TMErisk score: A tumor microenvironment-based model for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy in patients with head...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression and prognosis.
• Identifying biomarkers is crucial for predicting therapeutic outcomes in HNSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a TME-related risk score (TMErisk) for predicting overall survival and immunotherapy response in HNSCC.
• To analyze the immune and stromal characteristics associated with HNSCC prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ESTIMATE algorithm to analyze immune and stromal status in HNSCC.
• Employed differential gene expression and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify TME-related genes.
• Applied Cox univariate and LASSO regression analyses to construct the TMErisk score model using 11 selected genes.

Main Results:

• Developed an 11-gene TMErisk score model with significant overall survival predictive potential.
• High TMErisk scores correlated with decreased immune/stromal scores, increased tumor purity, reduced immune checkpoint expression, and lower immune cell infiltration.
• Higher TMErisk scores were associated with poorer overall survival and immunotherapy outcomes in HNSCC patients.

Conclusions:

• The TMErisk score serves as a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in HNSCC.
• This model offers valuable insights into the TME's role in HNSCC progression and treatment response.
• Further clinical validation of the TMErisk score is warranted for routine application in HNSCC patient management.