Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42487238›Full record

ArticleCancer medicine2026

Identification of an Immune Cell Gene Signature for Predicting Response and Prognosis in Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

Tengfei Yan, Limin Jin, Yi Shen, Ming Cheng, Yao Xu, Yuntian Shen, Liwei Xie, Qiliang Peng

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cancer medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Tengfei YanDepartment of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Limin JinDepartment of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Yi ShenDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Suzhou Research Center of Medical School, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China.
Ming ChengDepartment of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Yao XuDepartment of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Yuntian ShenDepartment of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Liwei XieDepartment of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Qiliang PengDepartment of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0248-8826

Funding

Gusu Health Talent Research Program GSWS2023043National Natural Science Foundation of China 82404188Scientific Research Pre-Study Fund of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University SDFEYBS2414Scientific Research Program for Young Talents of China National Nuclear Corporation 2025-38Suzhou Medical College-QiLu Medical Research Program of Soochow University 24QL200106Suzhou Radiotherapy Clinical Medical Center Szlcyxzx202103Suzhou Science and Technology Development Program SZS201509Young Talent Support Project of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University XKTJ-RC202408
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe objective of this research was to develop a robust classification system that accurately predicts the prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with rectal cancer.

methodsWe generated an immune cell gene signature (ICGS) model employing univariate Cox regression and Lasso regression methods. Subsequently, the predictive capabilities of the ICGS model were assessed and validated for NCRT efficacy, survival outcomes, and immunotherapy benefits. Furthermore, we conducted functional annotation, investigated genomic alterations, and explored potential immune escape mechanisms.

resultsInitially, we developed three ICGS models with prognostic implications: the B cell signature, macrophage signature, and combined signature. The immune cell-related genes were highly associated with immune function, immune response, and immunological pathways. The ROC analysis revealed that the ICGS model demonstrated a relatively strong predictive capability for the response to NCRT. Patients exhibiting high ICGS scores experienced a significantly reduced overall survival. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis verified the ICGS as an independent factor, and we constructed a predictive nomogram. The AUC value confirmed that the ICGS model was comparable to and superior to the clinical stage in predicting overall patient survival. Additionally, the low-risk group for the macrophage signature showed a better survival advantage from immunotherapy. Finally, we systematically correlated the ICGS model with genomic alterations and uncovered potential immune escape mechanisms.

conclusionThe ICGS model can be considered a reliable tool for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer and can further assist in guiding risk stratification and treatment decisions.

Indexed as

Biomarkers, TumorNeoadjuvant TherapyRectal NeoplasmsTranscriptomeChemoradiotherapyFemaleGene Expression ProfilingHumansMaleMiddle AgedNomogramsPrognosisROC CurveTreatment OutcomeBiomarkers, Tumorimmune cell signaturesneoadjuvant chemoradiotherapyrectal cancerrisk stratification

Identifiers

PMID42487238
PMCPMC13392207

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.