A new research paper was published on the cover of Aging Volume 16, Issue 2, entitled, “Prognostic significance of senescence-related tumour microenvironment genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.”

The impact of the senescence related microenvironment on cancer prognosis and therapeutic response remains poorly understood.

In this new study, researchers Young Chan Lee, Yonghyun Nam, Minjeong Kim, Su Il Kim, Jung-Woo Lee, Young-Gyu Eun, and Dokyoon Kim from Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, and the University of Pennsylvania investigated the prognostic significance of senescence related tumour microenvironment genes (PSTGs) and their potential implications for immunotherapy response. 

Using the Cancer Genome Atlas- head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) data, the researchers identified two subtypes based on the expression of PSTGs, acquired from tumour-associated senescence genes, tumour microenvironment (TME)-related genes, and immune-related genes, using consensus clustering.

Using the LASSO, they constructed a risk model consisting of senescence related TME core genes (STCGs).

The two subtypes exhibited significant differences in prognosis, genetic alterations, methylation patterns, and enriched pathways, and immune infiltration. 

“Our risk model stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups and validated in independent cohorts.”

The high-risk group showed poorer prognosis and immune inactivation, suggesting reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy.

Additionally, the team observed a significant enrichment of STCGs in stromal cells using single-cell RNA transcriptome data.

Their findings highlight the importance of the senescence related TME in HNSC prognosis and response to immunotherapy. 

“This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between senescence and the TME, with potential implications for precision medicine and personalized treatment approaches in HNSC.”

Source: Impact Journals LLC