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Development of prognosis model for colon cancer based on autophagy-related genes
Xu Wang1, Yuanmin Xu1, Ting Li1
1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
Background:
Autophagy is an orderly catabolic process for degrading and removing unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components such as proteins and organelles. Although autophagy is known to play an important role in various types of cancer, the effects of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) on colon cancer have not been well studied.
Methods:
Expression profiles from ARGs in 457 colon cancer patients were retrieved from the TCGA database ( https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov ). Differentially expressed ARGs and ARGs related to overall patient survival were identified. Cox proportional-hazard models were used to investigate the association between ARG expression profiles and patient prognosis.
Results:
Twenty ARGs were significantly associated with the overall survival of colon cancer patients. Five of these ARGs had a mutation rate ≥ 3%. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on Cox regression analysis of 8 ARGs. Low-risk patients had a significantly longer survival time than high-risk patients (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the resulting risk score, which was associated with infiltration depth and metastasis, could be an independent predictor of patient survival. A nomogram was established to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival of colon cancer patients based on 5 independent prognosis factors, including the risk score. The prognostic nomogram with online webserver was more effective and convenient to provide information for researchers and clinicians.
Conclusion:
The 8 ARGs can be used to predict the prognosis of patients and provide information for their individualized treatment.
Insights
Autophagy-related genes (ARGs) impact colon cancer prognosis. A risk score derived from 8 ARGs predicts patient survival and aids in personalized colon cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Autophagy is a cellular degradation process crucial for various cancers.
- The role of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in colon cancer remains understudied.
- Understanding ARGs is vital for advancing colon cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in colon cancer.
- To identify key ARGs associated with overall patient survival.
- To develop a predictive model for colon cancer prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized TCGA database for ARG expression profiles in 457 colon cancer patients.
- Identified differentially expressed ARGs and those linked to survival.
- Employed Cox regression models to analyze ARG associations with prognosis.
Main Results:
- Twenty ARGs significantly correlated with colon cancer patient survival.
- A risk score based on 8 ARGs differentiated high-risk from low-risk patients.
- The risk score, along with clinical factors, independently predicted survival and informed a prognostic nomogram.
Conclusions:
- Eight specific ARGs serve as reliable predictors for colon cancer patient prognosis.
- These ARGs provide valuable insights for developing individualized colon cancer treatment plans.
- A prognostic nomogram incorporating these ARGs enhances clinical decision-making.
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