A New Signature of Sarcoma Based on the Tumor Microenvironment Benefits Prognostic Prediction

Abstract

Sarcomas are a group of malignant tumors derived from mesenchymal tissues that display complex and variable pathological types. The impact of the immune properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on the prognosis, treatment, and management of sarcomas has attracted attention, requiring the exploration of sensitive and accurate signatures. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was searched to screen for an RNA sequencing dataset, retrieving 263 sarcoma and 2 normal samples with survival data. Genes associated with immune regulation in sarcomas were retrieved from the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database to estimate tumor purity and immune cell infiltration levels. The samples were then divided into the immune-high and immune-low groups. Then, we screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups. The intersection between immune-related genes and DEGs was then determined. Univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analyses were used to select ideal genes for prognostic prediction and subsequent construction of a risk signature. A survival analysis was performed to reveal the dissimilarity in survival between the high- and low-score groups. Finally, a nomogram was generated to verify the accuracy and reliability of the signature. Through Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumour tissues using Expression (ESTIMATE) analysis, high ESTIMATE, and low tumor purity were significantly associated with a favorable prognosis. Moreover, a total of 5259 DEGs were retrieved, the majority of which were downregulated. In total, 590 immune-associated genes overlapped with the DEGs, among which nine hub genes were identified. Finally, two candidate genes, ACVR2B and NFYA, were identified, based on which a risk signature was constructed. The risk signature constructed in this study is accurate and reliable for the prognostic prediction and phenotyping of sarcomas.

Evaluation of Absolute Neutrophil Count in the Perioperative Setting of Sarcoma Resection

“…Furthermore, future studies should evaluate genetic markers as potential prognostic markers in patients with sarcoma following LSS. Previous studies have demonstrated the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), tumor protein 53 (TP53), and MYC protooncogene (MYC) in sarcomas and as potential targets for immunotherapy [17][18][19]. Given the altered expression of these markers in sarcomas, future studies should evaluate the prognostic ability of these markers.…”

Decoding the Impact of Tumor Microenvironment in Osteosarcoma Progression and Metastasis

“…For instance, specific immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, can exert antitumor effects, while others, like myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), M2 macrophages, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), can promote tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, understanding the intricate interactions between OS and immune cells is crucial for developing effective immunotherapies [10,13].…”