Did stratifying tumors into more specific groups (e.g., dermal vs subcutaneous, Kiupel grade, or KIT patterns) improve Beclin-1's predictive value?

• A. Yes, it improved predictive value
• B. No, the lack of prognostic value remained
• C. It improved only in subcutaneous tumors
• D. It reduced predictive value

Answer: (A)

Stratifying tumors into more specific groups helps reveal prognostic signals that a biomarker may have only within certain contexts. Beclin-1 relates to autophagy, and its association with outcome can vary depending on tumor biology that differs by site, grade, and KIT pattern. Dermal versus subcutaneous tumors can have distinct microenvironments and biology; Kiupel grade captures histologic aggressiveness; KIT patterns reflect underlying molecular subtypes that can influence prognosis. When all tumors are analyzed together, these subgroup differences can blur the overall relationship between Beclin-1 levels and outcome. Analyzing within more homogeneous groups reduces this heterogeneity and can unmask a clearer, more reliable association, improving Beclin-1’s predictive value. Therefore, stratification did improve predictive value.