Heyang Liu

Dr. Heyang Liu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 April 2026 in Current Oncology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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HZHuaiwen Zhang
Huaiwen Zhang
HLHeyang Liu
Heyang Liu
YLYousong Luo
Yousong Luo
PLPeizhe Li
Peizhe Li
LYLianjun Yang
Lianjun Yang
YYYongji Yan
Yongji Yan
Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy, accounting for only 5–10% of all urothelial carcinomas (UCs). Lung, bone, liver, and distant lymph nodes are common sites of metastasis, while gastrointestinal metastasis is extremely rare. We present a case of a 63-year-old female who developed a descending colon lesion 19 months after left radical nephroureterectomy for high-grade ureteral UC. The diagnosis was established by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), colonoscopy, and biopsy, which excluded primary colorectal malignancy. First-line therapy consisted of six 21-day cycles of gemcitabine plus cisplatin, followed by two cycles of tislelizumab maintenance immunotherapy. Restaging with contrast-enhanced CT and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) demonstrated disease progression. Despite switching to second-line nab-paclitaxel, the patient rapidly deteriorated from tumor cachexia and ultimately succumbed to septic shock secondary to severe pulmonary infection. This represents the first reported case of descending colon metastasis from primary ureteral UC. It highlights the colon as a potential metastatic site where biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis. Notably, although the patient initially responded to platinum-based therapy, the subsequent rapid progression underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and timely adjustment of therapeutic strategies in managing such high-risk presentations.