Oxford scientists identify blood proteins linked to prostate cancer risk up to 15 years before diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified a biological signature in blood that may be associated with prostate cancer more than 15 years before the disease is clinically diagnosed, according to a study published in European Urology and presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG).

The researchers analyzed blood samples from 982 men who subsequently developed prostate cancer and 1,573 randomly selected men from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). They measured more than 6,000 blood proteins and followed participants for approximately 16 years.

The study identified 12 proteins associated with prostate cancer diagnosed more than 15 years after the blood samples were collected. One of them, GZMK, is produced by immune cells that recognize and destroy abnormal cells. The finding suggests that immune system activity may play a role in controlling cancer-related changes long before a diagnosis.

Researchers also identified seven proteins associated with aggressive prostate cancer. Among them was ANKRD1, which was consistently linked to more severe forms of the disease, including cancers that spread or proved fatal.

The study further identified associations involving proteins linked to genes known to play a role in cancer, including ERBB3, KRAS and NRAS. These associations were particularly evident in aggressive prostate cancer diagnosed approximately a decade later.

However, the researchers cautioned that these findings do not mean cancer was already present when the blood samples were collected. Instead, the proteins may provide clues about biological changes associated with the future development of the disease.

Karl Smith-Byrne, the study’s lead author, said the findings offer new insights into the earliest stages of prostate cancer development.

Zhe Huang, the study’s first author, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between different forms of the disease.

“Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause harm, while others are aggressive and potentially life-threatening,” Huang said.

The researchers stressed that the identified proteins are not yet suitable for clinical use. Further studies are needed to determine whether they can improve the prediction of clinically significant prostate cancer and help distinguish aggressive tumors from those unlikely to cause serious harm.

The findings could contribute to the development of future risk assessment methods, although additional research is necessary before the approach can be used in routine medical practice.

Source: University of Oxford and European Urology.