The prognostic value and immunological role of angiogenesis-related patterns in colon adenocarcinoma

Front Oncol. 2022 Nov 11:12:1003440. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1003440. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the development and progression of cancer. However, in COAD, studies between angiogenesis and prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and personalized treatment guidance are currently lacking. In the present study, we comprehensively assessed 35 angiogenesis-related genes (ARG) and identified key ARGs affecting OS in COAD patients. The ARG Prognostic Index (ARGPI) was constructed based on a univariate Cox regression model and its prognostic value was evaluated in TCGA-COAD, GSE39582, GSE161158 and TRSJTUSM Cohort. We constructed ARGPI as an independent risk factor for OS in COAD patients and combined with clinical parameters to further construct an ARGPI-based nomogram, which showed a strong ability to predict overall survival in COAD patients. High ARGPI is associated with cancer-related and immune-related biological processes and signaling pathways; high TP53 mutation rate; high infiltration of MSC, pericytes, and stromal cells; and more CMS4 subtype. And low ARGPI benefited more from immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. In addition, we also predicted the sensitivity of different ARGPI groups to common chemotherapeutic and targeted agents. In conclusion, this study constructed an ARGPI based on ARG, which robustly predicted the OS of COAD patients and provided a possible personalized treatment regime for COAD patients.

Keywords: COAD; angiogenesis; drug sensitivity; immunotherapy; prognosis.