1926PDevelopment and validation of an RNA-seq based prognostic signature in neuroblastoma

Abstract Background Credible prognostic stratification remains a challenge for neuroblastoma (NBL) with variable clinical manifestations. RNA expression signatures might predict the outcomes; notwithstanding, independent cross-platform validation is still rare. Methods RNA expression data were obtained from NBL patients and then analyzed. In TARGET-NBL data, an RNA-based prognostic signature was developed and validated. Survival prediction was assessed using a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Functional enrichment analysis of the RNAs was conducted using bioinformatics methods. Results A total of 1,119 differentially expressed RNAs and 149 prognosis-related RNAs were identified sequentially. Then, in the training cohort, 12 RNAs were identified as significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and were combined to develop a model that stratified NBL patients into low- and high-risk groups. Twelve RNA signature high-risk patients had poorer OS in the training cohort (n = 105, Hazard Ratios (HR)= 0.10 (0.05-0.20), P  Conclusions This study identified and validated a novel 12-RNA prognostic signature to reliably distinguish NBL patients at low and high risk of death. Further larger, multicenter prospective studies are desired to validate this model. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81660512). Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.