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Prognostic and chemotherapeutic implications of a novel four-gene pyroptosis model in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

  • 0State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Peerj +

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May 17, 2024

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May 17, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study developed a pyroptosis-related gene score (PRGscore) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Higher PRGscore indicates a worse prognosis but increased responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in HNSCC patients.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Genomics

Background

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents a significant global health challenge.
  • Chemotherapy is a primary treatment, but drug resistance necessitates predictive biomarkers.
  • Identifying patients who benefit most from chemotherapy is crucial for effective HNSCC management.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and validate a multi-gene pyroptosis model for predicting prognosis and chemotherapeutic response in HNSCC.
  • To assess the combinatorial predictive efficacy of four key pyroptosis genes in HNSCC.
  • To correlate pyroptosis activity with patient outcomes and treatment sensitivity.

Main Methods

  • Utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases for RNA-sequencing data.
  • Computed a pyroptosis-related gene score (PRGscore) using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) on four pyroptosis genes (Caspase-1, Caspase-3, Gasdermin D, Gasdermin E).
  • Assessed prognostic significance via Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses; evaluated chemotherapy sensitivity <i>in vitro</i>.

Main Results

  • A PRGscore was successfully formulated, reflecting pyroptotic activity in HNSCC.
  • Higher PRGscore correlated with a worse prognosis but significantly increased responsiveness to chemotherapy.
  • <i>In vitro</i> assays confirmed pyroptosis levels positively associate with chemosensitivity to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.

Conclusions

  • The PRGscore serves as a valuable predictive tool for HNSCC prognosis and treatment response.
  • Patients with higher PRGscore, despite poorer prognosis, may experience greater benefits from chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
  • This multi-gene pyroptosis model offers potential for personalized treatment strategies in HNSCC.

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