Establishment of a Prognostic Model of Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Tumor Heterogeneity

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the main cancer types due to its persistently high incidence and mortality, yet a simple and effective prognostic model is still lacking. This study aimed to identify independent prognostic genes related to the heterogeneity of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), generate a prognostic risk score model, and construct a nomogram in combination with other pathological characteristics to predict patients’ overall survival (OS). A significant amount of data pertaining to single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and somatic mutation were used for data mining. After statistical analyses, a risk scoring model was established based on eight independent prognostic genes, and the OS of high-risk patients was significantly lower than that of low-risk patients. Interestingly, high-risk patients were more sensitive and effective to immune checkpoint blocking therapy. In addition, it was noteworthy that CCL20 not only affected prognosis and differentiation of LUAD but also led to poor histologic grade of tumor cells. Ultimately, combining risk score, clinicopathological information, and CCL20 mutation status, a nomogram with good predictive performance and high accuracy was established. In short, our research established a prognostic model that could be used to guide clinical practice based on the constantly updated big multi-omics data. Finally, this analysis revealed that CCL20 may become a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.