Prognostic value of immune-related lncRNA pairs in patients with bladder cancer

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of immune-related long non-coding ribonucleic acids (ir-lncRNAs), regardless of their specific levels, have important implications for the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. METHODS: Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database, original transcript data were analyzed. The ir-lncRNAs were obtained using a coexpression method, and their differentially expressed pairs (DE-ir-lncRNAs) were identified by univariate analysis. The lncRNA pairs were verified using a Lasso regression test. Thereafter, receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and an optimal risk model was established. The clinical value of the model was verified through the analysis of patient survival rates, clinicopathological characteristics, presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and chemotherapy efficacy evaluation. RESULTS: In total, 49 pairs of DE-ir-lncRNAs were identified, of which 21 were included in the Cox regression model. A risk regression model was established on the premise of not involving the specific expression value of the transcripts. CONCLUSIONS: The method and model used in this study have important clinical predictive value for bladder cancer and other malignant tumors. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-021-02419-8.