In a groundbreaking study published in Current Molecular Pharmacology, researchers have identified a novel biomarker for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

The study, led by Yuhui Li and colleagues, utilised single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to analyse tumour heterogeneity and its impact on treatment outcomes.

The researchers discovered that the ratio of DKK1 to CALML5 (DC score) in tumour cells could serve as a robust biomarker for predicting patient prognosis and response to immunotherapy.

The study employed a multi-task deep learning framework to classify patients into distinct risk subgroups based on survival outcomes.

The analysis revealed that DKK1 and CALML5 are predominantly expressed in tumour cells, with DKK1+ cells exhibiting immunosuppressive characteristics and CALML5+ cells associated with cytotoxic immune infiltration.

"Our findings suggest that the DC score could be a more accurate and reliable biomarker for predicting immunotherapy outcomes in HNSCC patients," said Yuhui Li, one of the lead authors of the study.

The researchers further validated their findings using multiplex immunofluorescence and digital spatial profiling.

They observed that a higher DC score correlated with incomplete pathological response and poorer overall survival.

"The DC score not only provides a powerful tool for predicting patient outcomes but also offers insights into the spatial and molecular heterogeneity of HNSCC," said Qunxing Li, another lead author.

This study addresses a critical need for more accurate biomarkers in HNSCC treatment, where current markers such as PD-L1 expression and tumour mutational burden have shown limited predictive power.

The findings have the potential to significantly improve clinical outcomes for HNSCC patients by enabling more personalised and effective treatment strategies.

Source: FAR Publishing Limited