Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop a prognostic risk model for Bladder Cancer (BLCA) based on mitochondrial-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). METHODS: Transcriptome and clinical data of BLCA patients were retrieved from the TCGA database. Mitochondrial-related lncRNAs with independent prognostic significance were screened to develop a prognostic risk model. Patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups using the model. Various methods including Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, ROC curve analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune analysis, and chemotherapy drug analysis were used to verify and evaluate the model. RESULTS: A mitochondrial-associated lncRNA prognostic risk model with independent prognostic significance was developed. High-risk group (HRG) patients exhibited significantly shorter survival periods compared to low-risk group (LRG) patients (P < 0.01). The risk score from the model was an independent predictor of BLCA prognosis, correlating with tumor grade, pathological stage, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The HRG showed significant positive correlations with high expressions of immune checkpoints (CTLA4, LAG3, PD-1, TIGIT, PD-L1, PD-L2, and TIM-3) and lower IC50 for chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, methotrexate, and vinblastine) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mitochondrial-related lncRNA-based prognostic risk model effectively predicts BLCA prognosis and can guide individualized treatment for BLCA patients.