Development and Validation of a Lncrnas-Based Nomogram for Survival Prediction in Neuroblastoma Patients

Abstract BackgroundTreatment of neuroblastoma is evolving toward precision medicine. LncRNAs can be used as prognostic biomarkers in many types of cancer.MethodsBased on the RNA-seq data from GSE49710, we built a lncRNAs-based risk score using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operation (LASSO) regression. Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the association of the LASSO risk score with overall survival. Nomograms were created and then validated in an external cohort from TARGET database. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to identify the significantly changed biological pathways. ResultsThe 16-lncRNAs-based LASSO risk score was used to separate patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. In GSE49710 cohort, the high-risk group exhibited a poorer OS than those in the low-risk group (P<0.001). Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that LASSO risk score was an independent risk factor (HR=6.201;95%CI:2.536-15.16). The similar prognostic powers of the 16-lncRNAs were also achieved in the external cohort and in stratified analysis. In addition, a nomogram was established and worked well both in the internal validation cohort (C-index=0.831) and external validation cohort (C-index=0.773). The calibration plot indicated the good clinical utility of the nomogram. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that high-risk group was related with cancer recurrence, metastasis and inflammatory associated pathways.ConclusionThe lncRNA-based LASSO risk score is a promising and potential prognostic tool in predicting the survival of patients with neuroblastoma. The nomogram combined the lncRNAs and clinical parameters allows for accurate risk assessment in guiding clinical management.