Construction of a necroptosis‐related lncRNA signature to predict the prognosis and immune microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background Previous studies have determined that necroptosis‐related genes are potential biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Herein, we established a novel risk model based on necroptosis‐related lncRNAs (nrlncRNAs) to predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Methods Transcriptome and related information were obtained from TCGA database, and an nrlncRNA signature was established based on univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression. Kaplan–Meier analysis and time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to evaluate the model, and a nomogram for survival prediction was established. Gene set enrichment analysis, immune analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, correlation with N6‐methylandenosin (m6A), and tumor stemness analysis were performed. Furthermore, the entire set was divided into two clusters for further discussion. Results A novel signature was established with six nrlncRNAs. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) for 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival (OS) were 0.699, 0.686, and 0.645, respectively. Patients in low‐risk group and cluster 2 had a better prognosis, more immune cell infiltration, higher immune function activity, and higher immune scores; however, patients in high‐risk group and cluster 1 were more sensitive to chemotherapy. Moreover, the risk score had negative correlation with m6A‐related gene expression and tumor stemness. Conclusion According to this study, we constructed a novel signature with nrlncRNA pairs to predict the survival of HNSCC patients and guide immunotherapy and chemotherapy. This may possibly promote the development of individualized and precise treatment for HNSCC patients.

Identification of cuproptosis‐related subtypes and characterization of the tumor microenvironment landscape in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

“…Considering the poor prognosis and therapeutic efficacy for advanced HNSCC patients, a novel accurate prognostic model is crucial to predict prognosis and guide individualized and precise treatment. 1 , 2 Previous studies have determined that the programmed cell death process is involved in metabolizing tumor cell biological processes of proliferation, migration and invasion and the TME, which can be considered novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. 18 , 19 , 20 Referring to a recent study investigated by Tsvetkov et al 12 cuproptosis was determined to be a novel copper‐induced cell death model and considered a potential therapeutic prospect for tumor patients.…”

“…The results of drug sensitivity may promote the development of individualized treatment combined with immunotherapy and chemotherapy. 2 …”

“…Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is considered the most common type of head and neck cancer, with increasing diagnosed cases per year and poor prognosis. 1 , 2 To eliminate the tumor tissue and prolong the survival time for patients, conventional treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, was applied; nevertheless, the prognosis remained unsatisfactory. 3 , 4 Especially for advanced HNSCC, the survival rate is approximately as low as 50%.…”

“… 10 According to compelling evidence, the programmed cell death process is associated with the immunotherapy response and plays a core role in tumor progression. 2 , 11 …”

A Novel Necroptosis-Related lncRNA Signature for Osteosarcoma

“…Currently, studies show that necroptosisrelated lncRNAs (NRlncRNAs) are associated with poor prognoses in a variety of tumors, including lung adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck squamous cells. However, the function of NRlncRNAs in OS and their association with patient prognosis remain unknown [14][15][16][17].…”