Long noncoding RNAs to predict postoperative recurrence in bladder cancer and to develop a new molecular...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) requires reliable molecular markers for early recurrence prediction.
• Current methods lack sufficient accuracy for prognostication in MIBC patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature for improved recurrence prediction in MIBC.
• To establish an lncRNA-based molecular classification system for MIBC.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of lncRNA expression data from 320 MIBC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).
• Development of an eight-lncRNA prognostic signature and a nomogram.
• Conducting survival analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and mutational data analysis.

Main Results:

• The eight-lncRNA signature identified high- and low-risk subgroups with significantly different disease-free survival (DFS).
• The nomogram demonstrated strong prognostic accuracy for DFS (C-index = 0.719).
• Four molecular clusters revealed distinct mutation profiles and immune cell infiltration, correlating with differential responses to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• The eight-lncRNA signature serves as a reliable prognostic tool for MIBC, offering insights into recurrence prediction.
• This model supports clinical decision-making and has the potential to improve patient outcomes.
• The molecular classification provides a basis for personalized therapeutic strategies in MIBC.