Integrated liquid biopsy model for predicting metastasis and guiding PD-1 therapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study endeavors to develop and validate an integrated biomarker signature (IBS) grounded in serum carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4), vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), and the pepsinogen I/II ratio (PGI/PGII). A practical IBS model will be constructed to substantially enhance the accuracy of lymph node metastasis (LNM) risk stratification following surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This model is anticipated to refine prognostic assessments for patients and to identify novel research avenues within the field, thereby providing guidance for both prognostic determination and future investigations.

Methods

A prospective three-cohort design was adopted, encompassing a training cohort of 220 patients, a temporal validation cohort of

SUBMITTER: Pang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12689415 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature