Pan-cancer analysis of spatial transcriptomics reveals heterogeneous tumor spatial microenvironment.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41999752.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.xcrm.2026.102751.
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Abstract
Tumors are complex systems comprising diverse cell types that form the tumor spatial microenvironment (TSME). We present a pan-cancer spatial transcriptomic analysis of 373 samples across 12 cancer types and identify 56 local cellular programs (LCPs) and 13 recurrent niches. Ligand-receptor analysis reveals niche-shared and niche-specific interactions that drive spatial organization. Notably, gene expression in tumor cells and macrophages depends heavily on their specific location. Furthermore, niches associate significantly with clinical outcomes: macrophages colocalized with tumor cells (Niche_4) correlate with poor prognosis and immunotherapy resistance, while those colocalized with immune cells (Niche_11) predict better survival and treatment response. This systematic dissection of the TSME provides deeper insights into cellular communication and the structural influences governing complex tumor ecosystems.