Summary
This prospective cohort analysis leveraged UK Biobank data to investigate associations between circulating plasma proteins and cancer risk across 19 cancer types. Of 618 identified protein-cancer associations, 107 remained significant when diagnosed more than seven years post-blood draw, and four proteins (CD74, TNFRSF1B, ADAM8, SFTPA2) showed concordant evidence from both genetic analyses and long lead-time, suggesting potential roles in cancer aetiology rather than mere diagnostic markers.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in the United Kingdom using UK Biobank participants, making findings directly applicable to United Kingdom epidemiology and clinical practice. The large, prospective cohort design with extended follow-up provides UK-specific evidence on protein biomarkers for cancer prevention and early detection strategies.
Key measures
Plasma protein measurements (1463 proteins); cancer incidence (19 cancer types and 9 subsites); cis-pQTL (cis protein quantitative trait loci); exome-wide protein genetic scores; time-to-diagnosis; hazard ratios or similar association metrics
Outcomes reported
The study identified associations between 1463 plasma proteins and incidence of 19 cancers over an average 12-year follow-up period. A subset of protein-cancer associations were validated through genetic approaches (cis-pQTL and exome-wide protein genetic scores) and were detectable more than seven years before cancer diagnosis.
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