Researchers from Oxford Population Health’s Cancer Epidemiology Unit have identified specific proteins in the blood that may predict a person’s risk of developing various cancers over seven years before diagnosis
This finding could help with earlier detection and more effective treatment strategies for cancer.
Blood samples help prevent cancer risk
Published in Nature Communications, the two studies analysed blood samples from over 44,000 participants in the UK Biobank, including 4,900 individuals who were diagnosed with cancer after their samples were collected.
The researchers focused on 1,463 proteins to reveal which ones might be linked to cancer risk. By comparing protein levels of those who did and did not develop cancer, the researchers found substantial differences that could signal cancer years in advance.
Key findings from the research revealed that 618 proteins were associated with 19 different types of cancer. 107 of these proteins were present in blood samples more than seven years before a cancer diagnosis, and 182 proteins were detectable more than three years before. This discovery shows the potential of these proteins to serve as early warning signs for cancer, allowing for interventions long before the disease manifests clinically.
High-risk individuals and genetics
The types of cancer linked to these proteins include colon, lung, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and liver cancer, as well as others. This wide range highlights the potential for these proteins to serve as universal attributes for various cancers, offering a broad application for early detection efforts.
A second related study looked into genetic data from over 300,000 cancer cases, identifying 40 proteins in the blood that influenced the risk of developing nine types of cancer. However, the researchers cautioned that manipulating these proteins could sometimes result in unintended side effects, showing the need for careful consideration in developing new treatments.
These findings, funded by Cancer Research UK, show a major advancement in cancer research. The ability to detect cancer years before symptoms appear could revolutionise how we approach cancer risk prevention and treatment.
By identifying high-risk individuals early, medical professionals can monitor these patients more closely and possibly implement preventative measures or early interventions that could significantly improve outcomes.
