A novel mitochondrial-related lncRNA signature mediated prediction of overall survival, immune landscape, and the chemotherapeutic outcomes for bladder cancer patients

To develop a prognostic risk model for Bladder Cancer (BLCA) based on mitochondrial-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).

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.

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).

The mitochondrial-related lncRNA-based prognostic risk model effectively predicts BLCA prognosis and can guide individualized treatment for BLCA patients.