To determine the feasibility and efficacy of 125Iodine brachytherapy stent (IBS) for lung cancer associated with superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). From May 2018 to August 2022, a retrospective analysis of 76 patients diagnosed with SVCS who underwent SVC stenting in our department. The ISB group (n = 33) underwent self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) combined with 125Iodine seed strand implantation (called ISS), while the conventional stent group (n = 43) underwent SEMS implantation alone. The primary endpoints were technical success, clinical success, complications, stent patency, Karnofsky score; secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). There was a significant difference in the stent patency (93.93

Background:Although significant strides have been made in cancer therapy, studies show that suicide rates among digestive cancer patients compared to the general population remain controversial, and specific risk factors are not clearly defined. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in patients with digestive system cancer. Methods:PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochran Library databases were searched for relevant articles up to June 2025. We assessed SMRs by cancer type, sex, cancer prognosis, time since diagnosis, geographic region and year of recruitment. We performed meta-analysis by random effects model and evaluated heterogeneity using I² statistic. Publication bias was performed by funnel plots, Edger's and B egg's tests. Results:12 cohort studies comprising 6763452 digestive cancer patients were eligible. The total SMR in this population was (SMR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.89-2.66, P < 0.000). The SMRs were significantly increased for esophageal (SMR = 3.35, 95% CI = 2.37-4.75, P < 0.000), pancreatic (SMR = 3.87, 95% CI = 2.33-6.41, P < 0.000), stomach (SMR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.81-2.43, P < 0.000), liver (SMR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.38-2.59, P = 0.066) and colorectum (SMR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.36-1.81, P < 0.000) cancers. Furthermore, the SMRs exhibit significant variations influenced by other contributing factors. Conclusions:Due to various suicide risk factors, the SMRs among digestive cancer patients surpasses that of the general population by more than double. Hence, heightened psychological support is warranted for these patients. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261288056, identifier CRD420261288056.

Patients with liver metastases generally have poorer outcomes following immunotherapy compared with those without liver involvement, and whether local ablation can enhance systemic antitumor immunity remains unclear. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the efficacy of combining ablation with PD-1 inhibitor therapy versus PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy in patients with liver metastases. A total of 1337 patients who received PD-1 inhibitors with or without ablation between January 2017 and September 2022 at three institutions were reviewed. After propensity score matching, 234 patients were included, with 117 in the combination group and 117 in the monotherapy group. The combination group achieved significantly longer median overall survival (20.13 vs. 13.83 months, p = .023) and progression-free survival (12.73 vs. 5.20 months, p < .001). Progression of extrahepatic lesions was markedly lower in the combination group than in the monotherapy group (35.9% vs. 66.7%, p < .001). Treatment-related adverse events were common in both groups, with a higher frequency of grade 1-2 events such as transaminase elevation, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in the combination group, while the incidence of grade 3-4 toxicities was comparable between groups and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Multivariate Cox regression confirmed treatment modality as an independent prognostic factor for survival (p < .001). These findings suggest that ablation of intrahepatic lesions may alleviate systemic immunosuppression and augment the efficacy of immunotherapy. The combination of ablation and PD-1 inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic approach for patients with liver metastases.

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of lung tumors under the guidance of robotic navigation system. Material and methods From January 2022 to December 2023, 62 cases with solitary lung tumors who underwent RFA procedure at our department and were divided into two groups: the robotic navigation assisted puncture (RNAP) group (n = 26) and manual puncture (MP) group (n = 36). Two groups were compared in terms of technical success (TS), puncture scoring (PS), CT scan times, Total procedure time (TPT), puncture time (PT), radiation exposure (RE), complete ablation (CA) rate and local tumor progression rate (LTP) rate. Results PS, PT, total number of CT scans, and RE showed significance between patients in the RNAP compared to those in the MP group (15/8/2/1 vs. 6/8/18/4, P = <0.001; 13.71 min vs. 16.97 mins, P < 0.01; 4.57 vs 6.94, P < 0.01; 2215.38 vs. 4615 mGy.cm, P < 0.01). TS, TPT, major complications, CA rate and LTP rate showed no difference (100 % vs.100 %; 40.52 min vs. 42.53 min; 11.53 % vs. 11.11 %; 88.46 % vs. 86.11 %; 11.53 % % vs. 13.88 %; respectively, and all P > 0.05). Conclusions Robotic navigation-assisted radiofrequency ablation of lung tumors is a feasible and safe technique. It can minimize needle adjustments, thereby shortening puncture time and reducing radiation exposure for patients.

OBJECTIVE:In order to standardize the operational techniques for 125I seed interstitial brachytherapy for retroperitoneal lymph node metastases, we organized multidisciplinary experts to develop the ". CHINESE EXPERT CONSENSUS:radioactive iodine 125 seed interstitial brachytherapy for retroperitoneal lymph node metastases (2024 edition)." METHOD:In the development of this consensus, we convened a multidisciplinary panel of leading Chinese medical experts specializing in seeds implantation from the fields of radiation oncology, surgery, interventional radiology, Department of Medical Oncology, ultrasonography, and nuclear medicine. THE PROCESS PROCEEDED AS FOLLOWS:first, a literature search was conducted using keywords such as "iodine 125 seed implantation," "interstitial brachytherapy," "retroperitoneal lymph node metastases," "computed tomography-guided," and "125I seeds." Based on the reviewed literature and extensive clinical experience, the writing committee drafted the initial document. This draft was then distributed to all panel members for broad feedback and suggestions. Finally, a centralized discussion was held to integrate the collective expertise and finalize the consensus statements. RESULT:The main contents of this consensus include indications, contraindications, implantation methods, puncture paths, dosage, surgical procedures, and other key points. CONCLUSION:This consensus document demonstrates a high degree of scientific rigor and practical applicability. It is designed to provide clinical guidance for the implementation of 125I seed brachytherapy for retroperitoneal lymph node metastases. By establishing clear, evidence-based recommendations, it aims to serve as a reliable reference for clinicians, nurses, and medical physicists involved in the procedure. Ultimately, this consensus seeks to enhance the standardization and procedural homogeneity of 125I seed brachytherapy for retroperitoneal lymph node metastases across different clinical settings.

Purpose:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic retrieval of dysfunctional plastic biliary stent (PBS). Materials and Methods:In this retrospective, single-center study, clinical and procedural data of 36 patients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic retrieval of dysfunctional PBS between January 2015 and April 2021 were analyzed. The primary outcomes were technical success, clinical success, complications, procedure time, and radiation exposure. The secondary outcomes were biochemical indicators (total bilirubin [TB], direct bilirubin [DB], glutamic transaminase [ALT], and CA-19-9) measured before treatment and two weeks posttreatment. Results:Technical and clinical success were both 100%. Minor complications occurred in 4 cases (11.2%), including 3 hemobilia (Grade 1) and 1 mild cholangitis (Grade 2). The mean procedure time was 39.22 ± 9.34 minutes, with no statistical significance between benign and malignant disease groups ([40.52 ± 9.0] min vs. [38.91 ± 9.5], p = 0.68). The mean radiation exposure was 326.13 ± 206.06 mGy, with no statistical significance between benign and malignant groups ([353.64 ± 258.93] mGy vs. [319.49 ± 196.15] mGy, p > 0.75). Liver functions parameter improved significantly after 2 weeks (TB: [168.31 ± 53.07] vs. [41.70 ± 7.29] μmol/L, DB: [133.51 ± 46.42] vs. [25.39 ± 7.26] μmol/L, ALT: [94.67 ± 38.06] vs. [47.41 ± 13.69] U/L, and CA-19-9: [479.11 ± 160.14] vs. [150.72 ± 105.72] U/mL) (all p = 0.01). Conclusion:This study suggests that percutaneous transhepatic retrieval of dysfunctional PBS appears to be a safe and effective alternative when ERCP is not feasible. However, given the retrospective single-center design, limited sample size, and short follow-up, larger multicenter studies with longer observation are needed to validate these findings.

BACKGROUND There have been no comparative studies on doxorubicin (DOX), oxaliplatin (OXA) and gemcitabine (GEM) drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolisation (DEB-TACE) in treating patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of different loading drugs in the treatment of these patients. METHODS A total of 123 patients with unresectable NSCLC were enrolled, including the DOX-eluting DEB-TACE group (DOX group, n = 47), OXA-eluting DEB-TACE group (OXA group, n = 29) and GEM-eluting DEB-TACE (GEM group, n = 47). Treatment response, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS The 1- and 3-month tumor response showed no significant change among the three groups. Both the 6-month objective response rate and disease control rate showed highest trends in the OXA group [objective response rate (ORR): 33.3%/disease control rate (DCR): 57.1%], followed by the GEM (ORR: 17.1%/DCR: 42.9%) and DOX groups (ORR: 17.6%/DCR: 41.2%), although not statistically significant (ORR: P = 0.29/DCR: P = 0.47). Both OS and PFS were highest in the OXA group [OS: 29.6 months, interquartile range (IQR): 4.6-18.5 months/PFS: 9.9 months, IQR: 2.5-13.4 months]. The OXA group exhibited prolonged PFS and increased OS compared with the DOX group (P = 0.10, chi(2) = 2.720, P = 0.03, chi(2) = 4.806) and GEM groups (P = 0.30, chi(2) = 1.095, P = 0.08, chi(2) = 3.165). The incidence rates of adverse events were comparable between the DOX and OXA groups but were lower in the GEM group; however, no statistical significance was observed (P = 0.63), and all adverse events were tolerable in the three groups. CONCLUSION DOX, OXA and GEM eluting DEB-TACE may be an effective and safe treatment approach for unresectable NSCLC, with patients in the OXA group potentially exhibiting a prolonged OS. Randomized controlled trials are required to further clarify the efficacy of different drug-eluting DEB-TACE in unresectable NSCLC.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma remains significantly limited by heterogeneous vascularization and intrinsic chemoresistance. The pro-angiogenic cascade orchestrating residual tumor survival, neovascularization, and immunosuppression post-TACE provides a compelling rationale for developing precision locoregional molecular targeted embolization systems. Herein, we fabricated cryogel microparticles (denoted as SQAP) through the complexation of sodium alginate and quaternized chitosan, with simultaneous loading of anlotinib hydrochloride (AL3818) and black phosphorus nanosheets. Physicochemical characterizations verified that SQAP enabled photothermal-responsive release of AL3818 under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. In vivo evaluations demonstrated that NIR-assisted SQAP triggered efficient tumor cell death and inhibited angiogenesis. They remodeled the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via a trimodal combination therapy encompassing molecular targeted, mild photothermal, and embolization therapies. Consequently, these NIR-assisted SQAP cryogel microparticles represent a promising clinical strategy for treatment-refractory hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of a newly designed integrated plastic stent loaded with radioactive 125I seeds (brachytherapy stent) for the treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO). Methods:From May 2018 to May 2023, 30 patients with MUO underwent brachytherapy plastic stent placement (experimental group), while 41 patients underwent conventional plastic stent placement (control group). The primary endpoints were technical success, complications, the local disease response rate (DRR) and the gross haematuria control (GHC) rate; the secondary endpoints were the hydronephrosis Girignon score (HGC) and overall survival (OS). Results:The rates of technical success (100% vs. 100%), complications (26.7% vs. 14.6%) and HGC (1.5 ± 0.5) vs. (1.5 ± 0.5) in the experimental and control groups were not significantly different (p>0.05). The DRR (93.3% vs. 9.8%) and GHC rates (84.2% vs. 20.8%) of the experimental and control groups at 8 weeks were statistically significant (P<0.05). The OS [28.4 month (95% CI: 24.6-32.3) vs. 19.5 month (95% CI: 17.0-22.0)] of the experimental and control groups was significantly different (P<0.05). Conclusion:This novel brachytherapy stent is safe and effective for the treatment of MUO, but long term follow up is needed.

Postoperative liver cancer relapse remains a formidable clinical challenge. Photothermal therapy (PTT) holds promise by eliminating residual malignancies and activating antitumor immunity; notably, tumor cells persistently reconstitute proteostasis and survive by integrated stress response (ISR)-mediated heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) activation to constrain PTT efficacy. To address this limitation, we engineered a self-reinforced photothermal-immunomodulation strategy based on electrospun nanofiber scaffolds co-loaded with black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) and the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG. These nanofiber scaffolds exhibited robust hydrophobicity, efficient photothermal conversion, and near-infrared (NIR) responsive controlled drug release. Under NIR irradiation, the nanofiber scaffolds leveraged BPNSs to generate stable PTT while liberating 17-DMAG to amplify proteotoxicity, forcibly redirecting the ISR from pro-survival adaptation toward robust apoptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD). Consequently, prominently exposed damage-associated molecular patterns potentiated tumor immunogenicity and remodeled immune microenvironment by dendritic cells maturation, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) priming, and immunosuppressive populations reprogramming. Crucially, subsequent synergy with anti-PD-L1 reinvigorated CTLs and established durable immune memory. Systematic validation confirmed this localized strategy uniquely integrates precision photothermal energy conversion with potent ISR-ICD cascade, effectively synergizing with anti-PD-L1 to suppress postoperative liver cancer relapse and metastasis, thereby holding substantial translational potential for clinical oncology.

Excessive vascularization during tracheal in-stent restenosis (TISR) is a significant but frequently overlooked issue. We developed an anti-inflammatory coupled anti-angiogenic airway stent (PAGL) incorporating anlotinib hydrochloride and silver nanoparticles using advanced electrospinning technology. PAGL exhibited hydrophobic surface properties, exceptional mechanical strength, and appropriate drug-release kinetics. Moreover, it demonstrated a remarkable eradication effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It also displayed anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts. PAGL was implanted into the tracheae of New Zealand rabbits to evaluate its efficacy in inhibiting bacterial infection, suppressing the inflammatory response, reducing angiogenesis, and attenuating excessive fibroblast activation. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant downregulation of genes associated with fibrosis, intimal hyperplasia, and cell migration following PAGL treatment. This study provides insight into the development of airway stents that target angiogenesis and inflammation to address problems associated with TISR effectively and have the potential for clinical translation.

Ureteral carcinoma remains a major clinical challenge and requires effective localized treatment. Here, we report a novel 125I seed brachytherapy (ISB) and doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy integrated ureteral stent (IUS), which enables simultaneous urinary drainage and chemoradiotherapy. This study was divided into three parts. First, ISB and DOX significantly reduced T24 cell viability and inhibited migration and invasion in an in vivo study (p < 0.01). Second, a T24 xenograft mouse model demonstrated that the (DOX + ISB) group exhibited greater tumor suppression than the DOX (p = 0.08) and ISB (p = 0.02) groups, with decreased Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression and increased apoptosis (all p < 0.01) in an in vitro study. Third, the IUS was successfully implanted in normal beagle dogs (n = 30) without surgical complications. The ureteral diameter increased with increasing cumulative brachytherapy and sustained DOX release (p < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed progressive tissue damage and fibrosis, with increased expression of α-SMA, Caspase-3, and Collagen-1 in the 0.8 mCi + 20 mg DOX group (p < 0.05), whereas PCNA expression was highest in the Control group (0 mCi + 0 mg DOX). In conclusion, the newly designed IUS is safe and technically feasible in animals; clinical studies will be required to evaluate its use in humans.

Background:Liver cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, rendering many cases unresectable and necessitating minimally invasive treatments such as ablation, for which accurate puncture is essential. Manual techniques are limited by steep learning curves, frequent needle adjustments, and increased radiation exposure. Robotic navigation-assisted puncture (RNAP) offers improved precision, efficiency, and safety, but its efficacy compared to that of manual puncture (MP) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of RNAP in the treatment of liver tumors. Methods: From October 2023 to February 2024, 65 patients with liver tumors underwent percutaneous puncture procedures (ablation, iodine-125 implantation, and biopsy) at department of interventional radiology. They were divided into two groups: the RNAP group (n=29) and the MP group (n=36). Two techniques were compared in terms of technical success (TS), clinical success (CS), puncture scoring (PS), number of computed tomography (CT) scans, total procedure time (TPT), puncture time (PT), irradiation dose (ID), and puncture-related complications. Results: There were significant differences between patients in the RNAP group and those in the MP group in terms of PS (3.02 +/- 0.68 vs. 2.24 +/- 0.73; P=0.01), PT (8.86 +/- 1.91 vs. 13.44 +/- 3.66 min; P=0.01), number of CT scans (7.03 +/- 2.30 vs. 11.58 +/- 4.25; P=0.01), and ID (160.76 +/- 40.60 vs. 230.06 +/- 86.46 mGycm; P=0.01); meanwhile, TS (100% vs. 100%; P>0.99), CS (91.50% vs. 91.40%; P=0.81), TPT (33.22 +/- 7.80 vs.32.13 +/- 5.50 min; P=0.52), and complications (10.30% vs. 5.56%; P=0.47) showed no differences. Conclusions: RNAP is a useful tool for performing puncture procedures on liver tumors, which can decrease PT, CT scan times, and ID

The treatment of infected wounds is often complicated by bacterial infection and impaired scar healing. Antibiotics and growth factors are typically utilized to address these clinical challenges and expedite wound healing. However, the use of hydrogels containing these therapeutic agents is often restricted to complex cases and increases treatment costs considerably. In this study, we developed a quaternized-chitosan-based hybrid hydrogel dressing (SQFB) with intrinsic antibacterial properties to address these limitations. The hybrid hydrogel contained interpenetrating polymer networks of basic fibroblast growth factor and black phosphorus nanosheets, facilitating a photothermal response that triggers the release of basic fibroblast growth factor upon near-infrared irradiation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that SQFB exhibits superior antibacterial, hemostatic, enhanced cell proliferation, and angiogenesis functions. Importantly, the results showed that SQFB can promote the healing of infected wounds by accelerating all 4 stages of wound repair while preventing scarring formation. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that combined treatment with SQFB and near-infrared irradiation can effectively modulate genes primarily associated with epithelial regeneration pathways and metabolic processes. Collectively, our findings suggest that this hybrid hydrogel holds great promise for the effective management of infected wounds.

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of thermal ablation in the treatment of pulmonary oligometastases (POs) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the prognosis-related influencing factors. From October 2012 to January 2019, 145 POs (mean diameter: 2.3 cm, ≤ 4 POs per patient) in 62 patients (male = 33, female = 29, mean age: 61.0 years old) with HCC were treated by thermal ablation. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were technical success, technical efficacy, and complications. PFS and OS were analyzed by the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Technical success, technical efficacy and major complications were 100, 96.8, and 21

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of biliary metallic stent (BMS) combined with radioactive 125I seed strands (RISS) for malignant hilar obstruction (MHO). Method: From January 2016 to January 2022, 317 patients with MHO underwent percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage at our center. Among them, 40 patients underwent BMS combined with RISS treatment (experimental group), and 52 patients underwent BMS alone (control group). Primary endpoints were technical success, complications and stent patency time (SPT). Secondary endpoints were clinical success and overall survival (OS). Results: The technical success (100% vs 100%) and clinical success rate (92.50 % vs 90.04%) showed no statistically significance between the experimental and control groups (P>0.05). The Grade 3-5 early and late complications showed no significance between both groups (P>0.05). The SPT [(8.2 ± 0.39) vs (5.8 ± 0.33) months] and OS [(13.6 ± 0.81) vs (11.7 ± 0.44) months)] of the experimental group showed significantly longer than that of the control group ((P<0.05). Conclusion: BMS combined with RISS treatments can palliative prolong the SPT and OS for patients with MHO.

Objectives To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)-guided radioactive 125 I seeds brachytherapy (RISB) for lung oligometastases (LO) from colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Data for 144 LOs from 70 CRC patients who underwent CT-guided RISB were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were technical success, local control rate (LCR), and complications. Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cox model was used to identify the independent predictors of poor prognosis. Results The RISB procedures were successfully performed in all patients, and the success rate was 100%. The median follow-up was 27.8 months. The median PFS was 10.0 months (95% CI: 8.9–11.1) and the 1- and 2-year PFS rates were 32.9% and 5.9%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ≤ 15 ng/ml ( P = 0.048), middle-high differentiated pathological classification ( P = 0.015), primary TNM stages I-III ( P = 0.001), LO number ≤ 2 ( P < 0.001) and cumulative gross tumor volume (GTV) ≤ 40 cm 3 ( P < 0.001) showed superior PFS. The median OS was 30.8 months (95% CI : 27.1–34.4) and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 95.7%, 67.4%, and 42.5%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, serum CEA ≤ 15 ng/ml ( P = 0.004), middle-high differentiated pathological classification ( P < 0.001), primary TNM stages I-III ( P < 0.001), LO number ≤ 2 ( P < 0.001), cumulative GTV ≤ 40 cm 3 ( P < 0.001) and system treatments combined with chemotherapy and target therapy ( P < 0.001) showed superior OS. The LCR for 3, 6, and 12 months was 97.9%, 91.0%, and 83.6%, respectively. There were 4 cases of pneumothorax at 5.7% that required drainage. Conclusions RISB for LO from CRC is safe and effective, and serum CEA, TNM stage, LO number, cumulative GTV, and system treatments should be emphasized for long OS.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel technique for removal of migrated esophageal stent (MES) under fluoroscopy. From January 2009 to April 2023, 793 patients with a dysphagia score of 3–4 underwent esophageal stenting at our center, and 25 patients (mean age: 70.06 years old; male/female: 15/10) underwent stent removal using “loop method” under fluoroscopy. The primary outcomes were technical success and complications. The secondary outcomes were procedure time, radiation exposure, biochemical indicators [white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), urea nitrogen (UN) and C-reactive protein] of pre- and post-treatment at 2 weeks. Technical success was 100

PURPOSE:To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous transluminal ureteral biopsy (PTUB) combined with percutaneous nephroureteral stent placement for ureteral obstruction under fluoroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:From September 2011 to July 2021, 37 patients (27 men and 10 women; median age, 65.0 years) who experienced ureteroscopic biopsy failure or refused or were unable to undergo ureteroscopic biopsy underwent PTUB for ureteral obstruction during nephroureteral stent placement under fluoroscopic guidance. Data on technical success, early adverse events, and radiation dose were collected. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy (OA) of PTUB were analyzed. RESULTS:The technical success of PTUB was 89.2%, with a mean irradiation dose of 76.9 mGy·cm2 ± 12.2. A total of 67.6% (25/37) of the cases were correctly diagnosed with malignancy, whereas 8 cases were confirmed to be true negatives. There were 4 false negatives and no false positives. PTUB had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and OA of 86.2% (25/29), 100% (8/8), 100% (25/25), 66.7% (8/12), and 89.2% (33/37), respectively. Eleven patients (29.7%) experienced Grade 1 adverse events (transient aggravated hematuria). CONCLUSIONS:PTUB appears to be a safe and effective alternative to ureteroscopic biopsy for ureteral obstruction.