Proceedings of Anticancer Research

Construction of a Prognostic Model for Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Bioinformatics Analysis of Glycolysis-Related Genes

Yongming Kang — 2026-04-14

Objective: This study aims to collect lung adenocarcinoma samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and explore the differential expression of glycolysis-related genes between lung adenocarcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues. By combining differentially expressed genes with prognostic data, we investigate the correlation between them and establish a prognostic prediction model for the survival rate of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: Raw expression data were downloaded from the TCGA database and organized using the Perl language. Differential analysis was performed using the “limma” package in R software. Univariate Cox regression analysis was employed to screen glycolysis-related genes associated with the survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Correlation analysis and consensus clustering analysis were then conducted. Lasso regression analysis and 10-fold cross-validation were used to screen glycolysis-related genes associated with prognosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to confirm significant differences between high- and low-risk groups, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). Finally, a risk model was constructed. Results: Based on data from the TCGA database, 19 differentially expressed glycolysis-related genes were identified (17 upregulated and 2 downregulated). Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that 14 genes were significantly associated with prognosis, among which five genes, including PGAM1 and NUP50, were identified as risk factors, while HK3 and PRKACA were protective factors. Following consensus clustering analysis, lung adenocarcinoma patients were classified into three subtypes. Survival analysis demonstrated significant prognostic differences among these subtypes, with subtype 2 exhibiting the worst prognosis. Using LASSO regression, 11 key glycolysis-related genes were selected, and a risk scoring model was constructed based on these genes. According to this model, patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups, revealing significant differences in survival rates between the two groups (P < 0.001). The ROC curve demonstrated the model’s good predictive ability for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates (AUCs of 0.742, 0.725, and 0.673, respectively). Conclusion: This study found a correlation between glycolysis-related genes and the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. A risk scoring formula based on 11 key glycolysis-related genes was developed, and a risk model was constructed to predict the survival rate of lung adenocarcinoma patients using their risk scores along with T stage, N stage, and overall stage. This model provides valuable assistance for clinical research and individualized treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

The Application Value of Artificial Intelligence- Assisted Low-Dose 64-Slice Spiral CT Scanning in Lung Cancer Screening and Nodule Follow-Up

Wenjun Liu — 2026-04-14

Objective: To explore and observe the application value of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted 64-slice spiral CT low-dose scanning in lung cancer screening and nodule follow-up. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 390 patients who underwent 64-slice spiral CT low-dose scanning for lung cancer screening at Qingyang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from 2020 to 2024. By recording the morphology and nature of pulmonary nodules (solid, partially solid, ground-glass, and calcified nodules) and measuring nodule size (including volume, longest diameter, maximum short diameter, etc.), the diagnoses of target pulmonary nodules made by AI, senior radiologists, and senior radiologists combined with AI were compared to evaluate the clinical application value of different diagnostic methods. Results: A total of 390 subjects participated in the 64-slice spiral CT low-dose scanning for lung cancer screening. Among them, the physician + AI group detected 208 pulmonary nodules, the AI group detected 198 pulmonary nodules with a detection rate of 95.19%, and the physician group detected 194 pulmonary nodules with a detection rate of 93.27%. There was no statistical difference in the detection rate between the AI group and the physician group (χ² = 0.707, P = 0.400). No statistical differences were observed among different groups in terms of nodule density, nodule location, and the detection of positive nodules (P > 0.05). Using the positive nodules identified by the physician + AI group as the screening nodules and the pathological examination results of 6 cases of lung cancer obtained during follow-up as the confirmed results, the physician + AI group demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, a false-negative rate of 0%, a specificity of 25.10%, a false-positive rate of 74.90%, a positive likelihood ratio of 1.34, a negative likelihood ratio of 0, a concordance rate of 26.90%, a positive predictive value of 3.2%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. Conclusion: The screening method of AI-assisted 64-slice spiral CT low-dose scanning can be used to rapidly rule out lung cancer, but positive results require further confirmation through pathological examination and other means.

Mechanism of Action and Clinical Intervention Potential of Intestinal Dysbiosis in the Occurrence and Development of Gastric Cancer

Zhijun Mao — 2026-04-14

Objective: To explore the mechanism of action of intestinal dysbiosis in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer and analyze its potential for clinical intervention. Methods: Eighty patients with gastric cancer admitted to our hospital from January 2024 to November 2025 were selected as the study group, and another 40 healthy individuals undergoing physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group. The fecal bacterial and fungal culture method was employed to quantify the primary intestinal flora, including Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, Escherichia coli, Enterococci, and Bacteroides, in both groups of study subjects, and the bacilli-to-cocci ratio was calculated. Additionally, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and immune-related factors (PD-L1, IL-10) were measured. Gastric cancer patients were randomly divided into an intervention group (40 cases) and an observation group (40 cases). The observation group received a conventional chemotherapy regimen, while the intervention group received probiotic intervention in addition to chemotherapy. The incidence of chemotherapy-related adverse reactions and changes in intestinal flora were compared between the two groups. Results: The quantities of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, as well as the bacilli-to-cocci ratio, were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group, whereas the quantities of Escherichia coli and Enterococci were significantly higher, with all differences being statistically significant (all P < 0.001). Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PD-L1, and IL-10 were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.01). After intervention, the quantities of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, as well as the bacilli-to-cocci ratio, were significantly lower in the observation group than before intervention, while the quantities of Escherichia coli and Enterococci were significantly higher (all P < 0.01). Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PD-L1, and IL-10 in the study group remained significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01). In the intervention group, the quantities of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, as well as the bacilli-to-cocci ratio, were significantly higher after intervention than before, while the quantities of Escherichia coli and Enterococci were significantly lower (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, after intervention, the quantities of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, as well as the bacilli-to-cocci ratio, were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the observation group, while the quantities of Escherichia coli and Enterococci were significantly lower (all P < 0.01). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the observation group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Dysbiosis of intestinal flora may promote the occurrence and development of gastric cancer through mechanisms such as inducing chronic inflammation and inhibiting anti-tumor immunity; probiotic intervention can effectively regulate the balance of intestinal flora in gastric cancer patients, reduce adverse reactions to chemotherapy, and hold significant potential for clinical intervention.

Research on the Determination of Active Ingredient Content in Compound Preparations by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Xintong He — 2026-04-01

Compound preparations are characterized by the synergistic enhancement of multiple components, and their quality control directly affects the safety of medication and the stability of therapeutic efficacy. Due to the complex composition of compound preparations and significant differences in the physicochemical properties of various active ingredients, the detection of their content faces technical challenges, such as difficulties in separation and numerous interfering factors. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with its advantages of high efficiency, high selectivity, and high sensitivity, has become a core method for quality control of compound preparations, providing reliable data support for evaluating the stability and batch consistency of preparations. Currently, there is an increasing variety of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations. Establishing a specific, stable, and easy-to-operate method for content determination is of great practical significance for improving the quality standards of traditional Chinese medicine and safeguarding the health of the people.

Research on the Resistance Mechanism of Thirdgeneration EGFR-TKIs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Ting Zhong — 2026-04-14

Third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-Tkis) represented by osimertinib have become the first-line standard treatment option for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), significantly improving progression-free survival and overall survival in patients. However, almost all patients eventually develop acquired resistance, which severely limits the long-term efficacy. This article systematically reviews the main molecular mechanisms of resistance to third-generation EGFR-Tkis and the latest research progress. Existing evidence suggests that resistance mechanisms can be roughly divided into two major categories: EGFR-dependent (on-target) and EGFR-independent (off-target). EGFR-dependent resistance mainly includes secondary mutations such as C797S, mutations in other kinase domains, and EGFR gene amplification, which directly affect drug binding to the target. Egfr-independent resistance is more complex, involving bypass signaling pathway activation (such as MET amplification, HER2 or AXL abnormalities), histological transformation (such as adenocarcinoma to small cell lung cancer transformation), downstream signaling pathway abnormalities (RAS/MAPK, PI3K/AKT pathways), and cell cycle regulation imbalance. In addition, recent studies have further revealed the important roles of metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic regulation, tumor-microenvironment interactions, and drug-resistant persistent cells in the formation of resistance. In terms of therapeutic strategies, novel approaches such as combined targeted therapy for resistance mechanisms, next-generation EGFR inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugations, immunotherapy and cell therapy are advancing and showing good clinical prospects in some patients. Overall, third-generation EGFR-TKI resistance shows high heterogeneity and dynamic evolution characteristics, and in the future, multi-omics detection, dynamic molecular monitoring, and individualized combination therapy strategies will be needed to achieve more precise and durable disease control.

The Efficacy and Safety of Radical Surgery Combined with Modified Cervical Lymph Node Dissection in the Treatment of Oral Cancer

Hu Chen — 2026-04-14

Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of radical surgery combined with modified neck lymph node dissection in the treatment of oral cancer. Methods: A retrospective selection was made of 80 patients with oral cancer treated in the Department of Stomatology at Yichang Central People’s Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. According to differences in treatment plans, all patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 40 cases in each group: the control group underwent radical surgery for oral cancer, while the observation group received radical surgery combined with modified neck lymph node dissection. Surgical outcomes, VAS scores, oral function, and prognosis were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and operation time between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, VAS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, oral function scores in all three dimensions were higher in the observation group compared to the control group (P < 0.05); the 3-year metastasis rate was lower in the observation group, while the survival rate was higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Radical surgery combined with modified neck lymph node dissection is significantly effective in treating oral cancer. It markedly relieves postoperative pain, improves oral function, reduces metastasis rates, and increases survival rates.

HER2-Low Breast Cancer: Clinicopathologic Landscape, Prognostic Controversies, and Therapeutic Advances

Jiaxin Zhan — 2026-04-14

Breast cancer is a complex heterogeneous disease and remains one of the common malignant tumors threatening women’s health worldwide. Currently, precision therapy guided by molecular subtyping has significantly improved the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), as a critical therapeutic target for breast cancer, has long been classified into HER2-positive and HER2-negative subtypes based on expression levels ^[1]. With the advancement of clinical research, the classification of HER2 expression has evolved. The DESTINY-Breast04 (DB04) study was the first phase III study to demonstrate that patients with HER2-low expression derive significant survival benefit from HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) ^[2], thereby establishing HER2-low expression breast cancer as a novel therapeutic subtype. Despite this therapeutic breakthrough, whether HER2-low breast cancer represents an independent molecular entity or a distinct clinical subtype remains controversial. Furthermore, its prognostic implications are still debated. This review summarizes the epidemiological characteristics, biological features, heterogeneity, survival outcomes, therapeutic advances, and resistance mechanisms associated with HER2-low breast cancer, aiming to provide evidence to refine clinical recognition and optimize management strategies.

Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Critical Link Between Inflammation and Pancreatic Carcinogenesis

Zhenyu Lin — 2026-04-14

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive fibroinflammatory disorder that results from the interplay of genetic, environmental, immune, and pathogenic factors. Traditionally characterized by irreversible pancreatic injury, CP is now recognized as an important precursor to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a deadly form of pancreatic cancer. The persistent inflammatory microenvironment of CP promotes the accumulation of genetic mutations and cellular reprogramming, which can lead to acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), a precursor lesion of PDAC. ADM represents a reversible cellular reprogramming process, wherein pancreatic acinar cells transform into duct-like cells in response to inflammatory stress. This process is critical in both tissue repair and, under sustained inflammatory or oncogenic conditions, the progression to neoplasia. The molecular drivers of ADM include inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix remodeling, and transcriptional reprogramming. Notably, the activation of signaling pathways such as Notch, EGFR/RAS/MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin play pivotal roles in regulating ADM and its progression toward pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, the AKT/GSK3β signaling axis emerges as a central regulator in the modulation of ADM and its subsequent transition to malignancy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of ADM and its interplay with pancreatic stellate cells provides valuable insights into therapeutic targets that could interrupt the progression from chronic pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer. This review highlights the pathophysiology of CP, the role of ADM in inflammation-driven pancreatic carcinogenesis, and the signaling networks involved in this process. By examining the regulatory pathways that govern ADM, this article aims to provide a framework for future therapeutic strategies that could target ADM and delay the progression of CP to PDAC. Early intervention in the ADM process, particularly in its reversible stages, presents a promising approach for preserving acinar cell function, preventing fibrosis, and ultimately reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Clinical Value of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Specimens Combined with DNA Methylation Detection in the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Zhengli Deng — 2026-04-14

Objective: To explore the application value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) specimens combined with DNA methylation detection in the clinical diagnosis of lung cancer, compare the diagnostic efficacy of single detection methods, and provide objective evidence for early and accurate diagnosis of lung cancer. Methods: A total of 120 patients with suspected pulmonary malignancies admitted to our hospital from December 2024 to December 2025 were selected. All patients underwent EBUS-TBNA to obtain biopsy specimens, and routine pathological cytological examination, individual detection of SHOX2 and RASSF1A gene methylation, and combined detection of both methods were performed. Using postoperative pathology or long-term follow-up results as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of each detection method were calculated, and diagnostic differences were compared. Results: Among the 120 patients, 76 cases (63.33%) were diagnosed with lung cancer and 44 cases (36.67%) with benign lesions according to the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of routine cytological examination by EBUS-TBNA were 72.37%, 84.09%, and 76.67%, respectively; for individual DNA methylation detection, they were 78.95%, 86.36%, and 81.67%, respectively; for combined detection, they were 93.42%, 95.45%, and 94.17%, respectively. All diagnostic indicators of combined detection were significantly superior to those of single detection methods (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve for combined detection was 0.980, significantly higher than that for individual cytological detection (0.908) and individual methylation detection (0.934). Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA specimens combined with DNA methylation detection can significantly improve the sensitivity and accuracy of lung cancer diagnosis, overcome the limitations of routine cytological examination, and are particularly suitable for difficult cases such as mediastinal lymphadenopathy and peripheral pulmonary nodules, demonstrating high clinical promotion value.

Research Progress of Glucuronyl C5-Epimerase in Cancers: A Review

Zixuan Su — 2026-04-14

Glucuronyl C5-epimerase (GLCE) is a key enzyme in heparan sulfate biosynthesis. Mice with a whole-genome knockout of GLCE exhibit embryonic lethality, highlighting its essential roles in growth and development and its involvement in processes such as obesity, neurogenesis, and immune regulation. Interestingly, GLCE exerts similar or even opposite effects in different cancers. The functional complexity of GLCE in cancers positions it as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target. However, current understanding of the roles and underlying mechanisms of GLCE in various cancers remains limited. This article reviews and discusses the functions and molecular mechanisms of GLCE in different cancers.

Comparative Study on the Application Effect of Molecular Detection in the Early Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Nv Feng — 2026-04-14

Objective: To comparatively analyze the application value of molecular detection and traditional screening methods in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), clarify the detection efficacy of molecular detection for early CRC and precancerous lesions, and provide evidence-based support for optimizing early diagnosis strategies in clinical practice. Methods: A total of 200 patients with suspected colorectal lesions admitted to our hospital from January 2025 to January 2026 were selected as the study subjects. Using colonoscopy combined with histopathological examination as the diagnostic gold standard, patients were randomly assigned to an observation group (100 cases) and a control group (100 cases) using a random number table method. The observation group underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) molecular detection, while the control group received a traditional screening protocol combining serum tumor markers with fecal immunochemical testing (FIT). Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were compared between the two groups. The detection rates of CRC at different stages and precancerous adenomas were analyzed, and screening compliance and missed diagnosis rates were recorded for both groups. Results: Based on pathological results, among the 200 patients, 56 were diagnosed with CRC (33 with stage I-II early-stage cancer and 23 with stage III-IV advanced cancer), 20 with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 41 with low-grade adenomas, and 83 with benign lesions or normal findings. The observation group demonstrated significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for CRC compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). The detection rates of early-stage CRC and precancerous adenomas were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group. Both groups showed high detection rates for advanced CRC, with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Screening compliance was significantly higher, and the missed diagnosis rate was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (both P < 0.05). Conclusion: FISH molecular detection exhibits superior sensitivity and specificity in the early diagnosis of CRC, with distinct advantages in detecting early-stage cancer and precancerous lesions. It also offers better patient compliance and a lower missed diagnosis rate, making it a preferred option for early screening in high-risk populations for CRC. This approach can complement traditional screening methods and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Redefining Prognostic Risk in Colorectal Cancer: Calibrated Deep Learning Reclassifies High-Risk Mortality and Mitigates Overtreatment

Fengmei Yi — 2026-04-14

Accurate prognostic risk stratification is critical for colorectal cancer (CRC), yet traditional linear models are limited by complex non-linear multi-omics interactions. We compared three mainstream survival models (regularized Cox, random survival forests [RSF], and DeepSurv) via multi-scenario simulations spanning linear to strongly non-linear risks, with rigorous validation in TCGA (n = 610) and independent GEO (n = 566) cohorts using a five-dimensional evaluation framework, plus blinded isotonic regression for model calibration. DeepSurv showed significant predictive superiority in non-linear scenarios, achieving a global C-index of 0.7820 in TCGA (vs 0.7610 for regularized Cox), 42.18% net reclassification improvement for high-risk mortality patients, and 20.60% reduced prediction error after calibration, with robust external validation performance. The regularized Cox model remained robust for linear low-dimensional data. In conclusion, calibrated DeepSurv is optimal for high-risk CRC identification in complex multi-omics data, providing a standardized paradigm for survival model selection.

Research Progress on Radiomics Combined Model for Predicting the Efficacy of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Jiahao Sun — 2026-04-14

Radiomics, a field that extracts quantitative features from medical images, plays a crucial role in predicting the efficacy of treatments like Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent advancements have shown that combining radiomics with clinical and genetic data enhances predictive accuracy. This integration has significantly influenced current diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCC. Studies have demonstrated that these combined models provide more precise predictions, leading to improved patient outcomes. This review summarizes recent advances and current challenges in radiomics-based combined models for predicting outcomes after TACE in HCC. It systematically outlines key breakthroughs, including multimodal data fusion, improved methods for quantifying intratumoral heterogeneity, and enhanced model predictive performance. It also examines persistent bottlenecks: dataset-dependent feature standardization, limited model generalizability, clinical annotation bias, and high computational costs. The goal of this review was to guide researchers in addressing these technical barriers and optimizing model architectures, to provide evidence for individualized clinical decision-making, and to accelerate the translation of radiomics combined models from basic research into standardized clinical practice—ultimately improving post-TACE outcomes and long-term quality of life for HCC patients.

Research Advancements on the Axis of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Shifan Wu — 2026-04-14

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling plays a pivotal role in its progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) form a bidirectional regulatory axis (CAFs–MMPs axis) that serves as a core driver of TME imbalance in HCC. This review systematically elaborates on the origin and functional characteristics of CAFs, the classification and regulatory mechanisms of MMPs, and the bidirectional interaction logic between CAFs and MMPs (including cytokine signaling, mechanotransduction, and exosome-mediated communication). We further discuss the critical roles of this axis in shaping key malignant phenotypes of HCC, such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. Through cross-cancer comparison with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, we highlight the unique features of the CAFs–MMPs axis in HCC, which is closely linked to the liver’s chronic inflammatory and fibrotic microenvironment. Finally, we summarize the translational prospects of targeting this axis in clinical practice, including selective MMP inhibitors, CAF-targeted drug delivery systems, molecular imaging diagnosis, and combination strategies with immunotherapy. We also outline current challenges and future directions, aiming to provide a conceptual framework for microenvironment-oriented precision diagnosis and therapy in HCC.

Analysis of the Chinese and Western Medical Academic Theory of Thyroid Disease and Zhiqidao Lingli Moxibustion Regulation System

Zhiqiang Wang — 2026-04-14

Thyroid diseases fall under the category of “goiter, goiter tumor, and goiter Qi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The core pathogenesis primarily involves liver Qi stagnation, with phlegm coagulation and blood stasis as the clinical manifestations, and spleen-kidney yang deficiency as the root cause. Qi stagnation, phlegm coagulation, and blood stasis interconnect at the cervical liver meridian pathway, accompanied by emotional stagnation, dual deficiency of Qi and yin, and alternating cold and heat, constituting a common chronic visceral and meridian dysfunction disorder in clinical practice. Zhiqidao Lingli Moxibustion is grounded in TCM’s holistic view and meridian theory, integrating the essence of emotional regulation to innovatively establish a systematic physiotherapy system: “energy oil acupoint massage + graphene energy patch penetration + compound moxa stick medicinal moxibustion + Wuji differentiation tablet precision energy guidance + physician-patient mental resonance + constant-temperature controlled-time deep moxibustion therapy.” This system, based on standardized physiotherapy, adheres to the principle of fixed main acupoints and syndrome-differentiated complementary points, achieving effects of “warm without scalding, penetrating without injury, precise energy accumulation, and mind-body coordination” through standardized procedures. Concurrently, it constructs a tripartite regulation plan combining moxibustion therapy, nutraceutical intervention, and healthy lifestyle correction. Moxibustion is administered in three progressive treatment courses, while nutraceutical intervention employs a fixed foundation of “Ganqing Bao + Changwei Bao + Shenqin Bao” combined with syndrome-differentiated matching, supplemented by lifestyle correction and health exercise guidance. This multidimensional approach addresses core pathogenic mechanisms to achieve regulatory goals such as soothing liver Qi and activating blood circulation to resolve stasis. This article systematically explores its academic theory and physiotherapy system, providing comprehensive academic support and practical references for external TCM treatment of thyroid diseases, as well as novel insights for complementary regulation between TCM and Western medicine.

Does Pyroptosis, Apoptosis, and Necroptosis (PANoptosis) Exist in Particle-induced Periprosthetic Osteolysis? Evidence from Cell, Rodent and Patient Studies

Wei Zeng — 2026-04-14

Background: Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) is the main cause of aseptic loosening after total joint replacement, which is caused by chronic inflammation induced by wear particles. Apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis have been studied respectively, but the mechanism of PANoptosis (synergistic inflammatory cell death) integrated by them has not been studied in PPO. Methods: A total of 43 studies that met strict cell death criteria were screened through systematic reviews (PubMed/Web of Sci, 2020–2025). RAW264.7 macrophages were placed under endotoxin-free TC4 titanium particles (100/400 μg/mL, for 24 hours). A rat femoral implant model was established, and Ti particles were injected locally (with a concentration of 5 mg/mL and a volume of 100 μL; there were 8 rats in each group). Analyze the periprosthetic interface membrane tissues of 12 patients with aseptic loosening revision surgery and the control synovial tissues of 8 patients with primary total hip replacement surgery. Detect PANoptosis markers using Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Through systematic analysis, it can be seen that in all cell types and models, there is consistency in the co-activation of pyroptosis (involving GSDMD, CASP1), apoptosis (involving CASP3, CASP8) and necroptosis (involving p-MLKL, p-RIPK1). In vitro experiments, Ti particles upregulated the three pathway effector molecules in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to intra-body particles can cause significant periprosthetic bone loss and is accompanied by the expression of PANoptosis markers. In the human interface membrane of failed implants, the level of its effector molecules is higher than that of the control group. Conclusion: This study provides integrated evidence that PANoptosis is activated in wear particle–induced PPO in both experimental and clinical settings. Targeting PANoptosis may become a new method to inhibit inflammation-induced osteolysis and improve the long-term survival rate of implants.

Clinical Observation on the Curative Effect of Qingre Xiayi Decoction as Adjuvant Treatment for the Early Stage of Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Qiutong Shen — 2026-04-14

Objectives: To explore the clinical application value of Qingre Xiayi Decoction in the initial treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods: A total of 60 patients with SAP were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine, while the observation group was treated with oral Qingre Xiayi Decoction on the basis of conventional Western medicine. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, time to abdominal pain relief, time for serum amylase to return to normal, TCM syndrome score, total treatment effective rate, and imaging changes were compared between the two groups before treatment and 3 days after treatment. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group (100%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (80%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After treatment, the APACHEⅡ score and VAS score of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, the time for serum amylase to return to normal and the time to abdominal pain relief were shorter than those of the control group, and the TCM syndrome score was also lower than that of the control group. All the above differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Imaging examination showed that the degree of improvement in the observation group was more obvious than that of the control group. Conclusion: Conventional Western medicine combined with Qingre Xiayi Decoction in the treatment of patients with initial SAP can significantly improve the therapeutic effect, relieve clinical symptoms and optimize related indicators, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Research Progress and Clinical Translation of Combined Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer

Guodong Yu — 2026-04-14

Primary liver cancer is a highly prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being characterized by insidious onset and rapid progression. Most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, losing the opportunity for radical surgery, making systemic therapy the core approach to prolong survival and improve quality of life. Historically, molecular targeted therapy has been the mainstay of systemic treatment for advanced liver cancer, offering some control over tumor progression but with limitations such as low objective response rates, frequent drug resistance, and limited survival benefits. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the landscape of systemic liver cancer therapy, providing hope for long-term survival in advanced patients through their unique mechanism of reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment and activating endogenous anti-tumor immunity. However, monotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors is effective only in a minority of immunologically favorable patients, limiting overall benefit. In recent years, the combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy (targeted-immunotherapy combination) has broken through the efficacy bottleneck of monotherapy through synergistic anti-tumor effects, becoming the standard first-line treatment for advanced liver cancer. This article provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of action, core clinical research progress, and optimization strategies for clinical translation of targeted-immunotherapy combination therapy in liver cancer, aiming to provide references for clinical practice and future research in this field.