Development and external validation of a machine learning model for prediction of survival in extremity leiomyosarcoma

Surg Oncol. 2024 Dec:57:102057. doi: 10.1016/j.suronc.2024.102057. Epub 2024 Mar 7.

Abstract

Purpose: Machine learning (ML) models have been used to predict cancer survival in several sarcoma subtypes. However, none have investigated extremity leiomyosarcoma (LMS). ML is a powerful tool that has the potential to better prognosticate extremity LMS.

Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for cases of histologic extremity LMS (n = 634). Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were recorded, and ML models were developed to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival. The best performing ML model was externally validated using an institutional cohort of extremity LMS patients (n = 46).

Results: All ML models performed best at the 1-year time point and worst at the 5-year time point. On internal validation within the SEER cohort, the best models had c-statistics of 0.75-0.76 at the 5-year time point. The Random Forest (RF) model was the best performing model and used for external validation. This model also performed best at 1-year and worst at 5-year on external validation with c-statistics of 0.90 and 0.87, respectively. The RF model was well calibrated on external validation. This model has been made publicly available at https://rachar.shinyapps.io/lms_app/ CONCLUSIONS: ML models had excellent performance for survival prediction of extremity LMS. Future studies incorporating a larger institutional cohort may be needed to further validate the ML model for LMS prognostication.

Keywords: Leiomyosarcoma; Machine learning; Prognostication; Soft tissue sarcoma; Survival.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Extremities* / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Leiomyosarcoma* / mortality
  • Leiomyosarcoma* / pathology
  • Machine Learning*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • SEER Program*
  • Survival Rate