Comprehensive machine learning-based preoperative blood features predict the prognosis for ovarian cancer

BMC Cancer. 2024 Feb 26;24(1):267. doi: 10.1186/s12885-024-11989-1.

Abstract

Purpose: Significant advancements in improving ovarian cancer (OC) outcomes have been limited over the past decade. To predict prognosis and improve outcomes of OC, we plan to develop and validate a robust prognosis signature based on blood features.

Methods: We screened age and 33 blood features from 331 OC patients. Using ten machine learning algorithms, 88 combinations were generated, from which one was selected to construct a blood risk score (BRS) according to the highest C-index in the test dataset.

Results: Stepcox (both) and Enet (alpha = 0.7) performed the best in the test dataset with a C-index of 0.711. Meanwhile, the low RBS group possessed observably prolonged survival in this model. Compared to traditional prognostic-related features such as age, stage, grade, and CA125, our combined model had the highest AUC values at 3, 5, and 7 years. According to the results of the model, BRS can provide accurate predictions of OC prognosis. BRS was also capable of identifying various prognostic stratifications in different stages and grades. Importantly, developing the nomogram may improve performance by combining BRS and stage.

Conclusion: This study provides a valuable combined machine-learning model that can be used for predicting the individualized prognosis of OC patients.

Keywords: Blood features; Machine learning; Ovarian cancer; Prognosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Machine Learning
  • Nomograms*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Prognosis