Automated tumor-stroma ratio estimation for improved prognostic stratification of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.

ABSTRACT: Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT) represents an aggressive malignancy characterized by high metastatic potential and significant heterogeneity in its tumor microenvironment. The tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) has emerged as a prognostic biomarker, with higher stromal content frequently correlating with worse survival outcomes. Traditional approaches using the standard 50% TSR cutoff may not be optimal for SCCOT, and visual TSR estimation introduces variability during TSR region annotation. This study aimed to develop and validate a dedicated TSR estimation model for SCCOT by incorporating representative TSR regions from the invasive tumor front of whole slide images and to determine the optimal TSR threshold for prognostic stratification. Using hematoxylin and eosin-stained imag

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12268966 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature