Poor-prognosis young-onset colorectal cancer is defined by the mesenchymal subtype and can be predicted by integrating molecular and histopathological characteristics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Young-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), affecting individuals <50 years of age, presents a significant health threat worldwide. The molecular and clinical characteristics of young-onset CRC are poorly understood, complicating the development of effective biomarkers for precision oncology. This study aimed to dissect age-dependent molecular heterogeneity of CRC and establish a model for identifying high-risk young-onset patients.

Methods

We analyzed clinical data for 564 439 patient samples across three large cohorts. For molecular characterizations, a subset of 1874 patient samples was used. A deep learning framework was used to analyze hematoxylin-eosin-stained whole-slide images to quantify Shannon diversity indices (SDIs). Subsequently, a multivariate model, integ

SUBMITTER: Ke J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12836577 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature