Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to construct a clinically practical model to precisely predict lymph node (LN) metastasis in bladder cancer patients. METHODS: Four independent cohorts were included. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression with multivariate logistic regression were applied. The diagnostic efficacy of LN score and CT/MRI was compared by accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 606 patients were included to develop a basic prediction model. After multistep gene selection, the LN metastasis prediction model was constructed with 5 genes. The model can accurately predict LN metastasis with an AUC of 0.781. For clinically practical use, we transformed the model into a Fast LN Scoring System using the SYSMH cohort (n = 105). High LN score patients exhibited a 72.2% LN metastasis rate, while low LN score patients showed a 3.4% LN metastasis rate. The LN score achieved a superior accuracy than CT/MRI (0.882 vs. 0.727). Application of LN score can correct the diagnosis of 88% (22/25) patients who were misdiagnosed by CT/MRI. DISCUSSION: The clinically practical LN score can precisely, rapidly, and conveniently predict LN status, which will assist preoperative diagnosis for LN metastasis and guide precise therapy.