About this Research Topic
Thymic epithelial tumors (TET) represent the most prevalent type of neoplasm originating from the anterior mediastinum. Surgical removal is the cornerstone of TET treatment, particularly for tumors in the early stages. While classical median sternotomy remains the standard surgical approach, minimally invasive techniques, such as thoracoscopic thoracotomy, sub-xiphoid procedures, and robotic-assisted thoracotomy, have been effectively employed in TET resection, showing comparable results to the median sternotomy approach. Nonetheless, numerous unresolved questions persist in the surgical management of TET. These include strategic decisions regarding TET removal or extended thymectomy, approaches to re-operating on recurrent tumors, and the selection of appropriate perioperative systemic treatments. Consequently, further research is imperative to address these critical questions.
Distinctively associated with MG are thymic abnormalities, including thymic hyperplasia and thymoma. Patients with thymic abnormalities are commonly present with myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that impacts the neuromuscular junction, leading to skeletal muscle weakness. The MGTX study highlights extended thymectomy as a primary treatment for patients with anti-AChR antibody-positive MG. However the efficacy of new thoracoscopic techniques, such as thoracoscopic thoracotomy, sub-xiphoid procedures, and robotic-assisted thoracotomy, in providing equivalent long-term improvement for MG patients, remains a subject of ongoing investigation.
This research topic aims to curate a collection of valuable articles centered on trending topics and recent advancements in the surgical treatment of Thymic Epithelial Tumors (TET) and Myasthenia Gravis (MG). We welcome submissions of Original Research and Review articles that focus on the following aspects:
1. Surgical techniques in the treatment of TET and MG
2. ERAS in TET and MG
3. Neoadjuvant systemic treatment (chemotherapy, target therapy, immunotherapy) and radiotherapy in TET
4. Long-term improvement for MG patients after extended thymectomy in different surgical approaches
5. Prognosis of TET after surgical treatment
Distinctively associated with MG are thymic abnormalities, including thymic hyperplasia and thymoma. Patients with thymic abnormalities are commonly present with myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that impacts the neuromuscular junction, leading to skeletal muscle weakness. The MGTX study highlights extended thymectomy as a primary treatment for patients with anti-AChR antibody-positive MG. However the efficacy of new thoracoscopic techniques, such as thoracoscopic thoracotomy, sub-xiphoid procedures, and robotic-assisted thoracotomy, in providing equivalent long-term improvement for MG patients, remains a subject of ongoing investigation.
This research topic aims to curate a collection of valuable articles centered on trending topics and recent advancements in the surgical treatment of Thymic Epithelial Tumors (TET) and Myasthenia Gravis (MG). We welcome submissions of Original Research and Review articles that focus on the following aspects:
1. Surgical techniques in the treatment of TET and MG
2. ERAS in TET and MG
3. Neoadjuvant systemic treatment (chemotherapy, target therapy, immunotherapy) and radiotherapy in TET
4. Long-term improvement for MG patients after extended thymectomy in different surgical approaches
5. Prognosis of TET after surgical treatment
Keywords: Thymoma, Myashenia Gravis, VATS/RATS, ERAS, Neoadjuvant Treatment, Long-term improvement, Prognosis
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