1.2%-1.8%). Although the number of cases in the<1 year and 1-<2 years groups decreased by 41.0% and 25.6%, respectively, the prevalence in all age groups showed an upward trend:<1 year EAPC 0.6% (95% CI 0.5%-0.7%); 1-<2 years EAPC 0.9% (95% CI 0.8%-1.0%); 2-<5 years EAPC 1.2% (95% CI 1.0%-1.4%); 5-<10 years EAPC 1.5% (95% CI 1.2%-1.8%); 10-<15 years EAPC 2.1% (95% CI 1.9%-2.3%). (2) The multicenter study revealed that among 1 062 hospitalized children, 528 (49.7%) were male and 534 (50.3%) were female, with the age at admission of 5.4 (2.2,18.2) months. The majority of the children (77.9%, 827/1 062) were under 2 years of age, whereas 22.1% (235/1 062) were aged between 2-<18 years. Children with complex congenital heart defects accounted for the highest proportion (48.6%, 516/1 062), while those with isolated CHD made up 31.5% (335/1 062). Statistically significant differences were observed in several variables in demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes between the two age groups (all P<0.05). The use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (41.1%, 436/1 062) and beta-blockers (8.7%, 92/1 062) was lower in hospitalized children with CHD and HF. Logistic regression identified complex CHD ( OR=7.73, 95% CI 2.24-26.63; OR=3.17, 95% CI 1.92-5.23), pulmonary hyperperfusion ( OR=2.15, 95% CI 1.01-4.18; OR=2.00, 95% CI 1.35-2.97), left ventricular ejection fraction<55% ( OR=2.13, 95% CI 1.08-4.21; OR=2.80, 95% CI 1.45-5.56), arterial oxygen partial pressure ( OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99), and serum calcium levels ( OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.17-0.58; OR=0.42, 95% CI 0.28-0.62) as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events. Conclusions:The disease burden of CHD combined with HF in China has shown a continuous upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with higher growth rates in older age groups. Complex CHD, pulmonary hyperperfusion, left ventricular ejection fraction <55%, arterial oxygen partial pressure, and serum calcium concentration are independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events.

OBJECTIVE:This paper collects relevant literature on blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training,and analyzes the different effects of blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training on athletes'muscle-related indexes and specialized abilities in accordance with the paradigm of systematic evaluation and Meta-analysis,aiming to provide data support for athletes to utilize blood flow restriction training in their training practices. METHODS:Chinese and foreign databases(CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,Web of Science,SPORTDiscus)were searched to collect randomized controlled trials on the effects of blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training on limb circumference,muscle mass,muscle strength,and specialized ability of college athletes from January 1st,2000 to October 12th,2023.At least two researchers evaluated the quality of the included literature using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias assessment tools and criteria.Heterogeneity tests,data merging,subgroup analyses,forest plotting,and sensitivity analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4,and funnel plots with publication bias evaluation and sensitivity analyses were performed.The evaluation indexes were limb circumference,muscle thickness,muscle strength and specialized ability,and subgroup analyses were performed for different specialized athletic abilities. RESULTS:(1)A total of 18 randomized controlled trials with 403 subjects were included,and according to the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool,the quality of literature in the included literature was grade A in 16 articles and grade B in 2 articles.(2)Comparing the effects of blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training and resistance training,there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of limb circumference[standardized mean difference(SMD)=0.03,95%confidence interval:-0.16-0.21,P=0.78],and a significant difference between the two groups in terms of muscle thickness(SMD=0.14,95%CI:0.01-0.27,P=0.03)and muscle strength(SMD=0.37,95%CI:0.14-0.60,P=0.001).(3)Subgroup analyses of the indicators of specialized capacity indicated that there was high heterogeneity in the analyzed results of distance metrics(I2=73%)and time metrics(I2=55%),which was analyzed as a possible reason due to the differences in testing methods and assessment of metrics'significance in the studies;there was no heterogeneity(I2=0%)in the analyzed results of power metrics;blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training had a significant effect on distance metrics(P<0.01).(4)The results of the combined effect showed the effect of blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training vs.resistance training for specialized ability(P=0.41),suggesting that there is no significant effect of different training methods on specialized ability. CONCLUSION:Both blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training and resistance training can promote muscle thickness,muscle strength and specialized ability in college athletes.Meanwhile,blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training has a more significant effect on muscle thickness,muscle strength and some specialized abilities compared with resistance training.Therefore,blood flow restriction training can be scientifically and rationally integrated into specialized training,so as to achieve a better training effect by integrating the differentiated physiological stimuli to the muscles.However,due to the small number of included studies and other possible limitations,more high-quality,multi-sport type and sex randomized trials need to be included in the future to confirm this.

This article summarized Professor Rao Xiangrong's experience in the diagnosis and treatment of obesity-related nephropathy.According to Rao,this disease belongs to congenital deficiency and acquired malnutrition,and diet,labor and leisure are out of proportion,resulting in dryness and heat in the middle energizer,excess of yang-ming or concomitant deficiency of the shao-yin,or blood stasis and phlegm obstruction,and blood circulation is out of proportion.In the later stage,turbidity,toxicity,phlegm,and blood stasis coexist.The syndrome belongs to the same disease of middle and lower energizer.Treatment should clear away heat and dryness in the middle energizer,clear phlegm and dampness,remove blood stasis and eliminate turbidity.The prescriptions of modified Yunü Decoction,Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Decoction,Qingzhong Decoction should be used,with good efficacy.

This article summarized Professor Rao Xiangrong's experience in the diagnosis and treatment of obesity-related nephropathy.According to Rao,this disease belongs to congenital deficiency and acquired malnutrition,and diet,labor and leisure are out of proportion,resulting in dryness and heat in the middle energizer,excess of yang-ming or concomitant deficiency of the shao-yin,or blood stasis and phlegm obstruction,and blood circulation is out of proportion.In the later stage,turbidity,toxicity,phlegm,and blood stasis coexist.The syndrome belongs to the same disease of middle and lower energizer.Treatment should clear away heat and dryness in the middle energizer,clear phlegm and dampness,remove blood stasis and eliminate turbidity.The prescriptions of modified Yunü Decoction,Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Decoction,Qingzhong Decoction should be used,with good efficacy.

Objective:To investigate the disease burden, clinical characteristics and independent risk factors affecting in-hospital outcomes of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) combined with heart failure (HF) in China.Methods:(1) Descriptive study: based on the global burden of disease study 2021, available data on children under 15 years of age with CHD and HF in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected. The prevalence and trends in different age subgroups (<1 year, 1-<2 years, 2-<5 years, 5-<10 years, 10-<15 years) were analyzed, and the annual percentage change (EAPC) was estimated using linear regression. (2) Retrospective cohort study: a total of 1 062 children with CHD and HF from a multicenter study on pediatric HF in China were included. The children were divided into two groups:<2 years group and 2-<18 years group. Data on demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for group comparisons.Multivariable Logistic regression was applied to identify factors influencing outcomes (in-hospital mortality and adverse cardiovascular events). Results:(1) From 1990 to 2021, the number of children with CHD and HF in China increased from 333 000 (95% uncertainty interval ( UI) 271 000-405 000) to 368 000 (95% UI 296 000-459 000), a growth of 10.8% (95% UI 5.0%-16.6%). Concurrently the prevalence rate increased from 104.5 (95% UI 85.1-127.3) per 100 000 to 142.0 (95% UI 114.0-176.8) per 100 000, a growth of 35.9% (95% UI 28.7%-43.0%), with an EAPC of 1.5% (95% CI 1.2%-1.8%). Although the number of cases in the<1 year and 1-<2 years groups decreased by 41.0% and 25.6%, respectively, the prevalence in all age groups showed an upward trend:<1 year EAPC 0.6% (95% CI 0.5%-0.7%); 1-<2 years EAPC 0.9% (95% CI 0.8%-1.0%); 2-<5 years EAPC 1.2% (95% CI 1.0%-1.4%); 5-<10 years EAPC 1.5% (95% CI 1.2%-1.8%); 10-<15 years EAPC 2.1% (95% CI 1.9%-2.3%). (2) The multicenter study revealed that among 1 062 hospitalized children, 528 (49.7%) were male and 534 (50.3%) were female, with the age at admission of 5.4 (2.2,18.2) months. The majority of the children (77.9%, 827/1 062) were under 2 years of age, whereas 22.1% (235/1 062) were aged between 2-<18 years. Children with complex congenital heart defects accounted for the highest proportion (48.6%, 516/1 062), while those with isolated CHD made up 31.5% (335/1 062). Statistically significant differences were observed in several variables in demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes between the two age groups (all P<0.05). The use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (41.1%, 436/1 062) and beta-blockers (8.7%, 92/1 062) was lower in hospitalized children with CHD and HF. Logistic regression identified complex CHD ( OR=7.73, 95% CI 2.24-26.63; OR=3.17, 95% CI 1.92-5.23), pulmonary hyperperfusion ( OR=2.15, 95% CI 1.01-4.18; OR=2.00, 95% CI 1.35-2.97), left ventricular ejection fraction<55% ( OR=2.13, 95% CI 1.08-4.21; OR=2.80, 95% CI 1.45-5.56), arterial oxygen partial pressure ( OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99), and serum calcium levels ( OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.17-0.58; OR=0.42, 95% CI 0.28-0.62) as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events. Conclusions:The disease burden of CHD combined with HF in China has shown a continuous upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with higher growth rates in older age groups. Complex CHD, pulmonary hyperperfusion, left ventricular ejection fraction <55%, arterial oxygen partial pressure, and serum calcium concentration are independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events.

Objective:To analyze the current adoption of palliative care by patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in China.Methods:From 1 March 2023 to 30 June 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted by random sampling. An exclusive research platform for the Blue Book on Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. An online questionnaire was sent to medical oncologists (including chief physicians, associate chief physicians, attending physicians and residents) in general hospitals and oncology hospitals in four major regions of East, Central, South and Northeast China. The questionnaire contained 28 questions requesting basic information about doctors, the number of patients with mCRC, the status of treatment from first to fourth line and beyond, points concerning treatment of pain in patients with mCRC, and expectations for the future. A medical team was responsible for the quality control of data collected, whereas statisticians performed the data cleaning and sorting and statistical analysis.Results:A total of 300 clinical questionnaires were collected, including 217 (72%) from doctors in general hospitals and 83 (28%) from doctors in oncology hospitals. Senior physicians (including associate chief physicians and chief physicians) accounted for 65% of the respondents, attending physicians 30%, and residents 5%. Within 3 months (average for each month), 46.4±26.6% patients were diagnosed with recurrent or unresectable mCRC by each physician, 51.6±26.8% of the patients being in cancer hospitals and 44.4±26.3% in general hospitals. One hundred percent of patients receiving first-line treatment received palliative care, as did 80.3% of those receiving second-line treatment, 58.2% of those receiving third-line treatment, and 35.1% of those receiving ≥fourth-line treatment. The primary factor governing selection of first-line treatment was guideline recommendations, whereas comorbidities and the patients' physical status dictated second line to fourth line treatment. Standard first-line treatment was administered to 93.8% of eligible patients, standard second-line treatment to 94.3%; and standard third-line treatment to 73.5%. First-line therapy included targeted therapy in 63.6% of patients and immunotherapy in 2.8%; second-line therapy included targeted therapy in 63.0% of patients and immunotherapy in 2.0%; third-line therapy included targeted therapy in 59.2% of patients and immunotherapy in 2.2%; and fourth-line therapy included targeted therapy in 48.7% of patients and immunotherapy in 3.1%. First-line treatment lasted an average of 9.6 months, second-line treatment 6.7 months, third-line treatment 4.9 months, and fourth-line treatment 3.7 months. More than 70% of the patients maintained a good quality of life after receiving first and second-line treatment and more than 60% of them had ECOG performance scores of 0–1. After receiving third- and fourth-line treatment, 50%–60% of patients maintained a good quality of life and 40%–50% of them maintained ECOG performance scores of 0–1. The survey also revealed that the main deficiencies in treatment were limited effectiveness of third-line treatment, insufficient availability and opportunity for clinical research, popularity of new drugs or new drug combination strategies, and limited channels for participation in multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians reported looking forward to participating in more clinical research on new drugs, hearing about the experience of experts in the field, and discovery of new targets and new drugs that increased the options for posterior line treatment of colorectal cancer.Conclusions:This report objectively summarizes the current situation, treatment difficulties, and expectations of frontline physicians concerning management of mCRC, thus providing a basis for decision-making and future direction for the diagnosis and research on treatment of mCRC.

Objective:To analyze the current adoption of palliative care by patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in China.Methods:From 1 March 2023 to 30 June 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted by random sampling. An exclusive research platform for the Blue Book on Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. An online questionnaire was sent to medical oncologists (including chief physicians, associate chief physicians, attending physicians and residents) in general hospitals and oncology hospitals in four major regions of East, Central, South and Northeast China. The questionnaire contained 28 questions requesting basic information about doctors, the number of patients with mCRC, the status of treatment from first to fourth line and beyond, points concerning treatment of pain in patients with mCRC, and expectations for the future. A medical team was responsible for the quality control of data collected, whereas statisticians performed the data cleaning and sorting and statistical analysis.Results:A total of 300 clinical questionnaires were collected, including 217 (72%) from doctors in general hospitals and 83 (28%) from doctors in oncology hospitals. Senior physicians (including associate chief physicians and chief physicians) accounted for 65% of the respondents, attending physicians 30%, and residents 5%. Within 3 months (average for each month), 46.4±26.6% patients were diagnosed with recurrent or unresectable mCRC by each physician, 51.6±26.8% of the patients being in cancer hospitals and 44.4±26.3% in general hospitals. One hundred percent of patients receiving first-line treatment received palliative care, as did 80.3% of those receiving second-line treatment, 58.2% of those receiving third-line treatment, and 35.1% of those receiving ≥fourth-line treatment. The primary factor governing selection of first-line treatment was guideline recommendations, whereas comorbidities and the patients' physical status dictated second line to fourth line treatment. Standard first-line treatment was administered to 93.8% of eligible patients, standard second-line treatment to 94.3%; and standard third-line treatment to 73.5%. First-line therapy included targeted therapy in 63.6% of patients and immunotherapy in 2.8%; second-line therapy included targeted therapy in 63.0% of patients and immunotherapy in 2.0%; third-line therapy included targeted therapy in 59.2% of patients and immunotherapy in 2.2%; and fourth-line therapy included targeted therapy in 48.7% of patients and immunotherapy in 3.1%. First-line treatment lasted an average of 9.6 months, second-line treatment 6.7 months, third-line treatment 4.9 months, and fourth-line treatment 3.7 months. More than 70% of the patients maintained a good quality of life after receiving first and second-line treatment and more than 60% of them had ECOG performance scores of 0–1. After receiving third- and fourth-line treatment, 50%–60% of patients maintained a good quality of life and 40%–50% of them maintained ECOG performance scores of 0–1. The survey also revealed that the main deficiencies in treatment were limited effectiveness of third-line treatment, insufficient availability and opportunity for clinical research, popularity of new drugs or new drug combination strategies, and limited channels for participation in multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians reported looking forward to participating in more clinical research on new drugs, hearing about the experience of experts in the field, and discovery of new targets and new drugs that increased the options for posterior line treatment of colorectal cancer.Conclusions:This report objectively summarizes the current situation, treatment difficulties, and expectations of frontline physicians concerning management of mCRC, thus providing a basis for decision-making and future direction for the diagnosis and research on treatment of mCRC.