Letter to editor : comparison of the surgical outcomes of the posterior approach, video­assisted thoracic surgery, and combined approach for thoracic dumbbell tumors based on a new classification: a retrospective study of published cases.

This critique evaluates a retrospective study comparing surgical outcomes for thoracic dumbbell tumors utilizing different approaches. The study provides comprehensive insights into the management of this complex condition, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of its methodology and findings. While the study offers valuable information for guiding clinical practice, its retrospective design and inherent limitations warrant careful interpretation of the results. Addressing these limitations through prospective studies with randomized designs and larger patient populations could further enhance our understanding of the optimal surgical approach for thoracic dumbbell tumors.

Letter to editor: C­reactive protein levels, the prognostic nutritional index, and the lactate dehydrogenase­to­lymphocyte ratio are important prognostic factors in primary central nervous system lymphoma: a single­center study of 223 patients.

This critique evaluates a letter to the editor discussing prognostic factors in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), focusing on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-to-lymphocyte ratio. While the letter provides valuable insights, limitations including reliance on a single-center dataset, lack of consideration for potential confounders, insufficient contextualization within existing literature, and limited discussion of clinical implications are identified. Addressing these limitations is crucial for enhancing the relevance and applicability of the findings in PCNSL management.