Group arts therapies for patients with schizophrenia: a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia, a chronic mental problem, significantly impacts cognition, emotion and social functioning. Conventional pharmacotherapy faces challenges including numerous side effects, low adherence to medication and substantial costs. In this context, group arts therapies (GATs) emerge as a promising complementary approach for symptom alleviation in schizophrenia patients. Nonetheless, the effectiveness and safety of GATs are yet to be firmly established. This study aims to systematically assess the therapeutic impact of all group-based artistic interventions as complementary treatments for schizophrenia, focusing on their potential benefits. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will search four English-language databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase), two Chinese databases (Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and three Korean databases (RISS, Korean Citation Index and DBpia) from their inception until October 2023. It will include all randomised controlled trials that compare GATs for schizophrenia with standard rehabilitation methods. The primary outcome is the improvement in patients' positive and negative symptoms. Methodologies such as bias risk assessment, data synthesis, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis will be implemented using Review Manager V.5.4. Study results with high heterogeneity will be merged using a random-effects model (I 2>50% or p<0.1). In cases where meta-analysis is not viable due to significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity, a qualitative summary of the findings will be provided. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The data used in this systematic review are anonymised, devoid of any private information, eliminating the requirement for ethical approval. Dissemination of the research findings will be conducted via peer-reviewed publications. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023471583.

The role of arts therapies in mitigating Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders: a systematic review.

Introduction: Arts therapies offer effective non-pharmacological intervention for Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders (SIMDs), encompassing both passive and active modalities. This review assesses their effectiveness and ethical considerations, focusing on music therapy, meditation, and Tai Chi. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a detailed search across PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI identified 17 relevant RCTs. Utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality criteria and the PICO(S) framework for data extraction ensured methodological integrity. Results: Analysis shows arts therapies significantly improve sleep quality. Music therapy and meditation yield immediate benefits, while Tai Chi and Qigong require longer commitment for significant outcomes. Discussion: The link between SIMDs and mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression suggests arts therapies not only enhance sleep quality but also address underlying mental health conditions. The evidence supports a wider adoption of arts therapies in treating SIMDs due to their dual benefits. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, ID: CRD42024506393.

Arts therapies for mental disorders in COVID-19 patients: a comprehensive review.

Background and objective: The COVID-19 global pandemic has necessitated the urgency for innovative mental health interventions. We performed a comprehensive review of the available literature on the utility and efficacy of arts therapies in treating mental health problems, with special emphasis on their deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to provide some evidence for the application of this therapy. Methods: The potential studies were systematically sourced from five authoritative databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the CNKI database. The evaluation of these studies was conducted based on stringent criteria, including validity, suitability, therapeutic potential, and consistency. Each piece of included literature was meticulously scored in accordance with these criteria, thus ensuring the inclusion of only the most robust studies in this review. The data from these Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were carefully extracted using the PICO(S) framework, ensuring a comprehensive and systemic approach to data collection. In order to emphasize the variability in the effects of differing arts therapies on COVID-19-induced psychiatric disturbances, the sourced literature was systematically categorized and scrutinized based on distinct modalities. Results: Out of the 7,250 sourced articles, 16 satisfied the inclusion conditions. The therapies were predominantly meditation (n = 7), supplemented by individual studies on color therapy (n = 3), music therapy (n = 2), and single studies on horticultural therapy, dance therapy, mindfulness and music therapy, and yoga and music therapy (n = 4 collectively). These various forms of arts therapies had a positive short to medium-term impact on the mental health of COVID-19 patients. Besides improving patients' physical and mental health, these therapies can also be employed to mitigate mental health issues among healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has profound and long-lasting implications for public mental health. Diverse forms of arts therapies are potentially effective in addressing related psychiatric symptoms. The integration of artificial intelligence might further enhance the efficacy and scalability of arts therapies in future implementations.

Microwave ablation for the treatment of peripheral ground-glass nodule-like lung cancer: Long-term results from a multi-center study.

Introduction: Microwave ablation (MWA) is an effective and safe approach for the treatment of ground-glass nodule (GGN)-like lung cancer, but long-term follow-up is warranted. Therefore, this multi-center retrospective study aimed to evaluate the results of MWA for the treatment of peripheral GGN-like lung cancer with a long-term follow-up. Materials and Methods: From June 2013 to January 2018, a total of 87 patients (47 males and 40 females, mean age 64.6 ± 10.2 years) with 87 peripheral lung cancer lesions showing GGN (mean long axis diameter, 17 ± 5 mm) underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous MWA. All GGN-like lung cancers were histologically verified. The primary endpoints were local progression-free survival (LPFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were cancer-specific survival (CSS) and complications. Results: During a median follow-up of 65 months, both the 3-year and 5-year LPFS rates were 96.6% and 96.6%. The OS rate was 94.3% at 3 years and 84.9% at 5 years, whereas the 3-year and 5-year CSS rates were 100% and 100%, respectively. No periprocedural deaths were observed. Complications were observed in 49 patients (51.6%). Grade 3 or higher complications included pneumothorax, pleural effusion, hemorrhage, and pulmonary infection, which were identified in ten (10.5%), two (2.1%), two (2.1%), and one (1.1%) patient, respectively. Conclusions: CT-guided percutaneous MWA is an effective, safe, and potentially curative treatment regimen for GGN-like lung cancer.

Reflection of Solar Light from Surface Snow Loaded with Light-Absorbing Impurities: A Case Study of Black Carbon, Mineral Dust, and Ash.

Using a hemispherical directional reflectance factor instrument, spectral data of dirty snow containing black carbon (BC), mineral dust (MD), and ash was collected from multiple locations to investigate the impact of these light-absorbing impurities (LAIs) on snow reflectance characteristics. The findings revealed that the perturbation of snow reflectance caused by LAIs is characterized by nonlinear deceleration, indicating that the reduction in snow reflectance per unit ppm of LAIs declines as snow contamination increases. The reduction in snow reflectance caused by BC may reach saturation at elevated particle concentrations (thousands of ppm) on snow. Snowpacks loaded with MD or ash initially exhibit a significant reduction in spectral slope around 600 and 700 nm. The deposition of numerous MD or ash particles can increase snow reflectance beyond the wavelength of 1400 nm, with an increase of 0.1 for MD and 0.2 for ash. BC can darken the entire measurement range (350-2500 nm), while MD and ash can only affect up to 1200 nm (350-1200 nm). This study enhances our understanding of the multi-angle reflection characteristics of various dirty snow, which can guide future snow albedo simulations and improve the accuracy of LAIs' remote sensing retrieval algorithms.

Nomogram Based on Preoperative Absolute Lymphocyte Count to Predict Local Recurrence in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Microwave Ablation.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of preoperative absolute lymphocyte count (preALC) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after microwave ablation (MWA) and build a combined nomograph with clinical features to predict the local recurrence. Patients and Methods: A total of 118 NSCLC patients who underwent microwave ablation were enrolled in this study. The median local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) was 35.5 months. Independent prognostic factors obtained by multivariate analysis were included in the prediction model. The prognostic value of the model was assessed by the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (T-AUC). Results: Histological subtype and preALC were independent risk factors for local relapse-free survival. According to the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (T-ROC), the optimal cut-off value of preALC was 1.965×109/L, the sensitivity was 0.837, and the specificity was 0.594. The area under the T-ROC curve (AUC) of preALC was 0.703. To establish a nomogram to predict the local recurrence rate of NSCLC after MWA based on the prognostic factors revealed by Cox regression. Conclusion: Preoperative lymphocyte count reduction is associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC. The nomogram model combined with preALC can provide a good individualized prediction of local recurrence after microwave ablation.

Exosomal miR-133a-3p promotes the growth and metastasis of lung cancer cells following incomplete microwave ablation.

PURPOSE: Exosomal miRNAs play key roles in various biological processes such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration and invasion. We explored whether exosomal miRNAs can promote local recurrence (LR) of lung tumors following incomplete microwave ablation (MWA) therapy. METHODS: Exosomal miRNA profiles before and after incomplete MWA in lung cancer (LC) patients with LR (n = 3) were sequenced and compared. The differentially expressed miRNAs of interest were validated in clinical samples (n = 10) and MWA-treated cells using RT-qPCR analysis. Target genes of the miRNAs were predicted and validated. The biological functions of miRNAs in proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis of A549 cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: A total of 270 miRNAs (243 upregulated and 27 downregulated) were differentially expressed after incomplete MWA in patients with local recurrence. Upregulation of miR-133a-3p after MWA was validated in the cells and clinical samples. Cell functional experiments suggested that miR-133a-3p overexpression derived from serum exosomes increased cell viability, migration and invasion ability, tube formation activity and proliferation of A549 cells. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was identified as a target gene for miR-133a-3p. Moreover, miR-133a-3p delivered by exosomes significantly promoted tumor growth, paralleled by reduced SIRT1 expression in a subcutaneous tumorigenesis animal model and increased the number of lung nodules by tail vein metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSION: Exosomal miR-133a-3p overexpression promoted tumor growth and metastasis following MWA and could be a promising biomarker for LC recurrence after incomplete MWA.

SPACES: Our team's experience in lung tumor microwave ablation.

The standard treatment of stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer is lobectomy with systematic mediastinal lymph node evaluation. Unfortunately, up to 25% of patients with stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer are not candidates for surgery due to severe medical comorbidities (poor cardiopulmonary function). Image-guided thermal ablation is an alternative for those patients, includes radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation, and laser ablation. Compared to them, MWA is a relatively new technique with some potential advantages, such as faster heating times, higher intralesional temperatures, larger ablation zones, less procedural pain, relative insensitivity to "heat sinks," and less sensitivity to tissue types. However, some advantages of MWA mentioned above (such as higher intralesional temperatures, larger ablation zones) also have potential risks and problems, and an innovative and standardized guidance system is needed to avoid and solve these risks and problems. This article combs our team's clinical experience over the past decade, summarizes a systematic and standardized guidance system, and names it SPACES (Selection, Procedure, Assessment, Complication, Evaluation, Systemic therapy). Both primary and metastatic pulmonary tumors can be efficiently treated with image-guided thermal ablation in selected candidates. The selection and use of ablation techniques should consider the size and location of the target tumor, the risk of complications, and the expertise and skills of the professionals, among which the size of the target tumor (<3 mm) is a major factor determining the success of ablation.

Geochemical characteristics and implications of hydrocarbon in source rocks of Chagan Sag, Yin'e basin of Inner Mongolia.

Chagan Sag is one of the most significant tectonic unit in the Yin'e Basin. The special component of the organic macerals and biomarkers in the Chagan sag suggests great difference of its hydrocarbon generation process. In this paper, forty samples of source rocks are subjected to carry out on the geochemical characteristics by methods of rock-eval analysis, organic petrology and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to reveal the origin, depositional environment and maturity of organic matter in Chagan Sag, Yin'e Basin of Inner Mongolia. The total organic matter of the analyzed samples ranges from 0.4 wt%∼3.89 wt% with an average of 1.12 wt%, indicating fair to excellent hydrocarbon generation potential. The rock-eval results show that the S1+S2 and hydrocarbon index range from 0.03 mg/g∼16.34 mg/g (avg.3.6 mg/g) and 6.24-521.32 mg/g (avg. 199.63 mg/g), suggesting most of the kerogen types are type II and III, with small amount of type I. The Tmax ranges from 428 to 496 °C, suggesting low mature to mature stage. The macerals component of morphological macerals presents with certain amount of vitrinite, liptinite and some inertinite. However, the amorphous component takes the dominant part of the macerals with account of 50%-80%. The amorphous components are dominated by sapropelite in the source rock, indicating bacteriolytic amorphous promote the organic generation process. Hopanes and sterane are widely distributed in the source rocks. The biomarker results suggest a mix of planktonic-bacterial and higher plant origins, with wide range of thermal maturity and relatively reducing depositional environment. Abnormal high content of hopanes were observed in the biomarkers, and some special biomarkers such as monomethylalkanes, long-chain-alkyl naphthalenes, aromatized de A-triterpenes, 8,14-seco-triterpenes, and A, B-cyclostane are detected in Chagan Sag. The presence of these compounds suggests that bacterial and microorganisms are of great significance to the generation of hydrocarbon in the source rock in Chagan Sag.

Facilitating combined biopsy and percutaneous microwave ablation of pulmonary ground-glass opacities using lipiodol localisation.

OBJECTIVES: Whether preoperative localisation is necessary and valuable for the microwave ablation (MWA) of small pulmonary lesions with ground-glass opacity (GGO) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of the Chiba needle and lipiodol localisation techniques in facilitating MWA and biopsy. METHODS: This retrospective before-after study included patients with GGOs who underwent conventional MWA and biopsy treatment in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 (group A) or who underwent the Chiba needle and lipiodol localisation treatment before MWA and biopsy between January 2020 and December 2020 (group B). The characteristics of each patient and GGO lesion were collected and analysed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the localisation technique. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients with 152 GGOs and 131 patients with 156 GGOs underwent MWA and biopsy in groups A and B, respectively. The primary technique efficacy rate of MWA differed significantly between the two groups (A vs. B: 94.1% vs. 99.4%; p = 0.009). The positive biopsy rate in the two groups was determined by the difference (A vs. B: 93.4% vs. 98.1%; p = 0.042). The incidence of complications did not increase in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the unmarked group, the Chiba needle and lipiodol localisation technique improved the positive rate of biopsy and the initial effective rate of MWA, without significantly increasing the complication rate. KEY POINTS: • The localisation of the Chiba needle and lipiodol could improve the positive biopsy rate and the initial effective rate of MWA. • The localisation of the Chiba needle and lipiodol does not affect the subsequent MWA and biopsy and does not increase the incidence of pneumothorax and haemorrhage.

Art therapy as an adjuvant treatment for schizophrenia: A protocol for an updated systematic review and subgroup meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials following the PRISMA guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of art therapy as an adjuvant treatment for schizophrenia remains inconclusive, and variation in the effects of art therapy on schizophrenia by the type of schizophrenia, severity of schizophrenia, type of art therapy, follow-up duration, or different populations has never been systematically assessed. The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the effects of art therapy on schizophrenia and to determine whether there are some potential influencing factors affecting the effects of art therapy. METHODS: Seven online databases will be searched from their inception until June 30, 2022. All the relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing art therapy plus standardized treatment versus standardized treatment alone for schizophrenia will be selected and assessed for inclusion. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included RCTs. Review Manager 5.4 will be used to analyze all the data obtained. Mental health symptoms are defined as the primary outcome, and the secondary outcomes include the Global Assessment of Functioning score, quality of life, functional remission, and the level of self-esteem. Subgroup analyses will be performed based on the type of schizophrenia, severity of schizophrenia, type of art therapy, follow-up duration, or different populations. RESULTS: The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: This updated systematic review and subgroup meta-analysis will evaluate the effects of art therapy as adjunctive treatment to standardized treatment in patients with schizophrenia and determine whether there are some potential confounding variables affecting the effects of art therapy on the outcomes of schizophrenia patients, thus strengthening the evidence base for the clinical application of this combination therapy for schizophrenia.

Clinical practice guidelines on image-guided thermal ablation of primary and metastatic lung tumors (2022 edition).

The main contents of the Clinical Practice Guidelines on Image-Guided Thermal Ablation (IGTA) of Primary and Metastatic Lung Tumors (2022 Edition) include the following: epidemiology of primary and metastatic lung tumors; the concepts of the IGTA and common technical features; procedures, indications, contraindications, outcomes evaluation, and related complications of IGTA on primary and metastatic lung tumors; and limitations and future development.

Hypophysitis: A rare but noteworthy immune-related adverse event secondary to camrelizumab therapy.

The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor - camrelizumab - is a promising agent for the treatment of several malignancies. Secondary hypophysitis has been reported in patients treated with the other PD-1 inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab. However, camrelizumab-related hypophysitis has not yet been described. Herein, we report three cases of hypophysitis secondary to camrelizumab therapy. Case 1 was a 60-year-old male patient with non-small-cell lung carcinoma, who was diagnosed with central adrenal insufficiency associated with hypophysitis after 11 cycles of camrelizumab treatment (200 mg every 2 weeks). Glucocorticoid therapy rapidly improved his symptoms. Case 2 was a 68-year-old male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma who received ten cycles of camrelizumab (200 mg every 2 weeks) plus apatinib (250 mg daily), before the diagnosis of hypophysitis. Steroid therapy was also efficacious. Case 3 was a 69-year-old male patient diagnosed with renal carcinoma. After eight cycles of camrelizumab therapy (200 mg every 2 weeks) combined with oral apatinib (250 mg daily), the patient presented with hypophysitis, which responded well to glucocorticoid therapy. These results suggest a caution for hypophysitis in patients treated with camrelizumab.

Synchronous Microwave Ablation Combined With Cisplatin Intratumoral Chemotherapy for Large Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Microwave ablation (MWA) and intratumoral chemotherapy (ITC) are useful for treating tumors in animal models; however, their clinical use in patients with large non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate preliminary outcomes of MWA + ITC for large NSCLC. Methods: From November 2015 to April 2020, a total of 44 NSCLC patients with a mean lesion diameter of 6.1 ± 1.5 cm were enrolled and underwent synchronous MWA + ITC procedures. The primary endpoint was local progression-free survival (LPFS); secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), complications, overall survival (OS), and associated prognostic factors. Results: The median follow-up time was 19.0 months. At the 1-month CT scan, complete tumor ablation was observed in 47.7% of cases. Median LPFS was 12.1 months; 1-, 2-, and 3-year LPFS rates were 51.2%, 27.9%, and 13.6%, respectively. A shorter LPFS was significantly associated with large lesions (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.49; p = 0.032). Median PFS was 8.1 months; 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS rates were 29.5%, 18.2%, and 9.1%, respectively. LPFS was significantly superior to PFS (p = 0.046). Median OS was 18.8 months. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 65.9%, 43.2%, 26.4%, and 10.0%, respectively. In univariate comparisons, high performance status (PS) score, smoking, and larger lesions were significantly correlated with poor survival. In multivariate analysis, advanced age, higher PS score, higher stage, larger lesion, and prior systematic treatment were independent prognostic factors for shorter OS. Adverse events were well tolerated and all patients recovered after appropriate intervention. Conclusions: MWA + ITC is a safe and effective new modality of local treatment for large NSCLC and can significantly prolong LPFS.

A study of microwave ablation for small cell lung cancer.

Purpose: To reveal the survival and safety of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) combined with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in treating small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Materials and Methods: Clinical data of 48 SCLC patients who underwent MWA were retrospectively collected; survival and incidence of major complications were analyzed. Results: Totally, 48 SCLC patients underwent 51 MWA procedures. The median overall survival (OS) for all SCLC was 27.0 months (95% confidence interval 22.4-31.6 months). The OS of limited-stage (LS-SCLC) was longer than the extensive-stage (ES-SCLC) (median 48.0 months vs. 25.0 months, P = 0.022). The OS of SCLC with tumor diameter ≤3.0 cm was longer than that of tumor diameter >3.0 cm (median 48.0 months vs. 27.0 months, P = 0.041). For LS-SCLC, the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate was 91.67%, 72.22%, 66.67%, and 61.11%, respectively. For ES-SCLC, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 83.33%, 50.0%, and 8.33%. Major complications included pneumothorax needing tube placement (29.4%), rarely arrhythmia (2.0%), empyema (2.0%), pulmonary fungal infection (2.0%), and shingles (2.0%). Conclusion: For SCLC patients, who received MWA combined with CRT, OS of LS-SCLC and tumor diameter ≤3.0 cm was better than that of the ES-SCLC and tumor diameter >3.0 cm. For inoperable SCLC, MWA was safe.

Microwave ablation treatment for medically inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancers: long-term results.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we aim to show the results of microwave ablation (MWA) for medically inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) with long-term follow-up. METHODS: From Feb 2011 to Mar 2016, patients with histologically proven clinical stage I NSCLC were treated with CT-guided MWA and retrospectively analyzed. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and complications. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients with 105 lesions underwent MWA. The mean age was 70.7 years (range: 40-86 years), and the mean diameter of all lesions was 2.40 cm (range: 0.9-4.0 cm). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type (77, 73.3%), followed by squamous cell carcinomas (21, 20%) and undefined NSCLC (7, 6.7%). With a median follow-up of 54.8 months, the median DFS was 36.0 months, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rates were 89.5%, 49.4%, and 42.7%, respectively. The median CSS and OS were 89.8 and 64.2 months, respectively. The OS rate was 99% at 1 year, 75.6% at 3 years, and 54.1% at 5 years, while the CSS rates were 99%, 78.9%, and 60.9%, respectively. Patients with stage IB lesions had significant shorter DFS (22.3 months vs. undefined, HR: 11.5, 95%CI: 5.85-22.40) and OS (37.3 vs. 89.8 months, HR: 8.64, 95% CI: 4.49-16.60) than IA disease. CONCLUSION: MWA is a safe, effective, and potentially curative therapy for medically inoperable stage I NSCLC patients. KEY POINTS: • In this multicenter retrospective study which included 105 patients, we found the median overall survival (OS) was 64.2 months. The OS rate was 99% at 1 year, 75.6% at 3 years, and 54.1% at 5 years. • Procedures were technically successful and well tolerated in all patients. Most MWA complications were mild or moderate.

Expert consensus on thermal ablation therapy of pulmonary subsolid nodules (2021 Edition).

The Expert Consensus reviews current literatures and provides clinical practice guidelines for thermal ablation of pulmonary subsolid nodules or ground-glass nodule (GGN). The main contents include the following: (1) clinical evaluation of GGN; (2) procedures, indications, contraindications, outcomes evaluation, and related complications of thermal ablation for GGN; and (3) future development directions.

CT-guided microwave ablation in patients with lung metastases from breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) is a very common ablation method that shows a good local tumor control rate in primary and secondary lung tumors. At present, few reports have explored the safety and efficacy of MWA for lung metastases from breast cancer. METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2018, 32 breast cancer patients with 46 pulmonary metastases received CT-guided percutaneous MWA. The study was approved by the local institutional review board. The clinical efficacy and complications of MWA were investigated. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 32 months and the main effective rate was 97.8% (45/46). Five of 46 lesions had local progression (10.9%), with a median progression time of 10 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 96.9%, 53.3%, and 17.8%, respectively. The median OS time was 36 months. Among 46 MWA treatments, 11 (23.9%) had massive pneumothorax, two (4.3%) had massive pleural effusion, and two (4.3%) had a pulmonary infection. CONCLUSION: CT-guided percutaneous MWA may be safe and effective for treating lung metastases from breast cancer.

[Expert Consensus for Thermal Ablation of Pulmonary Subsolid Nodules (2021 Edition)].

"The Expert Group on Tumor Ablation Therapy of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, The Tumor Ablation Committee of Chinese College of Interventionalists, The Society of Tumor Ablation Therapy of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and The Ablation Expert Committee of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology" have organized multidisciplinary experts to formulate the consensus for thermal ablation of pulmonary subsolid nodules or ground-glass nodule (GGN). The expert consensus reviews current literatures and provides clinical practices for thermal ablation of GGN. The main contents include: (1) clinical evaluation of GGN, (2) procedures, indications, contraindications, outcomes evaluation and related complications of thermal ablation for GGN and (3) future development directions.
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Microwave ablation or plus monochemotherapy in elderly advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) and MWA plus monochemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with advanced NSCLC aged ≥70 years were retrospectively enrolled. MWA was performed at the primary tumor site. The end points included progression-free survival (PFS), response to MWA and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were enrolled; of these, 36 received monochemotherapy. Complete ablation was achieved in 42 patients (77.8%). The median PFS and OS were 4.9 months and 21.8 months, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that female patients had superior PFS (31.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8-63.0]) vs. 5.0 months in male patients (95% CI: 2.0-8.0), p = .002). Female sex was associated with better OS (not reached vs. 10.8 months, 95% CI: 9.3-12.3, p = .003). Moreover, patients with primary tumor size <3.5 cm had better OS than those with tumor size ≥3.5 cm (not reached vs. 10.9 months, 95% CI: 8.2-13.6, p = .006). Multivariate analyses showed that no characteristics were independent prognostic factors of PFS, but sex and primary tumor size were independent prognostic factors of OS. CONCLUSION: MWA was effective in the treatment of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC.