Multi-dimensional analysis reveals the potential of PDK4 as a tumor biomarker and target for immunotherapy

Abstract Purpose: To explore the clinical significance of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in pan-cancer and its potential as a tumor biomarker and immunotherapy target. Methods: Public databases (HPA, TCGA, GTEx, etc.) were used to analyze PDK4 expression, diagnostic efficacy, prognostic value, immune characteristics, genetic alterations, and immunotherapy responsiveness in pan-cancer. Targeted drugs were predicted via molecular docking. Results: PDK4 is predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle and specific cell types (basal prostatic cells, skeletal myocytes, etc.) in normal tissues. In