Immune Microenvironment Signatures Predict Response and Survival in Rectal Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation

Immune-related gene expression patterns are associated with response to nCRT in rectal cancer. High expression levels of <i>S100A8, SPINK5, ANXA1, FOXJ1</i>, and <i>CLEC7A</i> were indicative of favorable treatment response, and <i>S100A8</i> and <i>SPINK5</i> were associated with prognosis. A machine learning-based model composed of immune-related genes showed strong predictive potential. Our results support the use of immune gene signatures to guide personalized therapy in rectal cancer.