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Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
508
Integrated multi-omics profiling yields a clinically relevant molecular classification for esophageal squamous cell
Zhihua Liu1, Yahui Zhao1, Pengzhou Kong2
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
Cancer Cell
|December 30, 2022
Summary
Researchers classified esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) into four subtypes using multi-omics data. One subtype, immune modulation (IM), showed improved response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, aiding personalized cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Molecular classification of cancers aids precise patient management.
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) requires improved therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify ESCC subtypes using integrated multi-omics data.
- To identify subtypes responsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
Main Methods:
- Whole genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data from 155 ESCCs were analyzed.
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was classified into four molecular subtypes.
- A 28-feature classifier was developed to identify the immune modulation (IM) subtype.
Main Results:
- Four ESCC subtypes were identified: cell cycle pathway activation, NRF2 oncogenic activation, immune suppression (IS), and immune modulation (IM).
- Immune infiltrated (IS and IM) subtypes differed in immune cell composition.
- Immune modulation (IM) subtype exhibited superior response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in a clinical trial.
- The developed classifier accurately predicted anti-PD-1 therapy response (85.7% sensitivity, 90% specificity).
Conclusions:
- Unbiased molecular classification using multi-omics data holds significant clinical value for ESCC.
- Identification of the IM subtype can guide personalized treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- These findings offer potential for improved understanding and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
