Identification of a Twelve-microRNA Signature with Prognostic Value in Stage II Microsatellite Stable Colon Cancer

Abstract

We aimed to identify and validate a set of miRNAs that could serve as a prognostic signature useful to determine the recurrence risk for patients with COAD. Small RNAs from tumors of 100 stage II, untreated, MSS colon cancer patients were sequenced for the discovery step. For this purpose, we built an miRNA score using an elastic net Cox regression model based on the disease-free survival status. Patients were grouped into high or low recurrence risk categories based on the median value of the score. We then validated these results in an independent sample of stage II microsatellite stable tumor tissues, with a hazard ratio of 3.24, (CI95% = 1.05–10.0) and a 10-year area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.67. Functional analysis of the miRNAs present in the signature identified key pathways in cancer progression. In conclusion, the proposed signature of 12 miRNAs can contribute to improving the prediction of disease relapse in patients with stage II MSS colorectal cancer, and might be useful in deciding which patients may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

MiR-148a-3p Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Ferroptosis by Targeting SLC7A11

“…Further studies on the underlying mechanisms of CRC initiation and progression are required to reduce mortality caused by this neoplasia. Undoubtedly, abnormal expression of miRNAs correlates with CRC pathological stage and prognosis [43][44][45][46].…”

“…The search for targeted therapy in CRC aimed at interfering with critical cell mechanisms such as cell growth and proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and differentiation focuses on miRNA's ability to penetrate cells and inhibit target pathway(s), preventing cancer growth and causing apoptosis [43][44][45][46]. The capacity of miR-148a-3p to induce mitochondrial injury and aberrant ROS production has been reported in different cell models [56][57][58].…”