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Sen T, Takahashi N, Chakraborty S, Takebe N, Nassar AH, Karim NA, Puri S, Naqash AR. Emerging advances in defining the molecular and therapeutic landscape of small-cell lung cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:610-627. [PMID: 38965396 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00914-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has traditionally been considered a recalcitrant cancer with a dismal prognosis, with only modest advances in therapeutic strategies over the past several decades. Comprehensive genomic assessments of SCLC have revealed that most of these tumours harbour deletions of the tumour-suppressor genes TP53 and RB1 but, in contrast to non-small-cell lung cancer, have failed to identify targetable alterations. The expression status of four transcription factors with key roles in SCLC pathogenesis defines distinct molecular subtypes of the disease, potentially enabling specific therapeutic approaches. Overexpression and amplification of MYC paralogues also affect the biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities of SCLC. Several other attractive targets have emerged in the past few years, including inhibitors of DNA-damage-response pathways, epigenetic modifiers, antibody-drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. However, the rapid development of therapeutic resistance and lack of biomarkers for effective selection of patients with SCLC are ongoing challenges. Emerging single-cell RNA sequencing data are providing insights into the plasticity and intratumoural and intertumoural heterogeneity of SCLC that might be associated with therapeutic resistance. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in genomic and transcriptomic characterization of SCLC with a particular focus on opportunities for translation into new therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triparna Sen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nobuyuki Takahashi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Subhamoy Chakraborty
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amin H Nassar
- Division of Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nagla A Karim
- Inova Schar Cancer Institute Virginia, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sonam Puri
- Division of Medical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Abdul Rafeh Naqash
- Medical Oncology/ TSET Phase 1 program, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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García-Torralba E, Garcia-Lorenzo E, Doger B, Spada F, Lamarca A. Immunotherapy in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Diamond to Cut. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2530. [PMID: 39061170 PMCID: PMC11275146 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A raise in the incidence of NENs is expected. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic strategies, such as immunotherapy, remains crucial. To date, immune checkpoint inhibitors as monotherapy have shown modest activity in unselected NENs. Although immunotherapy combos (plus another immune agents or chemotherapy, among others) are potentially more active than single agents, this has not been uniformly confirmed, even in high-grade NENs. Other immunotherapeutic strategies under development include bispecific antibodies, targeting specific tumor antigens like DLL3, and cell therapy. Currently, no predictive immune biomarkers are available to guide clinical decisions. A comprehensive tumor molecular profiling approach needs to be developed for the selection of patients with NEN who could potentially benefit from immunotherapy. Ideally, clinical trials should incorporate this tumor molecular profiling to identify predictive biomarkers and improve efficacy. Achieving this goal requires an international collaborative effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda García-Torralba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, 30008 Murcia, Spain;
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Murcia, 30001 Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Esther Garcia-Lorenzo
- START Madrid-FJD, Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernard Doger
- START Madrid-FJD, Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca Spada
- European Institute of Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Angela Lamarca
- Department of Oncology, OncoHealth Institute, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Bylsma LC, Pundole X, Ju CH, Hooda N, Movva N, Elkhouly E, Bebb G, Fryzek J, Martinez P, Balasubramanian A, Dingemans AMC. Systematic Literature Review of the Prevalence and Prognostic Value of Delta-Like Ligand 3 Protein Expression in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Target Oncol 2023; 18:821-835. [PMID: 37930513 PMCID: PMC10663197 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-01008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), a member of the Notch pathway, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target as it is highly expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a subtype accounting for 15% of lung cancer cases. OBJECTIVE A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to understand the prevalence and prognostic impact of DLL3 expression on survival of patients with SCLC and treatment response. PATIENTS AND METHODS Systematic literature searches were conducted across multiple databases to capture studies of any SCLC population that evaluated DLL3 expression. Specific outcomes of interest included prevalence of DLL3 expression, method of expression analysis, and impact on outcome, including treatment response and survival (overall, progression-free, disease-free) according to varying levels of DLL3 expression/positivity. Standard risk of bias tools were used to evaluate study quality. RESULTS Among the 30 included studies, the most common DLL3 testing method was immunohistochemistry (N = 26, 86.7%). For comparability, results focused on the 13 (22.3%) studies that used the Ventana DLL3 (SP347) immunohistochemistry assay. The prevalence of DLL3 positivity ranged from 80.0-93.5% for studies using a threshold of ≥ 1% of tumor cells (N = 4) and 58.3-91.1% for studies with a ≥ 25% threshold (N = 4). DLL3 expression was generally categorized as high using cutoffs of ≥ 50% (prevalence range: 45.8-79.5%; N = 6) or ≥ 75% (prevalence range: 47.3-75.6%; N = 5) of cells with positivity. Two studies used an H-score of ≥ 150 to define high DLL3 expression with prevalence ranging from 33.3-53.1%. No consistent associations were seen between DLL3 expression level and patient age, sex, smoking history, or disease stage. Two studies reported change in DLL3 expression category (high versus low) before and after chemotherapy. No statistically significant differences were reported between DLL3 expression groups and survival (overall, progression-free, or disease-free) or treatment response. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of DLL3 expression in SCLC. Further research and analytical methods may help to characterize different populations of patients with SCLC based on DLL3 expression. While no significant prognostic factor in the included studies was identified, additional cohort studies using standardized methodology, with longer follow-up, are needed to better characterize any potential differences in patient survival or response by DLL3 expression level in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Bylsma
- EpidStrategies, A Division of ToxStrategies, LLC, Mission Viejo, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Naushin Hooda
- EpidStrategies, A Division of ToxStrategies, LLC, Mission Viejo, CA, USA
| | - Naimisha Movva
- EpidStrategies, A Division of ToxStrategies, LLC, Mission Viejo, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jon Fryzek
- EpidStrategies, A Division of ToxStrategies, LLC, Mission Viejo, CA, USA
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Krpina K, Vranić S, Tomić K, Samaržija M, Batičić L. Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Current Diagnosis, Biomarkers, and Treatment Options with Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1982. [PMID: 37509621 PMCID: PMC10377361 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid proliferation, early dissemination, acquired therapy resistance, and poor prognosis. Early diagnosis of SCLC is crucial since most patients present with advanced/metastatic disease, limiting the potential for curative treatment. While SCLC exhibits initial responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, treatment resistance commonly emerges, leading to a five-year overall survival rate of up to 10%. New effective biomarkers, early detection, and advancements in therapeutic strategies are crucial for improving survival rates and reducing the impact of this devastating disease. This review aims to comprehensively summarize current knowledge on diagnostic options, well-known and emerging biomarkers, and SCLC treatment strategies and discuss future perspectives on this aggressive malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Krpina
- Clinic for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Semir Vranić
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Krešimir Tomić
- Department of Oncology, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miroslav Samaržija
- Clinic for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lara Batičić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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Zhang H, Yang Y, Li X, Yuan X, Chu Q. Targeting the Notch signaling pathway and the Notch ligand, DLL3, in small cell lung cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114248. [PMID: 36645960 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive and poorly differentiated cancer with high-grade neuroendocrine (NE) features, accounting for approximately 15 % of all lung cancers. For decades, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have predominated the treatment strategy for SCLC, but relapses ensue quickly and result in poor survival of patients. Immunotherapy has brought novel insights, yet the efficacy is still restricted to a limited population with SCLC. Notch signaling is identified to play a key role in the initiation and development of SCLC, and the Notch ligand, Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) is found broadly and specifically expressed in SCLC cells. Thus, Notch signaling is under active exploration as a potential therapeutic target in SCLC. Herein, we summarized and updated the functional relevance of Notch signaling in SCLC, discussed Notch signaling-targeted therapy for SCLC and the correspondent preclinical and clinical trials, and investigated the promising synergy effects of Notch signaling targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Yunkai Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Xuchang Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Xun Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
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Yao J, Bergsland E, Aggarwal R, Aparicio A, Beltran H, Crabtree JS, Hann CL, Ibrahim T, Byers LA, Sasano H, Umejiego J, Pavel M. DLL3 as an Emerging Target for the Treatment of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Oncologist 2022; 27:940-951. [PMID: 35983951 PMCID: PMC9632312 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are heterogeneous malignancies that can arise at almost any anatomical site and are classified as biologically distinct well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC). Current systemic therapies for advanced disease, including targeted therapies, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, are associated with limited duration of response. New therapeutic targets are needed. One promising target is delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), an inhibitory ligand of the Notch receptor whose overexpression on the surface of NEN is associated with tumorigenesis. METHODS This article is a narrative review that highlights the role of DLL3 in NEN progression and prognosis, the potential for therapeutic targeting of DLL3, and ongoing studies of DLL3-targeting therapies. Classification, incidence, pathogenesis, and current management of NEN are reviewed to provide biological context and illustrate the unmet clinical needs. DISCUSSION DLL3 is overexpressed in many NENs, implicated in tumor progression, and is typically associated with poor clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with NEC. Targeted therapies using DLL3 as a homing beacon for cytotoxic activity mediated via several different mechanisms (eg, antibody-drug conjugates, T-cell engager molecules, CAR-Ts) have shown promising clinical activity in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). DLL3 may be a clinically actionable target across NEN. CONCLUSIONS Current treatment options for NEN do not provide sustained responses. DLL3 is expressed on the cell surface of many NEN types and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Initial clinical studies targeting DLL3 therapeutically in SCLC have been promising, and additional studies are expanding this approach to the broader group of NEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Yao
- Corresponding author: James Yao, MD, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 426, Houston, TX 77030-4017, USA. Tel: +1 713 792 2828;
| | | | - Rahul Aggarwal
- Department of Medicine, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ana Aparicio
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judy S Crabtree
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Christine L Hann
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Toni Ibrahim
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCSS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lauren A Byers
- Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | | | - Marianne Pavel
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Wermke M, Felip E, Gambardella V, Kuboki Y, Morgensztern D, Hamed ZO, Liu M, Studeny M, Owonikoko TK. Phase I trial of the DLL3/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager BI 764532 in DLL3-positive small-cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine carcinomas. Future Oncol 2022; 18:2639-2649. [PMID: 35815644 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas such as small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) have poor survival and high relapse rates. DLL3 is found on these carcinomas and has become a target of increasing interest in recent years. The bispecific DLL3/CD3 T-cell engager BI 764532 has been shown to induce complete tumor regression in a human T cell-engrafted mouse model. Here, we describe the study design of a first-in-human, phase I, multicenter, open-label, non-randomized, dose-escalation study in patients with SCLC or other DLL3-positive neuroendocrine carcinomas. The study will determine the maximum tolerated dose and evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of BI 764532 monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wermke
- Technical University Dresden, Medical Faculty, NCT/UCC Early Clinical Trial Unit, Dresden, Germany
| | - Enriqueta Felip
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital & Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valentina Gambardella
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yasutoshi Kuboki
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | | | | | - Meiruo Liu
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA
| | - Matus Studeny
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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Li W, Li D, Chen Y, Abudou H, Wang H, Cai J, Wang Y, Liu Z, Liu Y, Fan H. Classic Signaling Pathways in Alveolar Injury and Repair Involved in Sepsis-Induced ALI/ARDS: New Research Progress and Prospect. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:6362344. [PMID: 35726235 PMCID: PMC9206211 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6362344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is a common critical clinical disease with high mortality that can cause approximately 10 million deaths worldwide each year. Acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common clinical complication of sepsis, which occurs primarily as diffuse alveolar injury, hypoxemia, and respiratory distress. The mortality rate of ALI/ARDS is as high as 30%-40%, which greatly endangers human health. Due to the unclear pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS, its treatment is still a worldwide problem. At present, clinical treatment mainly relies on lung-protective ventilation, prone position ventilation, and fluid management. However, there is a lack of effective and specific treatment measures. In recent years, domestic and foreign scholars have committed to basic research on ALI/ARDS, trying to further clarify its pathogenesis and find new targets and methods for the treatment of ALI/ARDS. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways related to alveolar injury and repair in sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS and their latest research progress. They include the NF-κB, JAK2/STAT3, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), mTOR, and Notch signaling pathways. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of these signaling pathways in sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS may provide new targets and ideas for the clinical treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Li
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Duo Li
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuansen Chen
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Halidan Abudou
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haiwang Wang
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jinxia Cai
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ziquan Liu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haojun Fan
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
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