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Muliawan GK, Lee TKW. The roles of cancer stem cell-derived secretory factors in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400112. [PMID: 38868769 PMCID: PMC11167126 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have entered a new era of HCC treatment, their response rates are modest, which can be attributed to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment within HCC tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown that tumor growth is fueled by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to therapeutic resistance to the above treatments. Given that CSCs can regulate cellular and physical factors within the tumor niche by secreting various soluble factors in a paracrine manner, there have been increasing efforts toward understanding the roles of CSC-derived secretory factors in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide an update on how these secretory factors, including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, contribute to the immunosuppressive TME, which leads to immune resistance. In addition, we present current therapeutic strategies targeting CSC-derived secretory factors and describe future perspectives. In summary, a better understanding of CSC biology in the TME provides a rational therapeutic basis for combination therapy with ICIs for effective HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Kenneth Muliawan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Yang B, Xi X, Yu H, Jiang H, Liang Z, Smayi A, Wu B, Yang Y. Evaluation of the effectiveness of surgical resection and ablation for the treatment of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2030. [PMID: 38488487 PMCID: PMC10941592 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal treatment strategy for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, specifically in regard to surgical resection (SR) and ablation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SR and ablation on recurrence and prognosis in early-stage HCC patients, to optimize treatment strategies and improve long-term survival. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 801 patients diagnosed with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0/A HCC and treated with SR or ablation between January 2015 and December 2019. The effectiveness and complications of both treatments were analyzed, and patients were followed up to measure recurrence and survival. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to increase comparability between the two groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze recurrence and survival, and a Cox risk proportional hazard model was used to identify risk factors that affect recurrence and surviva. RESULTS Before PSM, the overall survival (OS) rates were similar in both groups, with recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates better in the SR group than in the ablation group. After PSM, there was no significant difference in OS between the two groups. However, the RFS rates were significantly better in the SR group than in the ablation group. The ablation group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the SR group, with shorter treatment times, reduced bleeding, shorter hospital stays, and lower hospital costs. Concerning the location of the HCC within the liver, comparable efficacy was observed between SR and ablation for disease located in the noncentral region or left lobe. However, for HCCs located in the central region or right lobe of the liver, SR was more effective than ablation. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed no significant difference in OS between SR and ablation for early-stage HCC, with SR providing better RFS and ablation demonstrating better safety profiles and lower hospital costs. These findings offer valuable insights for clinicians in determining optimal treatment strategies for early-stage HCC patients, particularly in terms of balancing efficacy, safety, and cost considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilan Yang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouGuangdongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Xi
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouGuangdongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Hongsheng Yu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouGuangdongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouGuangdongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zixi Liang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouGuangdongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Abdukyamu Smayi
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouGuangdongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouGuangdongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yidong Yang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouGuangdongPeople's Republic of China
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You J, Xia H, Huang Z, He R, Zhao X, Chen J, Liu S, Xu Y, Cui Y. Research progress of circulating non-coding RNA in diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204715. [PMID: 37546394 PMCID: PMC10400719 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor that carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. This type of cancer is prevalent in Asia due to the widespread presence of risk factors. Unfortunately, HCC often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, making early detection and treatment critical for better outcomes. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is commonly used in clinical practice for diagnosing HCC, but its sensitivity and specificity are limited. While surgery and liver transplantation are the main radical treatments, drug therapy and local interventions are better options for patients with advanced HCC. Accurately assessing treatment efficacy and adjusting plans in a timely manner can significantly improve the prognosis of HCC. Non-coding RNA gene transcription products cannot participate in protein production, but they can regulate gene expression and protein function through the regulation of transcription and translation processes. These non-coding RNAs have been found to be associated with tumor development in various types of tumors. Noncoding RNA released by tumor or blood cells can circulate in the blood and serve as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and efficacy assessment. This article explores the unique role of circulating noncoding RNA in HCC from various perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi You
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haoming Xia
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ziyue Huang
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Risheng He
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Sidi Liu
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Cheung TT, Yu SCH, Chan SL, Poon RTP, Kwok P, Lee AS, Tai A, Tam D, Cheung CC, Lai TW, Chia NH, Law A, Shum T, Lam YK, Lau V, Lee V, Chong C, Tang CN, Yau T. The Hong Kong consensus statements on unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: narrative review and update for 2021. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2023; 12:366-385. [PMID: 37351136 PMCID: PMC10282685 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-21-405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective Hong Kong, like many parts of Asia, faces a high burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by high endemic rates of hepatitis B virus infection. Hong Kong clinicians have developed a high level of expertise in HCC treatment across surgical, transarterial, ablative, radiotherapeutic and systemic modalities. This publication summarizes the latest evidence-based recommendations on how these modalities should be used. Methods In two meetings held in 2020, a multidisciplinary panel of surgeons, oncologists and interventional radiologists performed a narrative review of evidence on the management of HCC, with an emphasis on treatment of HCC not amenable to surgical resection. Close attention was paid to new evidence published since the previous version of these statements in 2018. Key Content and Findings The expert panel has formulated 60 consensus statements to guide the staging and treatment of unresectable HCC. Since the previous version of these statements, considerable additions have been made to the recommendations on use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies because of the large volume of new evidence. Conclusions Our consensus statements offer guidance on how to select HCC patients for surgical or non-surgical treatment and for choosing among non-surgical modalities for patients who are not candidates for resection. In particular, there is a need for more evidence to aid physicians in the selection of second-line systemic therapies, as currently most data are limited to patients with disease progression on first-line sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan-To Cheung
- Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Chun-Ho Yu
- Department of Imaging & Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen L. Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ronnie T. P. Poon
- Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Philip Kwok
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ann-Shing Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anna Tai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Derek Tam
- Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Tak-Wing Lai
- Department of Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nam-Hung Chia
- Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ada Law
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tracy Shum
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yim-Kwan Lam
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vince Lau
- Department of Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Victor Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Charing Chong
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung-Ngai Tang
- Department of Surgery, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas Yau
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Luerken L, Haimerl M, Doppler M, Uller W, Beyer LP, Stroszczynski C, Einspieler I. Update on Percutaneous Local Ablative Procedures for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2022; 194:1075-1086. [PMID: 35545102 DOI: 10.1055/a-1768-0954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common tumor worldwide. Because many hepatocellular carcinomas are already unresectable at the time of initial diagnosis, percutaneous tumor ablation has become established in recent decades as a curative therapeutic approach for very early (BCLC 0) and early (BCLC A) HCC. The aim of this paper is to provide a concise overview of the percutaneous local ablative procedures currently in use, based on their technical characteristics as well as clinical relevance, taking into account the current body of studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The literature search included all original papers, reviews, and meta-analyses available via MEDLINE and Pubmed on the respective percutaneous ablation procedures; the primary focus was on randomized controlled trials and publications from the last 10 years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are well-established procedures that are considered equal to surgical resection in the treatment of stage BCLC 0 and A HCC with a diameter up to 3 cm due to their strong evidence in international and national guidelines. For tumors with a diameter between 3 and 5 cm, the current S3 guidelines recommend a combination of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and thermal ablation using RFA or MWA as combination therapy is superior to thermal ablation alone in tumors of this size and shows comparable results to surgical resection in terms of overall survival. Alternative, less frequently employed thermal procedures include cryotherapy (CT) and laser ablation (LA). Non-thermal procedures include irreversible electroporation (IRE), interstitial brachytherapy (IBT), and most recently, electrochemotherapy (ECT). Due to insufficient evidence, these have only been used in individual cases and within the framework of studies. However, the nonthermal methods are a reasonable alternative for ablation of tumors adjacent to large blood vessels and bile ducts because they cause significantly less damage to these structures than thermal ablation methods. With advances in the technology of the respective procedures, increasingly good evidence, and advancements in supportive techniques such as navigation devices and fusion imaging, percutaneous ablation procedures may expand their indications for the treatment of larger and more advanced tumors in the coming years. KEY POINTS · RFA and MWA are considered equal to surgical resection as a first-line therapy for the curative treatment of stage BCLC 0 and A HCCs with a diameter of up to 3 cm.. · For HCCs with a diameter between 3 and 5 cm, a combination of TACE and RFA or MWA is recommended. This combination therapy yields results comparable to those of surgical resection in terms of overall survival.. · Due to insufficient evidence, alternative ablation methods have only been used in individual cases and within the framework of studies. However, nonthermal methods, such as IRE, IBT, and, most recently, ECT, are a reasonable alternative for ablation of HCCs adjacent to large blood vessels and bile ducts because they cause significantly less damage to these structures than thermal ablation methods.. CITATION FORMAT · Luerken L, Haimerl M, Doppler M et al. Update on Percutaneous Local Ablative Procedures for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; DOI: 10.1055/a-1768-0954.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Luerken
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Haimerl
- Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Doppler
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Freiburg Department of Radiology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wibke Uller
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Freiburg Department of Radiology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Philipp Beyer
- Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany.,Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann gGmbH, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Ingo Einspieler
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
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Cardarelli-Leite L, Hadjivassiliou A, Klass D, Chung J, Ho SGF, Lim HJ, Kim PTW, Mujoomdar A, Liu DM. Current locoregional therapies and treatment strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:S144-S151. [PMID: 33343208 DOI: 10.3747/co.27.7171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Locoregional therapies (lrts) play an important role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc), with the aim of increasing overall survival while preserving liver function. Various forms of lrt are available, and choosing the best one depends on technical aspects, liver morphology, tumour biology, and the patient's symptoms. The purpose of the present review article is to provide an overview of the current evidence relating to the use of percutaneous ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, and transarterial radioembolization for the curative or palliative treatment of hcc. Special situations are also reviewed, including the combined use of systemic therapy and lrt, indications and techniques for bridging to transplant and downstaging, and the use of lrt to treat patients with hcc and macrovascular invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Hadjivassiliou
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - D Klass
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - J Chung
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - S G F Ho
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - H J Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer-Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, BC
| | - P T W Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - A Mujoomdar
- Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, ON
| | - D M Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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Qi C, Gao H, Zhao Q, Zhang L. Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Cryoablation for Subcardiac Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Safety, Efficacy, Therapeutic Results and Risk Factors for Survival Outcomes. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:3333-3342. [PMID: 32494197 PMCID: PMC7229785 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s250652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical safety, efficacy, therapeutic outcomes and risk factors of computed tomography-guided percutaneous cryoablation (CT-PCRA) for subcardiac hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods In this study, patients with single HCC nodules located on the left lobe who subsequently underwent CT-PCRA were reviewed from July 2012 to August 2016. According to the definition of subcardiac HCC, the patients were grouped into the subcardiac HCC group (n=33) and the non-subcardiac HCC group (n=40). The technical success rates, tumour response rates, oncological outcomes including overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and complications were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed on clinicopathological variables to identify factors affecting long-term outcomes. Results Seventy-three patients with subcardiac HCC were included in this study. After a median follow-up time of 37.8 months, 27.4% (20/73) of the patients died. The technical success and complete response rates were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 1.000; p = 0.590). The cumulative OS and RFS of the subcardiac HCC group were comparable to those of the non-subcardiac HCC group (p =0.820, p =0.922). Two major complications, intra-abdominal bleeding and right pleural effusion, were found at 2.2 and 3.1 months in the subcardiac HCC group, which were comparable with those in the non-subcardiac HCC group (p = 0.683). The multivariate analysis results showed that older age (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.382, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.884–7.823; p = 0.038) and ALBI grade 2–3 (HR: 3.398, 95% CI: 1.950–6.058; p = 0.021) may be predictors of poor OS and that tumour size ≥3 cm in diameter (HR: 3.302, 95% CI: 2.232–8.293; p = 0.012) may be a predictor of poor RFS. Conclusion CT-PCRA for subcardiac HCC can be performed safely and efficiently and contribute to improving survival prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhou Qi
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Linyi City Central Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfei Gao
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Linyi City Central Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghua Zhao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yishui County People's Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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