Prognostic prediction of laryngeal cancer patients based on nitrogen metabolism-related genes

Background: Nitrogen metabolism plays a crucial role in cancer progression. This study aimed to construct a prognostic model using nitrogen metabolism-related genes (NMRGs) for laryngeal cancer (LC). Methods: NMRGs for LC were identified from public databases and literature. A prognostic model was constructed through regression analysis, and differential and enrichment analyses were performed to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their functional implications. Immune cell differences between risk groups were assessed, and gene mutations were analyzed using TCGA data. Drug sensitivity predictions for different risk groups were also conducted. Results: A total of 203 NMRGs were identified, leading to eight genes used in a risk-scoring model. Enrichment analysis showed that DEGs in the high-risk group (993 genes) were linked to processes like neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and calcium signaling. Immune analysis revealed high infiltration of activated NK cells and CD4+ T cells in the low-risk group, while CD8+ T cells and macrophages were prominent in the high-risk group. Drug sensitivity analysis identified KIN001-135, Phenformin, and Gemcitabine as potential treatments. Conclusion: Nitrogen metabolism is closely related to LC prognosis, and the NMRG-based model effectively distinguishes risk groups with distinct immune landscapes and drug sensitivities.