Predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer via interpretable multimodal deep learning.

TitlePredicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer via interpretable multimodal deep learning.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2025
AuthorsBai Z, Osman M, Brendel M, Tangen CM, Flaig TW, Thompson IM, Plets M, M Lucia S, Theodorescu D, Gustafson D, Daneshmand S, Meeks JJ, Choi W, Dinney CPN, Elemento O, Lerner SP, McConkey DJ, Faltas BM, Wang F
JournalNPJ Digit Med
Volume8
Issue1
Pagination174
Date Published2025 Mar 22
ISSN2398-6352
Abstract

Building accurate prediction models and identifying predictive biomarkers for treatment response in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC) are essential for improving patient survival but remain challenging due to tumor heterogeneity, despite numerous related studies. To address this unmet need, we developed an interpretable Graph-based Multimodal Late Fusion (GMLF) deep learning framework. Integrating histopathology and cell type data from standard H&E images with gene expression profiles derived from RNA sequencing from the SWOG S1314-COXEN clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02177695 2014-06-25), GMLF uncovered new histopathological, cellular, and molecular determinants of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Specifically, we identified key gene signatures that drive the predictive power of our model, including alterations in TP63, CCL5, and DCN. Our discovery can optimize treatment strategies for patients with MIBC, e.g., improving clinical outcomes, avoiding unnecessary treatment, and ultimately, bladder preservation. Additionally, our approach could be used to uncover predictors for other cancers.

DOI10.1038/s41746-025-01560-y
Alternate JournalNPJ Digit Med
PubMed ID40121304
PubMed Central IDPMC11929913
Grant ListU10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /
U10CA180888 / / NIH/NCI grants /