Construction of a cuproptosis‑related lncRNA signature to predict biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer

Biochemical recurrence (BCR) is common in prostate cancer (PCa), and patients with BCR usually have a poor prognosis. Cuproptosis is a unique type of cell death, and copper homeostasis is crucial to the occurrence and development of malignancies. The present study aimed to explore the prognostic value of cuproptosis‑related long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs; CRLs) in PCa and to develop a predictive signature for forecasting BCR in patients with PCa. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas database, transcriptomic, mutation and clinical data were collected from patients with PCa. A total of 121 CRLs were identified using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Subsequently, a 6‑CRL signature consisting of AC087276.2, CNNM3‑DT, AC090198.1, AC138207.5, METTL14‑DT and LINC01515 was created to predict the BCR of patients with PCa through Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses. Kaplan‑Meier curve analysis demonstrated that high‑risk patients had a low BCR‑free survival rate. In addition, there was a substantial difference between the high‑ and low‑risk groups in the immune microenvironment, immune therapy, drug sensitivity and tumor mutational burden. A nomogram integrating the Gleason score, 6‑CRL signature and clinical T‑stage was established and evaluated. Finally, the expression of signature lncRNAs in PCa cells was verified through reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. In conclusion, the 6‑CRL signature may be a potential tool for making predictions regarding BCR in patients with PCa, and the prognostic nomogram may be considered a practical tool for clinical decision‑making.