New Blood Protein Signature Predicts Lung Cancer Risk Years Before Diagnosis
Blood protein signature can predict lung cancer risk before diagnosis
Medical News
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Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and University College London have identified a 14-protein signature in blood that can predict lung cancer risk over five years before diagnosis. This advancement could lead to precision cancer prevention strategies, particularly for individuals exposed to environmental triggers like air pollution.
- 01The 14-protein signature was validated across eight datasets globally, showing higher levels in future lung cancer patients, including non-smokers.
- 02The research utilized machine learning on blood plasma data from over 48,000 UK Biobank participants to identify the protein signature.
- 03Blocking the inflammatory signal IL-1β in mice exposed to air pollution reduced the number of cancer-prone cells and slowed tumor development.
- 04Participants with a high baseline protein signature in the CANTOS trial showed nearly a 50% reduction in lung cancer risk when treated with the IL-1β blocker canakinumab.
- 05The study suggests a common pre-disease state of inflammation may exist for various age-related diseases, providing a window for preventive treatment.
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A collaborative study by researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and University College London has uncovered a 14-protein signature in blood that can predict lung cancer risk more than five years prior to diagnosis. Funded by organizations including Cancer Research UK and the European Research Council, this research aims to enhance precision cancer prevention, particularly for individuals exposed to environmental pollutants like air pollution and cigarette smoke. By analyzing blood plasma data from over 48,000 participants in the UK Biobank, the team employed machine learning to identify the signature, which was validated across eight global datasets. The study also revealed that the signature correlates with an inflammatory lung environment rather than originating from tumors. Notably, blocking the inflammatory signal IL-1β in mice reduced cancer-prone cells, indicating potential therapeutic avenues. Participants in the CANTOS trial with a high protein signature benefited significantly from the IL-1β blocker canakinumab, reducing their lung cancer risk by nearly half. This research underscores the importance of identifying early warning signs of cancer to facilitate timely interventions.
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This research could lead to earlier detection and prevention of lung cancer, particularly benefiting individuals at high risk due to environmental factors.
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