Oxford researchers identify proteins that predict prostate cancer

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 19:57 · Archive

Scientists found 12 proteins in blood samples that link to prostate cancer diagnosed more than 15 years later.

Oxford University scientists have discovered proteins in the blood that could help predict prostate cancer more than a decade before diagnosis. The research, published in European Urology and presented at the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting, examined blood samples from 982 men who later developed prostate cancer and 1,573 randomly selected control subjects from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Researchers measured more than 6,000 proteins in participants' blood over a follow-up period of around 16 years.

The study identified 12 proteins linked to prostate cancer diagnosed more than 15 years later. One, GZMK, is produced by immune cells involved in recognising and destroying abnormal cells, suggesting the immune system may keep prostate cancer in check long before diagnosis. Researchers also found seven proteins associated with aggressive prostate cancer, including ANKRD1, which was detected in cancers that spread or cause early death.

Dr Zhe Huang, first author of the study, stated that 'prostate cancer is not one disease', noting that many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause harm, whilst others are aggressive and life-threatening. The findings advance understanding of how cancer cells interact with surrounding tissue and how new blood vessels form. The research could eventually support the development of new ways to catch the disease early or prevent it occurring.

How it is being reported

• Scientists find way to help predict prostate cancer a decade in advanceA major study found clear biological differences between men who later developed prostate cancer and those who did notThe Independent · 21 Oct, 19:30
• Prostate cancer breakthrough as doctors find new clues to help predict disease years in advanceScientists have found a potential link between proteins in the body and prostate cancer that were detected in men several years before they were diagnosed with the diseaseThe Mirror · 21 Oct, 19:30
• Vital clues could help predict prostate cancer years in advanceScientists have found clues that could help predict who will develop aggressive prostate cancer many years in advance.Sky News · 21 Oct, 14:20

In this story: Oxford University · European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition · American Society of Human Genetics · Dr Zhe Huang

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