Scientists Identify Blood Proteins That May Predict Prostate Cancer Years in Advance

Researchers have identified 12 proteins in the blood, including seven associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer, that could help predict the disease more than a decade before symptoms appear. The breakthrough, from Oxford University, could pave the way for new tests to identify men at high risk and potentially prevent deadly forms of the disease from developing.

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, with approximately 63,000 new diagnoses and 12,000 deaths annually in Britain. The number of cases among men under 50 has more than quadrupled in England over the past two decades. A major challenge in treating the disease is that early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms, allowing it to go undetected until it has spread, making treatment more difficult.

Currently, there is no national screening program for prostate cancer. Men over 50 can opt for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, but elevated levels do not always indicate cancer.

The study, described as the largest of its kind, analyzed blood samples from 2,555 participants over approximately 16 years. Among these, 982 men later developed prostate cancer, while 1,573 did not. The research team examined over 6,000 proteins and found differences in the blood of men who went on to develop the disease compared to those who remained cancer-free.

Among the 12 identified proteins, ANKRD1 was noted for its previous association with cancers that spread to other parts of the body. Another protein, GZMK, produced by immune cells that combat abnormal cells, suggests the immune system might play a role in controlling prostate cancer years before diagnosis.

Researchers emphasized that the presence of these proteins does not mean cancer was already present when the blood was collected. Instead, they may offer insights into why some individuals are more susceptible to developing the disease.

Professor Karl Smith-Byrne, a senior author of the study, stated that these findings, combined with genetic evidence, could help identify biological pathways that could be targeted to prevent aggressive prostate cancer. However, he noted that further research is necessary to develop a reliable blood test for prediction.

Dr. Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, which partially funded the study, highlighted the importance of understanding the drivers behind different tumor growth rates. He said that discoveries like this are crucial for identifying at-risk individuals and ultimately saving more lives by potentially preventing aggressive prostate cancer before it starts.

Dr. Zhe Huang, the study's lead author, expressed hope that this research will enhance the understanding of aggressive prostate cancer biology and identify markers for improved future risk assessment.