Metabolomics signature as a survival predictor in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastasis

Statistical analyses showed that 346 metabolites were differentially expressed pre- and post-surgery, which could be used to discriminate the metastatic status. Besides the paired analysis, we hypothesised that in patients where the disease is still present after resection of metastasis, the detection of onco-metabolites could predict CRC prognosis. [...]to assess the prognostic value of these candidate metabolites, we used a univariate Cox-regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier curves (Sections 1.8 and 2.3 in Supporting Information and Table S7). [...]Kaplan–Meier curves showed significant differences in the survival expectancy of patients per metabolomics risk group and event of study (p ≤ .001) (Figure 3). According to this hypothesis, it has been reported that increased secondary BAs metabolites may promote tumorigenic signalling pathways in the intestine.9 Furthermore, changes in the BAs metabolism are associated with the intestinal microbiota composition, heavily influenced by the diet, which has a role in CRC tumourigenesis.10 In conclusion, our study shows that easily detectable onco-metabolites in plasma samples might be used to predict disease recurrence and have a prognostic value for CRLM patients undergoing surgery.