Researchers at Oxford Population Health have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding early cancer detection. Through two studies published in Nature Communications, they unveil the identification of blood proteins that could potentially serve as early indicators of cancer, up to seven years prior to diagnosis.
The first study, utilizing proteomics, analyzed blood samples from over 44,000 individuals, including 4,900 later diagnosed with cancer. By scrutinizing 1,463 proteins in these samples, researchers discerned significant differences in protein profiles between those who developed cancer and those who did not, even up to three years before diagnosis.
In the second study, genetic data from over 300,000 cancer cases was scrutinized to delve deeper into the involvement of blood proteins in cancer development, pinpointing 40 proteins that influence the risk of nine cancer types. However, the alteration of these proteins might lead to unintended consequences, necessitating further research into their exact roles.
Dr. Keren Papier emphasizes the need to understand the early stages of cancer to save more lives, highlighting the potential of blood proteins in cancer risk assessment. Dr. Joshua Atkins underscores the influence of genetic factors on cancer development and the significance of comprehensive data from initiatives like the UK Biobank.
Dr. Karl Smith-Byrne stresses the importance of identifying potential side effects of targeting specific proteins for drug development, indicating progress towards preventive cancer therapies. Professor Ruth Travis underscores the significance of understanding early cancer development, while Dr. Iain Foulkes emphasizes the importance of intensive research to identify molecular signals for early cancer detection, ultimately leading to preventative therapies and improved longevity.
