Immune subtyping of lymph node metastasis-negative colorectal cancer reveals biomarkers for prognosis and immunotherapy response.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a key prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC), and early lymph node status assessment is crucial for prognosis and immunotherapy decisions. However, the immune characteristics of LNM-negative CRC remain poorly understood.

Methods

Using machine learning algorithms, we identified and analyzed two immune subtypes (C1 and C2) in 244 LNM-negative CRC samples, with validation in 458 additional samples, and evaluated their immune characteristics and functional pathways.

Results

Subtype C1 exhibited high immune scores and responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade, while subtype C2 showed a favorable prognosis and increased immune cell infiltration, indicating it represents an earlier CRC stage. Experimental validation revealed

SUBMITTER: Yuan W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12459767 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature