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Abstract The influence of lipid metabolism on tumorigenesis and progression has garnered significant attention. However, the role of Glycerol Kinase (GK), a key enzyme in glycerol metabolism, in Esophageal Carcinoma (ESCA) remains unclear. To further elucidate the relationship between GK and ESCA, we investigated GK expression levels using database information. Controlled studies employing immunohistochemistry were conducted on clinical ESCA tumor samples and normal specimens, confirming GK’s elevated expression in ESCA. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data via Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival plots revealed that increased GK expression correlates with poorer ESCA patient outcomes, particularly in overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Multiple regression analysis indicated that elevated GK expression is an independent risk factor affecting ESCA prognosis. Statistical analysis of prognostic data from clinical samples further corroborated this finding. Moreover, there appears to be a significant correlation between GK expression and immune infiltration, specifically involving certain T and B lymphocytes. In conclusion, elevated GK expression in ESCA is strongly linked to poor prognosis and increased immune cell infiltration, highlighting its potential as an independent prognostic biomarker and a viable therapeutic target.

Abstract Background Annual screening through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for heavy smokers. However, it is questionable whether all individuals require annual screening given the potential harms of LDCT screening. This study examines the benefit–harm and cost-effectiveness of risk-based screening in heavy smokers and determines the optimal risk threshold for screening and risk-stratified screening intervals. Methods We conducted a comparative cost-effectiveness analysis in China, using a cohort-based Markov model which simulated a lung cancer screening cohort of 19,146 heavy smokers aged 50 ~ 74 years old, who had a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years and were either current smokers or had quit for