Background Gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) is a prevalent malignant tumor with poor prognosis owing to late diagnosis and high metastatic potential. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators in GA initiation and progression, representing promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance, in vitro biological functions of lncRNA SEMA3B-AS1 in GA, and its expression correlation with the tumor suppressor gene SEMA3B. Methods Based on our previous lncRNA expression microarray data, lncRNA SEMA3B-AS1, which was downregulated in GA, was selected for further investigation. Tissue samples were collected from 120 patients with GA who had undergone surgical treatment. The expression level of SEMA3B-AS1 in GA tissues was verified by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR); its clinical significance in GA was statistically analyzed. A SEMA3B-AS1 overexpression plasmid vector was constructed and transfected into the GA cell lines BGC-823 and SGC-7901; G418 screening was used to establish cells stably overexpressing SEMA3B-AS1. In vitro functional assays (cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and apoptosis) were performed to systematically evaluate the effects of SEMA3B-AS1 overexpression on GA cells. Additionally, the correlation between SEMA3B-AS1 and SEMA3B expression in GA tissues was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Results LncRNA SEMA3B-AS1 expression in GA tissues was significantly downregulated by 7.141-fold ( P < 0.01) compared with that in corresponding paracancerous tissues, with a downregulation rate of 76.67% (92/120). Abnormal SEMA3B-AS1 expression was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.004) and vessel invasion ( P = 0.014) in GA. SEMA3B-AS1 overexpression significantly inhibited GA cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion ( P < 0.05), and promoted cell apoptosis ( P < 0.05). Moreover, SEMA3B-AS1 expression in GA tissues was positively correlated with SEMA3B expression (r = 0.483, P < 0.01), a known tumor suppressor gene. Conclusion SEMA3B-AS1 is downregulated in GA tissues and exhibits tumor-suppressive properties by regulating multiple biological behaviors of GA cells (proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and apoptosis). Its positive correlation with SEMA3B provides preliminary clues for their potential functional association. Collectively, SEMA3B-AS1 may participate in the occurrence and development of GA and serve as a potential molecular marker for GA.

BACKGROUND:To develop and externally validate CT-based radiomics-clinical nomograms integrating dual-region radiomics features and preoperative-intraoperative clinical factors for predicting early renal function decline in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS:This multicenter retrospective study included 1440 patients with localized RCC who underwent PN and preoperative contrast-enhanced CT. Radiomics features were extracted from both the tumor and ipsilateral normal renal parenchyma across corticomedullary, nephrographic, and excretory phases. After reproducibility filtering, high-correlation removal, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, three radiomics signatures were constructed. Independent clinical predictors identified via multivariate logistic regression were combined with radiomics signatures to develop a preoperative nomogram and a preoperative-intraoperative nomogram. Model performance was assessed using ROC analysis, AUC, calibration curves, Hosmer-Lemeshow tests, decision curve analysis (DCA), and 1000-iteration bootstrap validation. External validation was conducted across 10 independent medical centers and an online public dataset (KITS23). RESULTS:Twelve tumor-derived and 8 kidney-derived radiomics features were selected, and the combined radiomics signature demonstrated superior predictive ability across cohorts. Independent predictors included age, diabetes, preoperative eGFR, RENAL score, ischemia time, and the radiomics signature. The preoperative nomogram showed excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.952, 0.909, 0.931, 0.914, 0.926), robust calibration, and favorable DCA performance. Bootstrap analysis confirmed its internal stability (mean AUC = 0.948; 95% CI: 0.927-0.972).The preoperative-intraoperative nomogram further improved discriminative performance (AUC = 0.962, 0.926, 0.947, 0.947, 0.933), with strong calibration and consistent clinical utility across all cohorts. Bootstrap validation also demonstrated excellent internal robustness (mean AUC = 0.960; 95% CI: 0.947-0.990). CONCLUSIONS:Radiomics signatures derived from CT images of both tumor and normal renal tissue, when integrated with clinical parameters, can accurately predict early renal function decline following PN. The proposed nomograms may facilitate individualized risk stratification and optimize surgical decision-making.

We present a rare case of a collision tumor comprising a malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of the thyroid combined with a tiny invasive follicular carcinoma (FTC) in a 72-year-old female patient. The patient presented to the hospital with a painless anterior cervical mass discovered one month prior, and examination revealed a 50 mm × 30 mm mass in the left lobe of the thyroid gland. Ultrasound showed multiple solid and mixed lesions with gross calcifications in both thyroid lobes. The patient underwent total resection of the left thyroid and isthmus plus right subtotal resection. Histopathological examination revealed two distinct tumor components in the left lobe: immunohistochemistry revealed a PEComa component (HMB45+/SMA+/Desmin+, Ki-67 about 50%, P53 missense mutation) and a follicular carcinoma component (TTF-1+/PAX8+/TPO+, Ki-67 about 3% and P53 wild-type). The two components were well demarcated without mutual migration, meeting the diagnostic criteria for collision tumors. This case represents the first reported collision tumor combining thyroid PEComa and FTC, with immunohistochemistry confirming the independent origins of both tumors. The findings expand our understanding of thyroid tumor varieties and highlight the crucial role of Ultrasound and histopathology in diagnosing and managing complex thyroid tumors, serving as a valuable reference for similar cases.

Background In metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC), residual lesions on CT after immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based therapy often remain anatomically visible despite uncertain biological viability. In this study, we evaluated whether 1-year [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG)-PET–CT-defined complete metabolic response (CMR), assessed at a prespecified landmark among patients who remained progression free throughout the first treatment year, provides complementary prognostic information beyond CT-based response assessment. Methods In this multicentre, observational cohort study with prospective follow-up at eight tertiary hospitals in China, we included patients (≥18 years) with histologically confirmed mccRCC who received first-line ICB-based combination therapy, remained progression free per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1 throughout the first treatment year, and completed paired baseline and 1-year [18F]FDG-PET–CT scans. Patients initiated first-line therapy between Jan 1, 2021, and Jan 31, 2024, and the analytical data cutoff was April 30, 2025. Response at the 1-year landmark was assessed using RECIST 1.1 and modified European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival and overall survival from the 1-year landmark. All patients meeting prespecified eligibility criteria constituted the full analytical set for the primary endpoints. Findings Of 867 patients screened after baseline [18F]FDG-PET–CT, 339 met the prespecified landmark eligibility criteria and formed the final 1-year landmark cohort. 268 (79%) of 339 patients were male and 71 (21%) were female. At the 1-year landmark, conventional CT identified complete response in 28 (8%) of 339 patients and [18F] FDG-PET–CT identified CMR in 78 (23%) patients. Median follow-up from the 1-year landmark was 17·0 months (IQR 5·7–24·7). Median progression-free survival was 22·6 months (95% CI 20·0–not reached) in the CMR group versus 10·9 months (8·9–13·5) in the non-CMR group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·32, 95% CI 0·22–0·48; p<0·0001). Median overall survival was not reached (95% CI 30·0–not reached) in the CMR group versus 24·6 months (21·7–not reached) in the non-CMR group (HR 0·13, 95% CI 0·05–0·33; p<0·0001). In a multivariable model adjusting for International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium risk, sarcomatoid features, CT response at 1 year, and maximum standardised uptake value at baseline, CMR remained independently associated with progression-free survival (time-averaged adjusted HR 0·43, 95% CI 0·27–0·68; p=0·00040) and overall survival (adjusted HR 0·19, 95% CI 0·06–0·62; p=0·0058). Interpretation In patients with mccRCC who remained progression free throughout the first year of first-line ICB-based therapy, 1-year [18F]FDG-PET–CT-defined CMR provided clinically relevant prognostic stratification beyond anatomical response assessment. These findings support prospective evaluation of PET-guided treatment de-escalation strategies. Funding National Natural Science Foundation of China, Basic Research Program of Jiangsu Province.

Introduction Recently, immunotherapy has significantly transformed the treatment landscape of endometrial cancer (EC). Results from KEYNOTE-158, RUBY and AtTEnd showed programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or programmed cell death-ligand 1 inhibitors with promising efficacy in primary advanced or recurrent EC. However, few studies focused on the role of dual immune checkpoints in primary advanced or recurrent EC. Cadonilimab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting the PD-1 and T-lymphocyte antigen-4, which is expected to show substantial clinical efficacy in EC. Combining cadonilimab with standard chemotherapy may have synergistic effects, making this combination a promising first-line treatment for primary advanced or recurrent EC. Furthermore, incorporating molecular classification for guidance on the use of cadonilimab may hold valuable clinical benefits.Methods and analysis In this multicentre, open-label, phase II study, patients with histologically confirmed EC were eligible. Forty-five patients will be recruited. Seventeen patients will be enrolled in stage I, and at least seven cases of complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) should be observed before entering stage II. All patients will receive cadonilimab at a dosage of 10 mg/kg along with carboplatin (area under the curve (AUC)=4–5) plus paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) every 3 weeks (Q3W) for 6–8 cycles. Subsequently, patients with CR, PR or stable disease will receive maintenance of cadonilimab at 10 mg/kg Q3W for 24 months or until progressive disease or adverse events are reported. The objective response rate is the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints include the disease control rate, duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival and safety. Additionally, exploratory endpoints involve biomarkers that may predict the efficacy of cadonilimab and chemotherapy, as well as their relationship with molecular classifications. The interim analysis will be conducted after 17 patients have been enrolled.Ethics and dissemination The study protocol meets the approval of the ethical committee of Fujian Cancer Hospital (K2023-173-04) and all other participating hospitals. Study findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration number NCT06066216.

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the clinical value of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using a temperature-sensitive liquid embolic agent for the interventional treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data and follow-up results sourced from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were retrospectively analyzed from February 2023 to May 2023. Clinical efficacy was assessed through follow-up imaging using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) version 1.1. In addition, adverse reactions and adverse events were observed and classified using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTC) version 3.0. Results: Among the 11 patients analyzed in this study, a total of 41 lesions were identified. The average maximum diameter of the lesions was 3.55 ± 1.88 cm (range: 1.70 cm–6.60 cm). One month postoperatively, the efficacy assessment revealed complete response (CR) in 1 case, partial response (PR) in 9 cases, stable disease (SD) in 1 case, and progression in 0 case. The objective response rate (CR + PR) was 90.91%, and the disease control rate (CR + PR + SD) was 100%. Postoperative adverse reactions were mostly of grade 1–2, including abdominal pain, bloating, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Conclusion: The use of temperature-sensitive liquid embolic agents loaded with lobaplatin for chemoembolization in the treatment of unresectable primary liver cancer is a safe and effective therapeutic modality.

In recent years, iliopsoas plane block as a new type of regional nerve block technique has gradually gained attention; however, its actual effect on analgesia and motor function preservation in postoperative hip arthroplasty patients has not been fully verified. Because of this, we summarize the experience of 10 cases of successful application of iliopsoas plane block (IPB) combined with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) block for postoperative pain management after hip arthroplasty, to provide useful reference and inspiration for clinical practice.

Objective:Radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer involves the en-bloc resection of the primary tumor and complete excision of the mesogastrium. However, the surgical boundaries and techniques for removing lymph nodes above the pylorus during gastric cancer surgery remain unclear. We aimed to investigate a novel, standardized approach for excising the right mesogastrium in gastric cancer patients undergoing suprapyloric lymphadenectomy, focusing on surgical techniques and outcomes. Methods:Our surgical technique includes identifying three key elements of the mesogastrium: the encircling portion, the suspension point, and the connecting segment. Using these anatomical landmarks, we resect adipose tissue containing lymph nodes from the right mesogastrium and perform root ligation of the right gastric vessels. We then perform D2 lymphadenectomy combined with complete mesogastrium excision (D2+CME). We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 376 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with lymph node dissection for gastric cancer, comparing outcomes between laparoscopic suprapyloric lymph node dissection guided by mesogastric anatomy and traditional methods. Results:A total of 376 patients were included, with 166 undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with D2+CME and 210 receiving traditional laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy. No significant differences were observed between the groups in age, body mass index, comorbidities, ASA score, tumor differentiation, tumor location, or surgical approach (P>0.05). The D2+CME group harvested significantly more lymph nodes than the traditional D2 group (43.84 ± 5.01 vs. 33.18 ± 2.96, P<0.001). The number of positive lymph nodes was also higher in the D2+CME group (6.12 ± 0.89 vs. 2.86 ± 0.55, P<0.001). The number of lymph nodes harvested from the right mesogastrium was greater in the D2+CME group (3.41 ± 0.48 vs. 1.32 ± 0.37, P<0.001). Intraoperative blood loss was lower in the D2+CME group (5.67 ± 0.41 vs. 9.96 ± 0.77, P<0.001), and dissection time was shorter (27.22 ± 1.50 vs. 31.31 ± 1.53, P<0.001). No significant difference was found in the number of positive lymph nodes in the right mesogastrium (P>0.05). Conclusion:D2+CME is a feasible and effective approach for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The mesogastric anatomical-guided method for suprapyloric lymph node dissection is safe, reliable, and improves lymph node dissection quality while reducing operative time.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the concept of sagittal anatomy in laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy through the lens of membrane anatomy.MethodsA retrospective study reviewed clinical records of 128 patients with right colon cancer who received laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit 1, The First Hospital of Putian City, Fujian Province, between December 2020 and December 2022. Among the participants, 70 were male and 58 were female, with an average age of 62 years. All patients received standardized laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy, following the principles of sagittal anatomy. The surgical technique comprised three steps: cephalic, caudal dorsal, and CVL+D3. Anatomical landmarks were exposed to ensure quality control for each surgical area. Intraoperative photographs were captured, and data on operation time, lymph node harvest, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative outcomes were collected.ResultsAll laparoscopic procedures were successfully completed without the need for conversion to open surgery or the occurrence of intraoperative complications. Lymph node dissection was successfully performed in all patients, and specimens were examined pathologically. The average number of lymph nodes harvested, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss were 20.25 ± 3.23, 153.36 ± 11.49 minutes, and 42.15 ± 5.82 mL, respectively. All patients were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma based on pathological examination. The 3-year overall survival rate was 78.2%.ConclusionWhen viewed through the lenses of embryological development and membrane anatomy, the sagittal approach to laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy proves to be both safe and feasible, contributing to a more standardized and regulated approach to the procedure.

Background:Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is a highly aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer, characterized by high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. While minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is commonly used in endometrial cancer treatment, its oncologic safety in high-risk USC remains unclear. This study aimed to compare survival outcomes between MIS and open surgery in patients with USC. Methods:In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, 176 patients with USC who underwent primary surgical treatment were included (MIS: 53 [30.1%], open: 123 [69.9%]). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), while Cox regression identified independent prognostic factors. Results:The median follow-up was 78 months (95% CI: 68.3-87.7). Patients in the MIS group experienced a higher recurrence rate (49.1% vs. 31.7%) and lower 5-year PFS (49.7% vs. 68.3%, P = 0.017), although 5-year OS was comparable between groups (69.7% vs. 77.4%, P = 0.219). Multivariate analysis confirmed that MIS as an independent predictor of poorer PFS (HR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.31-4.01, P = 0.004). In contrast, adjuvant therapy significantly improved PFS (HR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0.60, P = 0.001). Hypertension was also associated with decreased OS (HR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.11-3.81, P = 0.022). Conclusions:MIS may be associated with an increased risk of recurrence and reduced PFS in USC patients, while adjuvant therapy remains critical for improving survival outcomes.

BackgroundImmunotherapy has become a powerful clinical strategy for treating recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (R/M CC). Cadonilimab, a novel anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, has shown substantial clinical benefits in cancer treatment. However, there is no real-world evidence of cadonilimab with a considerable sample size in R/M CC. Hence, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of cadonilimab in R/M CC patients and explore its potential mechanism.MethodsThis retrospective real-world study examined a sample of R/M CC patients treated with cadonilimab at 13 large academic medical centers in China from July 6, 2022, to October 1, 2023. The outcomes were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), as well as safety profiles. Additionally, the programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) was detected by immunohistochemistry to confirm its predictive values. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was also performed to investigate its potential antitumor mechanisms.ResultsAmong the 129 patients with measurable disease, the ORR was 38.8%, consisting of complete and partial responses in 8.5% and 30.2% of patients, respectively. The DCR was 72.1%. The median PFS was 12.4 months, while the median OS has not yet been reached. Subgroup analysis showed a numerical trend toward longer median PFS in patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 compared with CPS < 1 (14.0 vs. 12.8 months; P = 0.235). Moreover, combined therapy of cadonilimab and radiotherapy was identified as an independent prognostic factor for both OS and PFS. The most common grade 3 or worse adverse event was anemia (28 [20.1%]), decreased white blood cell count (24 [17.2%]), and decreased neutrophil count (20 [14.4%]). The most prevalent genetic variant was PIK3CA, highlighting the importance of the PI3K-AKT pathway in the antitumor mechanism of cadonilimab.ConclusionsCadonilimab shows an encouraging tumor response rate, with a manageable safety profile in patients with R/M CC. Notably, cadonilimab is also effective for those with PD-L1 CPS <1, suggesting a broad range of application prospects in R/M CC.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT06140589.

BACKGROUND:Lymphadenectomy of the infrapyloric region remains technically demanding in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Traditional vessel-guided approaches often result in incomplete dissection and higher complication rates, especially at station No. 6. AIM:To propose a mesentery-based strategy for infrapyloric lymphadenectomy and evaluate its safety, feasibility, and efficacy. METHODS:By identifying key anatomical landmarks and defining the inferior mesenteric boundary of the pyloric region (right gastro-omental mesentery), this approach enables full exposure and en bloc resection of anterior and posterior mesenteric planes, with proximal ligation at the root of feeding vessels. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 330 gastric cancer patients who underwent D2 lymphadenectomy (D2) from January 2020 to December 2021. Outcomes were compared between 165 patients treated with D2 plus complete mesogastric excision (D2 + CME) and 165 matched controls receiving conventional D2. RESULTS:The D2 + CME group demonstrated significantly improved surgical outcomes, including shorter total operative time (279.19 ± 45.50 minutes vs 301.25 ± 52.30 minutes, P < 0.001), reduced infrapyloric dissection time (22.24 ± 3.80 minutes vs 27.58 ± 4.20 minutes, P < 0.001), and lower blood loss (4.71 ± 1.12 mL vs 24.83 ± 6.35 mL, P < 0.001). More lymph nodes were retrieved overall (43.80 ± 10.05 vs 37.25 ± 8.80, P < 0.001), particularly at station No. 6 (5.26 ± 0.87 vs 4.14 ± 0.41, P < 0.001). Postoperative recovery indicators and hospital stay were comparable between groups, while the complication rate was significantly lower in the D2 + CME group (20% vs 30.3%, P = 0.042). CONCLUSION:The mesentery-based approach enables safe pyloric lymphadenectomy. Systematic mesogastric excision improves operative efficiency and lymph node yield, especially at station No. 6, offering potential oncological benefits in gastric cancer surgery.

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus and a clinically common form of neuropathic pain. The thalamus is an important center for the conduction and modulation of nociceptive signals. The paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) is an important midline nucleus of the thalamus involved in sensory processing, but the specific role of PVT astrocytes and GABAergic neurons in DNP remains unclear. Here, we examined the activity of PVT astrocytes and neurons at various time points during the development of DNP by fluorescence immunohistochemistry and found that the activity of PVT astrocytes was significantly increased while that of PVT neurons was significantly decreased 14 d after streptozotocin injection in male rats. The inhibition of PVT astrocytes by chemogenetic manipulation relieved mechanical allodynia in male DNP model rats, whereas the activation of PVT astrocytes induced mechanical allodynia in normal male rats. Interestingly, chemogenetic activation of GABAergic neurons in the PVT alleviated mechanical allodynia in male DNP model rats, whereas chemogenetic inhibition of GABAergic neurons in the PVT induced mechanical allodynia in normal male rats. These data demonstrate the distinct roles of PVT astrocytes and GABAergic neurons in modulating DNP, revealing the mechanism of DNP pathogenesis and the role of the PVT in pain modulation.

IntroductionOvarian cancer (OC) is a lethal malignancy for which there are limited therapeutic options. The role of renalase (RNLS) in cancer progression and ferroptosis regulation remains unclear. This study investigates how RNLS mediates STAT3 to promote OC growth and suppress ferroptosis.MethodsRNLS expression was analyzed in OC cell lines (OVCAR3) and normal ovarian epithelial cells (IOSE80) via qPCR. Stable RNLS knockdown (sh-RNLS) and overexpression (ov-RNLS) OVCAR3 models were established via lentiviral infection. STAT3 siRNA was transfected to explore RNLS-STAT3 interactions. Functional assays (CCK8, wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry) evaluated proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and ROS levels. Mitochondrial morphology was assessed by electron microscopy. Subcutaneous tumor models in mice validated in vivo effects. Molecular markers (STAT3, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, Ki-67, MDA, GPX4, GSH) were analyzed via Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA.ResultsRNLS was significantly upregulated in OC cells, particularly OVCAR3. RNLS knockdown suppressed STAT3 expression, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth, while promoting apoptosis, ROS accumulation, and mitochondrial damage. Conversely, RNLS overexpression exerted opposing effects. STAT3 silencing inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling and ferroptosis resistance, which were rescued by RNLS overexpression. In vivo, sh-RNLS reduced tumor volume/weight, as well as RNLS/STAT3, Ki-67, GPX4, and GSH, while increasing MDA. ov-RNLS enhanced tumor growth and reversed these molecular changes.ConclusionRNLS drives OC progression by activating STAT3-dependent PI3K/AKT signaling, enhancing proliferation, metastasis, and ferroptosis suppression. Targeting RNLS-STAT3 axis may offer a novel therapeutic strategy against OC.

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cancer challenge worldwide. Combination therapy using transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous ablation offers potential for improved outcomes. Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and liver function preservation in HCC patients treated with combined TACE and percutaneous ablation, identifying key prognostic factors. Methods:This longitudinal study included 200 HCC patients. Factors analyzed included tumor characteristics, liver function tests, and serologic markers. Statistical analyses determined associations with treatment outcomes and survival. Results:Smaller tumors (≤5.0 cm) and lower AFP levels (<200 ng/mL) were associated with higher treatment efficacy, with an objective response rate of 67.3% for lower AFP levels versus 42.3% for higher levels. Liver function was better preserved in patients with lower AFP levels (78.2% vs. 57.7%). Tumor size and liver stiffness significantly influenced survival and liver function outcomes. Conclusion:The combination of TACE and percutaneous ablation enhances outcomes in HCC, guided by specific prognostic markers. This supports the need for personalized approaches in HCC treatment and further research into combination therapies.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1604377.].

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical palpation on the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in patients with oral and maxillofacial malignant tumors. Materials and methods: Patients with oral and maxillofacial malignant tumors were recruited (42 with tongue cancer, 30 with buccal cancer, and 25 with gingival cancer). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive rate, and negative predictive rate for these three cancers were compared. Results: The MRI sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive rate, and negative predictive rate were 69.39 % 65.12 %, 62.96 %, 58.33 %, and 63.92 %, respectively. The clinical palpation sensitivity was 46.51 %, specificity was 74.07 %, accuracy was 61.86 %, positive predictive rate was 58.82 %, and negative predictive rate was 63.49 %. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive rate, and negative predictive rate of the combined examination were 74.42 %, 75.93 %, 75.26 %, 69.57 %, and 80.39 %, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of clinical palpation and MRI (P = 0.012). The sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive rate of MRI for tongue cancer patients were significantly higher than those of clinical palpation, while the specificity and positive predictive rate of MRI were significantly lower than those of clinical palpation (P = 0.013). The specificity, accuracy, positive predictive rate, and negative predictive rate of MRI were significantly lower than those of clinical palpation (P = 0.024), while those of gingival cancer patients reached 100 %, which was higher than that of clinical palpation (P < 0.002). Clinical palpation significantly affected the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in buccal cancer patients, while MRI significantly affected the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis gingival cancer patients. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence for clinicians in selecting diagnostic approaches, MRI and clinical palpation. MRI is recommended for gingival and tongue cancers, while clinical palpation remains valuable for buccal cancer. Combined examination enhances early detection of lymph node metastasis, supporting tailored treatment strategies.