Geometric graph neural networks on multi-omics data to predict cancer survival outcomes

Computational single-cell methods for predicting cancer risk

Despite recent biotechnological breakthroughs, cancer risk prediction remains a formidable computational and experimental challenge. Addressing it is critical in order to improve prevention, early detection and survival rates. Here, I briefly summarize some key emerging theoretical and computational challenges as well as recent computational advances that promise to help realize the goals of cancer-risk prediction. The focus is on computational strategies based on single-cell data, in particular on bottom-up network modeling approaches that aim to estimate cancer stemness and dedifferentiation at single-cell resolution from a systems-biological perspective. I will describe two promising methods, a tissue and cell-lineage independent one based on the concept of diffusion network entropy, and a tissue and cell-lineage specific one that uses transcription factor regulons. Application of these tools to single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-seq data from stages prior to invasive cancer reveal that they can successfully delineate the heterogeneous inter-cellular cancer-risk landscape, identifying those cells that are more likely to turn cancerous. Bottom-up systems biological modeling of single-cell omic data is a novel computational analysis paradigm that promises to facilitate the development of preventive, early detection and cancer-risk prediction strategies.

Graph machine learning for integrated multi-omics analysis

Multi-omics experiments at bulk or single-cell resolution facilitate the discovery of hypothesis-generating biomarkers for predicting response to therapy, as well as aid in uncovering mechanistic insights into cellular and microenvironmental processes. Many methods for data integration have been developed for the identification of key elements that explain or predict disease risk or other biological outcomes. The heterogeneous graph representation of multi-omics data provides an advantage for discerning patterns suitable for predictive/exploratory analysis, thus permitting the modeling of complex relationships. Graph-based approaches-including graph neural networks-potentially offer a reliable methodological toolset that can provide a tangible alternative to scientists and clinicians that seek ideas and implementation strategies in the integrated analysis of their omics sets for biomedical research. Graph-based workflows continue to push the limits of the technological envelope, and this perspective provides a focused literature review of research articles in which graph machine learning is utilized for integrated multi-omics data analyses, with several examples that demonstrate the effectiveness of graph-based approaches.

Graph Neural Networks in Cancer and Oncology Research: Emerging and Future Trends

Next-generation cancer and oncology research needs to take full advantage of the multimodal structured, or graph, information, with the graph data types ranging from molecular structures to spatially resolved imaging and digital pathology, biological networks, and knowledge graphs. Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) efficiently combine the graph structure representations with the high predictive performance of deep learning, especially on large multimodal datasets. In this review article, we survey the landscape of recent (2020-present) GNN applications in the context of cancer and oncology research, and delineate six currently predominant research areas. We then identify the most promising directions for future research. We compare GNNs with graphical models and "non-structured" deep learning, and devise guidelines for cancer and oncology researchers or physician-scientists, asking the question of whether they should adopt the GNN methodology in their research pipelines.