The use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs during radical resection correlated with the outcome in non-small cell lung cancer.

AIMS: The use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is conventional in management of postoperative pain in cancer patients, and further investigations have reported that some of these drugs correlated with the outcome in cancers. However, the prognostic value of the use of NSAIDs during surgery in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has been less addressed. METHODS: NSCLC patients staged I-III are retrospectively enrolled, and the data of the use of NSAIDs during surgery are collected. Patients are divided into two subgroups according to the use intensity (UI) (low or high) of the NSAIDs, which was calculated by the accumulate dosage of all the NSAIDs divided by the length of hospitalization. The differences of the clinical features among these groups were checked. And the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) differences in these groups were compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis; risk factors for survival were validated by using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The UI was significant in predicting the DFS (AUC = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.57-0.73, P = 0.001) and OS (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59-0.81, P = 0.001). Clinical features including type of resection (P = 0.001), N stages (P < 0.001), and TNM stages (P = 0.004) were significantly different in UI low (< 74.55 mg/day) or high (≥ 74.55 mg/day) subgroups. Patients in UI-high subgroups displayed significant superior DFS (log rank = 11.46, P = 0.001) and OS (log rank = 7.63, P = 0.006) than the UI-low ones. At last, the UI was found to be an independent risk factor for DFS (HR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28-0.95, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The use of NSAIDs during radical resection in NSCLC patients correlated with the outcome and patients with a relative high UI has better outcome.

Efficacy of Near-Infrared Fluorescence Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Small Pulmonary Nodule Resection with Indocyanine Green Inhalation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Small pulmonary nodules (<3 cm) can sometimes be unrecognizable and nonpalpable in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Near-infrared fluorescence (NIF) VATS after indocyanine green (ICG) inhalation may effectively guide surgeons to locate the nodules. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of ICG inhalation-based NIF imaging for guiding small pulmonary nodule resections. METHODS: Between February and May 2021, the first-stage, non-randomized trial enrolled 21 patients with different nodule depth, ICG inhalation doses, post-inhalation surgery times, and nodule types at a tertiary referral hospital. Between May 2021 and May 2022, the second-stage randomized trial enrolled 56 patients, who were randomly assigned to the fluorescence VATS (FLVATS) or the white-light VATS (WLVATS) group. The ratio of effective guidance and the time consumption for nodule localization were compared. RESULTS: The first-stage trial proved this new method is safe and feasible, and established a standardized protocol with optimized nodule depth (≤1 cm), ICG dose (0.20-0.25 mg/kg), and surgery window (50-90 min after ICG inhalation). In the second-stage trial, the FLVATS achieved 87.1% helpful nodule localization guidance, which was significantly higher than the WLVATS (59.1%, p < 0.05). The mean nodule locating time (standard deviation) was 1.8 [0.9] and 3.3 [2.3] min, respectively. Surgeons adopting FLVATS were significantly faster (p < 0.01), especially when locating small ground-glass opacities (1.3 [0.6] min vs. 7.0 [3.5] min, p < 0.05). Five of 31 nodules (16.1%) were only detectable by FLVATS, whereas both white light and palpation failed. CONCLUSIONS: This new method is safe and feasible for small pulmonary nodule resection. It significantly improves nodule localization rates with less time consumption, and hence is highly worthy for clinical promotion. Clinical Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100047326.

Retracted: A Regulatory Axis of circ_0008193/miR-1180-3p/TRIM62 Suppresses Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Warburg Effect in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells Under Hypoxia.

This publication has been retracted by the Editor due to non-original content and deficiencies in the conduct of the study. Reference: Minbiao Chen, Xiuming Huang, Liang Li, Mingfang Huang, Renzhong Cai, Xuqiang Liao.A Regulatory Axis of circ_0008193/miR-1180-3p/TRIM62 Suppresses Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Warburg Effect in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells Under Hypoxia. Med Sci Monit, 2020; 26: e922900. DOI: 10.12659/MSM.922900.

GPR78 Regulates Autophagy and Drug Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

Context: Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. Autophagy and apoptosis play an important role in the development of lung cancer. Researchers have found upregulation of GRP78 expression in cancer cells of various types. Objective: The study intended to explore the mechanism of G protein-coupled receptor 78(GPR78) in regulating autophagy and drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Design: The research team performed a laboratory study. Setting: The study took place in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Hainan General Hospital of the Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University in Haikou, Hainan, China. Intervention: The research team cultured immortalized, normal, human bronchial epithelial cells C3 (HBEC3) lines and HBEC4 lines in a serum medium without keratinocytes and infected the expression of GPR78 in knockdown A549 cells using lentiviral agents. The team divided the cells into a control group and a shRNA-GPR78 group, the intervention group. The lentiviral silencing vector expressing shRNA targets human GPR78#1 and GPR78 #2aadam10. Outcome Measures: The research team analyzed the mRNA expression of GPR78 in the NSCLC cell lines H1975, H1299, and A549 and in HBEC3 and HBEC4 using a real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and measured the proliferation of A549 cells at 0h, 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h using yellow tetrazolium salt (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The team also analyzed the migration and invasion ability of cells using wound healing and Transwell tests as well as measured the protein expression of the autophagy-related factors Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-I/II (LC3-I/LC3-II), ubiquitin-binding protein p62 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) using a Western blot test. The team also analyzed the protein expressions of caspase-9, caspase-3, and caspase-12 related to apoptosis using a Western blot. To detect the cell viability induced by cisplatin, the team used a Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) at the concentrations of 1µM, 3µM and 10µM. Results: The mRNA expression of GPR78 in the H1975, H1299, and A549 cell lines was significantly higher than that in the HBEC3 and HBEC4 cell lines (P < .05). At 48h, 72h, and 96h, the A549 cell proliferation in the shRNA-GPR78 group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < .05). The cell migration and invasion of cells in the shRNA-GPR78 group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < .05), and the cell viability of the shRNA-GPR78 group was significantly lower than that of control group (P < .05). The expression of Beclin-1 and JNK protein in shRNA-GPR78 group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < .05), and the expression of LC3-I/LC3-II and p62 protein in shRNA-GPR78 group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < .05). The protein expressions of caspase-9, caspase-3, and caspase-12 in the shRNA-GPR78 group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < .05), and the protein activities of RhoA and Rac1 in the shRNA-GPR78 group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: NSCLC upregulated GPR78. The knockdown of GPR78 can attenuate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells and increase the apoptosis and autophagy of NSCLC cells that cisplatin has induced. Therefore, targeting GPR78 may be a promising treatment strategy for NSCLC patients.

EML4-ALK rearrangement in primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the lung treated with alectinib: A case report.

Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the lung (PMFHL) is extremely rare. It is more common in the right lung and has no specific symptoms. Lymph node metastasis is rare, but hematogenous metastasis is more common. The common metastatic sites are the brain and bone. In this study, a 59-year-old male patient was diagnosed with PMFHL with brain metastasis due to persistent cough and blood in the sputum for the past week. Genetic testing revealed EML4-ALK gene rearrangement (fusion). We first used alectinib in a patient with advanced PMFHL with EML4-ALK gene rearrangement (fusion) accompanied by brain metastasis. The treatment was effective and successfully delayed the development of the disease. Satisfactory results were observed, with an overall survival time of 19 months. Therefore, genetic testing in PMFHL and the choice of treatment plan are important. Local treatment methods, including surgery and radiotherapy, are important when the disease is less advanced. Multidisciplinary discussion is recommended for the best prognosis.

The efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation exercise training on complications and mortality after lung cancer resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation exercise training for patients after lung cancer resection has been controversial. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation on the incidence of complications and mortality in patients after lung cancer resection. Methods: Search English databases PubMed, EMBASE, Medline to obtain literature. The literature compared the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation exercise training intervention or not on the efficacy of patients after lung cancer resection, and the outcomes included postoperative complications and mortality. The quality of the included literature was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias assessment work. The chi-square test was used to test for heterogeneity. When there is heterogeneity, a random effect model is used; when there is no heterogeneity, a fixed effect model is used. Results: A total of 9 prospective clinical studies (comprising 1,338 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Among the patients, there were 571 cases in the rehabilitation group and 767 cases in the control group. The incidence of postoperative complications in the rehabilitation group was lower than that in the control group. The odds ratio (OR) value was 0.66 and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.47-0.94 (P=0.02). There was no heterogeneity among studies and no publication bias. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in the rehabilitation group was lower than that in the control group, OR =0.33 (95% CI: 0.22-0.50) (P<0.00001). There was no heterogeneity among studies and no publication bias. There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality between the 2 groups (OR =0.77; 95% CI: 0.26-2.30; P=0.65). There was no heterogeneity among studies and no publication bias. Discussion: Implementing pulmonary rehabilitation significantly reduced postoperative complications and the risk of pulmonary complications in lung cancer patients, but had no significant effect on mortality. Pulmonary rehabilitation exercise training is recommended for patients undergoing lung cancer resection.

Degradation of internal fixation materials based on antibacterial and absorbable silk containing different gentamicin concentrations.

Adding gentamicin to silk fibroin enhances both the antibacterial performance and degradation rate of silk-based materials. The increased material degradation rate can affect the strength of early internal fixation, resulting in internal fixation failure. This study sought to adjust the gentamicin concentration to control the material degradation rate, thereby better meeting clinical application requirements. The in vitro degradation, water absorption rate, and expansion rate of silk-based materials containing different gentamicin concentrations were studied. A gentamicin-loaded silk-based screw was implanted into the femurs of New Zealand rabbits. Micro-computed tomography was used to measure the screw diameter, which was then used to calculate the degradation rate. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome. The in vitro results revealed increasing material degradation rates with increasing gentamicin concentration but no significant differences in water absorption rates with different gentamicin concentrations. The degradation rates of gentamicin-loaded (4 mg/g) silk-based rod-like materials were approximately 11.08% at three months in vitro and 9.4% in the animal experiment. The time for complete degradation was predicted from the fitting curve to be approximately 16 months. No inflammatory hyperplasia was observed in bone or soft tissue. The degradation and biocompatibility of the material containing 4 mg/g gentamicin meet clinical application requirements, and previous experimental results demonstrate good antibacterial performance of materials containing this gentamicin concentration.

A Review of Emerging Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract.

In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy has made a tremendous improvement in the treatment of malignant tumors of gastrointestinal tract, especially for those with metastatic or recurrent lesions. However, while some patients benefit from ICI, others do not. In fact, predictive biomarkers can play a crucial role in screening patients who may benefit from a selected or targeted treatment, including immunotherapies such as programmed death-1/programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors. A variety of techniques can be used to detect and quantify tumor biomarkers, each of which has a specific clinical application scenario and limitations. Cancer biomarkers in the gastrointestinal system involve an extremely complex network that requires careful interpretation and analysis. Different prognostic or predictive biomarkers are playing important roles in various tumor types, stages, and pathology/molecular subgroups, sometimes overlapping. Expression levels of biomarkers vary between different tumor types and even between the different lesions in the same tumor, depending on the heterogeneity of the patient, the tumor types, and the techniques of detection. The present systematic review comprehensively summarizes the potential biomarkers of immunotherapy, such as PD-1/PD-L1, total mutation burden (TMB), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in various gastrointestinal tumors, including tumors of the colon, stomach, esophagus, liver, and pancreas, to assist future application of immunotherapy and patient selection in clinical practice.

Surgical safe zones for oblique lumbar interbody fusion of L1-5: A cadaveric study.

To evaluate the operating range and morphology of the surgical safe zone for oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). Twenty embalmed full-torso cadaveric specimens were dissected. The oblique corridor and the distance between adjacent lumbar arteries were measured in a static state and with psoas major retraction. The morphology and size of the safe zone for OLIF and the location of the lumbar sympathetic trunk were also recorded. The oblique corridor of the L1-L5 segments was significantly greater in the retracted state than in the static state (p < 0.05). With psoas major retraction, the distances between adjacent lumbar arteries at L1-4 were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those in the static state. The lumbar sympathetic trunk is just located in the safe zone and travels downward adjacent to the psoas major. The shape of the safe zone for OLIF was approximately an oblique upward parallelogram at L1/2 and L2/3, an isosceles trapezoid at L3/4, and an irregular quadrangle or triangle at L4/5. The safe zone for OLIF at L1/2, L2/3, and L3/4 was significantly larger during retraction than in the static state (p < 0.05). On the lateral side of the lumbar spine there is a natural surgical safe zone for OLIF, which can provide a sufficient operating space. The safe zone has a certain morphological pattern in L1-5 segments and psoas major retraction can significantly enlarge it.

MiR-552-3p facilitated cell proliferation, migration and invasion by sponging Fibulin 5 in non-small cell lung cancer via activation of ERK/GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Apart from the fact that miR-552-3p is known to promote cell progression among various cancers, its function on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown which therefore emerges as the purpose of this research. TargetScan, Starbase, miRWalk, miRDB and the Cancer Genome Atlas Lung Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-LUAD) were utilized to analyze the target genes of miR-552-3p. NSCLC cells were transfected with miR-552-3p mimic, miR-552-3p inhibitor, Fibulin 5 (FBLN5) overexpression plasmid, and small interfering FBLN5 (siFBLN5) and treated with extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) pathway inhibitor PD98059. MiR-552-3p, FBLN5, p-ERK, ERK, p-glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) and ß-catenin levels were detected through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The binding sites between miR-552-3p and FBLN5 were predicted by TargetScan, which was tested through dual luciferase reporter analysis. Cell viability, migration and invasion were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. MiR-552-3p expression was upregulated in NSCLC and FBLN5 functioned as its target. MiR-552-3p mimic promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, p-ERK, p-GSK3ß and ß-catenin expressions in NSCLC cells while miR-552-3p inhibitor did the opposite. Overexpressed FBLN5 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, p-ERK, p-GSK3ß and ß-catenin expressions in NSCLC cells whereas siFBLN5 exerted the effects opposite to overexpressed FBLN5. PD98059 enhanced the effect of overexpressed FBLN5 on NSCLC cell migration and invasion while reversing the effect of siFBLN5. MiR-552-3p facilitated cell proliferation, migration and invasion in NSCLC through sponging FBLN5 via activation of ERK/GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathway.

A Regulatory Axis of circ_0008193/miR-1180-3p/TRIM62 Suppresses Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Warburg Effect in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells Under Hypoxia.

BACKGROUND Expression profiles of circular ribonucleic acids (circRNAs) have been recently reported in lung cancers including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Hypoxia is a hallmark of lung cancers. However, the role of hsa_circ_0008193 (circ_0008193) in LUAD under hypoxia remains to be illuminated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Gene expression levels were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and Warburg effect were detected using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, transwell assays, special kits, and xenograft experiments. The relationship among circ_0008193, micro (mi)RNA (miR)-1180-3p, and tripartite motif containing 62 (TRIM62) was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Expression of circ_0008193 was downregulated in human LUAD tumor tissues and cell lines (A549 and H1975), accompanied by miR-1180-3p upregulation and TRIM62 downregulation. Moreover, circ_0008193 downregulation was correlated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis. Functionally, circ_0008193 overexpression inhibited cell viability, glucose uptake, lactate production, migration, and invasion, as well as expression of hexokinase II, lactate dehydrogenase A, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and MMP9 in hypoxic LUAD cells in vitro. Furthermore, tumor growth of A549 cells in vivo was also hindered by circ_0008193 overexpression. Mechanically, circ_0008193 regulated TRIM62 expression via sponging miR-1180-3p, and TRIM62 was targeted by miR-1180-3p. Both miR-1180-3p upregulation and TRIM62 downregulation could abolish the suppressive role of circ_0008193 in LUAD cells. CONCLUSIONS Upregulating circ_0008193 inhibited LUAD cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and Warburg effect under hypoxia in vitro and in vivo through regulation of the miR-1180-3p/TRIM62 axis.

Radiation Exposure Reduction in Ultrasound-Guided Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TF-PELD) is a minimally invasive technique with high radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to compare radiation exposure of ultrasound-guided TF-PELD with fluoroscopy-guided TF-PELD. METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 patients with lumbar disc herniation were enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 groups (30 cases in each group): the ultrasound-guided group or the fluoroscopy-guided group. The radiation exposure, fluoroscopy time, and visual analog scale score were recorded. The number of possible operations per year within the yearly occupational exposure limit (OEL) was calculated. We also recorded the adverse events to evaluate the safety of ultrasound-guided TF-PELD. RESULTS: In 30 patients from the ultrasound-guided group, the lumbar disc structure was clearly visible under ultrasound guidance. The effective dose to surgeons and radiation dose to patients were 1.7 ± 0.4 and 25.2 ± 4.9 µSv in the ultrasound-guided group and 9.0 ± 2.5 and 127.4 ± 27.1 µSv in the fluoroscopy-guided group (P < 0.05), respectively. The fluoroscopy time was 2.6 ± 0.5 seconds in the ultrasound-guided group and 127.3 ± 29.5 seconds in the fluoroscopy-guided group (P < 0.05). A surgeon with shielding devices could treat 5556 cases per year in the fluoroscopy-guided group before exceeding the OEL for whole-body radiation, whereas they could treat 29,412 cases in the ultrasound-guided group. No difference between groups was detected in postoperative visual analog scale score (P > 0.58). No serious adverse event was found in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided TF-PELD could decrease radiation exposure to surgeons and patients, without serious adverse events. It seems to be an acceptable alternative to fluoroscopy-guided TF-PELD.

Radiation Exposure to the Surgeon During Ultrasound-Assisted Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the radiation dose to the surgeon during ultrasound-assisted transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for lumbar disc herniation, and to investigate whether the usage of ultrasonography could reduce the radiation exposure to the surgeon. METHODS: The stages of needle insertion and foraminal plasty for transforaminal PELD were performed under ultrasound guidance and confirmed by fluoroscopy according to the standard technique by 2 spinal surgeons separately in 25 transforaminal PELDs (25 levels). The radiation exposure dose of the surgeons' chest above and below the shielding and the fluoroscopy time were recorded. The effective dose and number of possible levels per year within the yearly occupational exposure limit (OEL) were calculated. The radiation dose per level and fluoroscopy time between ultrasound-assisted PELD and fluoroscopy-assisted PELD were compared. RESULTS: The mean operation time and fluoroscopy time were 67.6 ± 14.6 minutes and 2.9 ± 0.7 seconds, respectively. The mean effective dose to the surgeons per level was 1.3 ± 0.6 µSv. One surgeon could perform PELDs at 38,462 levels per year without exceeding the OEL for whole-body radiation wearing a lead apron, and 1938 levels per year without using any shielding devices. Ultrasound-assisted PELD had significantly less radiation dose per level at the chest below and above apron, effective dose per level, and fluoroscopy time, compared with fluoroscopy-assisted PELD (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The method of ultrasound-assisted needle insertion and foraminal plasty in transforaminal PELD can reduce radiation exposure to the surgeons compared with fluoroscopy-assisted PELD.

Genetic polymorphism of MTHFR A1298C and esophageal cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Associations between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) A1298C polymorphism and esophageal cancer risk have been reported in many articles recently, but results were controversial. Therefore the present meta-analysis was conducted to to provide a more precise estimation. METHODS: Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the strength of associations. RESULTS: Finally, six case- control studies involving a total of 1,302 cases and 2,391controls for the A1298C polymorphism were included. The meta-analysis showed that significantly increased risk for Asians (CC versus AA, OR=3.799, 95%CI=1.541-9.365, P=0.004; CCversusCA+AA, OR=3.997, 95%CI=1.614-9.900, P=0.003) and Caucasians (CC versus AA, OR=1.797, 95%CI=1.335-2.418, P=0.000; CC+CA versus AA,OR=1.240, 95%CI=1.031-1.492, P=0.022; CCversusCA+AA, OR=1.693, 95%CI=1.280-2.240, P=0.000). In addition, there was an association with risk for both ESCC (CC versus AA, OR=2.529, 95%CI=1.688-3.788, P=0.000; CCversusCA+AA, OR=2.572, 95%CI=1.761-3.758, P=0.000) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) (CC versus AA, OR=1.592, 95%CI=1.139-2.227, P=0.007; CC+CA versus AA,OR=1.247, 95%CI=1.016-1.530, P=0.035; CCversusCA+AA, OR=1.466, 95%CI=1.069-2.011, P=0.018). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested associations of the A1298C polymorphism with increased risk of esophageal cancer in both Asians and Caucasians. In addition, we found that the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism might influence risk ofESCC and EAC in the overall studies.

[Treatment of thoracic vertebrae tumor with posterior total vertebral resection and internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of posterior total vertebral resection in treating thoracic vertebrae tumor in order to provide a safe and effective method in rebuilding spine stability. METHODS: From 2002.1 to 2007.12, 18 patients with thoracic spine tumor underwent posterior total vertebral resection and internal fixation. Among the patients, 10 patients were male and 8 patients were female, ranging in age from 45 to 78 years, with an average of 56 years. The course of the diseases ranged from 2 to 13 months. After the operation, the tumor reccurence was monitored by X-ray, and the tumor markers were detected. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for a period ranging from 12 to 60 months, averaged 29 months. All the patients showed a postoperative neurologic improvement, as well as showed radiographic evidence of solid fusion in the follow-up examinations during 3 to 9 months, with an average of (8 +/- 1.4) months. CONCLUSION: Posterior total vertebral resection for the treatment of thoracic spine tumor is safe and effective.