A Spatial Atlas of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Reveals Lineage-Specific Vulnerabilities and Immune Architecture

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is clinically heterogeneous, and current molecular subtyping does not capture the spatial organization of tumor states and microenvironmental context. In this study, we construct a spatial atlas of MIBC by integrating spatial transcriptomics from 22 tumors with matched bulk RNA and whole-exome sequencing data. We identify a continuous, spatially organized luminal-to-basal axis within individual tumors that is associated with greater chromosomal instability and transcriptional plasticity. Luminal tumor cores are enriched for FGFR3 and NECTIN4, whereas basal-like states localize toward invasive margins and are associated with elevated EGFR signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, genomic instability, immune infiltration, and greater chemotherapy sensitivity. Spatial analyses further reveal lineage- and location-associated differences in tertiary lymphoid structure states. Pan-cohort analyses across more than 3,000 tumors confirm conserved FGFR3-EGFR lineage exclusivity and associated immune programs. Together, these findings define a spatial framework for understanding lineage states, immune architecture, and therapeutic vulnerabilities in MIBC.

MIBC is clinically heterogeneous, yet current classification lacks spatial context for therapeutic guidance. This study establishes a spatial framework linking luminal and basal lineage states to distinct immune phenotypes and therapeutic vulnerabilities, providing a foundation for biomarker development and more precise, spatially informed, lineage-guided treatment strategies.